Argyll & Bute CARE PROVIDER CALLS ON SOCIETY TO END ‘PREJUDICE AGAINST OLDER PEOPLE’ AT HOUSE OF LORDS COMMITTEE

Dr Chai Patel CBE FRCP, Chairman of HC-One – the UK’s third largest care home operator, which runs the Kintyre care home in Campbeltown – today gave evidence to the House of Lords calling for a fundamental shift in the way society thinks about social care for the elderly, and the introduction of care ‘navigators’ to help guide the elderly to the support services they need. Dr Chai Patel appeared before the House of Lords Public Service and Demographic Change Select Committee as an expert witness in health and the provision of social care in the community. Giving evidence alongside David Behan, Chief Executive, Care Quality Commission, Dr. Jennifer Dixon, Director, Nuffield Trust and Professor Christ Ham, Chief Executive, The King’s Fund, Dr Patel called on the Government to look at the success of new partnerships being forged between the private sector and charities to deliver kinder care. Dr Chai Patel, Chairman HC-One, said: “One year, one month and eighteen days ago, I became Chairman of HC-One – a company we formed in just 94 days following the collapse of Southern Cross, which threatened to leave thousands of vulnerable elderly people without a home. “Today we care for over 10,000 elderly residents in over 230 homes with a kind and dedicated staff team comprising over 14,000 people. Our goal is to run the kindest care homes in the country. “It is my strong and personally held belief that we have what amounts to a prejudice against older people in this country. This prejudice exists in society at large, and is seen in the public resources and policies affecting older people. We would never treat children as we treat old people in society.” Speaking about the challenges facing the social care funding system, Dr Chai Patel said: “All large systems have barriers in them. It’s the nature of the beast. We need to fundamentally change the attitudes within the system. “Many vulnerable elderly people are unable to make choices and there is nobody expert on their side. We need ‘navigators’ in the social care system to help guide service users and ensure they get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. “Technology can act as a catalyst for change within the system we have now. There are fantastic innovations taking place in nutrition, medication and dementia. There is really interesting work around life history and working with grandchildren. All of these are part of the progressive development of care services. “The independent sector is small, agile and can be pushy so is well placed to find solutions to problems encountered on a daily basis, while we wait for major reforms to come through. Right now HC-One is working with Macmillan to provide training to our staff to assist people in their last weeks of life, therefore easing the burden on the NHS. Partnerships like these are the way forward.” Speaking after the Committee, Chai Patel said: “Their Lordships have important issues to grapple with. I was pleased that HC-One had the opportunity to contribute to their work and I look forward to their report and an on-going debate about how we care for our elderly citizens now and in the future.” Working with Alzheimer’s Society and the Department of Health, HC-One has developed a new training programme to introduce patient centred dementia care treatments which track a patient’s progress and reduce the need for antipsychotic drugs. HC-One’s Touch training program allows care workers to top up their knowledge and gain more expertise through online interactive modules. Innovative ideas like these are part of HC-One’s journey to provide the kindest care.

BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 22 December – Friday 28 December 2012 / Saturday 29 December 2012 – Friday 4 January 2013

Title: Pupadaidh as t-Fhoghar / Poopety in the Fall When Autumn arrives, the town of Balthazarville falls silent as Bonifacio the mischievous storyteller disappears. Pupadaidh and his friends go on a quest to find the rouge, a journey that takes them to the belly of the earth where the meet a whale who has very special stories of her own to tell.. Transmitted: Saturday 22 December Time: 5.00 – 5.30pm Title: SPL – Celtic v Ross County The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Celtic host Ross County at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Transmitted: Saturday 22 December Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm Title: Spors na Bliadhna / Sports Review 2012 A look back at a memorable sporting year including the London Olympics, tennis, shinty, rugby, football and much more. Transmitted: Saturday 22 December Time: 7.30 – 8.30pm Title: Belladrum 2012 Highlights: Cridhe Tartan Highlights from the Belladrum 2012: Tartan Heart Festival including Vintage Trouble, The South & We are Scientists. Transmitted: Saturday 22 December Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm Title: Deasbad na Bliadhna / 2012 News Debate A debate on some of the most important stories, locally, nationally, and internationally which took place over the past year, with Iain MacLean, Hugh Dan MacLennan, Anna MacLeod and Murray MacLeod. Transmitted: Sunday 23 December Time: 7.30 – 8.00pm Title: A’ Nollaig aig Peppa / Peppa’s Christmas It's Christmas Eve and Peppa and George are busy posting their letters to Santa Claus. Peppa would like a yoyo and George wants a train set, but 'oh dear' poor Santa has lost his list! However everything turns out for the best and the family spend a very Happy Christmas in front of their huge big tree. Transmitted: Monday 24 December Time: 5.00 – 5.10pm Title: Seo am Pleana/Island Flying This year one of the world's most unique air services, Loganair, celebrates 50years in business. Kirkwall based pilot Stuart Linklater's daily flights are only minutes long. Pilot Mairi Nicholson's favourite runway is fine shell-sand, and baggage handler Shonnie Mackay can expect anything at Benbecula Airport. Transmitted: Monday 24 December Time: 9.05 – 10.05pm Title: Dr Finlay’s Casebook Fifty years on, we join the young, newly graduated Finlay, as embarks on his medical career in Dr Cameron's Tannochbrae practice. In this special Christmas episode of the classic Scottish drama, Doctors Finlay, Cameron and Snoddy along with Janet all enter into the Christmas spirit! Transmitted: Monday 24 December Time: 10.05 – 11.00pm Title: Oidhche Naomh / Christmas Eve Service BBC ALBA's Christmas Eve service Oidhche Naomh comes from St Mary & St Finnan Church, Glenfinnan in Lochaber. The ecumenical celebration will feature soloists Margaret Ford and Robert Robertson along with youngsters from Lochaber Music School, Fèis Loch Abar and Mallaig High School Choir. The Kilmallie Singers and members of other churches throughout the area will join the local congregation in well-known Gaelic Carols. Transmitted: Monday 24 December Time: 11.00pm – 12.05am Title: Am Balach anns a’ Bhuilgean / Boy in the Bubble Rupert Shelley, is a ten year old boy who falls hopelessly in love for the first time ever. When it all goes horribly wrong, he wishes never to experience heartache again. Turning to a book of magic, he invokes a spell to shield him from emotion forever..... leaving him stuck in a bubble! Transmitted: Tuesday 25 December Time: 6.05 - 6.15pm Title: The Band From Rockall Calum and Rory Macdonald, Runrig songwriters share the very personal story of their first solo album project. Part video diary and part music performance, this is an intimate account of the making of the album and of the recording process, a journey which offers an insight into the creative inspiration for their song writing and the musical ethos behind the recording. Transmitted: Tuesday 25 December Time: 8.05 – 9.05pm Title: Rockettes Anne Lundon delves into the world of cheerleading following the glitz and glamour of Scotland's pro-dance team the Rockettes. Transmitted: Tuesday 25 December Time: 9.05 – 10.05pm Title: Daniel O’ Donnell: 30 Bliadhna de Cheol Celebrating 30 years in show business, Daniel O'Donnell performs a special concert with some surprise guests. Transmitted: Tuesday 25 December Time: 10.05 – 11.15pm Title: Soillse – Air Toir nan Ailbhean Molach / Mammoth Hunters Ever since the international ban on elephant hunting, Russia has cornered the market in ivory. But this ivory comes from mammoths; whose skeletons are constantly being discovered in the frozen earth of Siberia. A market estimated at 2.5 million dollars and whose central point is Hong Kong. Transmitted: Wednesday 26 December Time: 8.05 – 9.00pm Title: Celtic Chicago Kathleen MacInnes takes in Chicago with a host of musical pals as the Celtic Connections Festival arrives in the U.S. Transmitted: Wednesday 26 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Cuirm @ Celtic: Chicago Kathleen MacInnes hosts a very special concert from the Harris Theatre, Chicago with a stellar cast including Julie Fowlis, Session A9 agus Admiral Fallow. Transmitted: Thursday 27 December Time: 8.55 – 9.00pm Title: Air An Rathad / On the Road Fiona is in the Cairngorms in search of the Abominable Snowman, helped in her quest by the Skoda Yeti. Murray is practising his handbrake turns in Ashaig as he takes part in the Skye Rally Club's Auto Test, and Cudig has the team reminiscing over days gone by as he shares this week's classic - the Bedford CA Van. Calum Iain has the scent of victory in Wacky Races, but will pride come before a fall? Tune in to this week's Air an Rathad to find out! Transmitted: Thursday 27 December Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm Title: Fear nam Miorbhail Animated feature recounting the life of Christ. Transmitted: Friday 28 December Time: 5.45 – 7.15pm Title: Na Trads / Scottish Traditional Music Awards 2012 Highlights Highlights from the Trad Awards, 2012. Onstage and behind-the-scenes with Mary Ann Kennedy, Tony Kearney and Linda MacLeod. Transmitted: Friday 28 December Time: 9.00 – 11.30pm Title: PRO12 Live Rugby – Edinburgh v Glasgow LIVE PRO12 rugby as Edinburgh host Glasgow in the all-important 1872 Cup decider. Transmitted: Saturday 29 December Time: 4.00 – 6.00pm Title: Scottish Premier League – Hibernian v Celtic The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibernian host Celtic at Easter Road, Edinburgh. Transmitted: Saturday 29 December Time: 6.00 – 8.00pm Title: Hebridean Celtic Music Festival – The Proclaimers Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have enjoyed huge success across the globe. Regularly gracing festival stages across the world, The Proclaimers return to the Hebrides with a 1-hour special of some of their best sets from Hebcelt 2012. Transmitted: Saturday 29 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Naidheachdan Araid na Bliadhna / Unusual News Stories of the Year Unusual News Stories of the Year: A selection of unusual, funny stories from the news over the past year. Transmitted: Sunday 30 December Time: 6.30 – 7.00pm Title: Air Chall ‘s Air Lorg / Lost and Found One day a boy finds a penguin on his doorstep. Although at first unsure what to do, the boy becomes determined to help the penguin find his way back home…even if that means rowing all the way to the South Pole! Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 5.00 – 5.30pm Title: About Britain: Isle of Skye In 1954, Richard Dimbleby and a BBC film crew visited the Isle of Skye to record an episode of the early British television series About Britain. In this programme he gives viewers across the United Kingdom an insight into life on the island, meeting local characters and gaining an understanding of the lifestyle and culture of islanders, as well as spending some time with the Skye Mountain Rescue team and with Dame Flora Macleod at Dunvegan Castle. This programme was originally broadcast in September 1954. Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 8.35 – 9.25pm Title: Barbara Dickson Documentary profile of the acclaimed actress and singer, Barbara Dickson, examines her career in interview and sing. Guest singers include Billy Connolly and Rab Noakes. Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 9.30 – 10.30pm Title: Ceol Dannsa Today’s Scottish country dance musicians pay tribute to the stars of yesteryear. John Carmichael presents a sensational evening of Scottish country dance music. Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 10.30 – 11.30pm Title: Ceilidh na Bliadhna’ Uire - Inbhirnis 2012/13 Hogmanay Ceilidh 2012, live from Achnagairn House, Kirkhill, by Beauly. Presented by Kirsteen MacDonald and Derek 'Pluto' Murray. Live music from… Mànran, Kathleen MacInnes, Calum Alex MacMillan, Rona Lightfoot, Duncan Chisholm and Dingwall Choir. We also join the Red Hot Highland Fling in Inverness for fireworks coverage and numbers from Skerryvore. Come and ceilidh on us! Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 11.30pm – 1.15am Title: An Drochaid : A Bridge Rising The epic, feel-good story of a modern rebellion. The campaign against the tolls on the Skye bridge pitted plucky Scottish islanders against the might of the Government and the Bank of America, over the building of a privately funded toll bridge which became the only way on or off the island. This film tells an untold, bittersweet story of passion, legal challenge and financial wrangling through the testimony of some of those who took part. Transmitted: Tuesday 1 January Time: 8.05 – 9.05pm Title: Machairazzi Machairazzi celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first ever Gaelic soap Machair. Members of the cast including Tony Kearney and Dolina MacLennan romp through some of the shows most compelling moments. Watch out for the celebrations and heartache, love and laughter, captivating characters, gripping stories and dramatic explosions. This trailblazing Gaelic soap has it all. Transmitted: Tuesday 1 January Time: 9.05 – 10.05pm Title: Dr Finlay’s Casebook: A Present From Father Fifty years since the first broadcasts of this classic Scottish drama, we join the newly graduated Dr Finlay as he embarks on his medical career working for Dr Cameron in his Tannochbrae practice. In this special Hogmanay episode, the ambitious and headstrong young Doctor Finlay, played by the dapper Bill Simpson, is faced with a unsettling dilemma which calls his professional judgement into question. But the stakes are high as a family fortune is at risk. Drs Cameron and Snoddy have their say and Janet offers her customary words of wisdom but Dr Finlay has the last word - or does he? Transmitted: Tuesday 1 January Time: 10.05pm Title: SPL Live - Ross County v Inverness Live SPL action as Ross County and Inverness face each other at Victoria Park, Dingwall, in the New Year derby. Transmitted: Wednesday 2 January Time: 3.00 – 5.00pm Title: Is Blath an Fhuil / The Blood is Strong Archive series looking at recent Gaelic history and emigration – episode one of three. Transmitted: Wednesday 2 January Time: 6.30 – 7.20pm Title: Soillse – Slighe gu Saorsa / Flight to Freedom This is the story of the biggest aerial translocation in the history of wildlife conservation world-wide. Over a period of six days, four ILL 76 flights were undertaken from South Africa to Angola. Sixteen elephants were captured in Tuli (Botswana), crated and transported by road to Louis Trichardt Air force base for their flight to Cabo Ledo, followed by giraffe, zebra and wildebeests. Transmitted: Wednesday 2 January Time: 9.05 – 10.00pm Title: Is Blath an Fhuil / The Blood is Strong Archive series looking at recent Gaelic history and emigration – episode two of three. Transmitted: Thursday 3 January Time: 6.35 – 7.30pm Title: Mod 2012 : Mod nan Coisirean Mary Ann Kennedy presents a selection of choral music from choirs who took part in the Lovat and Tullibardine competition at the recent Dunoon Mod. Also included are a range of winners from the rural choir competitions. Transmitted: Thursday 3 January Time: 8.55 – 9.55pm Title: Air an Rathad Old friend 'Rollover Roy' is competing in the Speyside Rally with a new car and a new navigator - can they keep the car upright this time? Fiona enjoys taking a furry friend for a spin in the new mini roadster, uber cool but a tad chilly for the Scottish climate! Cudig's final classic of the series is the Landrover, a reliable workhorse loved my millions; and it's a thrilling end to Wacky Races - if you think it's a done deal, think again! Transmitted: Thursday 3 January Time: 9.55 – 10.30pm Title: Is Blath an Fhuil / The Blood is Strong Archive series looking at recent Gaelic history and emigration – episode three of three. Transmitted: Friday 4 January Time: 6.25 – 7.20pm Title: PRO12 Live Rugby – Edinburgh v Leinster Live action with Edinburgh and Leinster in the RaboDirect Pro 12 competition. Transmitted: Friday 4 January Time: 7.30 – 9.25pm

