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