KING KENNY - SGEULACHD DALGLISH
Wednesday 28th December at 8.55pm on BBC ALBA
In January 2011, Kenny Dalglish made headlines when he was reappointed manager of his beloved Liverpool FC for the second time, in a glittering forty year career.
In the year that he also celebrated his 60th birthday, BBC ALBA’s exclusive ‘King Kenny - Sgeulachd Dalglish’ tribute documentary looks back at the life and achievements of one of the most outstanding sportsmen Scotland has ever produced and also reveals his lesser known charity work in the Western Isles, which he undertakes with his wife Marina.
Having recovered from breast cancer, Marina Dalglish devotes her time to fundraising, much of it carried out with her husband. Their voluntary work has extended to the islands where, since 2004, they have had a regular commitment to the Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway. Kenny’s golf games and auctions have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds in recent years. The documentary witnesses the couple in Stornoway, and hears from locals and hospice staff how their special tie with the islands has evolved.
Carol Somerville, manager of Bethesda, speaks warmly of how the player has changed the hospice: “You only have to mention his name, and people light up. When there is a patient well enough, we might ask if they want to meet him - and they do. Even just having a photograph taken – memories are so important for the families and this is another little memory for them to have. But he doesn't think of himself as a ‘celebrity’. When you mention the word he turns round and says ‘who?’.”
2011 also brought fresh reminders of darker days for Kenny Dalglish, as the Hillsborough tragedy came into focus once more. An online petition of 140,000 signatures led to an emotional debate in the House of Commons in October, when Home Secretary Theresa May announced that all documents related to the disaster would be released, following a report by an independent panel. The programme recalls the events of April 1989, when Kenny Dalglish acted not only as manager for the Club but effectively caretaker for Merseyside's countless grieving, after 96 fans lost their lives in the stadium crush.
In a moving interview with the mother of one young victim, the depth of Dalglish's deep-seated bond with Merseyside becomes apparent. Margaret Aspinall lost her 18 year old son, James, in the tragedy.
Recalling the day he died, Mrs Aspinall pays tribute to Kenny Dalglish for the private, long-term support he offered the mourning: “He gave a great deal of comfort. Kenny didn't know it at the time. But I just know what the families think of him. And he's still there for us. We loved him before then, we needed him at that time - and we still love Kenny, now.”
At key moments, the documentary pulls back the curtain to recall Kenny Dalglish’s astounding record on the pitch, ever since he was first earmarked by Celtic FC as a young boy growing up on a Glasgow housing estate. Former team mates Graeme Souness and Danny McGrain pay personal tribute, with appealing archive including accolades from Bill Shankly, and Jock Stein.
“On the pitch, he was just the best I ever played with - he was the King" - Graeme Souness.
Produced by Sorbier Productions for BBC ALBA, ‘King Kenny - Sgeulachd Dalglish’ will be broadcast on Wednesday 28 December at 8.55pm.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Friday, 9 December 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 31 December 2011 – Saturday 6 January 2012
Title: Balaich Bhatarsaigh @ Na Barrowlands / The Vatersay Boys @ the Barrowlands
Scotland's number one party band, The Vatersay Boys, play their annual Glasgow Barrowland gig mixing their unique blend of ceilidh and traditional music. This one off concert special captures the madness and mayhem as the Vatersay Boy fans let their hair down and put on their dancing shoes.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 9.30 – 10.30pm
Title: Iseabail / Ishbel MacAskill
Time stood still for a few minutes at the beginning of the year in March with the devastating news that the renowned Gaelic singer Ishbel MacAskill had tragically and suddenly died - leaving a void in the lives of so many.
The news shook the musical world, the Gaelic world and the Arts community here in Scotland and further afield to the core. They had lost one of their own.... a sister in singing. A woman who had a special gift - a voice like silk.
A special tribute to Ishbel - an incredible lady who had a zest for life and an infectious positive outlook.
A Mother, a Grandmother, a Singer, a Lewis woman and a point woman through and through...... Ishbel MacAskill.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 10.30 – 11.30pm
Title: Ceilidh na Bliadhn’ Uire / Hogmanay Ceilidh
Hosts, John Carmichael and Kirsteen MacDonald are throwing open the doors of the Duisdale Hall in Sleat, Isle of Skye for a live Hogmanay cèilidh - Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire 2011 to say farewell to 2011 and a big Gaelic fàilte (welcome) to 2012. Joining in the New Year party celebrations are a wealth of Gaelic singers: Donnie Munro, Julie Fowlis, Christine Primrose, Arthur Cormack with Norrie MacIver and Mànran, along with a host of Gàidhealach musicians joining in - Éamon Doorley, Ingrid Henderson and Ross Martin.
Fiona MacKenzie will be bringing you the craic from Am Pràban Bar at Hotel Eilean Iarmain, where The Angus Nicolson Trio will be raising the roof with their cèilidh sets. Also, several stars from the world of Gaelic broadcasting will appear with special messages and expect fireworks and fantastic first footers after the bells. Bring in the bells live from the Isle of Skye only on BBC ALBA.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 11.30pm – 1.00am
Title: Te Bheag a’ Ghruffalo / The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo's child isn't too sure whether to believe her father's stories about the Big Bad Mouse who lives in the forest. One night, feeling very brave, she leaves the Gruffalo cave and goes in search of the fabled creature all on her own. However, there are many more of her father's old acquaintances to met on her journey through the deep, dark wood!
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.00 – 4.30pm
Title: Sgeulaiche
The McFinnigan family travel to Australia for a holiday. There's sun , there's sea and there's sand , but it's one wrong turn leads to a fantastic adventure.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.30 – 4.35pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby – Glasgow v Edinburgh
LIVE PRO12 Rugby: Glasgow host Edinburgh in the all-important 1872 Cup decider.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.25pm
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 60's and 70's. 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: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dha Gordon a-mhain / Just for Gordon
In December 2005 Scotland tragically lost one of its most innovative musicians and composers of the age of 41. It is surprising though that this world renowned Scottish musician was not someone that would be instantly recognised by the vast majority of the public in Scotland, yet his music is played the world over. Gordon Duncan, from Perthshire, was quite simply unique as a Piper of his generation. He was a multi instrumentalist and prolific composer.
Just for Gordon is a new documentary for BBC ALBA about his life and the tunes he wrote that have quickly become a mainstay of the Scottish traditional music repertoire.
His tunes had true significance, not just in their unique and original arrangement but also in their very inspiration often from entertaining occurrences in Gordon's life - Andy Renwick's Ferret, The Famous Barovan, The SleepingTune, Break Yer Bass Drone and Zito the Bubbleman - to name but a few.
His tunes can be heard at T in the Park, Celtic Connections, Celtic Colours in Canada, The Lorient festival in Brittany and the Fleadh Cheòil in Ireland. Gordon Duncan helped to put piping on the map for a whole new generation and for his pupils such as Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton who are now themselves making their mark in the traditional music scene by following his style.
The programme features the musicians that knew and played with him and those who continue to play and be inspired by his music, especially his own pupils…. a celebration of the music and memory of Gordon Duncan.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm
Title: SPL Kilmarnock v St Mirren
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Mirren at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: An Ribheid Chiuil
The pipes are one of the music world's most distinctive sounds and piping is one of its earliest musical forms. This exciting, new series - An Ribheid Chiùil / Reed Music - tells the amazing story of the instrument and its players, and is a fascinating introduction to the international, colourful and exciting world of the pipes. From diffusion, change and sophistication in the world of piping over history, to today's players who have taken piping into new popularity through pipe bands, solo performing and bands touring international festivals and circuits.
The first programme in the series looks at the earliest pipes, probably dating from as early as the 8th century which were made out of reed and commonplace in Iraq and Iran. Some of the world's foremost pipers also tell how they started playing the pipes, and we hear how the instrument became so strongly associated with Scotland. Presented by piper Anna Murray.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Farpaisean Chon-chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The new series of sheepdog trials returns with coverage of the Comrie and District Sheepdog Trial in Perthshire.
Transmitted: Tuesday 3 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Caman
In the final episode the Borthwicks play in the Camanachd Cup, Eddie, Lisa and the Rodger family look back over a great year, and the First Minister attends his first shinty match.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Balaich Bhatarsaigh / Beware the Vatersay Boys
Beware The Vatersay Boys is a behind the scenes look at one of Scotland's most loved party bands. The boys give BBC ALBA exclusive access to their lives as they go about their day jobs as postman, bin man and fisherman and we join them as they head out on tour around Scotland. First it's a lively afternoon gig at their local pub in Castlebay, followed by an even more lively evening gig on the main stage in a tent at Barrafest. Life on the road with the Vatersay Boys is never dull as the onstage party continues off stage, and despite having up to four managers things don't always run to schedule!
We also see the band maintain their roots with a local ceilidh in the Vatersay village hall. Not just a live act, the band have an on-board resident engineer and recording studio on Vatersay, courtesy of Donnie's brother, former Simple Minds keyboard player, Mick MacNeill. The boys lay down a few tracks in their makeshift mini aircraft hangar. In early December the band pack up and head to Glasgow for the annual festive ceilidh at the Glasgow Barrowland. As the band motto suggests, life with the Vatersay Boys is full of unexpected twists and turns and the banter is hilarious.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Alba: 1980
Experience some of the stories hitting the headlines in 1980 through archive footage and the year's chart hits: Scottish teachers strike for more money, Hercules the Bear goes missing and the Island of Eriskay is up for sale. The year's chart hits include Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall, Blondie's Atomic and Cliff Richard's We Don't Talk Any More.
Transmitted: Friday 6 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Scotland's number one party band, The Vatersay Boys, play their annual Glasgow Barrowland gig mixing their unique blend of ceilidh and traditional music. This one off concert special captures the madness and mayhem as the Vatersay Boy fans let their hair down and put on their dancing shoes.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 9.30 – 10.30pm
Title: Iseabail / Ishbel MacAskill
Time stood still for a few minutes at the beginning of the year in March with the devastating news that the renowned Gaelic singer Ishbel MacAskill had tragically and suddenly died - leaving a void in the lives of so many.