NFUS LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED

There will be a new face in NFU Scotland’s Presidential team for its Centenary year but there will be no voting at the Union’s AGM at St Andrews in February 2013. The post of President, currently held by Nigel Miller, is open for election every two years. Nigel, having completed his first two years, is eligible to stand for a further two years as President and is the only nominee for the position. The two Vice-Presidential posts are both for one-year terms. The current NFUS Vice President Allan Bowie has been nominated, having been a Vice President since February 2009. The other Vice Presidential nominee is the Union’s Livestock Committee Chairman, Rob Livesey. He will replace John Picken, who stands down after 2 years in the role. Although there will be no voting, the formalities of having candidates proposed, seconded and elected will take place at the Union’s Council meeting on Tuesday 12 February 2013 at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, following the Union’s AGM and Centenary dinner the previous day. The Union’s council is a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 74 branches. A round of regional AGMs is scheduled for January 2013 and, with the agreement of regional boards, it is intended that the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates will attend these events. NFU Scotland Chief Executive, Scott Walker said: “NFU Scotland remains a lead organisation in Scottish agriculture because of the time and effort that those who hold office – whether at branch, region or national level – are prepared to put aside for their fellow farmers. “Nigel, Allan and Rob will take up office in February at a hugely important time for the industry with the CAP Reform process gathering momentum. In addition, every sector of our farming industry faces a growing list of challenges. This is a team with the skills and knowledge to meet those challenges on behalf of our members. “However, 2013 will also be a year of celebration as we mark our Centenary. Upon election, these three officeholders, with their wealth of experience and enthusiasm, will create a great platform to drive the Union into its next 100 years.” Commenting on his nomination, Rob Livesey said: “I am passionate about Scottish agriculture and the crucial role that the Union has in securing a positive future for it. Whether through my time as a branch chairman or my four years as Livestock Committee chair, I have thoroughly enjoyed the rough and tumble of agri-politics. The time is right to have a go at a higher level. “My previously role as a farm manager and my current farming business gives me a very broad understanding and deep appreciation of what mixed farming means to Scotland’s hills and uplands and I hope that will bring balance to the top team. “This is a hugely exciting time for the Union and for Scottish farming. I want to contribute positively to Union business and Scottish farming in 2013 but that will owe much to the hard work of my wife, Kath and son Iain, allowing me to spend time away from the farm to enjoy this new challenge.”

Draft proposals for A83 put forward for Taskforce consideration

Ministerial update on landslip mitigation work A draft feasibility study has been published which looks at options to minimise the effects of landslips at the Rest and Be Thankful, and removes traffic pinch points and improves pedestrian safety on the A83. The findings were put to the A83 Taskforce to allow proper consideration of the options available before a final plan is agreed. Speaking after the third meeting of the Taskforce in Arrochar today, Mr Brown said: “The last few weeks have been a challenge for local communities who have had to endure another landslip at the Rest and Be Thankful only last month and all of the impact and inconvenience this brings. This has brought our work sharply into focus, and all the more timely is the draft feasibility study which has been presented to the Taskforce today. “The analysis of the problems and potential solutions offered by the consultants tasked with the work is detailed and thorough and will give the Taskforce considerable food for thought. There are a number of options put forward, and I now look to the Taskforce members to digest the findings before we seek to agree a way forward. “Elsewhere, work on the emergency diversion route has taken more strides forward, and since the Taskforce last met a formal legal agreement with the landowner has been put in place which has allowed the contractor to progress works on the section of the Old Military Road which sits on private land. Construction is progressing swiftly with the team on the ground working flat out to deliver an emergency route for use by the end of next month, subject to weather and no unforeseen engineering problems arising. The new emergency route will give us an alternative option to keep traffic moving along the A83 in the event the road is forced to close at the Rest and Be Thankful, and I look forward to seeing the new road for myself when finished. “Significant investment has been provided towards minimising the effects of landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful, including construction of the emergency diversion route. Coupled with the next phase of works to install protective debris netting which has started this week, investment on landslip mitigations works at the Rest and Be Thankful sits at over £3.7 million. “A good deal of very positive work has been carried out, with more hard work and tough decisions ahead. With the Taskforce set up to ensure we and our partners remain resolute and focussed on the task at hand, every effort is being made to deliver workable solutions to mitigate against landslips at the Rest and Be Thankful and more generally improve the performance of the A83 for the benefit of road users across Argyll.” Lead Councillor for Development and Infrastructure at Argyll & Bute Council, John Semple added: “Argyll and Bute Council is committed to helping make our communities better connected not just for commerce, trade and tourism but to reduce exclusion of remote and fragile areas. The options identified today provide a strong and well-proportioned basis for taking that commitment forward through the A83 Task Force. “Over the next few weeks we will be studying the options and weighing up which provides the best all round solution. I am particularly keen to see that the disturbance caused by whichever option is progressed minimises the impact on Argyll businesses during construction. We must ensure the strong message is sent that Argyll is open for business. “I am also very pleased that other pinch-points and safety issues on the A83 are being tackled. When complete, these measures will significantly improve the journey from Campbeltown to the central belt and improve safety for all road users. The most welcoming reassurance we have had today is that all of the options provided will, once complete, render the flashing warning signs redundant.” BACKGROUND 1. The draft feasibility study can be found here http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/landslides/A83-rest-and-be-thankful 2. Membership of the Taskforce includes representatives from Argyll and Bute Council, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, HITRANS, Mid Argyll Chambers of Commerce, timber and tourism groups, ferry operators and National Farmers Union, Transport Scotland, and its consultants. 3. A new Transport Scotland web portal has been set-up on the RABT: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/prioritising-and-maintaining/landslides/A83-rest-and-be-thankful 4. Transport Scotland considers that the Old Military Road has a number of advantages over the forest track as an emergency diversion. It is wider with no steep slopes over most of its length. The engineering is simpler and the alignment is generally straighter with less severe consequences, should a vehicle leave the road. In addition, the road construction is more substantial reducing the need for thick resurfacing layers to be laid to carry traffic loads.. Some of this road is privately owned and permission is necessary from the landowner before construction starts. This includes accommodation work, compensation and agreement to the procedures that would be set in place when the road is required for use. These complex and voluntary arrangements can take some time to agree but commitment has been confirmed by the landowner to allow us to plan ahead as fast as possible. 5. Earlier this year Transport Scotland announced a study to investigate the feasibility of improvements on the A83 trunk road. The study has looked closely at what more can be done in managing the effects of landslides at the Rest and be Thankful, including long-term engineering options such as rock shelters, stabilisation using vegetation techniques and investigating alternative access routes to mid Argyll. The Taskforce will consider its findings before a final report is published. 6. In recent years, the Scottish Government has invested over £16 million on the maintenance of the trunk road section of the A83. For example, Transport Scotland has carried out a route accident reduction plan study along the entire length of the A83 trunk road from Arrochar to Furnace. The resulting scheme was broken down into three phases to allow construction over a two year period, to the value of £615,000. The works installed included surfacing, high friction surfacing, signing, lining and bend assessment works to provide drivers with a consistent message when approaching challenging bends along the route. 7. Transport Scotland is the Scottish Government’s national transport agency responsible for; aviation, bus, freight and taxi policy; coordinating the National Transport Strategy for Scotland; ferries, ports and harbours; impartial travel services; liaising with regional transport partnerships, including monitoring of funding; local roads policy; major public transport projects; national concessionary travel schemes; rail and trunk road networks; sustainable transport, road safety and accessibility; the Blue Badge Scheme. Transport Scotland is an Executive agency accountable to Scottish Ministers. http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/

Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass

-Major exhibition launches in Edinburgh- The rich heritage of Scotch Whisky, Scotland’s national drink, is explored in a major exhibition opening at The Scottish Parliament tomorrow (29 November). Visitors will have the chance to see an array of images and artefacts collected from Scotch Whisky producers and enthusiasts, many on public display for the first time. The Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition in the Main Hall of The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh marks the Centenary of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the industry trade body. Every aspect of the Scotch Whisky industry unfolds through words and images. The exhibition, which is free to visit, takes people on a journey through the distilling, coopering, maturing, bottling, labelling, enjoying, marketing and exporting of Scotch Whisky. It explains how the “What is Whisky?” debate of the early 20th century helped establish the modern day Scotch Whisky industry. Illustrated through a series of rare postcards, visitors will learn how the 1909 Royal Commission on Whiskey and other Potable Spirits decided that only grain and malt whisky produced in Scotland, or a blend of both, could be called Scotch Whisky. This beat off the threat of distillers in Ireland who refused to blend grain and malt whiskies. Artefacts and images on display include a mini pot still, mash tun and spirit safe, a reproduction of the Illicit Highland Whisky Still painting by Sir Edwin Landseer, 19th century maps of railways which served distilleries, coopers’ tools, classic advertising and promotional campaigns, old films, bottles from different decades, recipes for Blended Scotch Whisky from 1912 and much more. A striking artefact standing proudly in the marketing area of the exhibition is a full size fibre glass white horse. It illustrates the White Horse brand of Scotch Whisky which is popular in many global markets. The brand has a long history, stretching back to the late 19th century, and is named after the White Horse Cellar Inn which still stands in Edinburgh’s Canongate. Also featured in the exhibition are the people who make Scotch Whisky. Visitors can hear maltsters, coopers, master blenders, marketing professionals and many other employees talking about their skills and passions in recordings made especially for the exhibition. Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Everyone, from Scotch Whisky aficionados to novices will learn something new from the Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition. Scotch Whisky's rich past is showcased, highlighting its position as an iconic Scottish product and demonstrating how vital Scotch Whisky is to the country's economy and society throughout history and now. “Last year, Scotch Whisky exports reached a record £4.23 billion and the industry directly employs more than 10,000 across Scotland.” “For the last 100 years, the SWA have been committed to promoting and protecting Scotch Whisky. We plan to do so for the next 100 years and beyond.” Scottish Parliament Deputy Presiding Officer, John Scott MSP, said: “We welcome this major exhibition to The Scottish Parliament which celebrates the rich heritage of one of Scotland’s most famous industries. From the science of distillation to the traditional art of cooperage and the whisky-inspired film screenings and poetry of Liz Lochhead, we look forward to hosting an informative, lively and entertaining exhibition here at Holyrood.”

BEEF BOOST FROM TESTING PROPOSALS

Scottish beef farmers have welcomed the announcement from the Food Standards Agency that it will recommend an end to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) testing of any healthy cattle entering the food chain. The FSA announcement takes up a European Commission opinion to allow certain Member States to stop BSE testing, based on the scientific evidence of the lack of risk. A ministerial decision could be taken as early as January 2013. NFU Scotland views that change as an endorsement of the safety of our beef and recognition that the steps taken by the industry to eradicate the disease have been successful. As disease incidence has fallen, BSE testing requirements across Europe have reduced. Currently, all healthy cattle aged over 72 months entering the food chain are tested for BSE. Following agreement at yesterday’s FSA Board meeting, it will recommend to Government that any testing of healthy cattle entering the food chain is no longer necessary as long as the other existing safety controls continued to be enforced vigilantly. The other controls are the ban on feeding animal protein to farmed animals, which prevents the spread of BSE to animals through feed, and the removal of specified risk material (SRM) – the most risky parts of animals – at slaughter, which protects the health of consumers. BSE testing is also carried out on cattle that die for reasons other than being killed for human consumption. These surveillance measures on fallen and casualty stock will remain in force. NFU Scotland President, Nigel Miller said: “The shadow cast by BSE on the Scottish beef industry is finally lifting and an end to testing of animals entering the food chain is a mark of the commitment our beef sector undertook to eradicate the disease from our animals. “An end to testing older animals will strip out a significant element of cost from our beef supply chain and may also open up the potential for some of our smaller abattoirs and processors to consider older cattle if the hurdle and cost of testing is lifted. “The announcement also sends out a clear message to the rest of the world that Scotch beef should be on their menus. The recent reopening of Russian markets to British beef is a breakthrough but concerns over BSE still act a barrier to accessing Japan. This is an issue on which we wrote to Defra recently and this announcement of an end to testing will give the Japanese and others reassurances on the safety of our product. “NFUS has always argued that controls must be based on science and is pleased to see that the FSA have followed the science in making this recommendation to the UK Government. “With such significant moves made under Europe’s TSE roadmap over the past few years, we believe there is scope for further risk-based decisions to be considered. “SRM removal provides necessary reassurance to consumers on safety but does come at a huge disposal cost to our meat processors. We would want a review to consider whether, given the absence of BSE in our herd, some parts currently viewed as SRM can be declassified on a risk basis. “While we are rolling back controls on beef, we believe it is also time to consider some of the TSE controls in sheep. We have long argued for an end to the requirement to split older sheep carcasses and remove spinal column material, on the basis that there is no scientific justification behind the practice. Whilst so much focus has been on beef controls to date, surely now it is time to examine the ovine controls.”

