Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make with regard to the BBC Trust's review of BBC Alba. (S3O-8339)
The Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution (Michael Russell): The Scottish Government will make it clear to the BBC Trust that we regard BBC Alba as a vital addition to Scottish broadcasting. From the very date of its launch, the Scottish Government has supported the availability of BBC Alba on Freeview—a matter that I have raised repeatedly with the BBC at every appropriate level.
Jamie McGrigor: The minister will be aware that the Scottish Conservatives have consistently argued that BBC Alba should be available on Freeview. Many of my constituents in the Highlands and Islands believe that the issue is one of fairness. Does the minister agree? Will he continue to make the strongest possible case for the availability of BBC Alba on Freeview, given the importance of the channel in sustaining and encouraging our Gaelic culture and heritage?
Michael Russell: Absolutely. Developing and maintaining a critical mass of viewers for BBC Alba requires it to be available on Freeview. There is some concern about some of the BBC Trust's arguments on the issue, which appear to have emerged out of nowhere. We will vigorously support the channel's availability on Freeview. Indeed, I have said on occasions, particularly to the Scottish member of the BBC Trust, that I cannot understand why the decision is taking a year. It should have been made much more quickly.
Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): The minister mentioned the attitude of the BBC Trust. It has suggested that radio stations could be blocked out when BBC Alba is screened. Will the minister take up the case and ensure that the BBC Trust also considers the television channels that broadcast late at night and are not on at the same time as BBC Alba? Will he ask why the BBC Trust is targeting the radio stations, which are alternatives for our listeners and viewers?
Michael Russell: To be scrupulously fair to the BBC, which is something that I try to be, it has listed a number of options as possibilities, of which the removal of a number of radio services is only one. Many of us were surprised to discover that that was one of the options. There are better options. We will argue for the options that ensure that services continue to be provided but that an additional service is provided—BBC Alba.
Friday, 6 November 2009
European Commission closes investigation into public financing of ferry shipping services in Scotland
The European Commission has today decided that public financing for the operation of ferry shipping services in Scotland is compatible with State aid rules. However, this decision is subject to the condition that the national authorities launch a transparent and non-discriminatory public tender for the operation of the Gourock-Dunoon route in the western islands. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the public financing of the Scottish ferry transport system in order to avoid any undue distortion of competition.
On 16 April 2008, the Commission started1 an in-depth review of the public financing of regular ferry shipping services between the Scottish mainland and the islands off the west and north coasts of Scotland. With the exception of the Gourock-Dunoon route in the western islands, these services are currently provided under public service contracts, which followed open public tender procedures. The operators currently providing these services are: CalMac Ferries Ltd. (western islands, with the exception of Gourock-Dunoon); Cowal Ferries Ltd. (Gourock-Dunoon route); and NorthLink Ferries Ltd. (northern islands).
In its decision of April 2008, the Commission expressed doubts about whether the public compensation granted to the operators of the different routes was proportional to its declared objective. In particular, the Commission wanted to ascertain whether the compensation paid to the operators did not exceed the costs of providing the public service entrusted on them and whether these operators had engaged in any type of anti-competitive behaviour. In the absence of a public tender for the operation of the Gourock-Dunoon route, the Commission also doubted whether the public compensation for the operation of this route was compatible with State aid rules. In today's decision, the Commission confirmed that the public service obligations for the western and northern islands were legitimately defined and entrusted on the operators, with the exception of the Gourock-Dunoon route. In the case of this route, the national authorities have committed to take the necessary steps to launch a public tender for its operation before the end of 2009. The subsequent public service contract should enter into force before end June 2011.
On 16 April 2008, the Commission started1 an in-depth review of the public financing of regular ferry shipping services between the Scottish mainland and the islands off the west and north coasts of Scotland. With the exception of the Gourock-Dunoon route in the western islands, these services are currently provided under public service contracts, which followed open public tender procedures. The operators currently providing these services are: CalMac Ferries Ltd. (western islands, with the exception of Gourock-Dunoon); Cowal Ferries Ltd. (Gourock-Dunoon route); and NorthLink Ferries Ltd. (northern islands).
In its decision of April 2008, the Commission expressed doubts about whether the public compensation granted to the operators of the different routes was proportional to its declared objective. In particular, the Commission wanted to ascertain whether the compensation paid to the operators did not exceed the costs of providing the public service entrusted on them and whether these operators had engaged in any type of anti-competitive behaviour. In the absence of a public tender for the operation of the Gourock-Dunoon route, the Commission also doubted whether the public compensation for the operation of this route was compatible with State aid rules. In today's decision, the Commission confirmed that the public service obligations for the western and northern islands were legitimately defined and entrusted on the operators, with the exception of the Gourock-Dunoon route. In the case of this route, the national authorities have committed to take the necessary steps to launch a public tender for its operation before the end of 2009. The subsequent public service contract should enter into force before end June 2011.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
McGrigor Speech on National Parks
Jamie McGrigor MSP (Con) gave the following speech to the Scottish Parliament in a debate on National Parks:
I am very pleased to be able to take part in today’s debate. National Parks obviously play a large part in the life of my Highlands & Islands region through our two national parks in the Cairngorms Loch Lomond & the Trossachs.
I agree with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the National Park Review including the plans to reduce the number of members on the National Park Authorities’ Boards. One concern that I have to say has been put to me as an MSP over the years has been that some elements of the administration of the parks have been overly bureaucratic and anything that streamlines their operation and increases efficiency is to be welcomed. One constituent suggested to me that staff turnover in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park is also an issue of concern.
I believe strongly that the future of rural Scotland- including our National Parks- depends not just on preserving our environment and sustaining existing communities and livelihoods but in allowing and indeed encouraging new development – of both businesses and housing- and the appropriate, sustainable usage of our natural resources. Some of my constituents remain concerned that our National Parks have sadly stifled development which would otherwise have been given the go-ahead and which would have boosted local economies.
As Communities & Housing Spokesman, the provision of affordable rural housing is an issue very close to my heart. One issue of concern that has been raised with me by constituents in the area of the Cairngorms National Park- and which I have spoken about in a previous debate- is the requirement on developers by the CNPA that up to 50% of new homes in a development have to be affordable. While of course we all share the aim to see more affordable housing in the National Park area, it has been put to me that this restriction is deterring developers from building at all in the National Park area and that perhaps the area is therefore missing the option of any affordable houses being built. It is basically doubling a tax which at best many see as an already inefficient method of producing affordable housing.
Constituents in the Cairngorms National Park have asked me to raise a further specific development issue, namely the proposed new community of An Camas Mòr. Outline permission was applied for in May and the applicants naturally would like a timely decision so that they might be able to start on the detail work next year. The time it takes to get planning decisions is an important issue.
The innovative An Camas Mòr masterplan is a community vision which goes back to the proposal of the Community Council in 1989 when Aviemore's affordable housing shortage problem was being discussed. It is interesting to note that housing was seen as a problem 20 years ago and since then too little has been done to improve the situation. I believe this vision has very exciting possibilities for the future.
To those who are against this type of development in the National Park, I would only say that considering the enormous size of the Cairngorm National Park, it is vital that there are sustainable and vibrant communities within the boundaries in order to ensure a nucleus for productive activity and job creation. Environmentally sound and attractive developments where people can make their homes will be infinitely superior to a situation of continued housing shortages which lead to a stifling of objectives. A development of this kind obviously offers huge opportunities for local companies and many extra jobs.
I also want to touch on some of the very good work that has taken place in our National Parks. I remain particularly interested in the work the CPNA is doing in offering training to land based businesses in the Cairngorms National Park area. This training is benefiting estates, farms, crofts, forestry, fishing, horticulture, nurseries and outdoor recreation providers in the CPNA, indeed any business that is related to the management or use of the land. Environmental courses such as deer stalking certificates, black grouse management, mole control, water margin management and dry stone wall dyking are vital in maintaining traditional skills.
Public benefit courses that have been delivered through the training programme include ones on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, Cairngorms Wildlife, Tick Control- a subject which is hugely important both health-wise and economically-& Heather Management and Catering for the Less-able Visitor. The comments received from businesses and organisations within the CNPA about the training have been positive.
In the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park a community training programme runs courses in a range of subjects including how community organisations can better access funding streams. I am also impressed by the work that Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is doing to increase apprenticeships in the area of the park and to encourage businesses in the park to make use of the latest IT technology. I was also pleased to see the Park encouraging barn owls with some success.
Today’s debate is welcome and useful. I wish the Minister’s National Parks Strategy group success and hope that any further sensible recommendations can be implemented quickly in the interests of my constituents and Scotland as a whole.
I am very pleased to be able to take part in today’s debate. National Parks obviously play a large part in the life of my Highlands & Islands region through our two national parks in the Cairngorms Loch Lomond & the Trossachs.
I agree with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the National Park Review including the plans to reduce the number of members on the National Park Authorities’ Boards. One concern that I have to say has been put to me as an MSP over the years has been that some elements of the administration of the parks have been overly bureaucratic and anything that streamlines their operation and increases efficiency is to be welcomed. One constituent suggested to me that staff turnover in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park is also an issue of concern.
I believe strongly that the future of rural Scotland- including our National Parks- depends not just on preserving our environment and sustaining existing communities and livelihoods but in allowing and indeed encouraging new development – of both businesses and housing- and the appropriate, sustainable usage of our natural resources. Some of my constituents remain concerned that our National Parks have sadly stifled development which would otherwise have been given the go-ahead and which would have boosted local economies.
As Communities & Housing Spokesman, the provision of affordable rural housing is an issue very close to my heart. One issue of concern that has been raised with me by constituents in the area of the Cairngorms National Park- and which I have spoken about in a previous debate- is the requirement on developers by the CNPA that up to 50% of new homes in a development have to be affordable. While of course we all share the aim to see more affordable housing in the National Park area, it has been put to me that this restriction is deterring developers from building at all in the National Park area and that perhaps the area is therefore missing the option of any affordable houses being built. It is basically doubling a tax which at best many see as an already inefficient method of producing affordable housing.
Constituents in the Cairngorms National Park have asked me to raise a further specific development issue, namely the proposed new community of An Camas Mòr. Outline permission was applied for in May and the applicants naturally would like a timely decision so that they might be able to start on the detail work next year. The time it takes to get planning decisions is an important issue.
The innovative An Camas Mòr masterplan is a community vision which goes back to the proposal of the Community Council in 1989 when Aviemore's affordable housing shortage problem was being discussed. It is interesting to note that housing was seen as a problem 20 years ago and since then too little has been done to improve the situation. I believe this vision has very exciting possibilities for the future.
To those who are against this type of development in the National Park, I would only say that considering the enormous size of the Cairngorm National Park, it is vital that there are sustainable and vibrant communities within the boundaries in order to ensure a nucleus for productive activity and job creation. Environmentally sound and attractive developments where people can make their homes will be infinitely superior to a situation of continued housing shortages which lead to a stifling of objectives. A development of this kind obviously offers huge opportunities for local companies and many extra jobs.
I also want to touch on some of the very good work that has taken place in our National Parks. I remain particularly interested in the work the CPNA is doing in offering training to land based businesses in the Cairngorms National Park area. This training is benefiting estates, farms, crofts, forestry, fishing, horticulture, nurseries and outdoor recreation providers in the CPNA, indeed any business that is related to the management or use of the land. Environmental courses such as deer stalking certificates, black grouse management, mole control, water margin management and dry stone wall dyking are vital in maintaining traditional skills.
Public benefit courses that have been delivered through the training programme include ones on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, Cairngorms Wildlife, Tick Control- a subject which is hugely important both health-wise and economically-& Heather Management and Catering for the Less-able Visitor. The comments received from businesses and organisations within the CNPA about the training have been positive.
In the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park a community training programme runs courses in a range of subjects including how community organisations can better access funding streams. I am also impressed by the work that Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is doing to increase apprenticeships in the area of the park and to encourage businesses in the park to make use of the latest IT technology. I was also pleased to see the Park encouraging barn owls with some success.
Today’s debate is welcome and useful. I wish the Minister’s National Parks Strategy group success and hope that any further sensible recommendations can be implemented quickly in the interests of my constituents and Scotland as a whole.
Roadside signage - COMPELLING CASE TO UNITE IN THE INTEREST OF LOCAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY - MATHER
Jim Mather, MSP, for Argyll & Bute, has expressed the hope that planning
officials at Argyll & Bute Council can reach a pragmatic new
understanding regarding roadside advertising by small businesses across
the Oban and Lorn area. Several businesses have contacted him directly
about this, voicing concern about the threat to such business-critical
signage; particularly as some of them are under threat of summary
action by the council.
Jim Mather said,
"I am disappointed that the enforcement action on signage against
businesses is taking place without a more constructive debate as to how
we can boost local business; particularly when so many are already
under pressure to survive in the present difficult economic climate.
Therefore, I will be taking this matter up with senior council officials
to see why this action is being undertaken at this time and what we all
might do to progress matters and get results that everyone needs.
We have been fortunate this year to have enjoyed a successful tourist
season when all the early indicators were that we might suffer.
Under the new Planning Act the local authority has greater enforcement
powers but they also have responsibilities and I trust that they will
help more and more local businesses, provide services for locals and for
visitors and contribute to the well being of the whole community.
Where signage is intrusive or dangerous to road users there clearly
needs to be action taken but information about services must be
available to visitors, particularly where facilities are off the main
road, and a pragmatic approach is called for. The new charter that the
Council are supposed to operate under indicates that, 'a flexible and
pro-active approach towards enforcement, where possible dealing with
breaches by means of retrospective planning applications' and that
'enforcement is a discretionary power and that the Council is not bound
to act where there is a wider public interest.'
These guidelines are already in place and I feel confident that,
properly applied, they can ensure that we can achieve outcomes that
encourage small businesses and helps create a quality environment that
benefits locals, visitors, businesses and planners."
officials at Argyll & Bute Council can reach a pragmatic new
understanding regarding roadside advertising by small businesses across
the Oban and Lorn area. Several businesses have contacted him directly
about this, voicing concern about the threat to such business-critical
signage; particularly as some of them are under threat of summary
action by the council.
Jim Mather said,
"I am disappointed that the enforcement action on signage against
businesses is taking place without a more constructive debate as to how
we can boost local business; particularly when so many are already
under pressure to survive in the present difficult economic climate.
Therefore, I will be taking this matter up with senior council officials
to see why this action is being undertaken at this time and what we all
might do to progress matters and get results that everyone needs.
We have been fortunate this year to have enjoyed a successful tourist
season when all the early indicators were that we might suffer.
Under the new Planning Act the local authority has greater enforcement
powers but they also have responsibilities and I trust that they will
help more and more local businesses, provide services for locals and for
visitors and contribute to the well being of the whole community.
Where signage is intrusive or dangerous to road users there clearly
needs to be action taken but information about services must be
available to visitors, particularly where facilities are off the main
road, and a pragmatic approach is called for. The new charter that the
Council are supposed to operate under indicates that, 'a flexible and
pro-active approach towards enforcement, where possible dealing with
breaches by means of retrospective planning applications' and that
'enforcement is a discretionary power and that the Council is not bound
to act where there is a wider public interest.'
These guidelines are already in place and I feel confident that,
properly applied, they can ensure that we can achieve outcomes that
encourage small businesses and helps create a quality environment that
benefits locals, visitors, businesses and planners."
COUNCIL SEEKS INPUT ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
Argyll and Bute Council has launched a consultation exercise to seek the views of all interested parties on how the area might be developed in the future.
Developers and landowners are being asked to identify potential development sites, and members of the public, community groups and all other interested parties are being asked what they believe are the most important planning issues in their areas, and how best those might be addressed.
The move comes as part of the preparation of a new Local Development Plan (LDP).
The LDP will set out policies and proposals for the use of land and property within Argyll and Bute.
It will influence housing, shopping, business, industry, transport and the built and natural heritage, and will aim to guide future development to the most appropriate locations.
Anyone who wishes to promote a potential development site for possible inclusion in the LDP is being invited to submit details.
Sites submitted for consideration will not be automatically included in the Local Development Plan, but will be assessed against appropriate technical information and subject to widespread engagement with communities and consultation with key parties over the months ahead.
In addition, the Council is inviting individuals and groups to comment on what they see as the key planning issues affecting their areas, and how they think the previous adopted local plan has performed.
The feedback from this consultation exercise will also be used in developing a land-use map and in developing policy options for the finalised Plan.
To help facilitate this process, two questionnaires have been produced and are now available on the Council’s website (www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/) to download.
Both forms are also available at Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT (Telephone: 01546 4140) and can also be picked up at the area planning offices in Ardrishaig, Oban, Blairvadach, Helensburgh and Dunoon.