The news shook the musical world, the Gaelic world and the Arts community here in Scotland and further afield to the core. They had lost one of their own.... a sister in singing. A woman who had a special gift - a voice like silk.
A special tribute to Ishbel - an incredible lady who had a zest for life and an infectious positive outlook.
A Mother, a Grandmother, a Singer, a Lewis woman and a point woman through and through...... Ishbel MacAskill.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 10.30 – 11.30pm
Title: Ceilidh na Bliadhn’ Uire / Hogmanay Ceilidh
Hosts, John Carmichael and Kirsteen MacDonald are throwing open the doors of the Duisdale Hall in Sleat, Isle of Skye for a live Hogmanay cèilidh - Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire 2011 to say farewell to 2011 and a big Gaelic fàilte (welcome) to 2012. Joining in the New Year party celebrations are a wealth of Gaelic singers: Donnie Munro, Julie Fowlis, Christine Primrose, Arthur Cormack with Norrie MacIver and Mànran, along with a host of Gàidhealach musicians joining in - Éamon Doorley, Ingrid Henderson and Ross Martin.
Fiona MacKenzie will be bringing you the craic from Am Pràban Bar at Hotel Eilean Iarmain, where The Angus Nicolson Trio will be raising the roof with their cèilidh sets. Also, several stars from the world of Gaelic broadcasting will appear with special messages and expect fireworks and fantastic first footers after the bells. Bring in the bells live from the Isle of Skye only on BBC ALBA.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 11.30pm – 1.00am
Title: Te Bheag a’ Ghruffalo / The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo's child isn't too sure whether to believe her father's stories about the Big Bad Mouse who lives in the forest. One night, feeling very brave, she leaves the Gruffalo cave and goes in search of the fabled creature all on her own. However, there are many more of her father's old acquaintances to met on her journey through the deep, dark wood!
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.00 – 4.30pm
Title: Sgeulaiche
The McFinnigan family travel to Australia for a holiday. There's sun , there's sea and there's sand , but it's one wrong turn leads to a fantastic adventure.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.30 – 4.35pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby – Glasgow v Edinburgh
LIVE PRO12 Rugby: Glasgow host Edinburgh in the all-important 1872 Cup decider.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.25pm
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 60's and 70's. 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: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dha Gordon a-mhain / Just for Gordon
In December 2005 Scotland tragically lost one of its most innovative musicians and composers of the age of 41. It is surprising though that this world renowned Scottish musician was not someone that would be instantly recognised by the vast majority of the public in Scotland, yet his music is played the world over. Gordon Duncan, from Perthshire, was quite simply unique as a Piper of his generation. He was a multi instrumentalist and prolific composer.
Just for Gordon is a new documentary for BBC ALBA about his life and the tunes he wrote that have quickly become a mainstay of the Scottish traditional music repertoire.
His tunes had true significance, not just in their unique and original arrangement but also in their very inspiration often from entertaining occurrences in Gordon's life - Andy Renwick's Ferret, The Famous Barovan, The SleepingTune, Break Yer Bass Drone and Zito the Bubbleman - to name but a few.
His tunes can be heard at T in the Park, Celtic Connections, Celtic Colours in Canada, The Lorient festival in Brittany and the Fleadh Cheòil in Ireland. Gordon Duncan helped to put piping on the map for a whole new generation and for his pupils such as Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton who are now themselves making their mark in the traditional music scene by following his style.
The programme features the musicians that knew and played with him and those who continue to play and be inspired by his music, especially his own pupils…. a celebration of the music and memory of Gordon Duncan.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm
Title: SPL Kilmarnock v St Mirren
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Mirren at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: An Ribheid Chiuil
The pipes are one of the music world's most distinctive sounds and piping is one of its earliest musical forms. This exciting, new series - An Ribheid Chiùil / Reed Music - tells the amazing story of the instrument and its players, and is a fascinating introduction to the international, colourful and exciting world of the pipes. From diffusion, change and sophistication in the world of piping over history, to today's players who have taken piping into new popularity through pipe bands, solo performing and bands touring international festivals and circuits.
The first programme in the series looks at the earliest pipes, probably dating from as early as the 8th century which were made out of reed and commonplace in Iraq and Iran. Some of the world's foremost pipers also tell how they started playing the pipes, and we hear how the instrument became so strongly associated with Scotland. Presented by piper Anna Murray.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Farpaisean Chon-chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The new series of sheepdog trials returns with coverage of the Comrie and District Sheepdog Trial in Perthshire.
Transmitted: Tuesday 3 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Caman
In the final episode the Borthwicks play in the Camanachd Cup, Eddie, Lisa and the Rodger family look back over a great year, and the First Minister attends his first shinty match.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Balaich Bhatarsaigh / Beware the Vatersay Boys
Beware The Vatersay Boys is a behind the scenes look at one of Scotland's most loved party bands. The boys give BBC ALBA exclusive access to their lives as they go about their day jobs as postman, bin man and fisherman and we join them as they head out on tour around Scotland. First it's a lively afternoon gig at their local pub in Castlebay, followed by an even more lively evening gig on the main stage in a tent at Barrafest. Life on the road with the Vatersay Boys is never dull as the onstage party continues off stage, and despite having up to four managers things don't always run to schedule!
We also see the band maintain their roots with a local ceilidh in the Vatersay village hall. Not just a live act, the band have an on-board resident engineer and recording studio on Vatersay, courtesy of Donnie's brother, former Simple Minds keyboard player, Mick MacNeill. The boys lay down a few tracks in their makeshift mini aircraft hangar. In early December the band pack up and head to Glasgow for the annual festive ceilidh at the Glasgow Barrowland. As the band motto suggests, life with the Vatersay Boys is full of unexpected twists and turns and the banter is hilarious.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Alba: 1980
Experience some of the stories hitting the headlines in 1980 through archive footage and the year's chart hits: Scottish teachers strike for more money, Hercules the Bear goes missing and the Island of Eriskay is up for sale. The year's chart hits include Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall, Blondie's Atomic and Cliff Richard's We Don't Talk Any More.
Transmitted: Friday 6 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Monday, 5 December 2011
Argyll and Bute education stars sought for national awards
Local people across Argyll and Bute are being called on to help find the area’s brightest education stars.
Nominations are being invited for the Scottish Education Awards 2012, which celebrate hard work and innovation in Scottish classrooms.
The awards are open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, nursery and special schools. There are also categories to recognise and reward the dedication of teachers, head-teachers and support staff across Scotland.
Councillor Ellen Morton, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for education and lifelong learning, said: “There is wonderful work going on in education right across Argyll and Bute, and the exciting and innovative achievements of many of our schools and individual school staff are worthy of being highlighted and celebrated at a national level.
“We have had significant success at these awards in the past. In 2009 we won two of the main categories - with Oban High’s John Mackenzie picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award and Kilcreggan Primary the CBI Schools for All title – and had two other nominees shortlisted in the Teacher of the Year and Homecoming Scotland categories.
“Last year, Keills Primary on the isle of Islay went home with the Numeracy Across Learning award, and was also a finalist in the Health and Wellbeing category. We also had two other finalists - in the Learning Through Technology category and the Teacher of the Year. So in the past we have punched well above our weight, which is a fantastic reflection of the work going on in education across Argyll and Bute.
“However, those who have had their achievements celebrated in this way in the past have only found themselves in the spotlight because someone took the trouble to nominate them. So I would urge anyone who believes that a particular school or individual would be a worthy winner to fill in a nomination form and so give them a chance of well-deserved national recognition.”
The 2012 awards were launched by Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning and Skills, who said: “The Scottish Education Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the hard work, innovation and excellence of standards of schools, teachers, headteachers and school communities across the country.
“I would encourage people across the country to take some time to nominate and reward the local schools and education professionals that make learning a rich experience, nurturing and motivating our children and young people to increase their understanding and realise their ambitions.”
This year there are a number of new categories, including the Active Nation Award, Parents are Partners in Learning Award and Gaelic Language and Culture in LearningAward.
Dr Allan urged anyone who knows of a local school which shines within its community or an exemplary teacher who motivates and nurtures pupils to become confident learners to take the opportunity to recognise them for their efforts by nominating them for an award.
A panel of judges will select three finalists in every category, who will then attend an awards ceremony at Hilton Hotel, Glasgow on Tuesday June 12 2012.
Categories at this year’s Scottish Education Awards include:
Health & Wellbeing Award – schools and pre schools which are developing a holistic approach to health and wellbeing
Active Nation Award – schools and pre schools which have developed opportunities for pupils to be active
Literacy Across Learning Award – schools and pre schools which have developed effective approaches to delivering literacy skills across learning
Numeracy Across Learning - schools and pre schools which have developed effective approaches to delivering numeracy skills across learning
Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Primary & Early Years) – recognising schools and pre schools which are focusing on the development of enterprise and employability skills
Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Secondary) – recognising schools which are focusing on the development of enterprise and employability skills, including entrepreneurship, business and commerce
Aiming High Award – schools and pre schools which are providing opportunities and removing barriers for children who require more sustained support
Sustainable Schools Award – recognising schools and pre schools which have developed environmental awareness and sustainable development across all curriculum areas
Global Citizenship Award – celebrating how pupils are being encouraged to be responsible citizens at a local , national and international level
Learning Through Technology Award – schools and pre schools which are innovative in their use of technology to support learning and teaching
Educational Supporter of the Year – recognising those who support children, young people, staff and the wider community
Probationary Teacher of the Year – probationary teachers who are bringing learning to life for their pupils
Teacher of the Year – celebrating teachers who are engaging and inspiring children and young people to fulfil their potential
Head teacher of the Year – Head teachers who provide inspirational leadership and motivate staff to encourage staff, children and pupils to fulfil their potential
Lifetime Achievement – open to all qualified teachers and head teachers who are approaching the end of their career to recognise their leadership, commitment and achievements.