A FESTIVE FEAST OF PROGRAMMES ON BBC ALBA

BBC ALBA has unveiled its festive highlights for the Christmas and New Year period with family favourites and entertainment for all ages featuring compelling documentaries, live sport, traditional music and children’s programmes. Among the Christmas Day highlights is The Band from Rockall, the story of Runrig’s Calum and Rory MacDonald as they record their first solo album outside of the band, and Rockettes, a programme following the engaging dancers of the cheerleading Scottish Pro-Dance group The Rockettes as they train, audition and perform their way through a season. Throughout the festive season there are also appearances from a host of musical legends, with concerts including The Proclaimers at Hebcelt 2012, a look at Daniel O’Donnell’s 30 years in showbiz and a special documentary profile of the acclaimed actress and singer, Barbara Dickson, with interviews and song plus contributions from guest singers including Billy Connolly and Rab Noakes. The very best sports action also plays a part in the festive line-up, with live action from the Scottish Premier League returning to free to air television as BBC ALBA screen exclusive coverage of the New Year Highland derby between Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The live football action will be complemented by ‘as live’ action from festive matches including Celtic v Ross County, Kilmarnock v Hearts and Hibernian v Celtic. The oval ball will also be prominent on the channel, with the 1872 Cup rugby fixtures between Glasgow and Edinburgh in the PRO12, live on the weekends either side of Christmas. Programmes marking the arrival of both Christmas Day and New Year will be particular highlights, with a Christmas Eve service broadcast at 11pm from St Mary & St Finnan Church, Glenfinnan in Lochaber. Youngsters from Lochaber Music School, Fèis Loch Abar and Mallaig High School Choir and the Kilmallie Singers will join the likes of Iain MacFarlane, Ingrid Henderson, Margaret Ford and Robert Robertson and local congregations for this ecumenical celebration. Viewers will also be able to see the New Year 2013 in style with BBC ALBA’s live Hogmanay Cèilidh from Achnagairn House, Kirkhill, by Beauly. Presenters Derek ‘Pluto’ Murray and Kirsteen MacDonald will be joined by a host of musical talent including Mànran, Duncan Chisholm, Hamish Napier, Kathleen MacInnes, Rona Lightfoot and Dingwall Gaelic Choir. Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service for BBC ALBA, said: “We are looking forward to bringing viewers a fantastic mix of festive programming for all the family. Our Christmas and New Year schedule has proved to be hugely popular in recent years and we are sure that this year will be no exception. “The line-up provides an eclectic mix of entertainment, music and documentaries coupled with some wonderful children’s programmes and fantastic live sport for armchair fans to enjoy. “As always, our live Christmas Eve service and Hogmanay Cèilidh will be particularly special during this period and we hope the warmth and enjoyment of both these occasions will radiate to viewers at home and make them feel part of BBC ALBA’s festive offering this Christmas.” Some of the highlights from this year’s festive season on BBC ALBA are listed below – please see our attached festive guide for full schedule details. Entertainment & Music Belladrum 2012: Cridhe Tartan Saturday 22 December @ 9pm Saturday 29 December @ 10pm Highlights from the Belladrum 2012: Tartan Heart Festival including Travis, Frightened Rabbit and We Are Scientists. Dr. Finlay’s Casebook: The Gifts of The Magi Christmas Eve @ 10.05pm 50 years on, we join the young, newly graduated Finlay, as embarks on his medical career in Dr Cameron's Tannochbrae practice. In this special Christmas episode of the classic Scottish drama, Doctors Finlay, Cameron and Snoddy along with Janet all enter into the Christmas spirit! Christmas Eve Service Christmas Eve @ 11pm BBC ALBA’s Christmas Eve service comes from St Mary & St Finnan Church, Glenfinnan in Lochaber. Youngsters from Lochaber Music School, Fèis Loch Abar and Mallaig High School Choir and the Kilmallie Singers will join the likes of Iain MacFarlane, Ingrid Henderson, Margaret Ford and Robert Robertson and local congregations for this ecumenical celebration. The Band from Rockall Christmas Day @ 8.05pm Runrig continue to be one of Scotland’s most popular bands with songs penned by the band’s Calum and Rory MacDonald part of the musical story of the country. What happens though when this song-writing team get together outside of the Runrig context to pen and perform a long awaited first solo album project? Part video diary, part performance, this film is not so much the story of the making of an album but a journey through the songs and the musical ethos behind the recording. Rockettes Christmas Day @ 9.05pm The programme follows the stories of the engaging dancers of the cheerleading Scottish Pro-Dance group The Rockettes as they train, audition and perform their way through a season. Daniel O’ Donnell: 30 Years of Music Christmas Day @ 10.05pm Celebrating 30 years in show business, Daniel O'Donnell performs a special concert with guests and greetings from around the world. Celtic Chicago Boxing Day @ 9pm Kathleen MacInnes takes in Chicago with a host of musical pals as the Celtic Connections Festival arrives in the U.S. Cuirm @ Celtic: Chicago Thursday 27 December @ 8.55pm Kathleen MacInnes hosts a very special concert from the Harris Theatre, Chicago with a stellar cast including Julie Fowlis, Session A9 and Admiral Fallow. Hebridean Celtic Festival – The Proclaimers Saturday 29 December @ 9pm Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have enjoyed huge success across the globe. Regularly gracing festival stages across the world, The Proclaimers return to the Hebrides with a 1-hour special of some of their best sets from Hebcelt 2012. Barbara Dickson New Year’s Eve @ 9.30pm Documentary profile of the acclaimed actress and singer, Barbara Dickson, examines her career in interview and sing. Guest singers include Billy Connolly and Rab Noakes. Ceòl Dannsa New Year’s Eve @ 10.30pm Todays Scottish country dance musicians pay tribute to the stars of yesteryear. John Carmichael presents a sensational evening of Scottish country dance music. LIVE Hogmanay 2012 Cèilidh New Year’s Eve @ 11.30pm Welcome in 2013 Live from Achnagairn House, Kirkhill, by Beauly. Presenters Derek ‘Pluto’ Murray and Kirsteen MacDonald will be joined by a host of musical talent including Mànran, Duncan Chisholm, Hamish Napier, Kathleen MacInnes, Rona Lightfoot and Dingwall Gaelic Choir. Also Live on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and www.bbc.co.uk/alba Machairazzi New Year’s Day @ 9.05pm Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first ever Gaelic soap Machair. Members of the cast including Tony Kearney and Dolina MacLennan romp through some of the shows most compelling moments. Watch out for the celebrations and heartache, love and laughter, captivating characters, gripping stories and dramatic explosions. This trailblazing Gaelic soap has it all. Dr. Finlay’s Casebook: A Present from Father New Year’s Day @ 10.05pm In this special Hogmanay episode, the ambitious and headstrong young Doctor Finlay, played by the dapper Bill Simpson, is faced with a unsettling dilemma which calls his professional judgement into question. But the stakes are high as a family fortune is at risk. Drs Cameron and Snoddy have their say and Janet offers her customary words of wisdom but Dr Finlay has the last word - or does he? Documentaries & News Please, Mister – Sgeulachd Tony Miller Thursday 20 December @ 9pm The story of 19 year old Tony Miller, who was hanged in Glasgow in 1960, following his conviction for the murder of a gay man, during a robbery carried out with a 16 year old accomplice, who was later acquitted. 2012 News Debate Sunday 23 December @ 7.30pm A debate on some of the most important stories, locally, nationally, and internationally which took place over the past year, with Iain MacLean, Hugh Dan MacLennan, Anna MacLeod and Murray MacLeod. Island Flying Christmas Eve @ 9.05pm This year one of the world’s most unique air services, Loganair, celebrates 50years in business. Kirkwall based pilot Stuart Linklater’s daily flights are only minutes long. Pilot Mairi Nicholson’s favourite runway is fine shell-sand, and baggage handler Shonnie Mackay can expect anything at Benbecula Airport. No two days are the same. Unusual News Stories of the Year Sunday 30 December @ 6.30pm A look at some of the funnier, more unusual News stories of the year. About Britain: Isle of Skye New Year’s Eve @ 8.35pm Originally broadcast in 1954 as part of the About Britain series, Richard Dimbleby and a BBC film crew visited the Isle of Skye. In this programme he gives viewers across the United Kingdom an insight into life on the island, meeting local characters and gaining an understanding of the lifestyle and culture of islanders, as well as spending some time with the Skye Mountain Rescue team and with Dame Flora Macleod at Dunvegan Castle. The Bridge Rising New Year’s Day @ 8.05pm The campaign against the tolls on the Skye Bridge pitted plucky Scottish islanders against the might of the government and the Bank of America. This film tells an untold, often funny story of passion, legal challenge and financial wrangling, through the testimony of some of those who took part. Sport LIVE Rugby – 1872 Cup Friday 21 December @ 7.30pm Saturday 29 December @ 4pm BBC ALBA follows Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh as they face up to each other for the annual festive clash for the 1872 Cup with RaboDirect League points also at stake. LIVE SPL - Ross County v Inverness Caledonian Thistle Wednesday 2 January @ 3pm Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle meet in Dingwall in the second Highland SPL derby of this season. LIVE Rugby: Edinburgh v Leinster Friday 4 January @ 7.30pm PRO12 Rugby action as Edinburgh face up to Leinster Children’s programming De a-nis? Wednesday 19 December @ 6.05pm The Dè a-nis Christmas special is full of festive cheer and surprises and of course Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a panto! Siobhan, Derek, Steph and Calum star in Aladdin……or Ali-Bàn as he is better known. Poopety in the Fall Saturday 22 December @ 5pm When Autumn arrives, the town of Balthazarville falls silent as Bonifacio the mischievous storyteller disappears. Pupadaidh and his friends go on a quest to find the rogue, a journey that takes them to the belly of the earth where they meet a whale who has very special stories of her own to tell... Peppa’s Christmas Christmas Eve @ 5pm It’s Christmas Eve and Peppa and George are busy posting their letters to Santa. Peppa would like a yoyo and George wants a train set, but ‘oh dear’ poor Santa has lost his list! However everything turns out for the best and the family spend a very Happy Christmas in front of their huge big tree. Boy in the Bubble Christmas Day @ 6.05pm Rupert Shelley, is a ten year old boy who falls hopelessly in love for the first time ever. When it all goes horribly wrong, he wishes never to experience heartache again. Turning to a book of magic, he invokes a spell to shield him from emotion forever..... leaving him stuck in a bubble!

Plana Gàidhlig HIE a' nochdadh dealas mòr na buidhne a thaobh cànan agus cultar nan Gàidheal

Tha Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd 's nan Eilean (HIE) air Plana Gàidhlig ùr fhoillseachadh; le fiosrachadh air na ceumannan a ghabhas a' bhuidheann gus taic a chumail ris a' chànan sa chultar thar nan ath thrì bhliadhna. Tha Plana Gàidhlig HIE 2012-15 a' togail air deagh rùn na buidhne ann a bhith a' cumail taic le leasachaidhean Gàidhlig; le Bòrd na Gàidhlig air aonta a chuir ris. Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba air dleastanas a chuir air HIE plana a dheasachadh agus a chur an gnìomh gus suidheachadh seasmhach a chruthachadh dhan Ghàidhlig. Tha am plana seo a' dèanamh mìneachadh air amasan HIE gus làn-bhuannachd a thoirt às a' Ghàidhlig chum phrìomhachasan leasachaidh na buidhne – taic ri gnothachasan agus iomairtean sòisealta, neartachadh choimhearsnachdan agus sgìrean dùbhlanach, a' leasachadh roinnean fàis, agus a' cruthachadh na h-àrainneachd airson sgìre fharpaiseach. Tha e cuideachd a' toirt cunntas air na gnìomhan a tha HIE a' cur an gnìomh gus am bidh barrachd Gàidhlig ri fhaicinn, agus air a chleachdadh, an lìbhrigeadh sheirbheisean na buidhne. Tha taic bho HIE air cuideachadh a thoirt do bhuidhnean leasachaidh Gàidhlig ann a bhith a tighinn gu bith agus gus cumail a' dol; buidhnean a tha gu mòr air fàs a thoirt air a' Ghàidhlig. Nam measg tha buidhnean a leithid Comunn na Gàidhlig, An Comunn Gàidhealach, Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean (tro Shabhal Mòr Ostaig), Fèisean nan Gàidheal agus eile. Le seirbheisean, fiosrachadh, goireasan agus cothroman uile gan toirt seachad tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig, tha a' bhuidheann gu mòr ag amas air luchd na Gàidhlig a frithealadh nan cànan fhèin. Tha Plana Gàidhlig HIE cuideachd ag amas air barrachd àite a thoirt dha fèin-aithne Gàidhealach na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean, agus air spèis cho-ionnanach a thoirt dhan Ghàidhlig is dha Beurla – rud a tha aig cridhe an reachdais a tha a' dìon a' chànain agus chòirichean a luchd-labhairt. Thuirt Raonaid Nic Carmaig, Stiùiriche HIE airson Neartachadh Choimhearsnachdan, "Tha mi air leth toilichte Plana Gàidhlig HIE 2012-15 fhoillseachadh. Tha àrd-amas a' Phlana a' nochdadh deagh rùn HIE a thaobh na Gàidhlig ann an leasachadh agus brosnachadh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean." "Tha rannsachadh ga chumail an-dràsta le HIE air buaidh na Gàidhlig air leasachadh eaconamach agus sòisealta sa sgìre agus air a' chomas na lùib mar bhuannachd mòr, sònraichte dhuinn. "Tha am Plana Gàidhlig ùr seo ag amas air spionnadh agus leasachadh ùr a thoirt air an dòigh sa bheil Gàidhlig a' cur ri obair na buidhne ann a bhith a' cruthachadh choimhearsnachdan beothail, maireannach agus fàs seasmhach san eaconamaidh." Thuirt an Leasaiche Cànain Gàidhlig aig Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Daibhidh Boag: "Tha e cudromach gum bi ùghdarrasan poblach a' brosnachadh agus a' libhrigeadh sheirbheisein gu coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig tro na planaichean Gàidhlig aca fhèin, airson adhartas a dhèanamh air na prìomhachasan leasachaidh a th' anns a' Phlana Nàiseanta. Tha dleastanas cudromach aig HIE fhèin mar bhuidheann le luchd-obrach agus àitean-obrach thar na roinn, ach cuideachd tro leasachaidhean pròiseactan sòisealta agus eaconamach."