The three-month consultation period closes on 31 January 2010. Submissions should be returned, preferably by e mail, to ldp@argyll-bute.gov.ukor the above postal address.
Developers and landowners are being asked to identify potential development sites, and members of the public, community groups and all other interested parties are being asked what they believe are the most important planning issues in their areas, and how best those might be addressed.
The move comes as part of the preparation of a new Local Development Plan (LDP).
The LDP will set out policies and proposals for the use of land and property within Argyll and Bute.
It will influence housing, shopping, business, industry, transport and the built and natural heritage, and will aim to guide future development to the most appropriate locations.
Anyone who wishes to promote a potential development site for possible inclusion in the LDP is being invited to submit details.
Sites submitted for consideration will not be automatically included in the Local Development Plan, but will be assessed against appropriate technical information and subject to widespread engagement with communities and consultation with key parties over the months ahead.
In addition, the Council is inviting individuals and groups to comment on what they see as the key planning issues affecting their areas, and how they think the previous adopted local plan has performed.
The feedback from this consultation exercise will also be used in developing a land-use map and in developing policy options for the finalised Plan.
To help facilitate this process, two questionnaires have been produced and are now available on the Council’s website (www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/) to download.
Both forms are also available at Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT (Telephone: 01546 4140) and can also be picked up at the area planning offices in Ardrishaig, Oban, Blairvadach, Helensburgh and Dunoon.
The three-month consultation period closes on 31 January 2010. Submissions should be returned, preferably by e mail, to ldp@argyll-bute.gov.ukor the above postal address.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
TECHNICAL EVALUATION OF PORT ASKAIG RECENT FERRY BERTH DEVELOPMENTS.
Information provided by
Donald Ewen Darroch
Chairperson
Islay & Jura Ferry Co Ltd
Inver Lodge
Isle of Jura
1. Standards.
The following British Standards, Lloyds Rules and Reports on Ro Ro Berths are in general use to help designers and contractors involved in the development of Ro Ro Ferry berths. They give a minimum requirement but are not comprehensive allowing any designs to be developed to best suit the circumstances.
BS. 6347. Maritime Structures. Part 1 General 2
Part 2 Quay walls and Dolphins
Part 4 Fendering
Part 8 Linkspans
Lloyds Register Rules and Regulations for Linkspans
CIRIA report on Linkspans and their safety.
LR and BS both refer to other of their Rules and Standards which should be used in conjunction with these e.g. BS 5400 Bridge Code and Ship’s Rules.
Certain information must be supplied by the client ( in this case Argyll & Bute Council ) with regards to depth of water, tidal levels and currents, exposure and wave climate and the type of vessels that are expected now and in the future to use the berths.
2. Types of Berths.
In Scottish waters with significant tidal ranges two types of RoRo berths are in use.
Type 1.The slipway, which developed as a result of the arrival of the mv “Isle of Gigha” on the West Coast in 1960’s. It was one of the first Ro Ro ferries and did not initially run on a regular route. It landed vehicles on beaches and existing stone slipways. Many of which were available and built in the 19th century under the “Congested Districts” Act or on drove routes. Vessels berthed alongside the slipway at a position appropriate for the tide level.
Calmac copied this type of vessel in their Island Class and the Western Councils built new slipways. Calmac now have 16 smaller vessels using this method and the Councils operate some ferries in a similar way. Council slipways are expensive to build because of a high proportion of tidal and underwater work in their construction. The hull form required by the vessels to use these slipways is inefficient. The transition angles between ship’s deck/ramp/slipway are often too severe and car damage occurs. Unless slipways are in well sheltered positions bow loading vessels are vulnerable to pounding and service reliability is impaired as a result.
Type 2a. Ship supported Linkspans. Orkney and Shetland County Councils led by Western Ferries followed the well established Scandinavian practice using simple linkspans supported at the outer end by the vessel during loading. Dolphins provide a berthing face for vessels. The small island ferries as well as those the size of Calmac mainline vessels, all use this type of Linkspan. There are a total of 20 vessels in Scottish waters using over 30 of this type of Linkspan. Many hundreds more use this system in Scandinavia, Holland and the Baltic. This system is also used for train ferries.
Type 2b. Mechanically Supported Linkspans. Calmac has 9 vessels which use Linkspans but they carry their own ramps even though they are open deck ships. They also have two closed deck vessels which are too large to use Port Askaig. The linkspan required for these ramped vessels is hinged on the shore above High Water mark and is supported at its outer end by a gantry with a mechanism that can adjust the outer end height under full load to suit the vessel using it.
The ship’s ramp bridges across from the car deck to the end of the Linkspan. Any movement due to swell, waves and the transit of heavy vehicles must the taken up by this short ramp. Its length limits the amount of vertical movement if vehicles are not to ground. This is made worse by the general exposure of the berths in Western Scotland which do not generally have closed sheltered ferry harbours.
The weight of these ships’ ramps, their supporting structure and mechanism reduce the carrying capacity of the vessel by about the equivalent of one commercial vehicle so reducing their earning capacity by between 15% and 40% for trucks. This additional weight, which is carried on each voyage, adds to the ship’s fuel consumption.
3. Vessels using this Port Askaig, Main berth
Calmac (presently ramped ships) currently have only 9 vessels that ought to be able to use this berth. Their beam ranges from 15.3m to 15.8m. Their freeboard varies between about 1.5m and 2.5m. These ships have ramps about 3.5m clear width, at bow and stern, centred on the centreline of the vessel. Ships of up to 16 meters beam might be expected in the future. These dimensions are breadth moulded and one should add 600mm for belting.
The maximum displacement of vessels is about 3,000 tonnes, on a draft of max 3.0m
Other Vessels (Probably non ramped ships) a private operator might use a similar but larger version of the “Sound of Jura” which operated successfully for 10 years on this route. This falls within the above parameters. Consideration should also be given to a Catamaran type of vessel such as the one under trial on the Pentland crossing. This vessel has a greater beam and freeboard than conventional singled hull ships and can be made to accept an off centre-line Linkspan.
PORT ASKAIG NEW DUAL BERTH
These observations result from an inspection of the berth on two occasions in autumn 2009 during periods of Spring Tides. No dimensions were taken, so they may vary from those stated.
A. BERTHING FACE. The Berthing face is fendered at even spacing using V fender elements faced with UHMWPE. The outer round head has closer spaced fenders and adequately fendered. This is in line with normal practice for facing to a sheet piled quay wall. Mooring arrangements are to conventional bollards with ships’ lines. There are adequate, well positioned bollards. The gangway is man handled at a fixed position. The mooring of the vessel requires 3 men at each end of the vessel, one on the gangway plus there are 3 men on the shore, 10 in total. A modern Ferry berth should not require such a high level of manning for the mooring and unmooring of vessels. No allowance appears to have been made for any type of auto mooring.
B.LINKSPAN. The linkspan is the bridge hinged on the inshore end and supported at the outer end on each side by a single hydraulic cylinder suspended from a gantry. It was designed and supplied by Macgregor as subcontractor to the main civil works contractor. It falls short of what should have been supplied in a number of ways.
1. The linkspan does not appear to be able to accept impact from the vessels using it. The BS and LR rules require that the linkspan should be able to absorb the impact of the maximum displacement vessel likely to use the berth at a speed of 0.35 m per sec. Furthermore it should accept in an emergency up to 0.5 m/sec without being put out of order and sustaining only local damage at point of impact. The CIRIA report shows that ship impact is one of the two most common reported incidents in Linkspans.
2. The centre Line of the Linkspan. The beam of the vessels varies very little from 15.3 to15.8 and a possible 16 in future. The centre line of the Linkspan should therefore be 7.8m (+0.3 for belting) from the line of the berthing face. It is far from this, having its quayside edge almost in line with the berthing face. The active roadway for the vessels using the linkspan needs only to extend from 5.15m to 9.75m from the berthing giving an outer width of 4.60m. To allow for two lane access which ought to apply on this route the outer end should extend to seaward by 3.5m making the outer end approximately 8.1m. The actual outer end is considerably wider than this but is so off centre that 30% of the Bridge will never be used. 7.35m is considered 2 lanes within the codes any greater must be treated as 3 lanes.
The consequences of this unnecessary width are:
a. 3 lanes must be used for calculation of traffic loads unnecessarily so increasing the cost of the steelwork and support mechanism.
b. A 5 m wide strip of Linkspan adjacent to the quay that can never be used.
c. Much higher loading on the outer support cylinder due to eccentric loading on the support mechanism.
The extra steel used in the ineffective quayside of the bridge would have been better used in increasing its length. (See below)
3. Length. The roadway at the hinge should be at least 500mm above HAT (+2.4CD) but greater than this if there is either a risk of being overtopped with waves or a tidal surge. The present level is probably at +2.9CD but should be +3.2CD. Both these circumstances occur at Port Askaig as the whole concrete apron that forms the hinge for the main berth and the slipway for the Jura Ferry has already been flooded to a depth of 300mm. At HAT +2.4CD with the ship’s deck (at its threshold of the ramp) 2.5m above the water level the level of the deck is +4.9CD. This is a rise from 2.9CD to 4.9CD. i.e. 2 meters requiring a minimum length of the Linkspan of 20m. It was not measured but it appears a lot less. At LAT for the Calmac ship there is a small downward gradient of 400mm and the length is OK. However due to incorrect levels at the Jura ferry slip this vessel must use the mainline berth. In this case the ship’s deck would be at +1.0CD at LAT with a rise of 1.9m requiring a length of 19m.
There are relatively simple solutions to these problems.
4. Landing Area on the Linkspan. The codes and rules recommend a shaped profile on the deck of the outer end of Linkspan where the ship’s ramp lands. This allows the ramp to land with a safe overlap of 1.5m and to present, if necessary, an upward gradient to the Linkspan. This is especially important at lowest tides. At high water the ship’s can ramp can present down to the Linkspan so avoiding critical humps and hollows and short lengths of extreme gradients as well as the ship’s ramp tripping.
It was observed that at least one commercial articulated truck could not cross the threshold on the ship’s flap area at high water. After a number of failed attempts with wheels spinning and running backwards, the vehicle had to roll backwards onto the concrete apron and then get up speed to charge over the hump, followed by hard braking to avoid hitting the vehicles already on the deck. The driver was no novice and told me it was a frequent problem.
Such dangerous practice is avoided if the design incorporates a profiled landing area and its shape is optimised for use by the regular ferry ramp. A curved profile is the most versatile.
5. Transition Angles. The codes clearly specify an acceptable change on angle at the interfaces at the hinge end of the Linkspan as well as at its landing area. The incident above shows how the Linkspan fails at its outer end. Even at the hinge end, fully under the control of the Linkspan designer, no transition flaps are included and yet the change of gradient from level to 1:10 is critical for many vehicles and 1:8 at extremes even more severe.
6. Support Mechanism. The BS 6347 Part 8 calls for redundancy in the support mechanism of a mechanically operated Linkspan. In the event of either cylinder or its connecting pins failing there must be another duplicate system to prevent collapse. Pairs of Cylinders on each side are the normal solution to this, each independently mounted, but there is a proprietary brake system being prototyped. There appears to be no such redundancy built into this Linkspan. CIRIA cites mechanical failure of the support system as the other of the main cause of reported incidents.
There are other support systems which have natural redundancy and fail safe that could have been considered.
C. JURA FERRY BERTH.
1. Berthing Face. The former open structure used by the original “Sound of Gigha” has been replaced by a sheet pile wall. The original open “Fence” was designed as a wave screen and allowed waves to be dissipated as they passed through it. With the solid wall, reflected waves create a “jabble” under relatively light conditions and cause the Jura Ferry to roll excessively. Floating fenders are necessary to reduce damage but they cannot be a permanent solution.
This problem would have been eliminated if the double sheet pile wall had been topped off at low water level and the last 3m made up of precast COBS (1mx1mx1m) which are hollow blocks used to face breakwaters. The small boats on the inside would have been less subjected to overtopping spray filling them in bad weather, and the Jura ferry would be able to lie at the berth as the wave climate would be substantially reduced. Without the floating fenders the “Eilean Dhiura” would be able to berth 1m to the south.
2. Slip. The stub ended slip worked satisfactorily with the old “Sound of Gigha” but less so with the new “Eilean Dhiura”. This type of slip in tidal ranges of 2 meters can be very satisfactory, cheap and better able to cope with bad weather as the bow is well clear of the ground. If the tidal rise is over 2m it is limited at extreme water levels. This could be solved by making two adjacent slips one with the landing point where the ship’s ramp lands 1 meter higher than the other. Performance will also be enhanced if the slip is curved in profile so that at highest tides the transition angles can be improved by increasing the overlap. At the moment the “Eilean Dhiura” lies in the mainline berth and has to use its own berth with a very poor Ramp/Linkspan interface when the mainland ferry is present.
D.TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. The regulations require that foot passengers are physically separated from vehicular traffic. Sight Lines for drivers are also important as is good signage.
The car marshalling area is excellent considering the topography. Sight Lines from the Calmac ship’s are poor and vehicles must turn immediately on exiting the vessel. If the road had been widened to seaward in front of the slipway by the hotel, the approach line to the ship would have been much improved and safer. Only a meter or two would have made a great difference.
It is inevitable that there will be crossing traffic and pedestrians in this area. The raised pavement between shop and terminal acts as a speed bump but there are no other measures. This speed bump also slows the loading procedure for the ship. There is no actual control of passengers once they are on land, nor is there anything to stop local traffic moving across the ferry traffic.
During the 6-8 minutes that the vessel is discharging, a simple traffic light system stopping all traffic in the marshalling area and local traffic bound for the Hotel or shop would greatly reduce the risk of accident. The lights would allow pedestrians to cross between terminal and shop during this period. It would also show GO for the ferry traffic and give it a clear run out of Port Askaig. To start loading the ship, the pedestrian crossing would be at RED and all local traffic held from passing through boarding traffic. Such signal sequences could be controlled by the harbour master and would reduce risk to pedestrians.
CONCLUSION.
A successful Ferry Berth requires a careful liaison between: The client in this case Argyll & Bute Council, the appointed consulting Engineer who must be experienced not only in Marine works but in SHIPFIT*. The regular ship operators should of course be consulted and indeed asked to sign off the design where it will be effected, namely, mooring points, gangways, services, Linkspan interfaces and passenger and car control.
It is quite obvious that A&B Council were let down by their consultant whose design and specification fell short in these vital areas. Calmac have a history of changing ship’s and expecting new terminals to be built for them, but with experienced foresight and little extra cost, terminals built in the 70s and 80’s should be able to accommodate current vessels. There are many precedents of this. Other ships of the type and size for this route should be taken into account, (there are not many of them), otherwise taxpayers money is being used to bolster a monopoly. Indeed we would hope that A&B Council have not allowed themselves to be in such a position, that a challenge could make them vulnerable to EU demanding their funds back if the terminals could be shown to be sustaining – favouring a monopoly and precluding the use of terminals by others.
Another reason for this poor interface is that the contractors have no experience of understanding of SHIPFIT so that when they are preparing their tender they ask for a price from a Linkspan supplier. The main contractor is only interested in the lowest price and will not submit a better alternative even it is a penny more. Indeed if this “penny more” better linkspan saves thousands in Civil Works it is the last thing that the main Contractor wants to know as it reduces his work and therefore profit.
Not one of the parties alone can be blamed for these faults but the arrangements for designing, specifying, tendering and implementation used create these results. Most independent and many local authority ports adopt a different approach with better results.
The recent record of construction of Ro Ro berths in Argyll does not look well when one considers the number of rebuilds, major modifications and unused berths that result in lack of foresight and understanding of marine matters. Perhaps within the public sphere there is another organisation who would be better placed to manage the Argyll piers and harbours than the present incumbents?
*SHIPFIT : Is a recent term to describe the interface between the ship and the quay. It is rather specialised in RoRo operations and requires extensive and detailed knowledge of the bow and stern openings of Ferries and Ro Ro Ships.
Donald Ewen Darroch
Chairperson
Islay & Jura Ferry Co Ltd
Inver Lodge
Isle of Jura
1. Standards.
The following British Standards, Lloyds Rules and Reports on Ro Ro Berths are in general use to help designers and contractors involved in the development of Ro Ro Ferry berths. They give a minimum requirement but are not comprehensive allowing any designs to be developed to best suit the circumstances.
BS. 6347. Maritime Structures. Part 1 General 2
Part 2 Quay walls and Dolphins
Part 4 Fendering
Part 8 Linkspans
Lloyds Register Rules and Regulations for Linkspans
CIRIA report on Linkspans and their safety.