Parents as Partners in Learning Award – parents who are playing an important role in education in schools and nurseries
Gaelic Language and Culture in Learning Award - schools and pre-schools which are providing opportunities for children to develop awareness of Gaelic language and culture
For further information or to make a nomination visit
http:///www.scottisheducationawards.co.uk or monitor the progress of the awards by visiting http://www.engageforeducation.org/ or following @engagefored on twitter.
Nominations are being invited for the Scottish Education Awards 2012, which celebrate hard work and innovation in Scottish classrooms.
The awards are open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, nursery and special schools. There are also categories to recognise and reward the dedication of teachers, head-teachers and support staff across Scotland.
Councillor Ellen Morton, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for education and lifelong learning, said: “There is wonderful work going on in education right across Argyll and Bute, and the exciting and innovative achievements of many of our schools and individual school staff are worthy of being highlighted and celebrated at a national level.
“We have had significant success at these awards in the past. In 2009 we won two of the main categories - with Oban High’s John Mackenzie picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award and Kilcreggan Primary the CBI Schools for All title – and had two other nominees shortlisted in the Teacher of the Year and Homecoming Scotland categories.
“Last year, Keills Primary on the isle of Islay went home with the Numeracy Across Learning award, and was also a finalist in the Health and Wellbeing category. We also had two other finalists - in the Learning Through Technology category and the Teacher of the Year. So in the past we have punched well above our weight, which is a fantastic reflection of the work going on in education across Argyll and Bute.
“However, those who have had their achievements celebrated in this way in the past have only found themselves in the spotlight because someone took the trouble to nominate them. So I would urge anyone who believes that a particular school or individual would be a worthy winner to fill in a nomination form and so give them a chance of well-deserved national recognition.”
The 2012 awards were launched by Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning and Skills, who said: “The Scottish Education Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the hard work, innovation and excellence of standards of schools, teachers, headteachers and school communities across the country.
“I would encourage people across the country to take some time to nominate and reward the local schools and education professionals that make learning a rich experience, nurturing and motivating our children and young people to increase their understanding and realise their ambitions.”
This year there are a number of new categories, including the Active Nation Award, Parents are Partners in Learning Award and Gaelic Language and Culture in LearningAward.
Dr Allan urged anyone who knows of a local school which shines within its community or an exemplary teacher who motivates and nurtures pupils to become confident learners to take the opportunity to recognise them for their efforts by nominating them for an award.
A panel of judges will select three finalists in every category, who will then attend an awards ceremony at Hilton Hotel, Glasgow on Tuesday June 12 2012.
Categories at this year’s Scottish Education Awards include:
Health & Wellbeing Award – schools and pre schools which are developing a holistic approach to health and wellbeing
Active Nation Award – schools and pre schools which have developed opportunities for pupils to be active
Literacy Across Learning Award – schools and pre schools which have developed effective approaches to delivering literacy skills across learning
Numeracy Across Learning - schools and pre schools which have developed effective approaches to delivering numeracy skills across learning
Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Primary & Early Years) – recognising schools and pre schools which are focusing on the development of enterprise and employability skills
Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Secondary) – recognising schools which are focusing on the development of enterprise and employability skills, including entrepreneurship, business and commerce
Aiming High Award – schools and pre schools which are providing opportunities and removing barriers for children who require more sustained support
Sustainable Schools Award – recognising schools and pre schools which have developed environmental awareness and sustainable development across all curriculum areas
Global Citizenship Award – celebrating how pupils are being encouraged to be responsible citizens at a local , national and international level
Learning Through Technology Award – schools and pre schools which are innovative in their use of technology to support learning and teaching
Educational Supporter of the Year – recognising those who support children, young people, staff and the wider community
Probationary Teacher of the Year – probationary teachers who are bringing learning to life for their pupils
Teacher of the Year – celebrating teachers who are engaging and inspiring children and young people to fulfil their potential
Head teacher of the Year – Head teachers who provide inspirational leadership and motivate staff to encourage staff, children and pupils to fulfil their potential
Lifetime Achievement – open to all qualified teachers and head teachers who are approaching the end of their career to recognise their leadership, commitment and achievements.
Parents as Partners in Learning Award – parents who are playing an important role in education in schools and nurseries
Gaelic Language and Culture in Learning Award - schools and pre-schools which are providing opportunities for children to develop awareness of Gaelic language and culture
For further information or to make a nomination visit
http:///www.scottisheducationawards.co.uk or monitor the progress of the awards by visiting http://www.engageforeducation.org/ or following @engagefored on twitter.
THE BEST OF THE TRAD AWARDS 2011 ON BBC ALBA
NA TRADS - MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2011 AT 10PM
The biggest night in Scottish traditional music returns to Perth Concert Hall for a second year running with another brilliant line-up in this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
The event, celebrating the best of Scottish Traditional and Gaelic music and song, will take place on Saturday 3 December with BBC ALBA broadcasting exclusive coverage in ‘Na Trads’ on Monday 5 December at 10pm.
Na Trads will be presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and Tony Kearney with the programme covering some of the prestigious awards being presented on the night, exclusive interviews with celebrities and winners throughout the evening, as well as featuring live performances from top musical talent.
Performances from acclaimed bands including Skerryvore, Peatbog Faeries, as well as the incredible Barbara Dickson Band, emerging talent in the shape of the Kristen Harvey Band and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, to name but a few, will be featured on the programme.
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor for BBC ALBA, said: “The Trad Awards is a fantastic event in recognising and celebrating the rich culture and traditional Gaelic and Scottish music and song that as a nation we are extremely proud of. The event is a must see for all those who appreciate and participate in the Scottish music scene and to help honour some of the finest performers around.
“We’re passionate about showcasing the best of Gaelic and Scottish culture on BBC ALBA and are delighted that we can allow those who can’t attend on the night to share in the awards by transmitting a special programme on our channel.”
Na Trads is being produced by Bees Nees Media for BBC ALBA and will be broadcast on Monday 5 December at 10pm and repeated on Friday 9 December at 9pm for anyone who misses Monday’s programme.
The biggest night in Scottish traditional music returns to Perth Concert Hall for a second year running with another brilliant line-up in this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
The event, celebrating the best of Scottish Traditional and Gaelic music and song, will take place on Saturday 3 December with BBC ALBA broadcasting exclusive coverage in ‘Na Trads’ on Monday 5 December at 10pm.
Na Trads will be presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and Tony Kearney with the programme covering some of the prestigious awards being presented on the night, exclusive interviews with celebrities and winners throughout the evening, as well as featuring live performances from top musical talent.
Performances from acclaimed bands including Skerryvore, Peatbog Faeries, as well as the incredible Barbara Dickson Band, emerging talent in the shape of the Kristen Harvey Band and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, to name but a few, will be featured on the programme.
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor for BBC ALBA, said: “The Trad Awards is a fantastic event in recognising and celebrating the rich culture and traditional Gaelic and Scottish music and song that as a nation we are extremely proud of. The event is a must see for all those who appreciate and participate in the Scottish music scene and to help honour some of the finest performers around.
“We’re passionate about showcasing the best of Gaelic and Scottish culture on BBC ALBA and are delighted that we can allow those who can’t attend on the night to share in the awards by transmitting a special programme on our channel.”
Na Trads is being produced by Bees Nees Media for BBC ALBA and will be broadcast on Monday 5 December at 10pm and repeated on Friday 9 December at 9pm for anyone who misses Monday’s programme.
Research shows how disadvantaged people can beat barriers to benefit from nature
Research carried out by six community groups across Scotland has highlighted the things that could help excluded and disadvantaged people overcome the barriers that stop them from enjoying the outdoors.
The findings, published this week, are the result of a two year project run by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Community Development Centre to identify successful ways of helping people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances get closer to nature.
Among those taking part was a woodland project in Lochgilphead, Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise, which encourages visits from people with mental and physical health problems.
Each of the groups carried out their own ‘action research’ project – defined as research done by the people themselves rather than on them by a third party, with the aim of achieving change. A range of methods were used, including storytelling and campfire focus groups, as well as more traditional questionnaires and case studies.
Overall the groups invested 286 days of their own time and gathered the views of almost 400 people from Glasgow to Dundee.
The groups found that for many people it is important to have someone to go with on an outdoor visit. Having something to do while there can give meaning and purpose and it was clear that people took pride in making a difference to their local area. A wide range of activities, practical and cultural, could encourage more people to get involved. Information on where to go and transport can sometimes be an issue.
Elaine Macintosh, Scottish Natural Heritage project officer, said: “People of all backgrounds and circumstances should be able to enjoy nature but that isn’t always the case. We wanted to help change that by finding out more about the issues people face and how to help them enjoy nature more often.
“SNH and Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) have learnt a great deal from supporting the groups to carry out their own research, and the groups themselves have developed skills, knowledge and understanding that are directly relevant to their work. Not only has it allowed them to investigate issues that are important to them, it has also increased their confidence and given them evidence to apply for funding and lobby for change. It has been inspiring to see the commitment that people have to make changes for the better.”
A guide on the techniques used in the project, ‘Action Research in the Community’, has also been published by SCDC and Education Scotland.
Fiona Garven, the director of SCDC said: “We are passionate about action research as a method of working with local people to genuinely empower them to take control of their own issues and to take forward their aspirations.
“The research report is just one outcome - what we also know is that by going through a process of local inquiry, the individuals and groups involved build their knowledge of their own communities and the issues which concern them. They build their networks and their contacts, they find out who to influence, where to get funds and they develop plans on how to take forward local action.”