Council grant funding to support local community - Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands

Community groups and organisations are being encouraged to apply now for Argyll and Bute Council’s Third Sector Grants for 2013/14. The closing date to return completed application forms for a decision at the April Area Committee meetings is Friday 1 February 2012. The Third Sector Grants programme is aimed at supporting communities and vulnerable people, and helping to kick start new projects and events. A total of 130 community groups and organisations across Argyll and Bute benefited from the council’s £140,000 Third Sector Grants programme in 2012. The £35,000 grant funding allocated to Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands supported 41 groups and organisations in the area this year, including ArtMap Argyll, Tarbert & Skipness Community Trust, Jura Care Centre, Islay & Jura Youth Action, Kintyre Writers’ Circle and Mid Argyll Triathlon Club. Lesley Burr, from ArtMap Argyll, said, “The colouring Ardrishaig art project has allowed us to more than fulfil our project aims. The four artists have involved over 350 people making artwork, established the Blue Dot as a transferable project model and created innovative solutions for the public toilets on the seafront. Proposals are planned for a more ambitious phase 2.” Councillor Louise Glen-Lee, Lead Councillor for Community, Culture, Customer and Communication, said, “The council has been awarding grants to local groups and organisations for many years and we all benefit from the tremendous work these groups, organisations and volunteers do in our communities. “Small voluntary and community groups are a vital part of the fabric of our local communities and they play a key role in understanding and addressing local needs.” The council is keen to encourage new groups with fresh ideas to apply for the grants. Advice and support on funding is available from the council’s Community Development and Social Enterprise teams. Subject to funding being available in 2013, applications are considered twice a year at local Area Committees in April and August. The applications forms are available from local area community learning offices or can be accessed using the following link: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/third-sector-grants. For further information or guidance please phone 01546 604189 or email communitydevelopment@argyll-bute.gov.uk

BBC ALBA – Saturday 15 December – Friday 21 December 2012

Title: SPL – Dundee Utd v Inverness CT The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Dundee United host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tannadice. Transmitted: Saturday 15 December Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm Title: Belladrum 2012 Highlights: Cridhe Tartan Belladrum 2012 Festival highlights presented by Sarah Cruickshank and featuring performances from Kassidy, Toby Michaels & The Wombats. Transmitted: Saturday 15 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Trusadh – Belief – Words with Dawkins / Creideamh: Facal air Dawkins Has knowledge and science brought a new enlightenment or has the "Light of the World" been eclipsed by the new securalism? November 2012 saw Faclan, the Hebridean Book Festival, explore the concept of 'Belief', with headline speaker, Britain's leading atheist Richard Dawkins, provoking an intriguing debate in what is seen as the last stronghold of Christian belief in the country. Roddy Murray, Faclan director explains that when he first mooted the idea many told him there would be no interest. The tickets sold out within two hours. Acclaimed historian and science writer, Francis Spufford mounts the Christian defence against Dawkins’ radical atheism, and sharing the platform with him is Rev. David Robertson of The Free Church, described as Scotland's leading Christian apologist. We also hear local opinion, notably from the Rev. Dr. Iain D Campbell, moderator of The Free Church, and from different elements of the community in both camps. Trusadh - Belief : Words with Dawkins , a fascinating, open and honest exploration of 'Faith'. Transmitted: Monday 17 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Ealtainn – In Search of a Superhero / Sireadh na Seoid Postman Pat and Bob the Builder have their Gaelic personas in Padraig Post and Calum Clachair, but where are Gaeldom's home-grown animated heroes? In 2005, artist and animator Catriona Black embarked on a quest to find out. Transmitted: Tuesday 18 December Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm Title: De a-nis? The presenters get excited about Xmas as they prepare for the De a-Nis? panto. Transmitted: Wednesday 19 December Time: 6.05 – 7.05pm Title: Eòrpa In the final programme of 2012, Eòrpa brings you a special half hour report from Iceland. Transmitted: Wednesday 19 December Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm Title: Sgaoileadh na Sgeul / Animated Folk Tales Animated folktales from around the world. A king refuses to undertake a ceremony that would involve taking off his crown, for fear of revealing what is underneath. Will the needs of his subjects help him to overcome his pride? Transmitted: Thursday 20 December Time: 5.35 – 5.50pm Title: Please, Mister – Sgeulachd Tony Miller Anthony Miller aged 19, was the last man hanged in Glasgow, in 1960. His defence lawyer recalls the crime and trial. Transmitted: Thursday 20 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Air an Rathad – On the Road Scotland's very own car show - Air an Rathad - is back with top cars, top speeds and top entertainment! It's the Air an Rathad Energy special this week, as Murray drives one of the very first commercial hydrogen fuelled cars in the UK - a Hyundai IX35. How does it compare to other renewable fuelled cars on the market? The Arnold family put the all electric Vauxhall Ampera to the test - it's won 2012 Car of the Year, but is it to their liking? Wacky Races also goes green as the team try to catch the wind, and Cudig's classic reminds us of the old days when petrol was 16p a litre - and the Ford Cortina was the car to be seen in! Transmitted: Thursday 20 December Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm Title: PRO12 Live Rugby – Glasgow v Edinburgh Live PRO12 rugby as Glasgow welcome Edinburgh to Scotstoun Stadium in the first leg of the eagerly awaited 1872 Cup. Transmitted: Friday 21 December Time: 7.30 – 9.25pm

BUILDING ON DEMAND FOR SCOTCH BEEF IN FAR EAST

Representatives of the Scottish beef industry have written to Defra Secretary of State Owen Paterson MP seeking his assistance and support in reopening a potentially lucrative market for Scotch beef to Japan. Recent successful UK and Scottish food trade missions to China, Japan and Hong Kong have identified that there is growing demand in the Far East for high quality food products, such as Scotch beef. However, the Japanese market has been closed to red meat exports from Europe since the BSE crisis. It is widely reporter that Japanese authorities have been in negotiations with some individual EU member states over reopening their markets to beef and Scottish beef farmers would be keen to see the UK actively engaged in a similar dialogue with Japan. Reopening a beef trade with Japan would follow similar recent success in having the beef ban to Russia lifted. The letter, which was signed by NFU Scotland, National Beef Association, Scottish Beef Cattle Association, Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, states that the growth of beef consumption in China and South East Asia offers a golden opportunity for Scottish producers. NFU Scotland’s Nigel Miller said: “Scotland has a fantastic story to tell on the quality and provenance of its food and drink and the prospect for beef farmers of tapping into Japanese demand for high quality products like whisky and salmon is mouth-watering. “Here in the UK, we have some of the highest levels of traceability and safety in the world and that is backed up in Scotland by our unique farm assurance scheme and our Specially Selected Scotch Beef brand. We are well placed to capitalise on any export opportunity and we would be keen to hear from the Secretary of State on how best we can access these markets. “Defra’s recent success in securing a lift on the ban on exports of British beef to Russia shows what can be achieved and we believe there would be merit in directing resources towards securing a similar export deal with Japan. As Scottish beef farmers, we offer our support to achieve this.” Ends

EÒRPA INVESTIGATES THE FUTURE OF THE GAELIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Wednesday 28 November 8.30pm on BBC ALBA Eòrpa reporter Darren Laing investigates what the future holds for the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the players who take part, in the next programme of the new series on BBC ALBA. No sport in Ireland has the following and prestige of the Gaelic Games - an amateur group of sports including Gaelic football and hurling, run by the GAA. A striking example of the GAA’s power and status can be found in Dublin’s Croke Park. Home of the GAA, it has room for over 80,000 fans and where full houses can be expected for the big inter-county games. One thing separates the GAA from other sporting organisations of a similar size, and that is its amateur status. Players can expect to receive nothing more than basic travel expenses and training support from their club and representatives at the Gaelic Players’ Association. With games now regularly televised live, and players training just as hard and as often as professional athletes, Eòrpa examines the debate as to whether players should be compensated more. Also in the programme Anne Lundon reports from Spain on the problems they facing in the Delta Ebra with Apple Snails, common to South America, that are eating their way through the rice crops which could devastate the rice production in the region. There is no concrete evidence as to how the snails were introducted into the eco-system, however attempts to eradicate them are proving very difficult. Both sides of the delta are now affected and there are fears that 2014 could be catastrophic for the rice producers. Produced by BBC Gàidhlig, Eòrpa is broadcast weekly on BBC ALBA at 8.30pm.

BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 1 December – Friday 14 December 2012