LR and BS both refer to other of their Rules and Standards which should be used in conjunction with these e.g. BS 5400 Bridge Code and Ship’s Rules.
Certain information must be supplied by the client ( in this case Argyll & Bute Council ) with regards to depth of water, tidal levels and currents, exposure and wave climate and the type of vessels that are expected now and in the future to use the berths.
2. Types of Berths.
In Scottish waters with significant tidal ranges two types of RoRo berths are in use.
Type 1.The slipway, which developed as a result of the arrival of the mv “Isle of Gigha” on the West Coast in 1960’s. It was one of the first Ro Ro ferries and did not initially run on a regular route. It landed vehicles on beaches and existing stone slipways. Many of which were available and built in the 19th century under the “Congested Districts” Act or on drove routes. Vessels berthed alongside the slipway at a position appropriate for the tide level.
Calmac copied this type of vessel in their Island Class and the Western Councils built new slipways. Calmac now have 16 smaller vessels using this method and the Councils operate some ferries in a similar way. Council slipways are expensive to build because of a high proportion of tidal and underwater work in their construction. The hull form required by the vessels to use these slipways is inefficient. The transition angles between ship’s deck/ramp/slipway are often too severe and car damage occurs. Unless slipways are in well sheltered positions bow loading vessels are vulnerable to pounding and service reliability is impaired as a result.
Type 2a. Ship supported Linkspans. Orkney and Shetland County Councils led by Western Ferries followed the well established Scandinavian practice using simple linkspans supported at the outer end by the vessel during loading. Dolphins provide a berthing face for vessels. The small island ferries as well as those the size of Calmac mainline vessels, all use this type of Linkspan. There are a total of 20 vessels in Scottish waters using over 30 of this type of Linkspan. Many hundreds more use this system in Scandinavia, Holland and the Baltic. This system is also used for train ferries.
Type 2b. Mechanically Supported Linkspans. Calmac has 9 vessels which use Linkspans but they carry their own ramps even though they are open deck ships. They also have two closed deck vessels which are too large to use Port Askaig. The linkspan required for these ramped vessels is hinged on the shore above High Water mark and is supported at its outer end by a gantry with a mechanism that can adjust the outer end height under full load to suit the vessel using it.
The ship’s ramp bridges across from the car deck to the end of the Linkspan. Any movement due to swell, waves and the transit of heavy vehicles must the taken up by this short ramp. Its length limits the amount of vertical movement if vehicles are not to ground. This is made worse by the general exposure of the berths in Western Scotland which do not generally have closed sheltered ferry harbours.
The weight of these ships’ ramps, their supporting structure and mechanism reduce the carrying capacity of the vessel by about the equivalent of one commercial vehicle so reducing their earning capacity by between 15% and 40% for trucks. This additional weight, which is carried on each voyage, adds to the ship’s fuel consumption.
3. Vessels using this Port Askaig, Main berth
Calmac (presently ramped ships) currently have only 9 vessels that ought to be able to use this berth. Their beam ranges from 15.3m to 15.8m. Their freeboard varies between about 1.5m and 2.5m. These ships have ramps about 3.5m clear width, at bow and stern, centred on the centreline of the vessel. Ships of up to 16 meters beam might be expected in the future. These dimensions are breadth moulded and one should add 600mm for belting.
The maximum displacement of vessels is about 3,000 tonnes, on a draft of max 3.0m
Other Vessels (Probably non ramped ships) a private operator might use a similar but larger version of the “Sound of Jura” which operated successfully for 10 years on this route. This falls within the above parameters. Consideration should also be given to a Catamaran type of vessel such as the one under trial on the Pentland crossing. This vessel has a greater beam and freeboard than conventional singled hull ships and can be made to accept an off centre-line Linkspan.
PORT ASKAIG NEW DUAL BERTH
These observations result from an inspection of the berth on two occasions in autumn 2009 during periods of Spring Tides. No dimensions were taken, so they may vary from those stated.
A. BERTHING FACE. The Berthing face is fendered at even spacing using V fender elements faced with UHMWPE. The outer round head has closer spaced fenders and adequately fendered. This is in line with normal practice for facing to a sheet piled quay wall. Mooring arrangements are to conventional bollards with ships’ lines. There are adequate, well positioned bollards. The gangway is man handled at a fixed position. The mooring of the vessel requires 3 men at each end of the vessel, one on the gangway plus there are 3 men on the shore, 10 in total. A modern Ferry berth should not require such a high level of manning for the mooring and unmooring of vessels. No allowance appears to have been made for any type of auto mooring.
B.LINKSPAN. The linkspan is the bridge hinged on the inshore end and supported at the outer end on each side by a single hydraulic cylinder suspended from a gantry. It was designed and supplied by Macgregor as subcontractor to the main civil works contractor. It falls short of what should have been supplied in a number of ways.
1. The linkspan does not appear to be able to accept impact from the vessels using it. The BS and LR rules require that the linkspan should be able to absorb the impact of the maximum displacement vessel likely to use the berth at a speed of 0.35 m per sec. Furthermore it should accept in an emergency up to 0.5 m/sec without being put out of order and sustaining only local damage at point of impact. The CIRIA report shows that ship impact is one of the two most common reported incidents in Linkspans.
2. The centre Line of the Linkspan. The beam of the vessels varies very little from 15.3 to15.8 and a possible 16 in future. The centre line of the Linkspan should therefore be 7.8m (+0.3 for belting) from the line of the berthing face. It is far from this, having its quayside edge almost in line with the berthing face. The active roadway for the vessels using the linkspan needs only to extend from 5.15m to 9.75m from the berthing giving an outer width of 4.60m. To allow for two lane access which ought to apply on this route the outer end should extend to seaward by 3.5m making the outer end approximately 8.1m. The actual outer end is considerably wider than this but is so off centre that 30% of the Bridge will never be used. 7.35m is considered 2 lanes within the codes any greater must be treated as 3 lanes.
The consequences of this unnecessary width are:
a. 3 lanes must be used for calculation of traffic loads unnecessarily so increasing the cost of the steelwork and support mechanism.
b. A 5 m wide strip of Linkspan adjacent to the quay that can never be used.
c. Much higher loading on the outer support cylinder due to eccentric loading on the support mechanism.
The extra steel used in the ineffective quayside of the bridge would have been better used in increasing its length. (See below)
3. Length. The roadway at the hinge should be at least 500mm above HAT (+2.4CD) but greater than this if there is either a risk of being overtopped with waves or a tidal surge. The present level is probably at +2.9CD but should be +3.2CD. Both these circumstances occur at Port Askaig as the whole concrete apron that forms the hinge for the main berth and the slipway for the Jura Ferry has already been flooded to a depth of 300mm. At HAT +2.4CD with the ship’s deck (at its threshold of the ramp) 2.5m above the water level the level of the deck is +4.9CD. This is a rise from 2.9CD to 4.9CD. i.e. 2 meters requiring a minimum length of the Linkspan of 20m. It was not measured but it appears a lot less. At LAT for the Calmac ship there is a small downward gradient of 400mm and the length is OK. However due to incorrect levels at the Jura ferry slip this vessel must use the mainline berth. In this case the ship’s deck would be at +1.0CD at LAT with a rise of 1.9m requiring a length of 19m.
There are relatively simple solutions to these problems.
4. Landing Area on the Linkspan. The codes and rules recommend a shaped profile on the deck of the outer end of Linkspan where the ship’s ramp lands. This allows the ramp to land with a safe overlap of 1.5m and to present, if necessary, an upward gradient to the Linkspan. This is especially important at lowest tides. At high water the ship’s can ramp can present down to the Linkspan so avoiding critical humps and hollows and short lengths of extreme gradients as well as the ship’s ramp tripping.
It was observed that at least one commercial articulated truck could not cross the threshold on the ship’s flap area at high water. After a number of failed attempts with wheels spinning and running backwards, the vehicle had to roll backwards onto the concrete apron and then get up speed to charge over the hump, followed by hard braking to avoid hitting the vehicles already on the deck. The driver was no novice and told me it was a frequent problem.
Such dangerous practice is avoided if the design incorporates a profiled landing area and its shape is optimised for use by the regular ferry ramp. A curved profile is the most versatile.
5. Transition Angles. The codes clearly specify an acceptable change on angle at the interfaces at the hinge end of the Linkspan as well as at its landing area. The incident above shows how the Linkspan fails at its outer end. Even at the hinge end, fully under the control of the Linkspan designer, no transition flaps are included and yet the change of gradient from level to 1:10 is critical for many vehicles and 1:8 at extremes even more severe.
6. Support Mechanism. The BS 6347 Part 8 calls for redundancy in the support mechanism of a mechanically operated Linkspan. In the event of either cylinder or its connecting pins failing there must be another duplicate system to prevent collapse. Pairs of Cylinders on each side are the normal solution to this, each independently mounted, but there is a proprietary brake system being prototyped. There appears to be no such redundancy built into this Linkspan. CIRIA cites mechanical failure of the support system as the other of the main cause of reported incidents.
There are other support systems which have natural redundancy and fail safe that could have been considered.
C. JURA FERRY BERTH.
1. Berthing Face. The former open structure used by the original “Sound of Gigha” has been replaced by a sheet pile wall. The original open “Fence” was designed as a wave screen and allowed waves to be dissipated as they passed through it. With the solid wall, reflected waves create a “jabble” under relatively light conditions and cause the Jura Ferry to roll excessively. Floating fenders are necessary to reduce damage but they cannot be a permanent solution.
This problem would have been eliminated if the double sheet pile wall had been topped off at low water level and the last 3m made up of precast COBS (1mx1mx1m) which are hollow blocks used to face breakwaters. The small boats on the inside would have been less subjected to overtopping spray filling them in bad weather, and the Jura ferry would be able to lie at the berth as the wave climate would be substantially reduced. Without the floating fenders the “Eilean Dhiura” would be able to berth 1m to the south.
2. Slip. The stub ended slip worked satisfactorily with the old “Sound of Gigha” but less so with the new “Eilean Dhiura”. This type of slip in tidal ranges of 2 meters can be very satisfactory, cheap and better able to cope with bad weather as the bow is well clear of the ground. If the tidal rise is over 2m it is limited at extreme water levels. This could be solved by making two adjacent slips one with the landing point where the ship’s ramp lands 1 meter higher than the other. Performance will also be enhanced if the slip is curved in profile so that at highest tides the transition angles can be improved by increasing the overlap. At the moment the “Eilean Dhiura” lies in the mainline berth and has to use its own berth with a very poor Ramp/Linkspan interface when the mainland ferry is present.
D.TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. The regulations require that foot passengers are physically separated from vehicular traffic. Sight Lines for drivers are also important as is good signage.
The car marshalling area is excellent considering the topography. Sight Lines from the Calmac ship’s are poor and vehicles must turn immediately on exiting the vessel. If the road had been widened to seaward in front of the slipway by the hotel, the approach line to the ship would have been much improved and safer. Only a meter or two would have made a great difference.
It is inevitable that there will be crossing traffic and pedestrians in this area. The raised pavement between shop and terminal acts as a speed bump but there are no other measures. This speed bump also slows the loading procedure for the ship. There is no actual control of passengers once they are on land, nor is there anything to stop local traffic moving across the ferry traffic.
During the 6-8 minutes that the vessel is discharging, a simple traffic light system stopping all traffic in the marshalling area and local traffic bound for the Hotel or shop would greatly reduce the risk of accident. The lights would allow pedestrians to cross between terminal and shop during this period. It would also show GO for the ferry traffic and give it a clear run out of Port Askaig. To start loading the ship, the pedestrian crossing would be at RED and all local traffic held from passing through boarding traffic. Such signal sequences could be controlled by the harbour master and would reduce risk to pedestrians.
CONCLUSION.
A successful Ferry Berth requires a careful liaison between: The client in this case Argyll & Bute Council, the appointed consulting Engineer who must be experienced not only in Marine works but in SHIPFIT*. The regular ship operators should of course be consulted and indeed asked to sign off the design where it will be effected, namely, mooring points, gangways, services, Linkspan interfaces and passenger and car control.
It is quite obvious that A&B Council were let down by their consultant whose design and specification fell short in these vital areas. Calmac have a history of changing ship’s and expecting new terminals to be built for them, but with experienced foresight and little extra cost, terminals built in the 70s and 80’s should be able to accommodate current vessels. There are many precedents of this. Other ships of the type and size for this route should be taken into account, (there are not many of them), otherwise taxpayers money is being used to bolster a monopoly. Indeed we would hope that A&B Council have not allowed themselves to be in such a position, that a challenge could make them vulnerable to EU demanding their funds back if the terminals could be shown to be sustaining – favouring a monopoly and precluding the use of terminals by others.
Another reason for this poor interface is that the contractors have no experience of understanding of SHIPFIT so that when they are preparing their tender they ask for a price from a Linkspan supplier. The main contractor is only interested in the lowest price and will not submit a better alternative even it is a penny more. Indeed if this “penny more” better linkspan saves thousands in Civil Works it is the last thing that the main Contractor wants to know as it reduces his work and therefore profit.
Not one of the parties alone can be blamed for these faults but the arrangements for designing, specifying, tendering and implementation used create these results. Most independent and many local authority ports adopt a different approach with better results.
The recent record of construction of Ro Ro berths in Argyll does not look well when one considers the number of rebuilds, major modifications and unused berths that result in lack of foresight and understanding of marine matters. Perhaps within the public sphere there is another organisation who would be better placed to manage the Argyll piers and harbours than the present incumbents?
*SHIPFIT : Is a recent term to describe the interface between the ship and the quay. It is rather specialised in RoRo operations and requires extensive and detailed knowledge of the bow and stern openings of Ferries and Ro Ro Ships.
PAYMENTS MUST BE LINKED TO PRODUCTIVITY SAYS NFUS
Future single farm payment (SFP) entitlements must recognise the productive potential of the land to which they accrue. Payments must also reflect the public goods being delivered as a result of agricultural activity as part of a system of rolling, activity- driven support according to NFU Scotland.
The Union’s view has been expressed in its submission to the Scottish Government’s Inquiry into Future Support for Agriculture in Scotland, chaired by Brian Pack. The Union is about to embark on a series of nationwide meetings* to discuss future options with its members and has submitted its initial views in the meantime.
NFUS’s ideal scenario is an operating environment from which farm businesses can secure sufficient, stable returns from the market place without requiring a separate system of public expenditure through the CAP in order for businesses to be viable.
However, in the absence of that operating environment, NFUS firmly believes that some form of direct support will be vital to keep farm businesses going. This can be justified on the basis of paying for the range of “non market” environmental, social and food security benefits that flow from agricultural activity.
NFU Scotland President, Jim McLaren said:
“A new set of SFP rules will be put in place by Europe in 2013, for implementation in 2014. The future single farm payment scheme must sustain the capacity for quality agricultural production, and in so doing secure the public benefits that flow.”
“We believe that the debate over when to change our SFP regime must be informed by the process of defining the right regime in Scotland. We have two headline objectives. Firstly, to recognise the productive capacity of, and public good delivery from, land. Secondly, to secure a system of rolling, activity-driven support. We don’t believe that an appropriate scheme to meet those objectives can be devised under the current rules. So we need to think about how we push for changes in the rules in the run-up to 2013.”
“NFUS has considered a number of models for the future SFP and believes that work must be done to evaluate these models and the impact that each one would have on individual farm businesses and Scotland’s ability to maintain agricultural capacity. Scotland should then use the time available to influence the United Kingdom authorities and the European Union so that the rules that come out of the negotiations in 2013 permit us to operate a scheme that will maintain capacity for quality agricultural production.”
“The SRDP could be used to assist farm businesses to take informed decisions in order to adapt agricultural practices to support the Scottish Government’s targets on climate change at the same time as delivering a range of wider rural development benefits as a consequence.”
The Union’s view has been expressed in its submission to the Scottish Government’s Inquiry into Future Support for Agriculture in Scotland, chaired by Brian Pack. The Union is about to embark on a series of nationwide meetings* to discuss future options with its members and has submitted its initial views in the meantime.
NFUS’s ideal scenario is an operating environment from which farm businesses can secure sufficient, stable returns from the market place without requiring a separate system of public expenditure through the CAP in order for businesses to be viable.
However, in the absence of that operating environment, NFUS firmly believes that some form of direct support will be vital to keep farm businesses going. This can be justified on the basis of paying for the range of “non market” environmental, social and food security benefits that flow from agricultural activity.
NFU Scotland President, Jim McLaren said:
“A new set of SFP rules will be put in place by Europe in 2013, for implementation in 2014. The future single farm payment scheme must sustain the capacity for quality agricultural production, and in so doing secure the public benefits that flow.”