The groups taking part were:
Encouraging wider use of Blarbuie Woodland in Lochgilphead by people with a range of mental and physical health problems was the aim of the research carried out by Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise. “Our research has shown the importance of company in getting people to the wood – not just for support and transport, but also in building confidence,” said Hugh Fife from the group. “It has brought us into contact with new groups and has prompted us to work with the hospital service bus to promote this vital connection to the woodland.”
The GalGael Trust in Glasgow, which supports long-term unemployed adults with addiction, homelessness and mental health issues, looked at why people from deprived urban areas can find it so hard to get out and enjoy nature. They also gathered evidence on how deeply the disconnection from the natural world can affect physical and mental well-being. “Cultural heritage is often intertwined with natural heritage like a strand of DNA,” remarked Tam McGarvey of the trust. “Offering people a chance to get out in the landscape can go a long way to helping them retrieve a sense of connection and meaning.”
On the edge of Dundee, the Broughty Ferry Environmental Project, a community based initiative that helps local people develop and deliver environmental projects, from habitat creation to outdoor art, explored why their approach attracted and retained volunteers. “We found that our wide interpretation of environmental activity helps attract people of differing interests,” explained Ann Lolley from the project. “Many of the folk who come along then go on to interact with the environment in lots of ways.”
The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Chrysalis Project, also in Dundee, considered what helps and hinders people with a mental health issue from getting out and enjoying nature. “Organisations promoting the outdoors to people with mental health issues need to get people out to experience nature, so they can appreciate the benefits and gain confidence from doing it,” said Kevin Bruce of SAMH.
The Clackmannanshire Disability Awareness Group looked at the same issue from the viewpoint of people with a disability. They are using their findings to lobby for increased wheelchair-friendly transport and better information on outdoor places for people with disabilities. As a result of their research, the group has already been invited to help develop access at Gartmorn Dam Country Park. “Our research has confirmed what the issues are, and given us the confidence we need to speak to people about our recommendations,” explained Enid Trevett from the group.
South west of Glasgow, Neilston Development Trust wanted to find out the views of the community on the current and future use of a former mill estate on the edge of the village. Once a jewel in the local landscape, the woodland and gardens are now overgrown. “The research uncovered a deep vein of interest about Cowden Hall estate that spans the generations,” commented the trust’s Laura Carswell. “We got lots of feedback on what improvements would make people more likely to visit - this will help us make it a valued place again for enjoying the outdoors.”
Commenting on the research projects, Elaine said: “Despite the differences between the groups, the projects all found that nature can help transform people’s lives and make valuable connections – both to other people and to their local place - resulting in stronger, more inclusive communities.
“They also reported many other benefits: improving fitness, health and well-being; building confidence; learning new skills; a sense of peace, perspective and identity; being part of something bigger; having fun and sharing experiences; finding creative inspiration and a place for spiritual reflection.”
The findings, published this week, are the result of a two year project run by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Community Development Centre to identify successful ways of helping people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances get closer to nature.
Among those taking part was a woodland project in Lochgilphead, Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise, which encourages visits from people with mental and physical health problems.
Each of the groups carried out their own ‘action research’ project – defined as research done by the people themselves rather than on them by a third party, with the aim of achieving change. A range of methods were used, including storytelling and campfire focus groups, as well as more traditional questionnaires and case studies.
Overall the groups invested 286 days of their own time and gathered the views of almost 400 people from Glasgow to Dundee.
The groups found that for many people it is important to have someone to go with on an outdoor visit. Having something to do while there can give meaning and purpose and it was clear that people took pride in making a difference to their local area. A wide range of activities, practical and cultural, could encourage more people to get involved. Information on where to go and transport can sometimes be an issue.
Elaine Macintosh, Scottish Natural Heritage project officer, said: “People of all backgrounds and circumstances should be able to enjoy nature but that isn’t always the case. We wanted to help change that by finding out more about the issues people face and how to help them enjoy nature more often.
“SNH and Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) have learnt a great deal from supporting the groups to carry out their own research, and the groups themselves have developed skills, knowledge and understanding that are directly relevant to their work. Not only has it allowed them to investigate issues that are important to them, it has also increased their confidence and given them evidence to apply for funding and lobby for change. It has been inspiring to see the commitment that people have to make changes for the better.”
A guide on the techniques used in the project, ‘Action Research in the Community’, has also been published by SCDC and Education Scotland.
Fiona Garven, the director of SCDC said: “We are passionate about action research as a method of working with local people to genuinely empower them to take control of their own issues and to take forward their aspirations.
“The research report is just one outcome - what we also know is that by going through a process of local inquiry, the individuals and groups involved build their knowledge of their own communities and the issues which concern them. They build their networks and their contacts, they find out who to influence, where to get funds and they develop plans on how to take forward local action.”
The groups taking part were:
Encouraging wider use of Blarbuie Woodland in Lochgilphead by people with a range of mental and physical health problems was the aim of the research carried out by Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise. “Our research has shown the importance of company in getting people to the wood – not just for support and transport, but also in building confidence,” said Hugh Fife from the group. “It has brought us into contact with new groups and has prompted us to work with the hospital service bus to promote this vital connection to the woodland.”
The GalGael Trust in Glasgow, which supports long-term unemployed adults with addiction, homelessness and mental health issues, looked at why people from deprived urban areas can find it so hard to get out and enjoy nature. They also gathered evidence on how deeply the disconnection from the natural world can affect physical and mental well-being. “Cultural heritage is often intertwined with natural heritage like a strand of DNA,” remarked Tam McGarvey of the trust. “Offering people a chance to get out in the landscape can go a long way to helping them retrieve a sense of connection and meaning.”
On the edge of Dundee, the Broughty Ferry Environmental Project, a community based initiative that helps local people develop and deliver environmental projects, from habitat creation to outdoor art, explored why their approach attracted and retained volunteers. “We found that our wide interpretation of environmental activity helps attract people of differing interests,” explained Ann Lolley from the project. “Many of the folk who come along then go on to interact with the environment in lots of ways.”
The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Chrysalis Project, also in Dundee, considered what helps and hinders people with a mental health issue from getting out and enjoying nature. “Organisations promoting the outdoors to people with mental health issues need to get people out to experience nature, so they can appreciate the benefits and gain confidence from doing it,” said Kevin Bruce of SAMH.
The Clackmannanshire Disability Awareness Group looked at the same issue from the viewpoint of people with a disability. They are using their findings to lobby for increased wheelchair-friendly transport and better information on outdoor places for people with disabilities. As a result of their research, the group has already been invited to help develop access at Gartmorn Dam Country Park. “Our research has confirmed what the issues are, and given us the confidence we need to speak to people about our recommendations,” explained Enid Trevett from the group.
South west of Glasgow, Neilston Development Trust wanted to find out the views of the community on the current and future use of a former mill estate on the edge of the village. Once a jewel in the local landscape, the woodland and gardens are now overgrown. “The research uncovered a deep vein of interest about Cowden Hall estate that spans the generations,” commented the trust’s Laura Carswell. “We got lots of feedback on what improvements would make people more likely to visit - this will help us make it a valued place again for enjoying the outdoors.”
Commenting on the research projects, Elaine said: “Despite the differences between the groups, the projects all found that nature can help transform people’s lives and make valuable connections – both to other people and to their local place - resulting in stronger, more inclusive communities.
“They also reported many other benefits: improving fitness, health and well-being; building confidence; learning new skills; a sense of peace, perspective and identity; being part of something bigger; having fun and sharing experiences; finding creative inspiration and a place for spiritual reflection.”
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 17 December – Friday 23 December 2011 / Saturday 24 December – Saturday 31 Dec
Title: SPL: Hearts v Dunfermline
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Heart of Midlothian host Dunfermline at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Saturday 17 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Piping Live
A taste of what can be seen during the annual Piping Live festival in Glasgow. From pipes and drums to ceilidh and folk bands, it's a lively, colourful and youthful gathering of national and international performers. Presented by Morag MacDonald.
Transmitted: Saturday 17 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank. This week, we see performances from LYY from Sweden and Munto Valdo from Cameroon. Also performing are Uist singer Linda Macleod and the Rua Macmillan Trio . This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 17 December
Time: 10.00 – 10.25pm
Title: Vets: Gach Creutar Beo
Amazing work with chimpanzees at Blair Drummond Safari Park when vet Colin Scott calls in the specialists from Edinburgh Zoo to help out and Iain MacLean in Wick tends to a working collie dog and finds more than he expected. The wonderful world of Scottish vets.
Transmitted: Monday 19 December
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 21 December
Time: 8.30pm
Title: Soillse: A’ leantainn Shackleton / Antarctica
An adventurer and wildlife photographer make the journey from the Falkland Isles via South Georgia to Antarctica and back up to South America - the same journey taken by the famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
They encounter the wildlife that lives there, and have a chance to gain a better understanding of the rich history that the whaling industry has in the region.
Transmitted: Wednesday 21 December
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Caman / Shinty Documentary
David MacPherson’s Inveraray hope to win the first silverware of the season. We learn more about the Rodger family and Eddie Tembo starts playing again following his injury. Lisa Norman finally has a day off and gets to play shinty.
Transmitted: Thursday 22 December
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Air An Rathad / On The Road
Fiona travels to Switzerland to visit Rinspeed Concept Cars, where they develop cars of the future. So what exactly will we be driving in 2020? You'll have to watch to find out!
Calum Iain is a happy man as he gets his hands on a Focus RS500 - it may look like an ordinary hatchback, but this version does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds! He leaves the statistics to twin brother Iain Calum and lets the accelerator hit the floor.
Murray is in Ness behind the wheel of his favourite vehicle - his tractor - as he takes part in an island rally. Ten hours later and he's arrived at Rodel, saddle sore but happy to have raised a few pounds for charity.
It's the last programme of the series and that means it's the last challenge for Wacky Races - who will win the Cup this year? Tune in to Air an Rathad for a thrilling finale!