Title: PRO12 Live Rugby – Munster v Glasgow Live rugby action as Munster host Glasgow Warriors in the PRO12 competition at the Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick. Transmitted: Saturday 1 December Time: 7.40 – 9.35pm Title: 1872; A Rugby Rivalry / Caigeann na Callainn Sides representing Glasgow and Edinburgh first met in 1872 in the first ever inter-district clash in rugby. The programme looks at the history of the fixture and features contributions from many of the great names that have taken part over the years. Today the match has evolved into a hotly contested affair between the two professional teams that now exist in the Cities, and players from both sides will also explain just how intense the rivalry has become. Narrated by Hugh Dan MacLennan. Transmitted: Saturday 1 December Time: 9.35 – 10.05pm Title: Am Posadh Hiortach A drama-documentary examining life on St Kilda prior to the 1930 evacuation. Transmitted: Sunday 2 December Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm Title: Runrig – City of Lights A classic concert from 1990 featuring Gaelic rock band Runrig. Transmitted: Sunday 2 December Time: 11.00 – 11.55pm Title: Trusadh – The land raiders / Strì an Fhearainn Join writer Joni Buchanan as she explores the history behind the four landmark monuments which commemorate key land struggle events in Lewis. These events shook the establishment to its very core and resulted in new legislation that ultimately led directly to the recent land reforms. 2012 saw work start on the fourth of these, a stunning, new, landmark sculpture, Sùileachan - an innovative community project in Uig which commemorates the struggle of past generations against evictions and the efforts to repossess their land, and those who took direct action - the Reef Raiders. Amongst those featured is Donald John "Finn" Morrison in Uig, whose grandfather was one of the raiders; and historian, Dr Jim Hunter, who has written extensively on the history of the Clearances and Land Struggles, from the perspective of the Highland people. The renowned artist, Will MacLean, who designed all four monuments also explains what inspired him to each individual design. Transmitted: Monday 3 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Turas Tony / Tony’s Travels Actor and presenter Tony Kearney, formerly from BBC's 'River City', swaps the comfort of a television studio for another set of varied and challenging professions. In episode three of the series, Tony is put in charge of a bus load of tourists on the Isle of Lewis as he attempts to be their coach trip tour guide. Transmitted: Monday 3 December Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm Title: Aonghas Padraig Caimbeul – Meas air Chrannaibh / Angus Peter Campbell Angus Peter Campbell discusses his life, and his work, in a frank and open interview with Father Colin MacInnes. Starting with Angus Peter's roots in South Uist, he charts his early success as a journalist at Grampian TV, through turbulent years battling alcohol addiction, to his acclaimed success as a novelist, actor and poet. With performances from Mary Ann Kennedy, Michael Marra, Cathy MacDonald and AL Kennedy, this celebration of modern Gaelic writing is a treat not to be missed. Transmitted: Monday 3 December Time: 10:30 – 11.30pm Title: Ceilidh @ Blas / Blas Music Festival 2012 cèilidh@blas: music show, featuring Emily Smith, Vamm and Rachel Walker. Presented by Kathleen MacInnes and Fiona Dunn. Transmitted: Tuesday 4 December Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm Title: Eòrpa – European Current Affairs In this week's Eòrpa, the team report from Uist and Norway. Transmitted: Wednesday 5 December Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm Title: Dolina Born and brought up the youngest of seven children in the fishing community of Marvig on the east coast of Lewis, Dolina MacLennan became, within a few years of moving to Edinburgh in 1957, a mainstay of the Scottish folk revival of the 60s and 70s. Her Gaelic singing was a revelation and an inspiration to many while her writing for radio and her acting – perhaps particularly as the only Gael in 7:84's The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black Black Oil - contributed greatly to the developing culture of the Gàidhealtachd. In this archive-rich celebration of her career, Doli converses with Domhnall Uilleam Stiubhart and reminisces with family, friends, and associates in locations as different from one another as Marvig and Edinburgh's Waverley Bar but all of them integral to her many-faceted career. Transmitted: Thursday 6 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Air an Rathad - On the Road There's a lot of burning rubber in this week's show, as Calum Iain heads to Crail for a master class in Drifting. And we stay in Crail for more fun and frolics in Wacky Races. The scores are all equal so whoever wins this next challenge is setting the pace! Murray is on home ground as he test drives the Volvo XC60 in Lewis. Can it get him from A to B as comfortably and safely as he would like? And Fiona's very happy with Cudig's classic selection- it's the ever popular MG. Transmitted: Thursday 6 December Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm Title: Grampian – Toradh na Bliadhna Nostalgic look at back at Gaelic tv on STV and Grampian, with Norman Macleod and Patsi Mackenzie. Transmitted: Friday 7 December Time: 10:30 – 11.30pm Title: SPL Hearts v Aberdeen The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hearts host Aberdeen at Tynecastle Stadium. Transmitted: Saturday 8 December Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm Title: Na Trads 2012 / Scottish Traditional Music Awards 2012 Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Scots Trad Music Awards is coming live to BBC ALBA for the first time. The great and the good of the Scottish traditional music and song community will be heading north to the Nevis Centre, Fort William. Hosted by Mary Ann Kennedy and Tony Kearney, the awards provide the annual opportunity for singers, musicians and the wider industry to come together and to celebrate those who have made an impact throughout 2012. Alongside the coveted 'gongs' a great line-up of artist will be performing, including The Treacherous Orchestra, Karine Polwart, Man's Ruin, and Deacon Blue's Ricky Ross will be paying a special tribute to the late, great Michael Marra. Transmitted: Saturday 8 December Time: 9.00 – 11.00pm Title: Ceilidh @ Blas / Blas Music Festival 2012 Kathleen Macinnes presents music from the Blas festival. Guesting on ceilidh@blas are the Battlefield Band, Emily Smith, Linda MacLeod, Blazin'Fiddles and Breabach. Transmitted: Tuesday 11 December Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm Title: Eorpa In this week's Eòrpa, the team report from Romania and Ireland. Transmitted: Wednesday 12 December Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm Title: Soillse - Pàirce Boubandjida Boubanjida a national park created in the 1960s in northern Cameroon, is a paradise of 220,000 acres for many species: antelopes, primates, wildcats and elephants… but it's an endangered paradise. Neglected for years, the park is being reborn thanks to the work of Paul Bour and his team. With the collaboration of the Park's manager and the inhabitants, the park's supervision is reinforced more and more each day. The awareness of the nearby village inhabitants is increasing and the concept of 'nature protection' is starting to be understood. Transmitted: Wednesday 12 December Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm Title: Air An Rathad / On the Road Murray takes on The Grizzly - 8 tons of American Monster truck, while Fiona is turning heads in the super light, eco friendly Renault Twizy. Cudig's classic car is the Rover 2000, and everyone 's lost the plot in this week's Wacky Races! Transmitted: Thursday 13 December Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm

WET WEATHER SURVEY SEEKS SHORT TERM HELP FOR FARMERS

Long term resilience also needed for changing climate Scottish farmers are seeking short-term assistance from Scottish Government and the banking sector to cope with this year’s record rainfall and disastrous harvest according to responses to NFU Scotland’s wet weather survey. However, longer-term measures that would leave Scottish farmers more resilient to the changing climate in the years ahead are also required. In an unprecedented level of response, more than 450 Scottish farmers have completed the Union’s survey in less than 10 days. The results were revealed by NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller at AgriScot, a major farming event taking place at Ingliston near Edinburgh today (21 November) where Mr Miller shared a platform with Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead. Speaking at AgriScot, Mr Miller said: “The unprecedented response to the survey simply highlights how awful a year 2012 has been for many Scottish farmers. It has also teased out the sort of assistance that would make a difference to those Scottish farming businesses struggling through the current winter and facing an uncertain spring. “Half of those who responded have already needed extra cash for their businesses and expect to have to take extra steps to improve their cash flow by the spring. For them, affordable access to credit and the waiving of arrangement fees were deemed to be useful or very useful to their businesses. We will pick that up with the Scottish clearing banks when we meet in private this afternoon. “With cashflow being such a concern for so many businesses, guarantees from the Scottish Government around the prompt payment of key support schemes – the Single Farm Payment in December and Less Favoured Areas support in March – would give important reassurances. Scotland has a good track record in achieving this. “However, we would like the Scottish Government to go further and specifically help those businesses who unfortunately may see their payments delayed into the New Year because they have been subject to inspection or query on their claim. Given the exceptional circumstances, we believe there is merit in Scottish Government directing additional resources to help settle the claims of those businesses facing delays as soon as possible. “Given the importance of support, virtually all farmers remain fearful of inspections and the impact that failure could have on their support payments. However, the toll that the rain has left on ground conditions means that it would be appropriate to grant an amnesty from weather-related cross compliance issues. This is something that nine out of ten respondents would appreciate. “To assist recovery in the short term, there was almost unanimous backing for any available Scottish Government assistance to be targeted at making drainage repairs and improvements and for reseeding, so that badly damaged pastures can be reinstated. “In the future, farmers believe long term resilience to volatile weather can be built into our farming systems by ensuring that rural development funding supports items such as land reinstatement, drainage, reseeding, upgrading gateways, crop storage and slurry storage. We hope to pick up with Scottish Government how such items can be incorporated into the next rural development plan. “What the survey has also done is clarify just how difficult 2012 has been. For those with crops, the relentless rain endured over many months have hammered crop yields and quality, driven significant costs into harvesting, left many crops still standing in the fields and winter seed in the shed unsown. “Using our survey results as a snapshot across the whole Scottish arable sector, one in five growers still have more than 10 percent of their cereals, maize or potatoes to harvest and a staggering one in ten arable respondents still had 50 percent or more of their cereals and maize in the field. “Half the growers who responded to the survey have failed to get all their winter crops planted and will have to carry that seed through to next autumn. “On livestock units, the issues have been early housing of stock, variable forage quality, higher feed costs and being forced to sell animals earlier than intended due to lack of feed. Two-thirds of respondents have had to buy more bedding and fodder than they had budgeted for and three-quarters of livestock keepers housed their stock earlier than normal. “All-in-all 2012 has been a desperately difficult and trying year for Scottish farmers. This survey shows that their is scope to provide short term assistance to get over this difficult period but also the opportunity longer-term to leave Scottish food and farming better placed to cope with such variable weather patterns."

Argyll and Bute sports coaches get ready, get set to become champions

SPORTS enthusiasts throughout Argyll and Bute have the opportunity to start honing their skills as Argyll and Bute Council opens bookings for the Coaching Champions programme on Friday 30 November. The award-winning sports coaching programme returns for 2013 with a refreshing new array of courses and opportunities for existing and new sports coaches. Coaching Champions is recognised across the country as the premium event for training in sports coaching, and attracted over 450 participants to the 2012 event. It has grown steadily over its six-year life to offer local opportunities for coaches, teachers, instructors, clubs, youth leaders and community volunteers to train in quality sports coaching. The majority of courses are provided for clubs and organisations training new coaches or for people wishing to train in a new sport. This foundation training ensures that children in Argyll and Bute get the best quality, most up-to-date coaching which is supported by sportscotland and the governing bodies of sport. Coaches require to learn more than just the content of their chosen sport. They need to be familiar with first aid, child protection, organisational skills, nutrition and how to be a good coach. These areas are covered in the Coaching Essentials section. Outdoor adventure sport requires leaders to be competent and confident of their own skills, and Argyll and Bute Council works with Stramash Outdoor Social Enterprise to provide a mixed programme to build these skills. Also included for the first time are Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Supervisor and Assessor courses where volunteers within this excellent programme can train under competent tutors and pass their skills on to local young people. Following last year’s success, this year’s Swim School has been extended, including sessions in Dunoon and Helensburgh on water polo, coaching swimming and adult/child specialist courses during February to April. Another great addition is the Coach Academy - a section specifically designed for experienced coaches and teachers to hone their skills and ensure the pathway they offer to their children and athletes is planned, appropriate and progressive. Two of the finest mentors have been enlisted to help, including Kelvin Giles, an Olympic rugby, tennis, golf and athletics coach, who will deliver a full day of skills development experience. There will also be a session with Tony Stanger, talent manager at the Scottish Institute of Sport and well known as a British Lion and Scottish rugby star. He will help coaches recognise what helps to develop talent in sport and how to recognise it. Other courses of note within the packed programme, reflecting the growth of sport in Argyll and Bute, are triathlon, netball, hockey, athletics, Nordic walking and archery, but the traditional sports of football, shinty, rugby, badminton, basketball and volleyball are not forgotten! Community groups, youth organisations and schools are particularly encouraged to look at the table tennis, netball, basketball and volleyball courses where a fantastic discount is on offer to encourage more playing of these sports in our area. With a new approach to the management of school sports facilities being encouraged by the Scottish Government and sportscotland, these sports and activities have great potential and need qualified coaches to help grow opportunities for young people. Argyll and Bute Council’s lead councillor for sport, Councillor Dougie Philand said that Coaching Champions was an opportunity not to be missed by anyone wishing to become a quality coach, or wanting to improve their skills. “This is a unique event in Scotland – no other local authority runs anything like it, and we’re proud of what it has achieved so far,” he said. “It reflects Argyll and Bute Council’s desire to increase participation in sports and physical activity, and combat social inequalities through getting people more active in our unique natural environment. “Coaching Champions meets the aims of our Sport and Physical Activity Strategy by increasing the number of coaches in Argyll and Bute, improving the quality of coaching on offer and encouraging a general boost in sports participation. “It has a number of distinct elements which will appeal to a wide range of people who are currently involved in sport or who would like to take the first step on the sports coaching ladder, and I would encourage anyone interested to sign up. It’s a fantastic event.” The event takes place in Oban over the weekend of 1 to 3 February 2013, and booking opens on Friday 30 November. Courses can fill up very quickly, so early booking is advised. Free minibus transport to Oban is available for participants from Dunoon, Campbeltown, Rothesay and Helensburgh (and anywhere en route during these journeys), however places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. During the weekend, those taking part will also be able to vote for their chosen Sports Coach and Volunteer of the Year in a number of categories. This peer recognition gives winners not only a memento of their achievement, but also qualifies them for the Scottish Sports Coach awards later in the year. A full list of the courses on offer, what they cost and how to apply is on Argyll and Bute Council’s website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coaching champions All courses are subsidised and supported by Argyll and Bute Council and sportscotland. For further information, please contact sportscoaching@argyll-bute.gov.uk "If you’re interested in coaching the Positive Coaching way, would like to learn more about being a Positive Coaching parent or create a positive ethos in your club, get in touch with Nicola Hackett, Active Schools Manager, on 01369 708667 or email activeschools@argyll-bute.gov.uk"