“We believe that the debate over when to change our SFP regime must be informed by the process of defining the right regime in Scotland. We have two headline objectives. Firstly, to recognise the productive capacity of, and public good delivery from, land. Secondly, to secure a system of rolling, activity-driven support. We don’t believe that an appropriate scheme to meet those objectives can be devised under the current rules. So we need to think about how we push for changes in the rules in the run-up to 2013.”
“NFUS has considered a number of models for the future SFP and believes that work must be done to evaluate these models and the impact that each one would have on individual farm businesses and Scotland’s ability to maintain agricultural capacity. Scotland should then use the time available to influence the United Kingdom authorities and the European Union so that the rules that come out of the negotiations in 2013 permit us to operate a scheme that will maintain capacity for quality agricultural production.”
“The SRDP could be used to assist farm businesses to take informed decisions in order to adapt agricultural practices to support the Scottish Government’s targets on climate change at the same time as delivering a range of wider rural development benefits as a consequence.”
DATABASE AND BATCH MOVES KEY TO SHEEP ID REGULATIONS
NFU Scotland remains committed to seeking fundamental changes to controversial sheep identification regulations in the future but has recognised that the current focus must be on making the European regulation somehow workable for Scottish sheep farmers when it comes into force in eight weeks time.
EU Regulation 21/2004 will make it obligatory for all Scottish sheep keepers to electronically tag most sheep born after this date and then keep a record of each animal’s individual identity every time they move. In responding to the Scottish Government’s consultation on implementing these rules, the Union has set out two key steps required if Scotland’s sheep industry is to be able to function under the new EU regulation.
The Union believes that a central database to help record movements of all sheep in Scotland is essential. Solutions also need to be found to allow farmers to move sheep within their own businesses, for example to summer and winter grazing land, without triggering the need to record every individual sheep’s electronic ID each time they move.
NFUS President Jim McLaren said:
“Nobody likes this regulation but the unpalatable truth is that we are stuck with it in its current form for next year at least. The justifiable campaign for fundamental change in the future will not go away but we have a matter of weeks left to try and find some kind of workable format for its implementation in Scotland from 1 January 2010.
“We are urging our Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, to explore all possible channels to develop the least damaging system of identification and traceability for the industry. The changes relating to the use of critical control points such as markets and abattoirs to record movements on behalf of farmers as well as other flexibility won by Scottish Government and NFUS lobbying in Europe are welcome. However, key to their effectiveness is the development and funding of a central Scottish database. With this in place, the requirement for most farmers to have scanning equipment and an on-farm flock register will disappear.
“However the database is only one of two crucial decisions we need from the Scottish Government. If Scotland’s sheep industry is to be able to function, solutions need to be found to enable movements of sheep within a business to be reported on a batch basis. Under traditional movements to summer grazings or away-winterings, where the ownership of the sheep does not change, any requirements on traceability would be still be met by reporting such moves on a batch basis. The wider flexibility we seek has already been granted by Defra for farmers south of the border and we would hope a similar arrangement will be agreed by the Scottish Government.”
One area of controversy within the detail of the Scottish Government consultation is whether animals under a year old going to slaughter should be electronically tagged. This is something that is not required under European Regulation.
The Union has said in its submission that farmers should be allowed to use the derogation available to send animals to slaughter with a conventional, non-electronic tag. However, the Union recognises that this approach could cause difficulties at markets where some animals destined for abattoirs may be electronically tagged and others not.
If the Scottish Government decides to go beyond the minimum requirement of the regulation and demand that slaughter sheep are electronically tagged, then two conditions must be met if farmers will view it as acceptable. Firstly, rural development funding should be made readily available for the additional costs involved and, secondly, it should only be required where abattoirs have the equipment in place to feed back food chain information – such as carcase conformation and health data – to the farmer.
On this issue, NFUS Vice President Nigel Miller said:
“The debate over the slaughter tag derogation is generating some heat. The only way I could see the Scottish Government justifying gold-plating such an unpopular regulation is if there was support available for farmers to comply and that conditions are attached to ensure some benefit back to producers and the wider food industry.
“The Land Managers Option (LMO) scheme already exists as part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) to help support some of the costs of the regulation through offering contributions towards the purchase of electronic recording equipment. Through the successful efforts of the Scottish Government and industry lobbying, scanning and movement recording can take place at markets and abattoirs so the requirement for scanners on farm is reduced. Therefore, this LMO could be amended to take account of other costs of implementation that go beyond the minimum standards of the regulation, such as electronic slaughter tags, should Scottish Government choose to go down this route.
“It is only with this kind of support, as well as an assurance that farmers would be able to get back useful information from abattoirs on their animals, that the use of electronic slaughter tags would be acceptable to many of those on the ground.”
EU Regulation 21/2004 will make it obligatory for all Scottish sheep keepers to electronically tag most sheep born after this date and then keep a record of each animal’s individual identity every time they move. In responding to the Scottish Government’s consultation on implementing these rules, the Union has set out two key steps required if Scotland’s sheep industry is to be able to function under the new EU regulation.
The Union believes that a central database to help record movements of all sheep in Scotland is essential. Solutions also need to be found to allow farmers to move sheep within their own businesses, for example to summer and winter grazing land, without triggering the need to record every individual sheep’s electronic ID each time they move.
NFUS President Jim McLaren said:
“Nobody likes this regulation but the unpalatable truth is that we are stuck with it in its current form for next year at least. The justifiable campaign for fundamental change in the future will not go away but we have a matter of weeks left to try and find some kind of workable format for its implementation in Scotland from 1 January 2010.
“We are urging our Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, to explore all possible channels to develop the least damaging system of identification and traceability for the industry. The changes relating to the use of critical control points such as markets and abattoirs to record movements on behalf of farmers as well as other flexibility won by Scottish Government and NFUS lobbying in Europe are welcome. However, key to their effectiveness is the development and funding of a central Scottish database. With this in place, the requirement for most farmers to have scanning equipment and an on-farm flock register will disappear.
“However the database is only one of two crucial decisions we need from the Scottish Government. If Scotland’s sheep industry is to be able to function, solutions need to be found to enable movements of sheep within a business to be reported on a batch basis. Under traditional movements to summer grazings or away-winterings, where the ownership of the sheep does not change, any requirements on traceability would be still be met by reporting such moves on a batch basis. The wider flexibility we seek has already been granted by Defra for farmers south of the border and we would hope a similar arrangement will be agreed by the Scottish Government.”
One area of controversy within the detail of the Scottish Government consultation is whether animals under a year old going to slaughter should be electronically tagged. This is something that is not required under European Regulation.
The Union has said in its submission that farmers should be allowed to use the derogation available to send animals to slaughter with a conventional, non-electronic tag. However, the Union recognises that this approach could cause difficulties at markets where some animals destined for abattoirs may be electronically tagged and others not.
If the Scottish Government decides to go beyond the minimum requirement of the regulation and demand that slaughter sheep are electronically tagged, then two conditions must be met if farmers will view it as acceptable. Firstly, rural development funding should be made readily available for the additional costs involved and, secondly, it should only be required where abattoirs have the equipment in place to feed back food chain information – such as carcase conformation and health data – to the farmer.
On this issue, NFUS Vice President Nigel Miller said:
“The debate over the slaughter tag derogation is generating some heat. The only way I could see the Scottish Government justifying gold-plating such an unpopular regulation is if there was support available for farmers to comply and that conditions are attached to ensure some benefit back to producers and the wider food industry.
“The Land Managers Option (LMO) scheme already exists as part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) to help support some of the costs of the regulation through offering contributions towards the purchase of electronic recording equipment. Through the successful efforts of the Scottish Government and industry lobbying, scanning and movement recording can take place at markets and abattoirs so the requirement for scanners on farm is reduced. Therefore, this LMO could be amended to take account of other costs of implementation that go beyond the minimum standards of the regulation, such as electronic slaughter tags, should Scottish Government choose to go down this route.
“It is only with this kind of support, as well as an assurance that farmers would be able to get back useful information from abattoirs on their animals, that the use of electronic slaughter tags would be acceptable to many of those on the ground.”
Nominations announced for the 2009 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards
Hands up for Trad and sponsors MG ALBA are delighted to be able to announce the shortlist for the 2009 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. The awards ceremony will take place in Dumfries on Saturday November 28th as part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations. The star studded line up features Barbara Dickson, The Treacherous Orchestra, Donnie Munro Band and other gliteratti of the Traditional music world!
Album of the year nominees include ‘Dual’ by Julie Fowlis. She won this coveted award back in 2007 and since then has been credited as the first Gaelic crossover star after her single ‘Blackbird’s was playlisted for Radio 2. Nominees in The Live Act Award include Face the West – the young Lewis line-up create a contemporary mix of traditional Celtic sounds mixed with synths and drums. Lau who released Arc Light earlier this year, and the big sounds of Treacherous Orchestra and Session A9.
For a full list of the nominees please see the attached appendix.
The panel of industry judges were hugely impressed with the standard of entries which were submitted this year and found shortlisting them to just four per category a difficult task. The final vote now goes back to the public who can vote for their favourite in each of the 16 categories at www.handsupfortrad/tradmusicawards. The vote remains open until 20th November.
The winners in each category will be announced live at the awards ceremony on Saturday November 28th at DG One in Dumfries. Performing live on the night will be Barbara Dickson ahead of her eagerly anticipated 2010 tour, as well as nominees The Treacherous Orchestra, Skippinish and Deaf Shepherd amongst others in what promises to be a fantastic night.
Tickets can be purchased for the awards and for the MG ALBA festival club, (open Saturday til 3am!) The weekend’s full line up of celebrations include Take The Floor with Robbie Shepherd on Friday 27th November and Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Legends concert with tributes to The Corries, Hamish Imlach, Gordon Duncan, Martyn Bennett, Calum Kennedy and many more. There will also be a programme of outdoor concerts from top traditional music bands in Dumfries town centre as well as workshop sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
The awards highlights will also be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 30th November at 10pm. BBC ALBA is available on Sky 168, on Freesat 110 and also on BBC iPlayer on www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Simon Thoumire, Director of Hands up for Trad and Producer of the awards said;
‘ We were inundated with entries for this years awards and we are thrilled by the standard. Its down to the public now to pick the winners so be sure to vote before the 20th November. We are looking forward to a fantastic weekend in Dumfries as part of the Homecoming Finale celebrations.’
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive MG ALBA said ‘The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are recognised as the premier awards for Traditional Music in Scotland and MG ALBA is delighted to be involved as the sponsor of the awards again this year. We hope that as many people as possible will participate in the nominations process. After the success of the event at the Fruitmarket in Glasgow last year we look forward to seeing the awards take place in Dumfries helping to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Homecoming.’
Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland Project Director, said: “The Scots Trad Music Awards showcase the very best of traditional Scottish music and are a highlight within the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations taking place across Scotland from 26th – 30th November. With the addition of new events such as The Trad Music ‘Hall of Fame Legends Concert’ and the ‘Reel Fling’ it’s going to be an unmissable celebration of Traditional Music in Dumfries around St Andrew’s Day.”
Place your votes at www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/ where you can find details on all the categories and criteria for each award
Tickets for all events are available from DG One box office | 01387 243 550
And from www.ticketweb.co.uk
Album of the year nominees include ‘Dual’ by Julie Fowlis. She won this coveted award back in 2007 and since then has been credited as the first Gaelic crossover star after her single ‘Blackbird’s was playlisted for Radio 2. Nominees in The Live Act Award include Face the West – the young Lewis line-up create a contemporary mix of traditional Celtic sounds mixed with synths and drums. Lau who released Arc Light earlier this year, and the big sounds of Treacherous Orchestra and Session A9.
For a full list of the nominees please see the attached appendix.
The panel of industry judges were hugely impressed with the standard of entries which were submitted this year and found shortlisting them to just four per category a difficult task. The final vote now goes back to the public who can vote for their favourite in each of the 16 categories at www.handsupfortrad/tradmusicawards. The vote remains open until 20th November.
The winners in each category will be announced live at the awards ceremony on Saturday November 28th at DG One in Dumfries. Performing live on the night will be Barbara Dickson ahead of her eagerly anticipated 2010 tour, as well as nominees The Treacherous Orchestra, Skippinish and Deaf Shepherd amongst others in what promises to be a fantastic night.
Tickets can be purchased for the awards and for the MG ALBA festival club, (open Saturday til 3am!) The weekend’s full line up of celebrations include Take The Floor with Robbie Shepherd on Friday 27th November and Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Legends concert with tributes to The Corries, Hamish Imlach, Gordon Duncan, Martyn Bennett, Calum Kennedy and many more. There will also be a programme of outdoor concerts from top traditional music bands in Dumfries town centre as well as workshop sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
The awards highlights will also be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 30th November at 10pm. BBC ALBA is available on Sky 168, on Freesat 110 and also on BBC iPlayer on www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Simon Thoumire, Director of Hands up for Trad and Producer of the awards said;
‘ We were inundated with entries for this years awards and we are thrilled by the standard. Its down to the public now to pick the winners so be sure to vote before the 20th November. We are looking forward to a fantastic weekend in Dumfries as part of the Homecoming Finale celebrations.’
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive MG ALBA said ‘The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are recognised as the premier awards for Traditional Music in Scotland and MG ALBA is delighted to be involved as the sponsor of the awards again this year. We hope that as many people as possible will participate in the nominations process. After the success of the event at the Fruitmarket in Glasgow last year we look forward to seeing the awards take place in Dumfries helping to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Homecoming.’
Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland Project Director, said: “The Scots Trad Music Awards showcase the very best of traditional Scottish music and are a highlight within the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations taking place across Scotland from 26th – 30th November. With the addition of new events such as The Trad Music ‘Hall of Fame Legends Concert’ and the ‘Reel Fling’ it’s going to be an unmissable celebration of Traditional Music in Dumfries around St Andrew’s Day.”
Place your votes at www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/ where you can find details on all the categories and criteria for each award
Tickets for all events are available from DG One box office | 01387 243 550
And from www.ticketweb.co.uk
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
WORKING TOGETHER FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE
Today, at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Dunoon, the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership welcomed Finance Secretary John Swinney to officially sign the Argyll and Bute Single Outcome Agreement (SOA).
Leader of Argyll and Bute Council and Chair of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership, Councilor Dick Walsh, said: "We are pleased to welcome John Swinney to Argyll and Bute today and I’d like to express our thanks to the Scottish Government for their support and guidance in the development of our SOA. I would also like to thank all partners for their involvement and continued commitment.
“Our key challenge at this time is how to prioritise public sector spend in the current financial climate.Through the delivery of the Single Outcome Agreement, we can work together to protect and prioritise services in line with customer needs at the same time as delivering quality and customer focused services, which also contribute to the Government’s national outcomes.”
Finance Secretary John Swinney added: "I am delighted to be able to sign Argyll and Bute’s Single Outcome Agreement at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands.
"The agreements reflect local circumstances and priorities in these challenging economic times for the people of Argyll and Bute. Together, we can work towards our goal of increasing sustainable economic growth and help Argyll and Bute play its part in creating a more successful Scotland."
The SOA for 2009-2011 sees public services in Argyll and Bute delivered by public, private and voluntary sector partners working in an integrated way to improve the lives of people in the area. It is an agreement between the Scottish Government and the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership, which outlines how each partner will work towards improving outcomes for local people in a way that reflects local needs and fits into the Government’s national outcomes.
Some of the main themes in this year’s Single Outcome Agreement for Argyll and Bute are building a strong economy; regeneration of town centres and waterfronts; improving the strategic transport network; focusing on vulnerable areas; responding to social and demographic change; modernising social and healthcare services; reducing alcohol and drugs related disorder and crime and improving roads and transport safety.
To see the full Argyll and Bute Single Outcome Agreement, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/keydocuments
Leader of Argyll and Bute Council and Chair of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership, Councilor Dick Walsh, said: "We are pleased to welcome John Swinney to Argyll and Bute today and I’d like to express our thanks to the Scottish Government for their support and guidance in the development of our SOA. I would also like to thank all partners for their involvement and continued commitment.
“Our key challenge at this time is how to prioritise public sector spend in the current financial climate.Through the delivery of the Single Outcome Agreement, we can work together to protect and prioritise services in line with customer needs at the same time as delivering quality and customer focused services, which also contribute to the Government’s national outcomes.”
Finance Secretary John Swinney added: "I am delighted to be able to sign Argyll and Bute’s Single Outcome Agreement at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands.
"The agreements reflect local circumstances and priorities in these challenging economic times for the people of Argyll and Bute. Together, we can work towards our goal of increasing sustainable economic growth and help Argyll and Bute play its part in creating a more successful Scotland."