Transmitted: Thursday 22 December
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: SPL Dundee United v Hibernian
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Dundee United host Hibernian at Tannadice Park, Dundee.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Spors na Bliadhna 2011 / Sports Review
BBC ALBA takes a look back at some of the sporting highlights and stories that hit the headlines in 2011.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 December
Time: 7.30 – 8.30pm
Title: Nollaig A Steornabhagh / Christmas Service
Join us this Christmas Eve for a very special ecumenical service from Martin's Memorial Church, Stornoway. Rev James MacIver (Free Church), Rev Angus Morrison (Church of Scotland) and Father Roddy Johnston (Catholic Church) share readings and prayers with us.
Acclaimed soloists Mary Smith, Isobel Ann Martin and Donnie Murdo Macleod sing Christmas hymns, and the pupils of Laxdale Primary School, the Nicolson Institute, Back Gaelic Choir, and the Stornoway Congregation join together to sing an assortment of Christmas classics, as piper James Mackenzie welcomes in Christmas Day.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 December
Time: 11.00pm – 12.05am
Title: Leon Sa Gheamhradh / Leon in Wintertime
Wintertime has hit Balthasarville and along with it a horrible ogre has come to kidnap Princess Molly and eat her with his pea stew. It is up to Leon, a young bear who has run away from home and has ended up a the mercy of a mischievous storyteller, to save her.
Along with his new friends, a grumpy hedgehog and an accident prone elephant, the brave bear embarks on a quest to find the poor princess.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 5.05 – 5.35pm
Title: Mallachd an fhir-rabaide / Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were Rabbit
The village is being overrun by rabbits and Wallace has a plan - all he has to do is alter their minds so that they will leave the vegetable allotments alone. However, his plan goes awry when his experiment fails, leaving himself a bit worse for 'were.'
The rabbit problem escalates when the villagers discover a monstrous 'were-rabbit' destroying everything in its sights. Everyone - including Lady T, who Wallace is quite fond of - wants the daring duo to solve the problem….but there is no sign of Wallace!
Will Gromit be able to solve the conundrum before the creature - who may be more familiar than they think - gets shot?
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 5.35 – 7.00pm
Title: A’ Bhliadhna / News Review
A review of this year's news from a local, national and international perspective.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 7.00 – 7.55pm
Title: Is Mise Michelle McManus
Singer and presenter Michelle McManus travels to the Western Isles of Scotland on a journey of musical discovery.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Na Caimbeulaich
The Campbells of Greepe, a profile looking at the lives and music of two generations of the singing dynasty who have roots in Skye.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm
Title: Celtic Connections
Join Ricky Ross as he samples the best country, soul, gospel, folk and world music from Celtic Connections 2011.Tom Jones headlines 60 minutes of highlights from this great Glasgow music festival.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 11.00pm – 12.00 midnight
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby - Edinburgh v Glasgow
The first leg of the 1872 Cup as rivals Edinburgh and Glasgow face each other in the PRO12 rugby at Murrayfield Stadium.
Transmitted: Monday 26 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.25pm
Title: Mod 2011: Mod Highlights
Mary Ann Kennedy presents some of the winning performances from the main stage of the Mod 2011 in Stornoway.
Transmitted: Tuesday 27 December - Friday 30 December
Time: 6.30 – 8.00pm
Title: Turas Tony
Actor Tony Kearney from BBC's 'River City' swaps the comfort of a television studio for four varied and challenging professions. Episode 4, the Winter Special, sees Tony take a tumble as he joins the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
Transmitted: Monday 26 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: King Kenny
The career of Kenny Dalglish at the end of a momentous year that saw him return to Liverpool FC as manager.
Transmitted: Wednesday 28 December
Time: 8.55 – 9.55pm
Title: SPL Hibernian v Inverness CT
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibernian host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Easter Road, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Wednesday 28 December
Time: 9.55 – 11.55pm
Title: Soillse - Eilean Takuu / There Once Was An Island
Takuu Island is in crisis. As ever more frequent storms and an enormous flood threatens to engulf paradise, who will decide to flee and leave their culture behind forever?
The recent flood destroyed homes and crops, and the government of the nearest mainland town of Bougainville has been unable to transport food or assistance with only one boat servicing the island. Who will stay, hoping only that God will save them?
Transmitted: Thursday 29 December
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Sweet Dreams – Sgeulachd Patsy Cline
The life story of country singing sensation Patsy Cline (1932 - 1963), through a theatre production featuring some of her best loved songs.
Transmitted: Friday 30 December
Time: 8.55 – 10.00pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Heart of Midlothian host Dunfermline at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Saturday 17 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Piping Live
A taste of what can be seen during the annual Piping Live festival in Glasgow. From pipes and drums to ceilidh and folk bands, it's a lively, colourful and youthful gathering of national and international performers. Presented by Morag MacDonald.
Transmitted: Saturday 17 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank. This week, we see performances from LYY from Sweden and Munto Valdo from Cameroon. Also performing are Uist singer Linda Macleod and the Rua Macmillan Trio . This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 17 December
Time: 10.00 – 10.25pm
Title: Vets: Gach Creutar Beo
Amazing work with chimpanzees at Blair Drummond Safari Park when vet Colin Scott calls in the specialists from Edinburgh Zoo to help out and Iain MacLean in Wick tends to a working collie dog and finds more than he expected. The wonderful world of Scottish vets.
Transmitted: Monday 19 December
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 21 December
Time: 8.30pm
Title: Soillse: A’ leantainn Shackleton / Antarctica
An adventurer and wildlife photographer make the journey from the Falkland Isles via South Georgia to Antarctica and back up to South America - the same journey taken by the famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
They encounter the wildlife that lives there, and have a chance to gain a better understanding of the rich history that the whaling industry has in the region.
Transmitted: Wednesday 21 December
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Caman / Shinty Documentary
David MacPherson’s Inveraray hope to win the first silverware of the season. We learn more about the Rodger family and Eddie Tembo starts playing again following his injury. Lisa Norman finally has a day off and gets to play shinty.
Transmitted: Thursday 22 December
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Air An Rathad / On The Road
Fiona travels to Switzerland to visit Rinspeed Concept Cars, where they develop cars of the future. So what exactly will we be driving in 2020? You'll have to watch to find out!
Calum Iain is a happy man as he gets his hands on a Focus RS500 - it may look like an ordinary hatchback, but this version does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds! He leaves the statistics to twin brother Iain Calum and lets the accelerator hit the floor.
Murray is in Ness behind the wheel of his favourite vehicle - his tractor - as he takes part in an island rally. Ten hours later and he's arrived at Rodel, saddle sore but happy to have raised a few pounds for charity.
It's the last programme of the series and that means it's the last challenge for Wacky Races - who will win the Cup this year? Tune in to Air an Rathad for a thrilling finale!
Transmitted: Thursday 22 December
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: SPL Dundee United v Hibernian
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Dundee United host Hibernian at Tannadice Park, Dundee.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Spors na Bliadhna 2011 / Sports Review
BBC ALBA takes a look back at some of the sporting highlights and stories that hit the headlines in 2011.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 December
Time: 7.30 – 8.30pm
Title: Nollaig A Steornabhagh / Christmas Service
Join us this Christmas Eve for a very special ecumenical service from Martin's Memorial Church, Stornoway. Rev James MacIver (Free Church), Rev Angus Morrison (Church of Scotland) and Father Roddy Johnston (Catholic Church) share readings and prayers with us.
Acclaimed soloists Mary Smith, Isobel Ann Martin and Donnie Murdo Macleod sing Christmas hymns, and the pupils of Laxdale Primary School, the Nicolson Institute, Back Gaelic Choir, and the Stornoway Congregation join together to sing an assortment of Christmas classics, as piper James Mackenzie welcomes in Christmas Day.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 December
Time: 11.00pm – 12.05am
Title: Leon Sa Gheamhradh / Leon in Wintertime
Wintertime has hit Balthasarville and along with it a horrible ogre has come to kidnap Princess Molly and eat her with his pea stew. It is up to Leon, a young bear who has run away from home and has ended up a the mercy of a mischievous storyteller, to save her.
Along with his new friends, a grumpy hedgehog and an accident prone elephant, the brave bear embarks on a quest to find the poor princess.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 5.05 – 5.35pm
Title: Mallachd an fhir-rabaide / Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were Rabbit
The village is being overrun by rabbits and Wallace has a plan - all he has to do is alter their minds so that they will leave the vegetable allotments alone. However, his plan goes awry when his experiment fails, leaving himself a bit worse for 'were.'
The rabbit problem escalates when the villagers discover a monstrous 'were-rabbit' destroying everything in its sights. Everyone - including Lady T, who Wallace is quite fond of - wants the daring duo to solve the problem….but there is no sign of Wallace!
Will Gromit be able to solve the conundrum before the creature - who may be more familiar than they think - gets shot?
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 5.35 – 7.00pm
Title: A’ Bhliadhna / News Review
A review of this year's news from a local, national and international perspective.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 7.00 – 7.55pm
Title: Is Mise Michelle McManus
Singer and presenter Michelle McManus travels to the Western Isles of Scotland on a journey of musical discovery.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Na Caimbeulaich
The Campbells of Greepe, a profile looking at the lives and music of two generations of the singing dynasty who have roots in Skye.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm
Title: Celtic Connections
Join Ricky Ross as he samples the best country, soul, gospel, folk and world music from Celtic Connections 2011.Tom Jones headlines 60 minutes of highlights from this great Glasgow music festival.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 December
Time: 11.00pm – 12.00 midnight
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby - Edinburgh v Glasgow
The first leg of the 1872 Cup as rivals Edinburgh and Glasgow face each other in the PRO12 rugby at Murrayfield Stadium.
Transmitted: Monday 26 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.25pm
Title: Mod 2011: Mod Highlights
Mary Ann Kennedy presents some of the winning performances from the main stage of the Mod 2011 in Stornoway.