"Be a part of Scottish Water’s future" says utility

A major consultation encouraging customers to help shape the future of water services in Scotland between now and 2040 was launched today. Scottish Water is setting out plans to ensure it can continue providing high quality drinking water to all customers, protect and enhance the environment, support the economy, communities and invest in future water services across Scotland. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is encouraging everyone to have their say in the consultation. The consultation document identifies potential challenges and opportunities – such as climate change, population change and developments in science and technology – which could arise in the next 25 years. The utility wants to hear customers’ views on the extent to which it should prioritise taking steps to protect water supplies from service interruptions and reduce flooding. Customers are also asked about future charge levels and the extent to which they would like to see service improvements in return. Douglas Millican, Interim Chief Executive of Scottish Water, said: “Scottish Water is a success story. In 10 years we've transformed the delivery of water services in Scotland with improved customer service, the lowest average household charges in the UK, water quality at its highest ever level and operating costs reduced by 40%. “We provide significant investment every year which supports thousands of construction jobs across Scotland, as well as improving services for customers. “But we are not complacent and, through this major consultation, we want to hear whether customers think we have identified the right priorities to build on our successes in the years ahead. “We need to think now about the challenges and opportunities that may arise between now and 2040, as well as steps we might need to take to ensure water services and supplies are resilient and continue to be of the highest possible quality for all our customers – from Stranraer to Shetland.” One of Scottish Water’s proposals is to explore the development of new water connections between supply systems for larger communities. Mr Millican added: “We are developing plans to ensure water services in Scotland are ready for the future. This is absolutely essential so that we can continue providing high quality drinking water to customers, protect and enhance the environment, support the economy and communities and invest in future water services. “For example, we are exploring the development of new water connections as a possible way of ensuring we can supply all customers with water - wherever and whenever it is needed. While Scotland generally has plentiful supply of fresh drinking water, there can from time to time be challenges such as periods of dry weather in parts of the country. New connections could help us move water around more easily to where it is needed. “We also want to listen to customers’ views about future charge levels and the extent to which they would like to see service improvements in return. “By having their say now, customers can help us make the right decisions to shape the future of water services in Scotland.” Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland’s water is one of our prize assets and we are fortunate to have a beautiful water environment and, in Scottish Water, a highly successful public corporation.  “Our vision of Scotland as a hydro nation will play a key part in our plans to develop a low carbon economy, boost growth and create jobs. “How we manage this rich natural resource is incredibly important and we’d urge everyone to have their say in Scottish Water’s consultation.” Peter Peacock, Customer Forum Chair, said: “Water is an essential service that we all depend on and pay for. And in Scotland all of our public drinking water and sewerage services are provided by one utility, Scottish Water. That’s why it is absolutely vital that people have a say in how much it costs and what exactly they are paying for. I encourage everyone to get involved now to help Scottish Water ensure its plans for the future reflect what matters most to customers.” A dedicated consultation website has been launched with useful information for customers, interactive options and a video - HYPERLINK "http://www.scottishwater.co.uk/yourviewscount" www.scottishwater.co.uk/yourviewscount Alternatively customers can have their say by writing to: Freepost RTBT-EEXB-EJRT, Scottish Water, Daldowie Office, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7RX The consultation runs from November 14 until February 12, 2013, after which Scottish Water will review customer feedback to help shape its final strategic projections and business plan for 2015-20, which will be published in October 2013.

Argyll and Bute Council promises to improve support for looked after children

Argyll and Bute Council have reaffirmed their commitment to giving children and young people a fair chance in life. In signing a pledge to be a good corporate parent the council have underpinned their support of the ‘Who Cares? Scotland’ Anti-Stigma Campaign to improve the support provided for looked after children. The ‘We can and will do better’ event culminated in the signing of the council’s promise in the council chambers, Kilmory, by Council Leader Roddy McCuish and Chief Executive Sally Loudon. Corporate parenting is the formal partnership needed between all local authority departments and services and associated agencies which are responsible for working together to meet the needs of looked after children and young people. Council Leader Roddy McCuish said, “Our young people are the future of Argyll and Bute and committing to care for and support them is vital. With this nine point promise we aim to combat the myths associated with children and young people in care and to support children and young people in fulfilling their potential.” Chief Executive Sally Loudon said, “This was an opportunity for elected members and council officers to discuss and explore their role as a corporate parent. Discussions were helped hugely due to some of our looked after young people attending which was a great opportunity to hear from them about what would make a difference. “With the signing of this pledge we show we are committed as a council to explore further opportunities to listen to and support our young people.”

BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 17 November – Friday 23 November 2012

Title: Scottish Premier League – Hearts v St Mirren The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hearts host St Mirren at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh. Transmitted: Saturday 17 November Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm Title: Alleluia Iain MacKinnon presents a mix of hymns, psalms and faith stories. Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir sing Psalm 27, Ishbel Ann Martin sings An Gràdh A Thug Thu Dhòmhsa and Hector Mackenzie talks about the role faith has played in his own life. Transmitted: Sunday 18 November Time: 7.30 – 8.00pm Title: Trusadh – Faslane @ 30 Faslane Peace Camp is a collection of caravans by the main road outside Helensburgh. It has been occupied as a permanent place of protest since 1982, just a stone's throw from HMNB Clyde - where the UK's nuclear arsenal is maintained. During the summer of 2012 the residents planned 30 Days of Action, to mark the camp's 30 year anniversary. Protests, picnics and politics abound as the campers make themselves heard afresh to the powers that be. The residents of the camp and affiliated groups have devoted their lives to raising the alarm on the Trident missile system, and want to use the 30 days to stoke the national debate on why it is there. But the Trident issue is not easily solved. Although the pro-Trident UK Government continues to back it, new tensions are arising with the devolved Scottish anti-nuclear administration. Faslane - 30 Years of Action is the story of a peace camp, its people and the politics that have entrenched the issue in the UK from WII to the present. Transmitted: Monday 19 November Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Cuide Ri Cathy – Michelle Collins Cathy MacDonald spends a hectic day with Coronation Street actress Michelle Collins in Manchester and Dublin. Transmitted: Monday 19 November Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm Title: Ceilidh @ Blas / Blas Music Festival 2012 Fourth in a series of music programmes from Blas 2012. Presented by Kathleen MacInnes and Fiona Dunn, this show features Breabach, the Battlefield Band and Linda MacLeod. Transmitted: Tuesday 20 November Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm Title: Eòrpa / European Current Affairs In this week's Eòrpa, the team report from Uist and Portugal. Transmitted: Wednesday 21 November Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm Title: Soillse – An Kuarup For the first time ever cameras have been given to the Yawalapiti, one of the most fascinating tribes of the Amazon Basin in Brazil. Under the guidance of their chief Pinakuman, these indigenous people went to great lengths to record their own images and to safeguard their culture and language, now only spoken by a handful of elders. This involves numerous rites, including the central ceremony of their culture: the Kuarup. Transmitted: Wednesday 21 November Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm Title: Air an Rathad / On The Road One super fast sports car - the Lotus Exige S – plus one super excited presenter - Calum Iain: mix them together and you have Mr Mackenzie giving it welly round the Lotus test track, breaking the previous Air an Rathad top speed by miles! While Calum Iain gets a tour of the Lotus factory in Norfolk, Murray is taking a wee run around Ballater on Royal Deeside in the World Car of the Year, the VW Up. Cudig shares another classic car choice and Calum Iain is in complete agreement - but what is it? You'll have to tune in to find out! And we're back on the Wacky Race track for more fun and games with cars long past their sell by dates….. Transmitted: Thursday 22 November Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm Title: PRO12 Live Rugby – Glasgow v Leinster Live rugby action in the RaboDirect PRO12 competition as Glasgow and Leinster meet at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow. Transmitted: Friday 23 November Time: 7.30 – 9.25pm

Argyll and Bute Council youth employment summit reinforces importance of partnerships

The Corran Halls in Oban were the venue on Monday 5 November for a national summit on youth employment. Angela Constance MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Youth Employment was the keynote speaker at the event, which highlighted a new youth employment strategy developed by Argyll and Bute Council. Key business people from Argyll and Bute, community planning partners, further and higher education representatives, training providers, elected members from council and government and young people from the area attended the event, along with delegates from other rural authorities. More than 30 organisations and businesses were represented at the event, which attracted 175 national and local delegates. An introduction was given by Councillor Louise Glen Lee, Lead Councillor for Community, Culture, Customer and Communication, and the event was chaired by Sam Coley, a young entrepreneur from Dunoon. Councillor Glen Lee highlighted the problem-solving partnerships which are in place to support our young people, and the four key elements of the local strategy for youth employment in Argyll and Bute – empowering people, supporting employers, simplifying the skills system and strengthening partnership and collective responsibility. The aim of the strategy is to meet the Scottish Government’s ‘Opportunities for All’ policy, which makes a commitment to offering a place in learning or training for every 16-19 year old not currently in employment, education or training. The Argyll and Bute Skills Pipeline and Action Plan has been created to map the paths to resolving the barriers which face young people and employers in achieving that. The Summit’s keynote address was delivered by Angela Constance MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Youth Employment, who outlined the Government’s commitment to finding solutions to the barriers to employment or training faced by some young people. Ms Constance said that youth unemployment had been aggravated by the recent economic situation - lack of growth in commerce and industry, and competition from older experienced people for jobs, and pointed out that public bodies can lead by example and are playing a crucial role, even in the current circumstances. Cleland Sneddon, Argyll and Bute Council’s Executive Director for Community Services spoke about the need to overcome the challenges facing an average of 100 of Argyll and Bute’s young people at any one time, who have been unable to engage with education, training or employment. He emphasised the importance of the curriculum for excellence in developing young people’s skills for life, learning and work and highlighted the successes of schools and their partners in Argyll and Bute in offering alternative qualifications as well as SQA qualifications. Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning welcomed the presence of the proactive employers attending the meeting, which was then addressed by Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment. Mr Lochhead stated that the youth employment debate is taking place across Scotland, and that the rural dimension to that debate is very important. He pointed out that the food and drink sector, which is a very strong sector in Argyll and Bute, is the best performing sector in Scotland today, and may rival the oil and gas industry in future years. A series of workshops were convened with the aim of developing a set of actions to take forward from the event. A question and answer session followed, with an expert panel which included Richard Lochhead MSP, Angela Constance MSP, Cllr Michael Breslin – Lead Councillor for Education, Anthony Standing Head of Regional Operations (North) with Skills Development Scotland, and Sam Coley, responding to questions which resulted from the workshops and from delegates generally. Commenting on the success of the event Councillor Michael Breslin, Lead Councillor for Education, said ‘It was good to see so many young people, public bodies, national policy-makers and local businesses coming along and taking the opportunity to share their knowledge and work together to help overcome the challenges facing our young people today.’ The Summit closed with a commitment from Government, Argyll and Bute Council and local businesses to work creatively together to help provide access to opportunity for every young person in the area. For more information on the event and feedback from the workshops log on to http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/youth-employment