The SOA for 2009-2011 sees public services in Argyll and Bute delivered by public, private and voluntary sector partners working in an integrated way to improve the lives of people in the area. It is an agreement between the Scottish Government and the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership, which outlines how each partner will work towards improving outcomes for local people in a way that reflects local needs and fits into the Government’s national outcomes.
Some of the main themes in this year’s Single Outcome Agreement for Argyll and Bute are building a strong economy; regeneration of town centres and waterfronts; improving the strategic transport network; focusing on vulnerable areas; responding to social and demographic change; modernising social and healthcare services; reducing alcohol and drugs related disorder and crime and improving roads and transport safety.
To see the full Argyll and Bute Single Outcome Agreement, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/keydocuments
CMAL launches Gaelic Language Plan Consultation
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has published its draft Gaelic Language Plan for 2010-2015 and is now looking for feedback from the public.
Following the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, the plan sets out how CMAL will use Gaelic in the operation of its functions, how staff will enable the use of Gaelic when communicating with the public and key partners, and how the company overall will promote and develop Gaelic, contributing to Scotland’s diverse culture.
The draft plan and details of the consultation process are now available to view on CMAL’s website www.cmassets.co.uk and those who wish to respond can do so by filling out an on-line feedback form.
CMAL is seeking as many responses as possible in order to produce a final plan which reflects the aspirations of the communities served by CMAL.
Chairman of CMAL, Grenville Johnston, commented: ”We appreciate the support that Bòrd na Gàidhlig has been given us to implement our plan and we look forward to enhancing our services for Gaelic users and raising the profile of Gaelic as a recognised language.”
Following the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, the plan sets out how CMAL will use Gaelic in the operation of its functions, how staff will enable the use of Gaelic when communicating with the public and key partners, and how the company overall will promote and develop Gaelic, contributing to Scotland’s diverse culture.
The draft plan and details of the consultation process are now available to view on CMAL’s website www.cmassets.co.uk and those who wish to respond can do so by filling out an on-line feedback form.
CMAL is seeking as many responses as possible in order to produce a final plan which reflects the aspirations of the communities served by CMAL.
Chairman of CMAL, Grenville Johnston, commented: ”We appreciate the support that Bòrd na Gàidhlig has been given us to implement our plan and we look forward to enhancing our services for Gaelic users and raising the profile of Gaelic as a recognised language.”
MATHER CONGRATULATES ARGYLL & BUTE 2014 LOTTERY SUCCESSES
Jim Mather MSP, Argyll & Bute, has congratulated Islay and Jura Community Enterprises Ltd and Lochnell Primary, Benderloch on their successful applications to the Big Lottery Fund's 2014 programme. This programme aims to encourage more people to participate or volunteer in sport or physical activity as well as encouraging greater community cohesion in the run up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Jim Mather said:
"I commend Mr Gary Scott and his team, at the award winning Mctaggart Leisure Centre in Bowmore, in securing a £950 grant from BIG 2014 Communities Programme for their project focussing on swimming for disabled people. They are to be congratulated on continuing the dynamic team work for the community which established the Mctaggart Centre in the first place.
Also, well done to Lochnell Primary School's Mrs Kareen Ross who, together with staff and parents, has secured a grant of £1,000 to add netball to the many after-school activities on offer, thus, making physical activity more appealing and inclusive to a wider range of pupils.
These two groups have done Argyll & Bute proud by going the extra mile for their communities, bringing funds into the area in these difficult financial times and building a legacy of well-being, before and beyond the Commonwealth Games, which encapsulates the purpose this Big Lottery Fund's 2014 Communities Programme."
Jim Mather said:
"I commend Mr Gary Scott and his team, at the award winning Mctaggart Leisure Centre in Bowmore, in securing a £950 grant from BIG 2014 Communities Programme for their project focussing on swimming for disabled people. They are to be congratulated on continuing the dynamic team work for the community which established the Mctaggart Centre in the first place.
Also, well done to Lochnell Primary School's Mrs Kareen Ross who, together with staff and parents, has secured a grant of £1,000 to add netball to the many after-school activities on offer, thus, making physical activity more appealing and inclusive to a wider range of pupils.
These two groups have done Argyll & Bute proud by going the extra mile for their communities, bringing funds into the area in these difficult financial times and building a legacy of well-being, before and beyond the Commonwealth Games, which encapsulates the purpose this Big Lottery Fund's 2014 Communities Programme."
Monday, 2 November 2009
THREE BBC ALBA PROGRAMMES RECEIVE BAFTA SCOTLAND NOMINATIONS
BBC ALBA is delighted to announce that three of its programmes have received nominations in the BAFTA Scotland Awards 2009, announced in Glasgow last week.
Eilbheas (Elvis), the drama set on Lewis which explores Elvis's influence on a young punk, has been nominated in the ‘Television Drama’ award category. Eadar-Chluich (Interlude) a series of six short films without words and each based on a Gaelic song has also been nominated in the ‘Television Drama’ award category. Both are up against New Town and River City.
Eòrpa, BBC ALBA’s current affairs series which features political and social developments covering Europe, has been nominated in the ‘News and Current Affairs’ award category and is up against BBC Scotland Investigates - Scotland’s Brand New Bank and Panorama - Britain’s Homecare Scandal.
Alan Esslemont, Head of content for BBC ALBA, said: “We are delighted that two of the channel’s programmes have been recognised in this year’s BAFTA Scotland nominations. This is fantastic news for the MG ALBA and BBC partnership. Since coming on air, we have been working with the best of Scotland's creative talent to produce high quality programmes that appeal to both Gaelic and Scotland-wide audiences. These BAFTA nominations are testament to that.”
Eilbheas is based on Tonaidh, a 17 year old boy living on Lewis in the 1970's. Alienated from his distant mother and alcoholic father he escapes into punk music. Suicide seems the only answer. He fails even at that and as he recovers from his overdose he sees Elvis. Tonaidh is not amused to have a mentor in the form of a man in a white jump suit, despite this Elvis touches his life. The character of Elvis glows against the stark island landscape in a tale which both touches the heart and makes you laugh. “Eilbheas,” written by Mairi Kidd and Torcuil Crichton, is a quirky comedy drama starring Greg Hemphill as Elvis and newcomer Sean MacLeod as Tonaidh.
Renowned Scots actor Iain Glen leads a stellar cast playing characters in each of the Eadar-Chluich (Interlude) short films. Produced by independent Glasgow based company Sorbier Productions and funded by MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service, the project was a year in the making and brought stars such as Martin Compston (‘Sweet Sixteen’, ‘True North’), Kate Dickie (‘Red Road’), and Greg McHugh (‘Tank Commander’, ‘Gary’s War’) to BBC ALBA.
BAFTA Scotland will announce the winners at the award ceremony taking place in Glasgow on November 8th.
Eilbheas (Elvis), the drama set on Lewis which explores Elvis's influence on a young punk, has been nominated in the ‘Television Drama’ award category. Eadar-Chluich (Interlude) a series of six short films without words and each based on a Gaelic song has also been nominated in the ‘Television Drama’ award category. Both are up against New Town and River City.
Eòrpa, BBC ALBA’s current affairs series which features political and social developments covering Europe, has been nominated in the ‘News and Current Affairs’ award category and is up against BBC Scotland Investigates - Scotland’s Brand New Bank and Panorama - Britain’s Homecare Scandal.
Alan Esslemont, Head of content for BBC ALBA, said: “We are delighted that two of the channel’s programmes have been recognised in this year’s BAFTA Scotland nominations. This is fantastic news for the MG ALBA and BBC partnership. Since coming on air, we have been working with the best of Scotland's creative talent to produce high quality programmes that appeal to both Gaelic and Scotland-wide audiences. These BAFTA nominations are testament to that.”
Eilbheas is based on Tonaidh, a 17 year old boy living on Lewis in the 1970's. Alienated from his distant mother and alcoholic father he escapes into punk music. Suicide seems the only answer. He fails even at that and as he recovers from his overdose he sees Elvis. Tonaidh is not amused to have a mentor in the form of a man in a white jump suit, despite this Elvis touches his life. The character of Elvis glows against the stark island landscape in a tale which both touches the heart and makes you laugh. “Eilbheas,” written by Mairi Kidd and Torcuil Crichton, is a quirky comedy drama starring Greg Hemphill as Elvis and newcomer Sean MacLeod as Tonaidh.
Renowned Scots actor Iain Glen leads a stellar cast playing characters in each of the Eadar-Chluich (Interlude) short films. Produced by independent Glasgow based company Sorbier Productions and funded by MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service, the project was a year in the making and brought stars such as Martin Compston (‘Sweet Sixteen’, ‘True North’), Kate Dickie (‘Red Road’), and Greg McHugh (‘Tank Commander’, ‘Gary’s War’) to BBC ALBA.
BAFTA Scotland will announce the winners at the award ceremony taking place in Glasgow on November 8th.
MG ALBA WELCOMES THE LAUNCH OF THE BBC TRUST’S REVIEW INTO BBC ALBA
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA, said: “We welcome today’s launch of the BBC Trust’s review into BBC ALBA which will examine the channel’s performance over the first year and the potential carriage on Freeview. BBC ALBA has been very well received attracting an average weekly audience of 220,000 viewers since it was launched as well as playing a key role in promoting the Gaelic language.
“The viewers’ appetite across Scotland for home-produced programmes available on BBC ALBA has been extremely encouraging. The quality and diversity of programmes covers the full spectrum of genres and is attractive to both the Gaelic and Scotland-wide audiences. During the past year BBC ALBA has benefited the independent production industry commissioning work through 26 independent companies, including a number of new starts.
“We are pleased that the BBC has found a mechanism to make BBC ALBA available on Freeview. In order for this to occur the BBC Executive has proposed that the BBC's network radio stations would be removed from Freeview in Scotland in the evening only, during BBC ALBA broadcast hours. Radio listeners would still be able to access their stations on Freeview when BBC ALBA is not on air and also on FM, AM, DAB, Satellite, Cable and online.”
“BBC ALBA has won a great deal of goodwill from the public and across the political spectrum in Scotland and there is high public demand for BBC ALBA to be made available on Freeview. It is our priority to make the channel accessible to all households in Scotland and we encourage as many people as possible to get involved throughout the public consultation period.”
“The viewers’ appetite across Scotland for home-produced programmes available on BBC ALBA has been extremely encouraging. The quality and diversity of programmes covers the full spectrum of genres and is attractive to both the Gaelic and Scotland-wide audiences. During the past year BBC ALBA has benefited the independent production industry commissioning work through 26 independent companies, including a number of new starts.
“We are pleased that the BBC has found a mechanism to make BBC ALBA available on Freeview. In order for this to occur the BBC Executive has proposed that the BBC's network radio stations would be removed from Freeview in Scotland in the evening only, during BBC ALBA broadcast hours. Radio listeners would still be able to access their stations on Freeview when BBC ALBA is not on air and also on FM, AM, DAB, Satellite, Cable and online.”
“BBC ALBA has won a great deal of goodwill from the public and across the political spectrum in Scotland and there is high public demand for BBC ALBA to be made available on Freeview. It is our priority to make the channel accessible to all households in Scotland and we encourage as many people as possible to get involved throughout the public consultation period.”
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Week: 45
Date: Saturday, 7 November – Friday, 13 November 2009
Title: Cuide Ri Cathy
Cathy MacDonald goes behind the scenes at one of Scotland's top fashion events with former model and leading event organiser, Fiona Best.
Transmitted: Monday 9th November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Anns a’ Gharadh / In the Garden
In the last programme of the series Craighill Primary School's garden is almost finished, the Islay Market Garden is preparing for Autumn, and in Barra, Calina and Martha MacDonald are putting fruit and vegetables from Gàrradh a' Bhagh a Tuath to good use
and making chutney. Eilidh revisits Angus John Morrison in Barra, and he has a secret vegetable garden to showcase. Calina and
Eilidh are also busy harvesting in all three community gardens.
Transmitted: Tuesday 10th November 2009
Time: 20:30
Title: Ceol Country / Country Music Creetown
Live music performances from the Creetown Country Music Festival including Fiddler Adam, Cajun Moon, Hill Billy Deluxe, Soggy Bottom Boys and the Fabulous Picasso Brothers.
Transmitted: Tuesday 10th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Soillse: International Doc: Marbella, The Hidden Face
With its idyllic location and Mediterranean climate, Marbella aspired to be the Spanish San Tropez. It catered to the wealthy,
attracting elites from the Middle East and East-Europe.
But it wasn't just Marbella's stunning scenery that attracted immigrants. For years, authorities issued construction permits
recklessly, allowing the anarchic building of luxury blocks. Land and apartments could be paid for in up to 50% cash - enormous
sums of money that facilitated the laundering of drug money. And Marbella location, just a few miles from Morocco, placed it at
one of the major crossroads of the drug trade. Jet-setters, traffickers, cash – it's an explosive cocktail. Two years ago, the
Spanish police decided to clean it up – Soillse follows their task.
Transmitted: Wednesday 11th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Sorley MacLean: Somhairle MacIlleathainn
An exploration of the life and work of Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean whose poetry is celebrated today both nationally and internationally.
Transmitted: Thursday 12th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Date: Saturday, 7 November – Friday, 13 November 2009
Title: Cuide Ri Cathy
Cathy MacDonald goes behind the scenes at one of Scotland's top fashion events with former model and leading event organiser, Fiona Best.
Transmitted: Monday 9th November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Anns a’ Gharadh / In the Garden
In the last programme of the series Craighill Primary School's garden is almost finished, the Islay Market Garden is preparing for Autumn, and in Barra, Calina and Martha MacDonald are putting fruit and vegetables from Gàrradh a' Bhagh a Tuath to good use
and making chutney. Eilidh revisits Angus John Morrison in Barra, and he has a secret vegetable garden to showcase. Calina and
Eilidh are also busy harvesting in all three community gardens.
Transmitted: Tuesday 10th November 2009
Time: 20:30
Title: Ceol Country / Country Music Creetown
Live music performances from the Creetown Country Music Festival including Fiddler Adam, Cajun Moon, Hill Billy Deluxe, Soggy Bottom Boys and the Fabulous Picasso Brothers.
Transmitted: Tuesday 10th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Soillse: International Doc: Marbella, The Hidden Face
With its idyllic location and Mediterranean climate, Marbella aspired to be the Spanish San Tropez. It catered to the wealthy,
attracting elites from the Middle East and East-Europe.
But it wasn't just Marbella's stunning scenery that attracted immigrants. For years, authorities issued construction permits
recklessly, allowing the anarchic building of luxury blocks. Land and apartments could be paid for in up to 50% cash - enormous
sums of money that facilitated the laundering of drug money. And Marbella location, just a few miles from Morocco, placed it at
one of the major crossroads of the drug trade. Jet-setters, traffickers, cash – it's an explosive cocktail. Two years ago, the
Spanish police decided to clean it up – Soillse follows their task.
Transmitted: Wednesday 11th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Sorley MacLean: Somhairle MacIlleathainn
An exploration of the life and work of Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean whose poetry is celebrated today both nationally and internationally.
Transmitted: Thursday 12th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Kilnaughton project on Council Design Awards shortlist
Entries have now been shortlisted for a new award scheme designed to celebrate exceptional building design quality across Argyll and Bute.
Members of the public are now being invited to have their say on the entries chosen for the final judging round.
The first Sustainable Design Awards, a bi-annual event launched in June, will take place in December.
The panel of judges has drawn up a short-list of entries in each of the four categories – Small Scale Residential, Large Scale Residential, Non-Residential and Conservation.
The buildings span the whole of Argyll and Bute –from Southend to Helensburgh to Taynuilt to the Isle of Lismore.
Councillor Ron Simon, chair of the Argyll and Bute Sustainable Design Forumwhich administers the award, said he was very impressed by the standard of entries.
“We have assessed some wonderful buildings in the initial stages, and in most categories we have had a very difficult task in drawing up the shortlist,” he added.
“We now have a group of fantastic buildings, each of which has a very strong case to win its category.
“Now we would like to find out what the public’s view of the shortlisted entries is. So we have set up a voting system at the Design Award home page, through which individual members of the public can have their say.
“Whilst I appreciate that it is not easy to make an informed judgement based on a photograph and short summary, we nevertheless feel that it is important that everyone is given the opportunity to contribute to the outcome of this prestigious competition.”
The shortlisted buildings are:
Conservation
Machriemore Mill, Southend, Kintyre (only one submission, so no voting)
Large Scale Residential
1-30 Logie Place, Kirkmichael, Helensburgh
Silverhills Cottages, Roseneath
3-15 Feorlinbreck, Garelochhead.