Transmitted: Tuesday 27 December - Friday 30 December
Time: 6.30 – 8.00pm
Title: Turas Tony
Actor Tony Kearney from BBC's 'River City' swaps the comfort of a television studio for four varied and challenging professions. Episode 4, the Winter Special, sees Tony take a tumble as he joins the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
Transmitted: Monday 26 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: King Kenny
The career of Kenny Dalglish at the end of a momentous year that saw him return to Liverpool FC as manager.
Transmitted: Wednesday 28 December
Time: 8.55 – 9.55pm
Title: SPL Hibernian v Inverness CT
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibernian host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Easter Road, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Wednesday 28 December
Time: 9.55 – 11.55pm
Title: Soillse - Eilean Takuu / There Once Was An Island
Takuu Island is in crisis. As ever more frequent storms and an enormous flood threatens to engulf paradise, who will decide to flee and leave their culture behind forever?
The recent flood destroyed homes and crops, and the government of the nearest mainland town of Bougainville has been unable to transport food or assistance with only one boat servicing the island. Who will stay, hoping only that God will save them?
Transmitted: Thursday 29 December
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Sweet Dreams – Sgeulachd Patsy Cline
The life story of country singing sensation Patsy Cline (1932 - 1963), through a theatre production featuring some of her best loved songs.
Transmitted: Friday 30 December
Time: 8.55 – 10.00pm
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
NFUS MEETS WITH MINISTER ON CROFTING FUTURE
NFU Scotland’s Crofting and Highlands & Islands Committee has asked the Scottish Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Stewart Stevenson to ensure that Scotland’s crofts remain economically viable and continue to support crofting communities.
Mr Stevenson was attending the committee’s meeting in Invermoriston, near Fort Augustus today (Tuesday, 29 November).
NFU Scotland crofting members from Skye, Sutherland, Orkney, Mull, Inverness, Argyll and Caithness attended the meeting.
Chairman of the committee, Mrs Jo Durno said:
“This may have been the Minister’s first visit to our committee since he took on his new brief but it is clear that he appreciates the importance of a vibrant crofting sector in Scotland. Crofting not only underpins many local communities but it continues to have a vital function in Scottish agriculture at large
“Important aspects of crofting in the future have been laid out in 2010 Crofting Act, which is being introduced in phases. We welcome the Minister’s confirmation that the forthcoming consultation on elections to the crofting commission is about to reach the Scottish Parliament. This raises the welcome prospect of crofters taking the majority of positions on the commission in the future.
“Our committee members also took the opportunity to raise with the minister the major concerns they have over the issue of neglect and the need to have an effective means of dealing with it to ensure we have continuing crofting activity in these fragile areas.
“Another major point brought up at the meeting was the need to ensure we have the next generation of crofters ready to take the management of crofting lands. Key to this is the provision of agriculture and crofting training, and delivering that training locally to crofting communities themselves
“In terms of support for the crofting sector, we were reminded that all Governments are operating under significant budgetary constraints. However, while budgets are largely fixed there does appear to be room within those budgets and NFUS will be giving due consideration as to how we can make best use of financial resources to support our crofters.
“All in all, this was a very useful meeting and we look forward to a constructive dialogue with the Minister on all crofting issues.”
Mr Stevenson was attending the committee’s meeting in Invermoriston, near Fort Augustus today (Tuesday, 29 November).
NFU Scotland crofting members from Skye, Sutherland, Orkney, Mull, Inverness, Argyll and Caithness attended the meeting.
Chairman of the committee, Mrs Jo Durno said:
“This may have been the Minister’s first visit to our committee since he took on his new brief but it is clear that he appreciates the importance of a vibrant crofting sector in Scotland. Crofting not only underpins many local communities but it continues to have a vital function in Scottish agriculture at large
“Important aspects of crofting in the future have been laid out in 2010 Crofting Act, which is being introduced in phases. We welcome the Minister’s confirmation that the forthcoming consultation on elections to the crofting commission is about to reach the Scottish Parliament. This raises the welcome prospect of crofters taking the majority of positions on the commission in the future.
“Our committee members also took the opportunity to raise with the minister the major concerns they have over the issue of neglect and the need to have an effective means of dealing with it to ensure we have continuing crofting activity in these fragile areas.
“Another major point brought up at the meeting was the need to ensure we have the next generation of crofters ready to take the management of crofting lands. Key to this is the provision of agriculture and crofting training, and delivering that training locally to crofting communities themselves
“In terms of support for the crofting sector, we were reminded that all Governments are operating under significant budgetary constraints. However, while budgets are largely fixed there does appear to be room within those budgets and NFUS will be giving due consideration as to how we can make best use of financial resources to support our crofters.
“All in all, this was a very useful meeting and we look forward to a constructive dialogue with the Minister on all crofting issues.”
NHS Highland reassures patients and public about planned Industrial Action
NHS Highland has confirmed today that plans are fully in place to cope with the 24 hour Industrial Action planned from 00.01 hr on Wednesday 30th November.
Elaine Mead, Chief Executive for NHS Highland said: “Our priority at all times is to ensure we run a safe service including running emergency services. We would like to remind and reassure patients and the wider public that we have robust plans in place to meet all emergency services and our core clinical services. Our Core services will run as normal and includes cancer treatments, renal dialysis, emergency mental health and maternity services.
“We respect the right of our colleagues to take industrial action. They also have a right to picket during industrial action. Our Trade Union representatives have been cooperating with Senior Managers to make sure that any picket lines are located safely and conducted in line with relevant guidance.
“I would like to stress that any patient who has been asked to still attend for a scheduled appointment on Wednesday 30th should make sure that they do come in and attend. Staff taking strike action will not be picketing patients nor seeking to disrupt essential emergency services. “
Ray Stewart, NHS Highland Joint Trade Union Chair said “People attending many hospital services should expect to see our members picketing but they should not worry about this at all. Our briefing to pickets has been clear and that is to treat all members of the public and staff with respect.”
As part of NHS Highland’s Business Continuity Plans across the Board area a limited service will be run in hospitals. This means that to maintain safe services most non urgent activity including most outpatient clinics, day surgery and elective surgery has had to be postponed.
Planning has already begun to ensure that any patient who has had to be cancelled will be re-booked in a timely manner as a matter of priority.
Elaine Mead, Chief Executive for NHS Highland said: “Our priority at all times is to ensure we run a safe service including running emergency services. We would like to remind and reassure patients and the wider public that we have robust plans in place to meet all emergency services and our core clinical services. Our Core services will run as normal and includes cancer treatments, renal dialysis, emergency mental health and maternity services.
“We respect the right of our colleagues to take industrial action. They also have a right to picket during industrial action. Our Trade Union representatives have been cooperating with Senior Managers to make sure that any picket lines are located safely and conducted in line with relevant guidance.
“I would like to stress that any patient who has been asked to still attend for a scheduled appointment on Wednesday 30th should make sure that they do come in and attend. Staff taking strike action will not be picketing patients nor seeking to disrupt essential emergency services. “
Ray Stewart, NHS Highland Joint Trade Union Chair said “People attending many hospital services should expect to see our members picketing but they should not worry about this at all. Our briefing to pickets has been clear and that is to treat all members of the public and staff with respect.”
As part of NHS Highland’s Business Continuity Plans across the Board area a limited service will be run in hospitals. This means that to maintain safe services most non urgent activity including most outpatient clinics, day surgery and elective surgery has had to be postponed.
Planning has already begun to ensure that any patient who has had to be cancelled will be re-booked in a timely manner as a matter of priority.
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 3 December – Friday 9 December 2011
Title: Scottish Premier League - St Mirren v Inverness CT
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as St Mirren host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at St Mirren Park, Paisley.
Transmitted: Saturday 3 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Belladrum 2011: Cridhe Tartan
Main stage highlights and unseen performances from Belladrum 2011: Texas, Deacon Blue, Teddy Thompson, Little Comets, Easy Star All-Stars, Rachel Sermanni and Frank Turner. Hosted by Fiona MacKenzie.
Transmitted: Saturday 3 December
Time: 8.55 – 9.55pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby - Dragons V Glasgow
LIVE rugby from the RaboDirect Pro 12 league as Sean Lineen’s Glasgow Warriors side travel to face Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade, Newport.
Transmitted: Sunday 4 December
Time: 4.25 – 6.20pm
Title: Trusadh - Slighe Dhan Fhàsaich/Into The Wild
With the current worldwide population shift towards an urbanised existence, the benefits of getting back in touch with the natural landscape, and the lure of these wild remote places has never been greater. For many, living there has become a regular way of life, far from the comforts of modern living.
Amongst those we meet are a young family who spend each summer on the isolated island of Mingulay; an aspiring wildlife photographer and travel writer in remote Knoydart; a city based guidebook writer whose aim is to get people out to the wild places; two Skye sisters who have set up a wilderness boot camp; and some of the Stornoway Kayak Club as they explore the rugged Lewis coastline, and camp out on one of its many offshore islands.
In following these characters who have embraced these wild lands we'll look at whether there's a true wilderness left in an age where humans have altered so much of our landscape.
Transmitted: Monday 5 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Na Trads
The biggest night in Scottish traditional music returns to Perth Concert Hall for a second year with another brilliant line-up – the Trad Awards 2011.
Transmitted: Monday 5 December
Time: 10.00 – 11.30pm
Title: Soillse - Horseman of Everest
Gurmen, a sherpa widely respected for his high-altitude expertise, lives at 4,000 meters in the Himalayan valleys of Nepal. Every day he faces the dangers of the mountain and its treacherous climate. With dreams of a better future, he has a bold idea: to buy a trained horse and rent it to tourists.
Transmitted: Wednesday 7 December
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as St Mirren host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at St Mirren Park, Paisley.