SSE AND UNIVERSITY OF HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

- SSE Chief Executive Ian Marchant sets out commitment to Highland jobs and skills - SSE could invest over £5bn in the Highlands and Islands in the next 10 years SSE and the University of Highlands and Islands have today signed a ‘partnership agreement’ to collaborate and work together to maximise the benefits to the people of the Highlands and Islands from the low carbon energy revolution in the Highlands and Islands. Speaking at the University’s Research and Development conference Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of SSE - Scotland’s leading renewable energy generator and developer – will also set out a range of commitments to support this, including a new apprenticeship programme and a commitment to target local areas around proposed new developments for the recruitment and training of future employees, particularly in Caithness and Sutherland and in the Great Glen. There is significant investment planned by the energy industry over the next ten years. SSE’s contribution to this could potentially be £5-10bn in the Highlands and Islands alone, across its energy networks, renewable generation and energy services businesses. Both SSE and the University recognise the importance of collaboration to ensure the skills and people are in place to take advantage of this opportunity. The partnership agreement establishes a new steering group to oversee this collaboration between SSE and the University and to ensure local businesses and communities are also engaged. Key areas for collaboration and opportunity exist both in creating the right training infrastructure and in promoting innovation and research. The partnership will build on the £3m that SSE has already committed to training and skills in the Highlands. SSE Chief Executive Ian Marchant said: “We recognise that the communities in which we work and operate are very important and that SSE has a valuable role in contributing to the local economy of these communities. SSE is committed to making sure that Highland businesses and communities benefit from, and have a real part in, what we believe is a very exciting time for the Highlands. “Quite rightly the people in the Great Glen or Caithness and Sutherland ask the question – ‘can our young people be trained and employed to run your existing and future power stations and wind farms?’ The answer to that from me, is an emphatic yes! Should our projects currently in the planning system gain planning approval, we make this commitment – SSE will target areas such as Lairg and the wider Sutherland area, Fort Augustus and the Great Glen, and work with the schools and colleges in these areas to bring young people into our industry and train them so that they get the best chance of long term employment. "This new strategic partnership between SSE and the University of the Highlands and Islands will play a significant part in ensuring this happens. There is no doubt that this new University with its diverse range of colleges and research centres spread across the region will play a key role in providing the skills, training and expertise we need in future. “SSE already employs over 2,000 direct employees and contractors in the Highlands, operating our power stations electricity networks, retail outlets and in our growing energy services business. We are determined to see the benefit of renewable energy continue to flow into these same communities and to enable a new generation of local people to connect with and find employment from Energy.” Welcoming the partnership, University of the Highlands and Islands Principal and Vice-Chancellor, James Fraser said: “The University is delighted to sign this collaborative agreement with SSE. The University partnership of 13 colleges and research centres is unique in encompassing both further and higher education and in covering the whole of the Highlands and Islands, including Moray, Perth and Kinross. “SSE and its supply chain need highly trained staff. We can help deliver these skills through our collective expertise in further education and knowledge from higher education. The University is ready to play a key role in supporting the transformation of the Highlands and Islands economy through the development of the renewable energy industry, the electricity grid and the continued progress of oil and gas.” “It is very fitting to announce this collaborative venture at our annual Research Conference. In addition to teaching and training in the longer term we expect to provide research and consultancy to SSE as it tackles some of the new challenges posed by the new energy industry.”

HIAL AIRPORTS GET READY FOR WINTER

Scottish airports operator HIAL has launched its winter operation plan which aims to ensure passengers across its network of 11 airports keep flying this winter. The company has invested £400,000 on snow clearing equipment and a new de-icer storage facility at Inverness, and is also taking part, for a second winter, in a CAA trial aimed at accurately reporting runway surface conditions. HIAL is also using a forecasting tool provided by the UK Met Office which more precisely predicts weather conditions at those airports that have been most severely affected by snow and ice in recent years - Inverness, Stornoway, Wick John O’Groats, Kirkwall and Sumburgh. The more accurate forecasting tool will improve the effectiveness of de-icing operations, reduce wastage and the overall cost of winter operations. Mark Stuart, Operations Director at HIAL said: “In recent years, the UK has experienced winter weather conditions more akin to the Arctic, with sub zero temperatures and extremes of weather that have tested the transport system to its limits. With Scotland often bearing the brunt, HIAL has a responsibility to ensure that we keep passengers flying, even in the harshest conditions.” Responsibility for winter operations rests with the Airport Fire Service. Staff have been undergoing extensive training, rehearsing winter operational scenarios and readying essential equipment for the onset of winter. HIAL’s winter operational plan was inspired by the experience of airports in Norway, which are well used to extreme winter conditions. HIAL’s Chief Fire Office George Farquhar said: “The winter months are a particular challenge for HIAL given the diverse nature of our group, and the fact that our airports are spread over a vast geographical area, many of them in remote areas. Nevertheless, we have worked hard to ensure our teams are prepared for the worst extremes of winter and we have invested heavily in additional equipment and training, and new forecasting techniques in order to ensure airports continue to operate during severe weather.” Passengers can receive winter flight updates on the HIAL website – www.hial.co.uk.

FIOLMADAIREAN ÙRA A’ CUR GLEUS AIR FILMG - ROINN ÙR SAN FHARPAIS A’ SIREADH BHIDIOTHAN CIÙIL

Tha FilmG 2012/2013 air leth toilichte foillseachadh a dhèanamh air com-pàirteachas ùr, brìoghmhor eadar a’ phròiseact is Fèisean nan Gàidheal agus Watercolour Music, a chuireas gu mòr ri roinn ùr, tharraingeach ann am farpais na bliadhna-sa. Airson a’ chiad uair tha FilmG a’ sireadh bhidiothan ciùil airson òrain Ghàidhlig a tha air a bhith air an ùr-sgrìobhadh agus air an seinn le tàlant òg. Tha an seinneadair-sgrìobhaiche òran Alasdair Whyte, còmhla ris an stiùidio chliùiteach Ghàidhealach Watercolour Music, air ceithir dhe na h-òrain aig Alasdair fhèin a thabhann dhan phròiseact airson an roinn-farpais seo. Tha na h-òrain sin air ‘Las’, a’ chiad chlàr aig Alasdair, a chaidh a riochdachadh le Nick Turner is Màiri Anna NicUalraig aig Watercolour ann an Àird Ghobhar, Loch Abar. Tha an clàr ùr, fo bhratach Watercolour, air moladh sònraichte a chosnadh mar-tha ’s an stuth air fhaicinn mar mòr-thabhartas do sgrìobhadh-òran Gàidhlig. A bharrachd air an sin, tha Fèisean nan Gàidheal agus Watercolour air cead a thoirt do FilmG agus fiolmadairean cothrom fhaighinn air An Taigh Òran, pròiseact sgrìobhadh-òran ùr-ghnàthaichte a stèidhich Fèisean nan Gàidheal le Stòras Watercolour, companaidh a chaidh a chur air chois, chan ann airson prothaid, le stiùirichean an stiùidio, airson tàlant ciùil Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh. Thàinig ochd òrain ùra a-mach às a’ phròiseact seo, a’ toirt cothrom do bhuidheann òg stiùireadh is comhairle fhaighinn bho sheinneadairean is luchd-ciùil a tha air cliù a chosnadh mar-tha sa ghnìomhachas, leithid Alasdair Whyte, agus na h-òrain ùra a chlàradh. Thèid cuireadh a thoirt do neach sam bith aig a bheil ùidh ann an bhidio-ciùil a dhèanamh do FilmG, pàirt a ghabhail ann am bùthan-obrach trèanaidh, agus coinneachadh ri Alasdair agus na seinneadairean-sgrìobhaichean eile - Caitlin NicNèill, Ceitidh Nic a’ Ghobhainn, Emma Leitch and Robbie MacLeòid. Thèid a’ bhidio a choisinneas a’ phrìomh dhuais san roinn a shealltainn aig cuirm nan duaisean sa Mhàrt 2013, far an tèid uidheamachd fiolmaidh is gearraidh luach £1000 a bhuileachadh air stiùiriche/riochdaire a’ bhidio. Chaidh FilmG a chur air bhonn le MG ALBA ann an 2008. Thuirt Dòmhnall Caimbeul Àrd-oifigear MG ALBA: “Tha am com-pàirteachas ùr seo a’ gealltainn pòsadh tarraingeach de cheòl ùr ‘s de thàlant mheadhanan, agus tha sinn air leth taingeil airson a’ chothrom a tha Fèisean nan Gàidheal agus Watercolour air a thabhann dhuinn. ’S e leasachadh sònraichte a tha seo do FilmG agus tha sinn a’ dèanamh fiughair ri na bhidiothan-ciùil fhaicinn an ath bhliadhna.” Thuirt Art MacCarmaig, Fèisean nan Gàidheal: “Bha sinn fìor thoilichte an fheum as fheàrr a dhèanamh den taic-airgid aig IGE, Alba Chruthachail agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig airson òrain ùra Ghàidhlig a chruthachadh ann am com-pàirteachas le Stòras Watercolour. Tha sinn air leth toilichte gu bheil na h-òrain bhon Taigh Òran a’ faighinn leasachadh bhidiothan-ciùil tro FilmG, a’ toirt beatha a bharrachd dhan stuth às dèidh na pròiseact fhèin, agus a’ toirt foillseachadh air a bheil fìor fheum do chruth-ealain a tha airidh air barrachd meas na tha e a’ faighinn.” A rèir Mhairi Ann NicUalraig bho Stòras Watercolour, "Tha a bhith a’ lorg ’s a bhith ag obair le tàlant ùr, cruthachail mar Alasdair daonnan fìor thaitneach, agus bha am brosnachadh a b’ urrainn dhuinn a thoirt do sgrìobhaichean ùra anns an Taigh Òran glè shàsachail cuideachd, gu h-àraidh on a bha sin a’ daingneachadh ceanglaichean làidir le buidheann mar FnG a tha air an aon ràmh bheachdan rinn fhìn. Tha e tarraingeach dha-rìribh a bhith a’ cuideachadh gus seo a thoirt ceum eile agus a’ tabhann cothrom do fhiolmadairean òga. Tha sinn air bhioran gus am faic sinn a’ bhuil."