Non-Residential
Mull Theatre, Tobermory
Portavadie Marina Building
Taigh Solais, Ledaig, Tobermory
St Moluag Heritage Museum, Isle of Lismore.
Small Scale Residential
Alt an Duin, Kilmory, Achnamara
Tanglewood, Ichrachan, Taynuilt
Tir Nan Og, Kilnaughton, Isle of Islay
Tigh Na Dobhran, Arduine
The votes cast by the public for each entry will be added to the judges’ scores for each, and help determine the overall winners and commendations in each of the categories.
The Design Awards home page – through which the public voting panels can be accessed – is at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/content/planning/developmentmanagement/planningdesignawardbranch/davote/.
The closing date for public voting is Friday, November 27 2009.
Members of the public are now being invited to have their say on the entries chosen for the final judging round.
The first Sustainable Design Awards, a bi-annual event launched in June, will take place in December.
The panel of judges has drawn up a short-list of entries in each of the four categories – Small Scale Residential, Large Scale Residential, Non-Residential and Conservation.
The buildings span the whole of Argyll and Bute –from Southend to Helensburgh to Taynuilt to the Isle of Lismore.
Councillor Ron Simon, chair of the Argyll and Bute Sustainable Design Forumwhich administers the award, said he was very impressed by the standard of entries.
“We have assessed some wonderful buildings in the initial stages, and in most categories we have had a very difficult task in drawing up the shortlist,” he added.
“We now have a group of fantastic buildings, each of which has a very strong case to win its category.
“Now we would like to find out what the public’s view of the shortlisted entries is. So we have set up a voting system at the Design Award home page, through which individual members of the public can have their say.
“Whilst I appreciate that it is not easy to make an informed judgement based on a photograph and short summary, we nevertheless feel that it is important that everyone is given the opportunity to contribute to the outcome of this prestigious competition.”
The shortlisted buildings are:
Conservation
Machriemore Mill, Southend, Kintyre (only one submission, so no voting)
Large Scale Residential
1-30 Logie Place, Kirkmichael, Helensburgh
Silverhills Cottages, Roseneath
3-15 Feorlinbreck, Garelochhead.
Non-Residential
Mull Theatre, Tobermory
Portavadie Marina Building
Taigh Solais, Ledaig, Tobermory
St Moluag Heritage Museum, Isle of Lismore.
Small Scale Residential
Alt an Duin, Kilmory, Achnamara
Tanglewood, Ichrachan, Taynuilt
Tir Nan Og, Kilnaughton, Isle of Islay
Tigh Na Dobhran, Arduine
The votes cast by the public for each entry will be added to the judges’ scores for each, and help determine the overall winners and commendations in each of the categories.
The Design Awards home page – through which the public voting panels can be accessed – is at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/content/planning/developmentmanagement/planningdesignawardbranch/davote/.
The closing date for public voting is Friday, November 27 2009.
CALMAC FUTURE SECURED WITH EU DECISION - SNP WELCOME COMMISSION RULING ON CALMAC
The future of ferry services to the Western and Northern Isles has been secured after the European Commission ruled that action by the Scottish Government to support the services was appropriate and that there had been no overpayment of subsidy.
The Commission has also confirmed that the ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres can continue – subject to a tendering exercise.
SNP MEP Alyn Smith, who has campaigned for security for the island ferry services and for the town centre service across the Clyde said:
"After decades of jumping through EU legal hoops this is a positive decision for Scotland’s remote and island communities.
"Our ferry services are essential and I welcome the Commission’s confirmation that the Scottish Government’s actions are right and appropriate to secure the future of our ferries.
"The pro-active approach of the Scottish Government to securing our ferries future has paid off. Confirmation from the EU that a town centre to town centre service between Gourock and Dunoon supporting these two communities can continue is good news - though there is still a need for a tendering process. I hope those operators of alternative routes who have repeatedly threatened legal action will accept this decision.
"I called for this inquiry, Now everyone involved in the service can be clear that supporting Scotland’s island ferries is the right and proper thing to do.
"With the Scottish Government delivering cheaper fares to the Western Isles, long term security to all island ferries and a future on the cards for town centre services between Gourock and Dunoon this is a strong result for Scotland’s island and ferry services.
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said:
"This is a good result for the Western Isles and for Scotland.
"For too long the previous Executive allowed our ferry services to operate in limbo. Now we have a secure future for subsidised ferry services to and from the Western Isles and other island communities.
"We have already seen the real benefits ferry services can bring with the pilot of RET bringing more visitors and more business to the Western Isles, as well as cutting costs for island residents.
"Today’s successful decision by the Commission, after hearing the arguments put forward by the Scottish Government is another sign of the SNPs commitment to support our island communities."
The Commission has also confirmed that the ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres can continue – subject to a tendering exercise.
SNP MEP Alyn Smith, who has campaigned for security for the island ferry services and for the town centre service across the Clyde said:
"After decades of jumping through EU legal hoops this is a positive decision for Scotland’s remote and island communities.
"Our ferry services are essential and I welcome the Commission’s confirmation that the Scottish Government’s actions are right and appropriate to secure the future of our ferries.
"The pro-active approach of the Scottish Government to securing our ferries future has paid off. Confirmation from the EU that a town centre to town centre service between Gourock and Dunoon supporting these two communities can continue is good news - though there is still a need for a tendering process. I hope those operators of alternative routes who have repeatedly threatened legal action will accept this decision.
"I called for this inquiry, Now everyone involved in the service can be clear that supporting Scotland’s island ferries is the right and proper thing to do.
"With the Scottish Government delivering cheaper fares to the Western Isles, long term security to all island ferries and a future on the cards for town centre services between Gourock and Dunoon this is a strong result for Scotland’s island and ferry services.
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said:
"This is a good result for the Western Isles and for Scotland.
"For too long the previous Executive allowed our ferry services to operate in limbo. Now we have a secure future for subsidised ferry services to and from the Western Isles and other island communities.
"We have already seen the real benefits ferry services can bring with the pilot of RET bringing more visitors and more business to the Western Isles, as well as cutting costs for island residents.
"Today’s successful decision by the Commission, after hearing the arguments put forward by the Scottish Government is another sign of the SNPs commitment to support our island communities."
NFUS LOBBIES FURTHER FOR RETAILER OMBUDSMAN AS EUROPE MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS
NFU Scotland has lobbied politicians in Westminster today (Wednesday, 28 October) as part of its campaign calling for the UK Government to adopt the Competition Commission’s recommendation on the creation of an Ombudsman to police the grocery sector.
The lobby by NFUS and others coincides with the publication of fresh priorities for the food supply chain identified in a European Commission communication. The communication highlights several areas for action including the promotion of sustainable and market-based relationships between stakeholders in the food supply chain and greater transparency along the chain to encourage competition and improve its resilience to price volatility.
NFU Scotland believes the creation of an Ombudsman in the UK will ensure fair play in the UK food production sector as well as helping deliver on these new EU objectives
Speaking from Westminster, NFU Scotland’s Chief Executive James Withers said:
“When food supply chains work well, the winners are the consumers, the producers and all parties in between. It is when relationships break down, that the problems start. Here in the UK, the Competition Commission has recognised the need for a check in the system and recommended to Government the creation of an Ombudsman for the grocery sector.
“Government in general, and Lord Mandelson in particular, must take important decisions in the next few days before responding to the Competition Commission recommendation. A significant number of representative bodies are here today to convince MPs of all parties that the introduction of legislation to create an independent grocery sector Ombudsman is totally justifiable and absolutely necessary.
“All major retailers are dragging their heels on this issue. They need to accept that a more open and transparent approach to how they go about the business of securing food for their stores will reassure those farmers who produce that food and those consumers who buy it. It is in the interests of consumers, retailers, food processors and food producers that an independent body, in the shape of an Ombudsman, is created to provide the necessary reassurance to all that when the chain breaks down, there is a route to addressing the problem.
“It is refreshing to see that many of these themes are now being picked up at a European level. Here in the UK, we have the most highly developed retail sector in Europe, if not the World. Lessons learned here, backed by the creation of an Ombudsman, will provide a useful platform on which the Commission can develop policies aimed at delivering more equitable supply chain arrangements across the whole of Europe.”
The lobby by NFUS and others coincides with the publication of fresh priorities for the food supply chain identified in a European Commission communication. The communication highlights several areas for action including the promotion of sustainable and market-based relationships between stakeholders in the food supply chain and greater transparency along the chain to encourage competition and improve its resilience to price volatility.
NFU Scotland believes the creation of an Ombudsman in the UK will ensure fair play in the UK food production sector as well as helping deliver on these new EU objectives
Speaking from Westminster, NFU Scotland’s Chief Executive James Withers said:
“When food supply chains work well, the winners are the consumers, the producers and all parties in between. It is when relationships break down, that the problems start. Here in the UK, the Competition Commission has recognised the need for a check in the system and recommended to Government the creation of an Ombudsman for the grocery sector.
“Government in general, and Lord Mandelson in particular, must take important decisions in the next few days before responding to the Competition Commission recommendation. A significant number of representative bodies are here today to convince MPs of all parties that the introduction of legislation to create an independent grocery sector Ombudsman is totally justifiable and absolutely necessary.
“All major retailers are dragging their heels on this issue. They need to accept that a more open and transparent approach to how they go about the business of securing food for their stores will reassure those farmers who produce that food and those consumers who buy it. It is in the interests of consumers, retailers, food processors and food producers that an independent body, in the shape of an Ombudsman, is created to provide the necessary reassurance to all that when the chain breaks down, there is a route to addressing the problem.
“It is refreshing to see that many of these themes are now being picked up at a European level. Here in the UK, we have the most highly developed retail sector in Europe, if not the World. Lessons learned here, backed by the creation of an Ombudsman, will provide a useful platform on which the Commission can develop policies aimed at delivering more equitable supply chain arrangements across the whole of Europe.”
Jim Mather on ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP OFFER
Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll & Bute is once again endorsing the
annual offer from Ordnance Survey to donate maps of their local area to
11 year old pupils in Primary 7 grades across Scotland.
Jim Mather said:
"Genuine bargains are difficult to come by at the best of times
and the annual offer from the Ordnance Survey to supply all 11 year old
pupils in Primary 7 schools throughout Scotland with a free copy of the
Explorer map for the area they live in is certainly a bargain worth
taking up. The 2009 scheme is already in operation and those schools
whose applications were in early will have already received their maps
while other orders are presently being processed. This scheme is open to
applications made through the schools to the Ordnance Survey website and
has, understandably, proved popular in past years. From the OS website I
can see that Argyll & Bute schools are well represented in those who
have already applied. No fewer than 54 out of a possible 69
establishments have been in contact and I would hope that the others may
yet take advantage before the closing date of 30th November.
I cannot recommend this offer too highly. The ability to use a
map of your own locality opens up huge possibilities for class work,
taking in aspects of geography, local history, land use and many other
applications. Skills in map reading are invaluable in many facets of
work and of leisure. The offer from Ordnance Survey is a generous one
and I would hope to see as many schools as possible availing themselves
of this opportunity.
Full instructions on how to apply are available at
http://freemaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk "
annual offer from Ordnance Survey to donate maps of their local area to
11 year old pupils in Primary 7 grades across Scotland.
Jim Mather said:
"Genuine bargains are difficult to come by at the best of times
and the annual offer from the Ordnance Survey to supply all 11 year old
pupils in Primary 7 schools throughout Scotland with a free copy of the
Explorer map for the area they live in is certainly a bargain worth
taking up. The 2009 scheme is already in operation and those schools
whose applications were in early will have already received their maps
while other orders are presently being processed. This scheme is open to
applications made through the schools to the Ordnance Survey website and
has, understandably, proved popular in past years. From the OS website I
can see that Argyll & Bute schools are well represented in those who
have already applied. No fewer than 54 out of a possible 69
establishments have been in contact and I would hope that the others may
yet take advantage before the closing date of 30th November.
I cannot recommend this offer too highly. The ability to use a
map of your own locality opens up huge possibilities for class work,
taking in aspects of geography, local history, land use and many other
applications. Skills in map reading are invaluable in many facets of
work and of leisure. The offer from Ordnance Survey is a generous one
and I would hope to see as many schools as possible availing themselves
of this opportunity.
Full instructions on how to apply are available at
http://freemaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk "
Western Ferries on EU CalMac ruling
"This is a positive decision from Western Ferries point of view, the Scottish Government is now under notice and close scrutiny from the EC to bring forward, on short order, a tender to bring the Gourock-Dunoon route into line with European regulations and to create a level-playing field. Unfortunately, there is not enough information available at this time do determine what will be tendered but the service specification has effectively been volleyed straight back to the Scottish Government for them to resolve.
"With regards the issue of anti-competitive behaviour, the decision does not give a clean sheet with regards to CalMac’s past activities, obviously the EC discovered some evidence of subsidy misuse and market distortion, so I believe it’s a very much a case of Not Proven.
"We now await the full report to see the detail behind this judgement, to understand the implications for Western Ferries and the full responsibilities placed on the Scottish Government."
Gordon Ross
Managing Director
Western Ferries
"With regards the issue of anti-competitive behaviour, the decision does not give a clean sheet with regards to CalMac’s past activities, obviously the EC discovered some evidence of subsidy misuse and market distortion, so I believe it’s a very much a case of Not Proven.
"We now await the full report to see the detail behind this judgement, to understand the implications for Western Ferries and the full responsibilities placed on the Scottish Government."
Gordon Ross
Managing Director
Western Ferries
REID WELCOMES EU'S CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH FOR ISLAND FERRY SERVICES
Commenting on the report by the European Commission which concluded that the tendering process for the CalMac island ferry services was within EU state aid rules, Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll & Bute said,
"I welcome the EU report which gives a clean bill of health to the tendering process for the island routes undertaken by the Liberal Democrat Transport Ministers in the 2003/07 Scottish Executive..
"The EU have accepted the SNP Government’s decision to launch a tender for the Dunoon-Gourock route later this year with the successful operator taking over from CalMac before June 2011.
“The SNP must now commit to a tendering process for the Gourock to Dunoon route which will result in an unrestricted passenger and vehicle service on that route.”
"I welcome the EU report which gives a clean bill of health to the tendering process for the island routes undertaken by the Liberal Democrat Transport Ministers in the 2003/07 Scottish Executive..
"The EU have accepted the SNP Government’s decision to launch a tender for the Dunoon-Gourock route later this year with the successful operator taking over from CalMac before June 2011.
“The SNP must now commit to a tendering process for the Gourock to Dunoon route which will result in an unrestricted passenger and vehicle service on that route.”
COUNCIL LEADER WELCOMES EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S FERRY RULING
Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, has welcomed today’s European Commission ruling on the public financing of ferry shipping services in Scotland.
The Commission has found that public financing for the operation of ferry services in Scotland is compatible with state aid rules.
However, this decision is subject to the condition that national authorities launch a transparent and non-discriminatory public tender for the operation of the Gourock-Dunoon route.
“This is something over which I have personally campaigned for 10 years, so I am obviously delighted with the outcome of the investigation,” Councillor Walsh said.
“This is a victory not just for common sense but for Argyll and Bute as a whole - and in particular for those people who live in, work in or visit the Cowal peninsula.
“Argyll and Bute Council has long argued that it is competent within the European state aid rules to tender the Gourock-Dunoon route for vehicles and passengers in a transparent, non-discriminatory way.
“I have personally driven the discussions on this issue – visiting the European Commission on two occasions to press home the competence of developing a tender for the route, as well as being instrumental in the Commission coming to Scotland last year.
“The communities in both Cowal and Inverclyde have been awaiting an outcome which will enable the town centre to town centre service to continue.
“It is my hope that this positive news will be embraced by all within our community, and that together we can go forward and progress our discussions for the long term benefit of all concerned.
“We can now continue to develop our tripartite arrangements with our colleagues at Inverclyde Council and with Scottish Government to prepare the way and the detail for this transparent non-discriminatory public tender.”
The European Commission’s full statement can be accessed at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1598&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
The Commission has found that public financing for the operation of ferry services in Scotland is compatible with state aid rules.
However, this decision is subject to the condition that national authorities launch a transparent and non-discriminatory public tender for the operation of the Gourock-Dunoon route.
“This is something over which I have personally campaigned for 10 years, so I am obviously delighted with the outcome of the investigation,” Councillor Walsh said.
“This is a victory not just for common sense but for Argyll and Bute as a whole - and in particular for those people who live in, work in or visit the Cowal peninsula.
“Argyll and Bute Council has long argued that it is competent within the European state aid rules to tender the Gourock-Dunoon route for vehicles and passengers in a transparent, non-discriminatory way.