Transmitted: Saturday 3 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Belladrum 2011: Cridhe Tartan
Main stage highlights and unseen performances from Belladrum 2011: Texas, Deacon Blue, Teddy Thompson, Little Comets, Easy Star All-Stars, Rachel Sermanni and Frank Turner. Hosted by Fiona MacKenzie.
Transmitted: Saturday 3 December
Time: 8.55 – 9.55pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby - Dragons V Glasgow
LIVE rugby from the RaboDirect Pro 12 league as Sean Lineen’s Glasgow Warriors side travel to face Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade, Newport.
Transmitted: Sunday 4 December
Time: 4.25 – 6.20pm
Title: Trusadh - Slighe Dhan Fhàsaich/Into The Wild
With the current worldwide population shift towards an urbanised existence, the benefits of getting back in touch with the natural landscape, and the lure of these wild remote places has never been greater. For many, living there has become a regular way of life, far from the comforts of modern living.
Amongst those we meet are a young family who spend each summer on the isolated island of Mingulay; an aspiring wildlife photographer and travel writer in remote Knoydart; a city based guidebook writer whose aim is to get people out to the wild places; two Skye sisters who have set up a wilderness boot camp; and some of the Stornoway Kayak Club as they explore the rugged Lewis coastline, and camp out on one of its many offshore islands.
In following these characters who have embraced these wild lands we'll look at whether there's a true wilderness left in an age where humans have altered so much of our landscape.
Transmitted: Monday 5 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Na Trads
The biggest night in Scottish traditional music returns to Perth Concert Hall for a second year with another brilliant line-up – the Trad Awards 2011.
Transmitted: Monday 5 December
Time: 10.00 – 11.30pm
Title: Soillse - Horseman of Everest
Gurmen, a sherpa widely respected for his high-altitude expertise, lives at 4,000 meters in the Himalayan valleys of Nepal. Every day he faces the dangers of the mountain and its treacherous climate. With dreams of a better future, he has a bold idea: to buy a trained horse and rent it to tourists.
Transmitted: Wednesday 7 December
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
FESTIVE FEAST ON BBC ALBA
BBC ALBA has today (Thursday, 17 November) unveiled a festive feast of programmes coming up over 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.
Documentary highlights include exclusive programmes on much loved celebrities such as Kenny Dalglish, Patsy Cline and Michelle MacManus, whilst sporting fans can enjoy live action from the RaboDirect PRO12 plus ‘as-live SPL fixtures throughout the festive period.
A special Christmas Eve service, broadcast at 11pm, will come from Martin’s Memorial Church in Stornoway and will feature music from Back Gaelic Choir, Ishbel Ann Martin, Donnie Murdo MacLeod and Mary Smith as well as young musicians from the Nicolson Institute all under the creative guidance of Calum Martin as Musical Director.
See in the New Year in style with BBC ALBA’s live Hogmanay Cèilidh starting at 11.30pm. John Carmichael and Kirsteen MacDonald will be hosting events at the Duisdale Hall on the Isle of Skye with hot new Gaelic group Mànran, Julie Fowlis and Eamon Doorly, Christine Primrose and Arthur Cormack, plus a host of other top performers. Fiona MacKenzie will complete the team from Am Praban Bar at Eilean Iarmain in Skye where she will be joined by the Angus Nicolson Trio.
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. BBC ALBA is now available on Freeview and Cable and we are delighted that, for the first time, our festive schedule can be enjoyed across the country at a time when audiences look out for entertaining television. Our Hogmanay Ceilidh will also broadcast live on Radio nan Gàidheal and will be available worldwide via the BBC iPlayer, extending our programming at this special time of the year to audiences across the UK and overseas.”
Highlights from this year’s festive season on BBC ALBA include:
Music
· Songs of the Pipers: Festive cèilidh from the National Piping Centre in Glasgow celebrating the connection between the Gaelic language and pipe music. Performances are from Mànran, Irish performers ‘The Armagh Pipers Club’ and Irish musician/composer Brian O’hEadhra, accompanied by Calum Stewart and Fiona MacKenzie (Christmas Eve, Sat 24 Dec, 9pm)
· Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music Sessions: World-class musicians from Celtic Connections festival featuring Rachel Sermanni and The Tannahill Weavers (Christmas Eve, Sat 24 Dec, 10pm)
· Celtic Connections - Tom Jones: Sixty minutes of top flight music from Celtic Connections including performances from Tom Jones, the Creole Choir from Cuba and lots more. (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec, 11pm)
· The Vatersay Boys – In Concert: The number one cèilidh band from the Highlands & Islands perform to a packed Glasgow Barrowland (New Year’s Eve, Sat 31 Dec, 9.30pm)
· Reed Music: The exciting, international world of one of the earliest musical forms, piping, bringing the amazing story of the instrument and its players to life (Mon, 2 Jan, 8.30pm)
Documentaries
· Michelle MacManus: Singer and presenter Michelle McManus travels to the Western Isles of Scotland on a journey of musical discovery (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec, 9pm)
· The Campbells: The Campbell family of Greepe Skye is one of the great singing dynasties of Gaelic music. This documentary explores their lives and features performances in venues including Dunvegan Hall and Glasgow’s Art Club during Celtic Connections 2011. (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec, 10pm)
· Turas Tony: Tony Kearney joins the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team for a testing Winter challenge (Boxing Day, Mon 26 Dec, 9pm)
· King Kenny: Reappointed manager of Liverpool FC this year as well as celebrating his 60th birthday, this tribute programme looks at the life and achievements of one of the most outstanding Scottish sportsmen (Wed 28 Dec, 9pm)
· Sweet Dreams - Patsy Cline: The life story of country singing sensation Patsy Cline (1932 - 1963) is told through a theatre production featuring some of her best loved songs (Fri 30 Dec, 9pm)
· Ishbel MacAskill - A special tribute to Ishbel MacAskill - an incredible lady who had a zest for life and an infectious positive outlook and who died suddenly in March. A Mother, A Grandmother, a Singer, a Lewis Woman and a Point woman through and through (New Year’s Eve, Sat 31 Dec, 10.30pm)
Sport
· RaboDirect PRO12 Rugby: live rugby action as Glasgow and Edinburgh battle it out over two matches for the 1872 Cup and vital competition points (Boxing Day, Mon 26 Dec, 5.30pm and New Year’s Day, Sun 1 Jan, 5.30pm)
· SPL ‘as-live’ coverage: continues throughout the festive period (Dundee Utd v Hibs, Christmas Eve, Sat 24 Dec, 5.30pm / Inverness CT v Hibs, Wed 28 Dec, 10pm)
· Sports Review of the Year: A round-up of BBC ALBA’s sporting highlights of the year including the World Island Games and Edinburgh and Glasgow’s campaign in European club rugby (Christmas Eve, Sat 24 Dec, 7.30pm)
Children’s programming
· Leon in Winter Times: Join Leon and Molly for a wintertime adventure with wicked storytellers, a kidnapped princess and a band of loyal friends who come to the rescue. A Christmas tale for all the family (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec, 5.05pm)
· Wallace & Gromit – Curse of the Were Rabbit: A mind altering experiment involving rabbits goes awry, leaving Wallace feeling a bit worse for ‘were.’ With the impending vegetable fair and a monstrous rabbit on the loose, it is up to Gromit to put things right (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec,5.35pm)
· Sgeulaiche: New animation series featuring original, spontaneous and funny stories written by children, for children (Fri, 6 Jan, 5.55pm)
Documentary highlights include exclusive programmes on much loved celebrities such as Kenny Dalglish, Patsy Cline and Michelle MacManus, whilst sporting fans can enjoy live action from the RaboDirect PRO12 plus ‘as-live SPL fixtures throughout the festive period.
A special Christmas Eve service, broadcast at 11pm, will come from Martin’s Memorial Church in Stornoway and will feature music from Back Gaelic Choir, Ishbel Ann Martin, Donnie Murdo MacLeod and Mary Smith as well as young musicians from the Nicolson Institute all under the creative guidance of Calum Martin as Musical Director.
See in the New Year in style with BBC ALBA’s live Hogmanay Cèilidh starting at 11.30pm. John Carmichael and Kirsteen MacDonald will be hosting events at the Duisdale Hall on the Isle of Skye with hot new Gaelic group Mànran, Julie Fowlis and Eamon Doorly, Christine Primrose and Arthur Cormack, plus a host of other top performers. Fiona MacKenzie will complete the team from Am Praban Bar at Eilean Iarmain in Skye where she will be joined by the Angus Nicolson Trio.
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. BBC ALBA is now available on Freeview and Cable and we are delighted that, for the first time, our festive schedule can be enjoyed across the country at a time when audiences look out for entertaining television. Our Hogmanay Ceilidh will also broadcast live on Radio nan Gàidheal and will be available worldwide via the BBC iPlayer, extending our programming at this special time of the year to audiences across the UK and overseas.”