“I have personally driven the discussions on this issue – visiting the European Commission on two occasions to press home the competence of developing a tender for the route, as well as being instrumental in the Commission coming to Scotland last year.
“The communities in both Cowal and Inverclyde have been awaiting an outcome which will enable the town centre to town centre service to continue.
“It is my hope that this positive news will be embraced by all within our community, and that together we can go forward and progress our discussions for the long term benefit of all concerned.
“We can now continue to develop our tripartite arrangements with our colleagues at Inverclyde Council and with Scottish Government to prepare the way and the detail for this transparent non-discriminatory public tender.”
The European Commission’s full statement can be accessed at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1598&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con) on Marine and Coastal Access Bill
: I refer members to my fishery interests in the members' register of interests.
As my friend John Scott indicated in his opening speech, we strongly welcome the Scottish Government's intention to consolidate current marine legislation. We believe that the Scottish Government's legislation must be complementary to the Marine and Coastal Access Bill that is going through Westminster. That is a crucial requirement, which ministers must recognise.
Scotland's marine environment is of huge importance to our country, especially my region of the Highlands and Islands. It is right that we take every possible step to protect and enhance our marine biosphere while recognising that people's livelihoods—and, thus, the future of many of our coastal communities—depend on sustainable utilisation of the marine resources. It is crucial that at all stages we involve key stakeholders, such as fishermen's associations and the representatives not only of conservation bodies but of the aquaculture and marine tourism sectors. They must all work together.
Given that many members have mentioned marine protected areas, I want to raise a connected issue that relates to a proposed special area of conservation that is of huge concern to my constituents. I refer to the proposal to establish a marine SAC around east Mingulay and the Sound of Barra, which has been mentioned already. After I secured a members' business debate on a similarly controversial proposal in a nearby area during the first session of the Parliament, the idea was dropped at that time. I seem to remember standing shoulder to shoulder with the well-known SNP councillor from Barra, Donald Manford, in opposition to that proposal. Local people had enormous—and, I think, genuine—fears that the SAC could remove their ability to make a living from what they and other independent organisations believed to be a sustainable fishery. Ministers rightly want decisions to be taken on the basis of science, but what happens when the constituents who have direct experience of conditions at sea question the accuracy of the science? What options are open to hard-pressed constituents who face the loss of income and livelihood?
I agree with the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee's stage 1 report, which recommends
"that provision be inserted into the Bill requiring the Scottish Ministers, when drawing up a marine conservation order for an MPA ... to have regard ... to social and economic factors",
which are the factors that affect people. That is a crucial point. I would also be interested to hear what lessons ministers believe they have learned from their experience of SACs that will improve the consultation on, and implementation of, MPAs.
On the issue of seals, which other members have mentioned, let me repeat the comments that I made in the aquaculture debate. No one wants to see such beautiful mammals culled unnecessarily, but we need to respond to the fact that each year approximately 20,000 to 30,000 seal attacks take place on Scottish salmon farms. Last year, the industry admits that it was forced to shoot 489 seals—the estimated figure from some lobbying groups has perhaps been exaggerated. Although the industry makes it clear that it wants to bring down that number by making significant investment in more sophisticated acoustic deterrents, it maintains that, from time to time, as a last resort, it needs to shoot persistent rogue seals that attack the nets.
Of course, there are also seal attacks on our valuable wild salmon. The welfare of the salmon must surely be considered as well as that of the seal, and we should also consider the welfare of the people whose jobs depend on the fish farms and the wild fisheries. I support the fact that the bill will allow the culling of seals but only in particular circumstances and under strict licensing.
On an issue of detail, aquaculture representatives have identified a small but, they believe, important technical omission from section 98(f) of the bill, where there is a need to insert a phrase that allows the humane killing of seals to protect the health and welfare of farmed fish, because that protection is a requirement on farmers under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
The minister will know that 58,000 young salmon escaped recently from a farm in Loch Striven in Argyll. That single escape, which was apparently caused by a hole in the net, is larger than all the escapes of last year, and it could be an ecological disaster for wild fish. The chief executive of the fish farm is quoted as saying:
"As the fish are very small and young, it is unlikely they would survive in the wild."
However, what will happen if some of them do survive and they breed with the wild fish? They will surely introduce a weaker strain to our wild stock, which is already under pressure, as we have seen from the poor runs this year. Roger Brook of Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland said:
"This is yet more proof that escapes, both major and minor, will persist until such time as the companies put the necessary resources into robust equipment and training ... If the cages are located in open waters to which the natural wildlife ... has access, then they must be capable of withstanding any attack."
Jon Gibb of the Lochaber district salmon fishery board, said:
"After 20 years of serial escapes, the industry has proven that it is incapable of containing its fish."
I know that fish farming is important to Scotland, but it is also important that a proper code of good practice is law and that lessons are learned from the infectious salmon anaemia crisis in Shetland, which almost wiped out our indigenous salmon and smolt production industry. That industry is equally important to many of my constituents. It is vital that a code of good practice is followed and there should be severe penalties for any fish farmer who breaks it. Why should a few spoil the reputation of a good industry?
On the subject of aquaculture, one other concern that industry representatives have put to me is that the bill proposes to introduce a universal licensing system for all marine activities except aquaculture. Why? There are worries that the proposal will result in additional complexit and inconsistency. Thank you, Presiding Officer.
As my friend John Scott indicated in his opening speech, we strongly welcome the Scottish Government's intention to consolidate current marine legislation. We believe that the Scottish Government's legislation must be complementary to the Marine and Coastal Access Bill that is going through Westminster. That is a crucial requirement, which ministers must recognise.
Scotland's marine environment is of huge importance to our country, especially my region of the Highlands and Islands. It is right that we take every possible step to protect and enhance our marine biosphere while recognising that people's livelihoods—and, thus, the future of many of our coastal communities—depend on sustainable utilisation of the marine resources. It is crucial that at all stages we involve key stakeholders, such as fishermen's associations and the representatives not only of conservation bodies but of the aquaculture and marine tourism sectors. They must all work together.
Given that many members have mentioned marine protected areas, I want to raise a connected issue that relates to a proposed special area of conservation that is of huge concern to my constituents. I refer to the proposal to establish a marine SAC around east Mingulay and the Sound of Barra, which has been mentioned already. After I secured a members' business debate on a similarly controversial proposal in a nearby area during the first session of the Parliament, the idea was dropped at that time. I seem to remember standing shoulder to shoulder with the well-known SNP councillor from Barra, Donald Manford, in opposition to that proposal. Local people had enormous—and, I think, genuine—fears that the SAC could remove their ability to make a living from what they and other independent organisations believed to be a sustainable fishery. Ministers rightly want decisions to be taken on the basis of science, but what happens when the constituents who have direct experience of conditions at sea question the accuracy of the science? What options are open to hard-pressed constituents who face the loss of income and livelihood?
I agree with the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee's stage 1 report, which recommends
"that provision be inserted into the Bill requiring the Scottish Ministers, when drawing up a marine conservation order for an MPA ... to have regard ... to social and economic factors",
which are the factors that affect people. That is a crucial point. I would also be interested to hear what lessons ministers believe they have learned from their experience of SACs that will improve the consultation on, and implementation of, MPAs.
On the issue of seals, which other members have mentioned, let me repeat the comments that I made in the aquaculture debate. No one wants to see such beautiful mammals culled unnecessarily, but we need to respond to the fact that each year approximately 20,000 to 30,000 seal attacks take place on Scottish salmon farms. Last year, the industry admits that it was forced to shoot 489 seals—the estimated figure from some lobbying groups has perhaps been exaggerated. Although the industry makes it clear that it wants to bring down that number by making significant investment in more sophisticated acoustic deterrents, it maintains that, from time to time, as a last resort, it needs to shoot persistent rogue seals that attack the nets.
Of course, there are also seal attacks on our valuable wild salmon. The welfare of the salmon must surely be considered as well as that of the seal, and we should also consider the welfare of the people whose jobs depend on the fish farms and the wild fisheries. I support the fact that the bill will allow the culling of seals but only in particular circumstances and under strict licensing.
On an issue of detail, aquaculture representatives have identified a small but, they believe, important technical omission from section 98(f) of the bill, where there is a need to insert a phrase that allows the humane killing of seals to protect the health and welfare of farmed fish, because that protection is a requirement on farmers under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
The minister will know that 58,000 young salmon escaped recently from a farm in Loch Striven in Argyll. That single escape, which was apparently caused by a hole in the net, is larger than all the escapes of last year, and it could be an ecological disaster for wild fish. The chief executive of the fish farm is quoted as saying:
"As the fish are very small and young, it is unlikely they would survive in the wild."
However, what will happen if some of them do survive and they breed with the wild fish? They will surely introduce a weaker strain to our wild stock, which is already under pressure, as we have seen from the poor runs this year. Roger Brook of Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland said:
"This is yet more proof that escapes, both major and minor, will persist until such time as the companies put the necessary resources into robust equipment and training ... If the cages are located in open waters to which the natural wildlife ... has access, then they must be capable of withstanding any attack."
Jon Gibb of the Lochaber district salmon fishery board, said:
"After 20 years of serial escapes, the industry has proven that it is incapable of containing its fish."
I know that fish farming is important to Scotland, but it is also important that a proper code of good practice is law and that lessons are learned from the infectious salmon anaemia crisis in Shetland, which almost wiped out our indigenous salmon and smolt production industry. That industry is equally important to many of my constituents. It is vital that a code of good practice is followed and there should be severe penalties for any fish farmer who breaks it. Why should a few spoil the reputation of a good industry?
On the subject of aquaculture, one other concern that industry representatives have put to me is that the bill proposes to introduce a universal licensing system for all marine activities except aquaculture. Why? There are worries that the proposal will result in additional complexit and inconsistency. Thank you, Presiding Officer.
MATHER WELCOMES APPRENTICE INCENTIVE SCHEME
The news that Scottish businesses are to be offered a £2,000 incentive to recruit an apprentice has been welcomed by Jim Mather, MSP, Argyll & Bute
Small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors will be given a £2000 financial incentive by the Scottish Government to take on a new apprentice.
Jim Mather said;
"The 'Invest in an Apprentice' scheme is yet one more example of the Scottish Government determination to doing everything possible to help people in this current economic climate and ScotAction is the Scottish Government's skills support package for providing real financial support to businesses and individuals through the recession.
Apprentices are a vital component for Scotland's economic recovery and I hope small and medium sized businesses in Argyll & Bute will take advantage of this Scottish Government and European Social Fund incentive of £2,000 to take on a new 16-19 year old apprentice.
This scheme reinforces the Scottish Government's action to support Modern Apprenticeships and demonstrates that the SNP is delivering practical help to grow businesses, create jobs and support employment.
We have a long tradition in Scotland of encouraging apprenticeships and I would emphasise that taking an apprentice on will benefit, not only small and medium sized businesses, but also offer opportunities to the young people within our communities".
Small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors will be given a £2000 financial incentive by the Scottish Government to take on a new apprentice.
Jim Mather said;
"The 'Invest in an Apprentice' scheme is yet one more example of the Scottish Government determination to doing everything possible to help people in this current economic climate and ScotAction is the Scottish Government's skills support package for providing real financial support to businesses and individuals through the recession.
Apprentices are a vital component for Scotland's economic recovery and I hope small and medium sized businesses in Argyll & Bute will take advantage of this Scottish Government and European Social Fund incentive of £2,000 to take on a new 16-19 year old apprentice.
This scheme reinforces the Scottish Government's action to support Modern Apprenticeships and demonstrates that the SNP is delivering practical help to grow businesses, create jobs and support employment.
We have a long tradition in Scotland of encouraging apprenticeships and I would emphasise that taking an apprentice on will benefit, not only small and medium sized businesses, but also offer opportunities to the young people within our communities".
ARGYLL AND BUTE TRIUMPHS IN NATIONAL TRANSPORT AWARDS
An innovative interactive project designed by Argyll and Bute Council to make cycling theory fun for primary pupils has won a major national award.
The iCycle scheme uses new technology in the form of classroom whiteboards and laptops to deliver a fun, exciting and informative cycle safety programme to individuals, groups or whole classes.
The project scooped the Excellence in Technology and Innovation category at the prestigious Scottish Transport Awards 2009 at glittering ceremony at Glasgow’s Radisson Hotel last night.
The awards recognise and celebrate achievements in the transport sector across Scotland.
Argyll and Bute’s Road Safety Section has already won praise for the high standard of practical cycle training given to children at all 80 primary schools in the area, as part of the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme (SCTS) developed by Road Safety Scotland.
SCTS introduces children aged 10-12 to basic cycling skills, and aims to give them the knowledge necessary to be competent and safe cyclists.
The iCycle idea was born when the Council’s Road Safety Section turned its attention to how best boost children’s theoretical knowledge of road safety issues.
Previously, schools had taught theory in different ways, ranging from setting homework tasks to teaching it in class.
After consulting a sample of teachers, if became clear there was a need for a Council-wide resource to stimulate pupils’ interest and be flexible enough to be used by a whole class or an individual.
The Council then approached Promethean – a global leader in interactive education technology – to help facilitate an inventive solution using the ActivBoards already present in many classrooms across the region.
The following themes were identified as being the most important for young cyclists:
Cycle maintenance
Equipment
Manoevures
Road position
Priority at junctions
Observation
Signs and road markings
Hazards for cyclists
The Road Safety Section then asked teachers with excellent working knowledge of the ActivBoard software ActivInspire to suggest flipchart-type screens covering these themes.
The resulting iCycle programme was then piloted in classes which had previously undertaken cycle training – in some cases as whole class activities, and in others as exercises with the children working alone on laptops. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, both from teachers and pupils.
Among the comments returned by the pupils were: “It sticks in your brain more than reading because you’re actually doing it” and “It was a more interesting way to learn”. They particularly enjoyed the game-type activities incorporated into the scheme such as a timed road signs quiz.
The completed flipcharts now are available to download free from Promethean Planet (www.prometheanplanet.com) , a global on-line community for everyone involved in education.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, spokesperson for Transportation and Infrastructure, said: “ I am obviously thrilled this project has won such a prestigious award.
“We in Argyll and Bute know how good it is because we’ve seen it in action, but it is very rewarding to discover that such a high profile judging panel agrees with us!
“I’m delighted not just that every teacher and pupil in Argyll and Bute has access to iCycle, but that our road safety colleagues across Scotland and beyond have as well.
“We believe we have identified and filled a gap in road safety educational resources in an extremely innovative way, using the latest technology.
“We have given teachers and pupils a resource which is fun and easy to use, while at the same time providing the key information necessary to become a competent and knowledgeable cyclist.
“I congratulate everyone involved in making iCycle a reality. They thoroughly deserve the recognition they received last night.”
The iCycle scheme uses new technology in the form of classroom whiteboards and laptops to deliver a fun, exciting and informative cycle safety programme to individuals, groups or whole classes.
The project scooped the Excellence in Technology and Innovation category at the prestigious Scottish Transport Awards 2009 at glittering ceremony at Glasgow’s Radisson Hotel last night.
The awards recognise and celebrate achievements in the transport sector across Scotland.
Argyll and Bute’s Road Safety Section has already won praise for the high standard of practical cycle training given to children at all 80 primary schools in the area, as part of the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme (SCTS) developed by Road Safety Scotland.
SCTS introduces children aged 10-12 to basic cycling skills, and aims to give them the knowledge necessary to be competent and safe cyclists.
The iCycle idea was born when the Council’s Road Safety Section turned its attention to how best boost children’s theoretical knowledge of road safety issues.
Previously, schools had taught theory in different ways, ranging from setting homework tasks to teaching it in class.
After consulting a sample of teachers, if became clear there was a need for a Council-wide resource to stimulate pupils’ interest and be flexible enough to be used by a whole class or an individual.
The Council then approached Promethean – a global leader in interactive education technology – to help facilitate an inventive solution using the ActivBoards already present in many classrooms across the region.
The following themes were identified as being the most important for young cyclists:
Cycle maintenance
Equipment
Manoevures
Road position
Priority at junctions
Observation
Signs and road markings
Hazards for cyclists
The Road Safety Section then asked teachers with excellent working knowledge of the ActivBoard software ActivInspire to suggest flipchart-type screens covering these themes.
The resulting iCycle programme was then piloted in classes which had previously undertaken cycle training – in some cases as whole class activities, and in others as exercises with the children working alone on laptops. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, both from teachers and pupils.
Among the comments returned by the pupils were: “It sticks in your brain more than reading because you’re actually doing it” and “It was a more interesting way to learn”. They particularly enjoyed the game-type activities incorporated into the scheme such as a timed road signs quiz.
The completed flipcharts now are available to download free from Promethean Planet (www.prometheanplanet.com) , a global on-line community for everyone involved in education.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, spokesperson for Transportation and Infrastructure, said: “ I am obviously thrilled this project has won such a prestigious award.
“We in Argyll and Bute know how good it is because we’ve seen it in action, but it is very rewarding to discover that such a high profile judging panel agrees with us!
“I’m delighted not just that every teacher and pupil in Argyll and Bute has access to iCycle, but that our road safety colleagues across Scotland and beyond have as well.
“We believe we have identified and filled a gap in road safety educational resources in an extremely innovative way, using the latest technology.
“We have given teachers and pupils a resource which is fun and easy to use, while at the same time providing the key information necessary to become a competent and knowledgeable cyclist.
“I congratulate everyone involved in making iCycle a reality. They thoroughly deserve the recognition they received last night.”
HIE "supporting businesses towards economic recovery"
Business and community groups across the Highlands and Islands are making use of a number of initiatives offered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
As part of the third update of the Scottish Government Economic Recovery Plan, HIE has this week highlighted a number of proven initiatives which are available in the area.
HIE's acting chief executive Sandy Brady said: "Business and community groups across the Highlands and Islands are finding the current economic climate challenging but many are also taking advantage of the opportunities which are arising. Through the economic recovery plan and initiatives which HIE already runs, we are helping people to identify these opportunities and make the most of them".
"Our business master class and virtual conference programme continues to be a huge success, focusing on issues identified by the business community as being of particular relevance to them. Two virtual conferences have already been held attracting a total of 332 live viewings and nearly 9000 downloads. A further conference is already being planned", he continued.
A number of other initiatives are also available, including tailored support for social enterprises through Business Gateway and HIE's contract with Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise Zone (HISEZ). This provides support for social enterprises to identify potential opportunities to provide lifeline facilities and services in rural communities which may be at risk as a result of the current economic climate.
HIE continues to be active in helping firms to access finance. Sandy Brady continues, "In the current economic climate, businesses must work harder to attract funding, whether by share investment, loans or overdrafts. Making a professional pitch to prospective funders is essential. HIE already provides support to growth businesses seeking to prepare funding proposals and this will continue."
HIE will also continue to invest in projects and sectors which have the potential to transform local and regional economies, for example renewable energy, UHI and the Kintyre Action Plan.
As part of the third update of the Scottish Government Economic Recovery Plan, HIE has this week highlighted a number of proven initiatives which are available in the area.
HIE's acting chief executive Sandy Brady said: "Business and community groups across the Highlands and Islands are finding the current economic climate challenging but many are also taking advantage of the opportunities which are arising. Through the economic recovery plan and initiatives which HIE already runs, we are helping people to identify these opportunities and make the most of them".
"Our business master class and virtual conference programme continues to be a huge success, focusing on issues identified by the business community as being of particular relevance to them. Two virtual conferences have already been held attracting a total of 332 live viewings and nearly 9000 downloads. A further conference is already being planned", he continued.
A number of other initiatives are also available, including tailored support for social enterprises through Business Gateway and HIE's contract with Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise Zone (HISEZ). This provides support for social enterprises to identify potential opportunities to provide lifeline facilities and services in rural communities which may be at risk as a result of the current economic climate.
HIE continues to be active in helping firms to access finance. Sandy Brady continues, "In the current economic climate, businesses must work harder to attract funding, whether by share investment, loans or overdrafts. Making a professional pitch to prospective funders is essential. HIE already provides support to growth businesses seeking to prepare funding proposals and this will continue."
HIE will also continue to invest in projects and sectors which have the potential to transform local and regional economies, for example renewable energy, UHI and the Kintyre Action Plan.
BBC ALBA GOES ON THE ROAD WITH ONE OF SCOTLAND’S TOP RALLY DRIVERS
AIR AN RATHAD SERIES TWO: ON THE ROAD
Wednesday 4 November, 10pm, BBC ALBA
This Autumn, highly successful rally driver, Calum Iain Mackenzie joins the team of Scotland’s very own car series, Air an Rathad (On the Road) as it comes back to our screens on BBC ALBA.
Originally from Uig on Lewis, Calum Iain now hails from Inverurie. Keen eyed viewers from series one will recognise him as the show’s resident mechanic. This year however, he steps up to the mark as a presenter, interviewing his heroes at Goodwood, reviewing the latest cars, auto-testing and even racing a cartie down Cairngorm.
Commenting on his role, in the new eight part series Calum Iain said: “The highlight was definitely meeting Kris Meeke, current IRC (International Rally Challenge) winner, who is a real hero of mine. The low was flipping my own car during Rally Hebrides, not the finish I was after.”
Calum Iain Mackenzie joins regular presenters Fiona Mackenzie, Murray Macleod and Louise Maclean in an action packed new series, starting on November 4th, at 10.00pm, on BBC ALBA.
Air an Rathad is produced by Eyeline Media for BBC ALBA.
Wednesday 4 November, 10pm, BBC ALBA
This Autumn, highly successful rally driver, Calum Iain Mackenzie joins the team of Scotland’s very own car series, Air an Rathad (On the Road) as it comes back to our screens on BBC ALBA.
Originally from Uig on Lewis, Calum Iain now hails from Inverurie. Keen eyed viewers from series one will recognise him as the show’s resident mechanic. This year however, he steps up to the mark as a presenter, interviewing his heroes at Goodwood, reviewing the latest cars, auto-testing and even racing a cartie down Cairngorm.
Commenting on his role, in the new eight part series Calum Iain said: “The highlight was definitely meeting Kris Meeke, current IRC (International Rally Challenge) winner, who is a real hero of mine. The low was flipping my own car during Rally Hebrides, not the finish I was after.”
Calum Iain Mackenzie joins regular presenters Fiona Mackenzie, Murray Macleod and Louise Maclean in an action packed new series, starting on November 4th, at 10.00pm, on BBC ALBA.
Air an Rathad is produced by Eyeline Media for BBC ALBA.
MATHER ENCOURAGES USE OF SCOTTISH HISTORY RESOURCE
Jim Mather Argyll & Bute MSP, welcomes the new online portal
which raises the profile of Scotland's history both at home and abroad.
Scotland's History Online is freely available enabling pupils, teachers
and the wider public to access a wealth of information about Scotland's
past. With more than 200 topics that include links to over 1,000 other
online sources and a wide range of interactive supporting materials
including games, video clips, photos, illustrations, maps, downloads and
archive materials. The resource is structured by time periods: Early
People (Prehistoric); Caledonians, Picts, Britons and Romans (Ancient);
Wars of Independence (Medieval); Medieval life (Medieval); Renaissance,
Mary Queen of Scots and the Reformation (Early Modern); Union of the
Crowns to Union of Parliaments (Early Modern); Jacobites, the Clearances
and Enlightenment (Early Modern); Making of Industrial and urban
Scotland (Modern); and Scotland in the 20th and 21st centuries (Modern.)
www.Itscotland.org.uk/scotlandshistory
Jim Mather said:
"This is an exciting site and well worth viewing. My colleague,
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop, is
to be congratulated on initiating this innovative resource and, judging
by the feed-back I have received, it is already a hit, proving to be
fascinating piece of work, it will grow and become wonderfully
addictive.
During the Year of Homecoming and beyond Scotland's History
Online will stimulate interest in our past, present and future. This
site is an outstanding resource for pupils and teachers (integrated to
the new Curriculum for Excellence), it will also help inform all Scots -
at home and abroad - and everyone who shares an interest in learning
about our country."
which raises the profile of Scotland's history both at home and abroad.
Scotland's History Online is freely available enabling pupils, teachers
and the wider public to access a wealth of information about Scotland's
past. With more than 200 topics that include links to over 1,000 other
online sources and a wide range of interactive supporting materials
including games, video clips, photos, illustrations, maps, downloads and
archive materials. The resource is structured by time periods: Early
People (Prehistoric); Caledonians, Picts, Britons and Romans (Ancient);
Wars of Independence (Medieval); Medieval life (Medieval); Renaissance,
Mary Queen of Scots and the Reformation (Early Modern); Union of the
Crowns to Union of Parliaments (Early Modern); Jacobites, the Clearances
and Enlightenment (Early Modern); Making of Industrial and urban
Scotland (Modern); and Scotland in the 20th and 21st centuries (Modern.)
www.Itscotland.org.uk/scotlandshistory
Jim Mather said:
"This is an exciting site and well worth viewing. My colleague,
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop, is
to be congratulated on initiating this innovative resource and, judging
by the feed-back I have received, it is already a hit, proving to be
fascinating piece of work, it will grow and become wonderfully
addictive.
During the Year of Homecoming and beyond Scotland's History
Online will stimulate interest in our past, present and future. This
site is an outstanding resource for pupils and teachers (integrated to
the new Curriculum for Excellence), it will also help inform all Scots -
at home and abroad - and everyone who shares an interest in learning
about our country."
BBC ALBA Programme Highlights
Date: Saturday, 14 November – Friday, 20 November 2009
Title: Clach Mhìle – Architecture
First programme in this new five-part series, exploring contemporary Scottish build and design, its heritage and current resurgence. We celebrate with leading architects at the Inverness Architectural Awards and meet two families embarking on their own build journeys to create their dream home.
Transmitted: Monday 16th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Cuide Ri Cathy
Cathy MacDonald gets some first class cooking tips and a glimpse into one of Scotland's top kitchens from Michelin award winning chef, Martin Wishart.
Transmitted: Monday 16th November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Eorpa – European current affairs
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 18th November 2009
Time: 20:30
Title: Creachadh na Clarsaich – Derick Thomson
A documentary on the poetry of Derick Thomson, the renowned Gaelic poet. No other modern Gaelic writer has given as sustained and perceptive a picture of the multi-faceted world of Gaeldom. Born in Lewis he has spent most of his adult life on mainland Scotland. This programme filmed in the year 2000 sets out to allow something of his lifetime's poetry to speak for itself, with no less than twenty full poems being read by the author. The poet also speaks of the influences on his poetry, and reflects on the Gaelic society with which they deal, and on elements within it, such as the role of the Gaelic language, and associated institutions such as the school and the church.
Transmitted: Thursday 19th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Ealtainn
Having established herself as a couturier at international level and being asked to design a dress for the Queen, Lewis-born Sandra Murray is putting highland fashion firmly on the map. We follow the designer as she travels to Cannes and Paris for material and exhibits her one-off dresses at a showcase in Skibo Castle.
Transmitted: Friday 20th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Clach Mhìle – Architecture
First programme in this new five-part series, exploring contemporary Scottish build and design, its heritage and current resurgence. We celebrate with leading architects at the Inverness Architectural Awards and meet two families embarking on their own build journeys to create their dream home.
Transmitted: Monday 16th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Cuide Ri Cathy
Cathy MacDonald gets some first class cooking tips and a glimpse into one of Scotland's top kitchens from Michelin award winning chef, Martin Wishart.
Transmitted: Monday 16th November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Eorpa – European current affairs
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 18th November 2009
Time: 20:30
Title: Creachadh na Clarsaich – Derick Thomson
A documentary on the poetry of Derick Thomson, the renowned Gaelic poet. No other modern Gaelic writer has given as sustained and perceptive a picture of the multi-faceted world of Gaeldom. Born in Lewis he has spent most of his adult life on mainland Scotland. This programme filmed in the year 2000 sets out to allow something of his lifetime's poetry to speak for itself, with no less than twenty full poems being read by the author. The poet also speaks of the influences on his poetry, and reflects on the Gaelic society with which they deal, and on elements within it, such as the role of the Gaelic language, and associated institutions such as the school and the church.
Transmitted: Thursday 19th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Ealtainn
Having established herself as a couturier at international level and being asked to design a dress for the Queen, Lewis-born Sandra Murray is putting highland fashion firmly on the map. We follow the designer as she travels to Cannes and Paris for material and exhibits her one-off dresses at a showcase in Skibo Castle.
Transmitted: Friday 20th November 2009
Time: 21:00
ARGYLL AND BUTE’S UNEMPLOYED BUILD FOR THE FUTURE
Unemployed people in the Oban and Lorn area are benefitting from a project to construct a scale model of a Caledonian MacBrayne ferry.
The two year project, which started on April 1 this year, is giving six months’ employment to approximately 30 local people who are out of work.
The group, overseen by Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team, is already well advanced in its bid to construct a 1:30 scale model of Caledonian MacBrayne’s ‘Isle of Mull’ ferry.
The impressive model is 3.3 metres (roughly 11 feet) long, and it is hoped it will have 21 moving parts once it is completed. Its finished weight will be some 300lbs.
The vessel, which will be fully radio-controlled, is being constructed in fibreglass and will be powered by two engines with an output of 250-300 Watts - similar to that of two Sinclair C5 motors.
Once completed, the boat will be handed over to Caledonian MacBrayne who will use it at Trade Shows and other high profile events.
The project is being part-funded by the European Social Fund.
It also involves a local primary school, as the P4 pupils of Taynuilt Primary have designed its logo.
The logo is currently being embroidered onto polo shirts, which will be distributed to those directly involved in the project.
Taynuilt Primary is also putting together calendars for both 2010 and 2011. In addition, the Employability Team is also sending the class down to the Glasgow Transport Museum to look at the history of the island ferries.
Caledonian MacBrayne has supplied the project with a set of scale drawings and endless technical advice.
The ferry operator has also given the children who took part in the logo competition a day out on the ferry with a visit to the Bridge deck to meet the Master.
The Team will shortly be erecting a progress board in Caledonian MacBrayne’s Passenger Terminal in Oban, which will chart the progress of the model along with the participating partners.
One of those working on the project is 25 year old Peter MacLean, who has been unemployed for 18 months.
“It’s been a really exciting experience, and I’ve learnt some amazing new skills and techniques,” he said.
“Working on this project from the drawing stage has given me a lot of self satisfaction and self belief. It’s great to see something of this size come to life from a piece of paper, and I’m looking forward to learning further skills as the project progresses”.
Councillor Robert Macintyre, Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson for Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: “The Employability Team is renowned for its innovative, exciting approaches to helping meet the challenge of unemployment, and this project is a great example of that.
“The model already looks as if it is being constructed by professionals, and I know the Team is delighted by the way it is progressing.
“I congratulate those people who have been involved so far, who have demonstrated great skill and commitment, and everyone is looking forward to seeing the model progress towards completion over the next year or so.”
The two year project, which started on April 1 this year, is giving six months’ employment to approximately 30 local people who are out of work.
The group, overseen by Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team, is already well advanced in its bid to construct a 1:30 scale model of Caledonian MacBrayne’s ‘Isle of Mull’ ferry.
The impressive model is 3.3 metres (roughly 11 feet) long, and it is hoped it will have 21 moving parts once it is completed. Its finished weight will be some 300lbs.
The vessel, which will be fully radio-controlled, is being constructed in fibreglass and will be powered by two engines with an output of 250-300 Watts - similar to that of two Sinclair C5 motors.
Once completed, the boat will be handed over to Caledonian MacBrayne who will use it at Trade Shows and other high profile events.
The project is being part-funded by the European Social Fund.
It also involves a local primary school, as the P4 pupils of Taynuilt Primary have designed its logo.
The logo is currently being embroidered onto polo shirts, which will be distributed to those directly involved in the project.
Taynuilt Primary is also putting together calendars for both 2010 and 2011. In addition, the Employability Team is also sending the class down to the Glasgow Transport Museum to look at the history of the island ferries.
Caledonian MacBrayne has supplied the project with a set of scale drawings and endless technical advice.
The ferry operator has also given the children who took part in the logo competition a day out on the ferry with a visit to the Bridge deck to meet the Master.
The Team will shortly be erecting a progress board in Caledonian MacBrayne’s Passenger Terminal in Oban, which will chart the progress of the model along with the participating partners.
One of those working on the project is 25 year old Peter MacLean, who has been unemployed for 18 months.
“It’s been a really exciting experience, and I’ve learnt some amazing new skills and techniques,” he said.
“Working on this project from the drawing stage has given me a lot of self satisfaction and self belief. It’s great to see something of this size come to life from a piece of paper, and I’m looking forward to learning further skills as the project progresses”.
Councillor Robert Macintyre, Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson for Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: “The Employability Team is renowned for its innovative, exciting approaches to helping meet the challenge of unemployment, and this project is a great example of that.
“The model already looks as if it is being constructed by professionals, and I know the Team is delighted by the way it is progressing.
“I congratulate those people who have been involved so far, who have demonstrated great skill and commitment, and everyone is looking forward to seeing the model progress towards completion over the next year or so.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