Highlights from this year’s festive season on BBC ALBA include:
Music
· Songs of the Pipers: Festive cèilidh from the National Piping Centre in Glasgow celebrating the connection between the Gaelic language and pipe music. Performances are from Mànran, Irish performers ‘The Armagh Pipers Club’ and Irish musician/composer Brian O’hEadhra, accompanied by Calum Stewart and Fiona MacKenzie (Christmas Eve, Sat 24 Dec, 9pm)
· Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music Sessions: World-class musicians from Celtic Connections festival featuring Rachel Sermanni and The Tannahill Weavers (Christmas Eve, Sat 24 Dec, 10pm)
· Celtic Connections - Tom Jones: Sixty minutes of top flight music from Celtic Connections including performances from Tom Jones, the Creole Choir from Cuba and lots more. (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec, 11pm)
· The Vatersay Boys – In Concert: The number one cèilidh band from the Highlands & Islands perform to a packed Glasgow Barrowland (New Year’s Eve, Sat 31 Dec, 9.30pm)
· Reed Music: The exciting, international world of one of the earliest musical forms, piping, bringing the amazing story of the instrument and its players to life (Mon, 2 Jan, 8.30pm)
Documentaries
· Michelle MacManus: Singer and presenter Michelle McManus travels to the Western Isles of Scotland on a journey of musical discovery (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec, 9pm)
· The Campbells: The Campbell family of Greepe Skye is one of the great singing dynasties of Gaelic music. This documentary explores their lives and features performances in venues including Dunvegan Hall and Glasgow’s Art Club during Celtic Connections 2011. (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec, 10pm)
· Turas Tony: Tony Kearney joins the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team for a testing Winter challenge (Boxing Day, Mon 26 Dec, 9pm)
· King Kenny: Reappointed manager of Liverpool FC this year as well as celebrating his 60th birthday, this tribute programme looks at the life and achievements of one of the most outstanding Scottish sportsmen (Wed 28 Dec, 9pm)
· Sweet Dreams - Patsy Cline: The life story of country singing sensation Patsy Cline (1932 - 1963) is told through a theatre production featuring some of her best loved songs (Fri 30 Dec, 9pm)
· Ishbel MacAskill - A special tribute to Ishbel MacAskill - an incredible lady who had a zest for life and an infectious positive outlook and who died suddenly in March. A Mother, A Grandmother, a Singer, a Lewis Woman and a Point woman through and through (New Year’s Eve, Sat 31 Dec, 10.30pm)
Sport
· RaboDirect PRO12 Rugby: live rugby action as Glasgow and Edinburgh battle it out over two matches for the 1872 Cup and vital competition points (Boxing Day, Mon 26 Dec, 5.30pm and New Year’s Day, Sun 1 Jan, 5.30pm)
· SPL ‘as-live’ coverage: continues throughout the festive period (Dundee Utd v Hibs, Christmas Eve, Sat 24 Dec, 5.30pm / Inverness CT v Hibs, Wed 28 Dec, 10pm)
· Sports Review of the Year: A round-up of BBC ALBA’s sporting highlights of the year including the World Island Games and Edinburgh and Glasgow’s campaign in European club rugby (Christmas Eve, Sat 24 Dec, 7.30pm)
Children’s programming
· Leon in Winter Times: Join Leon and Molly for a wintertime adventure with wicked storytellers, a kidnapped princess and a band of loyal friends who come to the rescue. A Christmas tale for all the family (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec, 5.05pm)
· Wallace & Gromit – Curse of the Were Rabbit: A mind altering experiment involving rabbits goes awry, leaving Wallace feeling a bit worse for ‘were.’ With the impending vegetable fair and a monstrous rabbit on the loose, it is up to Gromit to put things right (Christmas Day, Sun 25 Dec,5.35pm)
· Sgeulaiche: New animation series featuring original, spontaneous and funny stories written by children, for children (Fri, 6 Jan, 5.55pm)
Monday, 28 November 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 10 December – Friday 16 December 2011
Title: Scottish Premier League - St Johnstone v Motherwell
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as St Johnstone host Motherwell at McDiarmid Park, Perth.
Transmitted: Saturday 10 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Piping Live! 2011
A taste of what can be seen during the annual Piping Live festival in Glasgow. From pipes and drums to ceilidh and folk bands, it's a lively, colourful and youthful gathering of national and international performers.
Transmitted: Saturday 10 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Vets: Gach Creutair Beò
We follow a busy day in the life of vet David Buckland as he makes his weekly visit to Barra, and he tries to fit everything in before the ferry leaves for Uist that evening. At Ardene House near Aberdeen, vet Graham Hunter examines a lame horse that needs delicate and complex surgery. The wonderful world of Scottish vets.
Transmitted: Monday 12 December
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Truckers: Draibhearan
Life behind the wheel for heavy goods vehicle drivers in the Highlands.
Transmitted: Tuesday 13 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Soillse - Danadas san Artaig/Broad Peak Base Jumping
The Arctic is one of the last wildernesses on earth and we follow six base jumpers as they travel there seeking the ultimate thrill of being the first to jump from the Arctic mountains.
Transmitted: Wednesday 14 December
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Grinn: Makeover
Lewis woman Greta Powell receives a makeover from the Grinn team. Presented by Donna MacLeod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford. Last in the series.
Transmitted: Friday 16 December 2011
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Triùir: Triplets
The Campbell sisters are the best known triplets in the Hebrides. But behind the incredible story of their dramatic birth and meeting the Queen, lies a tale of loss and separation, hardship and poverty, amid much laughter and tears.
Growing up on the island of Uist, their unique lives have been the subject of great scrutiny, starting with their well-documented birth, through their school days, work life, marriage and children. Now, on the eve of retirement, having experienced poverty, separation, family tragedy and loss, the return of youngest sister Theresa to the island gives them the chance to finally get what they have always longed for - the opportunity to be together.
Transmitted: Friday 16 December 2011
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as St Johnstone host Motherwell at McDiarmid Park, Perth.
Transmitted: Saturday 10 December
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Piping Live! 2011
A taste of what can be seen during the annual Piping Live festival in Glasgow. From pipes and drums to ceilidh and folk bands, it's a lively, colourful and youthful gathering of national and international performers.
Transmitted: Saturday 10 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Vets: Gach Creutair Beò
We follow a busy day in the life of vet David Buckland as he makes his weekly visit to Barra, and he tries to fit everything in before the ferry leaves for Uist that evening. At Ardene House near Aberdeen, vet Graham Hunter examines a lame horse that needs delicate and complex surgery. The wonderful world of Scottish vets.
Transmitted: Monday 12 December
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Truckers: Draibhearan
Life behind the wheel for heavy goods vehicle drivers in the Highlands.
Transmitted: Tuesday 13 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Soillse - Danadas san Artaig/Broad Peak Base Jumping
The Arctic is one of the last wildernesses on earth and we follow six base jumpers as they travel there seeking the ultimate thrill of being the first to jump from the Arctic mountains.
Transmitted: Wednesday 14 December
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Grinn: Makeover
Lewis woman Greta Powell receives a makeover from the Grinn team. Presented by Donna MacLeod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford. Last in the series.
Transmitted: Friday 16 December 2011
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Triùir: Triplets
The Campbell sisters are the best known triplets in the Hebrides. But behind the incredible story of their dramatic birth and meeting the Queen, lies a tale of loss and separation, hardship and poverty, amid much laughter and tears.
Growing up on the island of Uist, their unique lives have been the subject of great scrutiny, starting with their well-documented birth, through their school days, work life, marriage and children. Now, on the eve of retirement, having experienced poverty, separation, family tragedy and loss, the return of youngest sister Theresa to the island gives them the chance to finally get what they have always longed for - the opportunity to be together.
Transmitted: Friday 16 December 2011
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
NHS Highland response to anticipated Industrial Action
In response to the anticipated Industrial Action on Wednesday 30th November, NHS Highland is already in the process of implementing our Business Continuity Plans across the Board area and have already taken the decision to plan to run a limited service in our hospitals.
Our priority and responsibility is at all times to ensure we run a safe service.
We will be maintaining all emergency services and core clinical services as identified in our Board Business Continuity Plan, which includes cancer treatments, renal dialysis, and emergency mental health and maternity services.
Anyone who is currently receiving a course of daily or weekly treatment will also not be affected.
However, to maintain safe services we will have to cancel most non urgent activity including most outpatient clinics, day surgery and elective surgery.
Elaine Mead, Chief Executive for NHS Highland said: “We have begun to identify exactly what will run and have started to contact patients directly to inform them if their appointment is cancelled on the 30th November. We are no longer booking non urgent appointments for that day, however if your appointment is urgent you will be seen.
“We are working closely with our staff to clarify all these arrangements. We are also working with our partner agencies, NHS24 and the Scottish Ambulance Service, to clarify what services they will be running.
“While we respect the right of colleagues to take industrial action we would like to reassure patients and the wider public that we have robust business continuity plans and there will be no disruption to emergency services and safe care.”
Planning has already begun to ensure that any patient who has had to be cancelled will be re-booked as a matter of priority.
If patients have any queries or concerns at this stage please contact NHS Highland using the contact telephone number on their appointment letter.
Our priority and responsibility is at all times to ensure we run a safe service.
We will be maintaining all emergency services and core clinical services as identified in our Board Business Continuity Plan, which includes cancer treatments, renal dialysis, and emergency mental health and maternity services.
Anyone who is currently receiving a course of daily or weekly treatment will also not be affected.
However, to maintain safe services we will have to cancel most non urgent activity including most outpatient clinics, day surgery and elective surgery.
Elaine Mead, Chief Executive for NHS Highland said: “We have begun to identify exactly what will run and have started to contact patients directly to inform them if their appointment is cancelled on the 30th November. We are no longer booking non urgent appointments for that day, however if your appointment is urgent you will be seen.
“We are working closely with our staff to clarify all these arrangements. We are also working with our partner agencies, NHS24 and the Scottish Ambulance Service, to clarify what services they will be running.
“While we respect the right of colleagues to take industrial action we would like to reassure patients and the wider public that we have robust business continuity plans and there will be no disruption to emergency services and safe care.”
Planning has already begun to ensure that any patient who has had to be cancelled will be re-booked as a matter of priority.
If patients have any queries or concerns at this stage please contact NHS Highland using the contact telephone number on their appointment letter.
National changes to impact local blue badge disabled parking scheme
The blue badge disabled parking programme is to undergo significant changes following the introduction of a new Scottish Government scheme.
Transport Scotland is co-ordinating the introduction in Scotland of a new national Blue Badge Improvement Service (BBIS), under which all councils in England, Scotland and Wales will have to source new fraud-proof badges via the BBIS and use a new single BBIS data sharing system.
The changes, which take effect from January 1 2012, will significantly increase the administrative burden for the council as well as the cost per badge.
The council’s Executive today agreed to raise the fee for new Blue Badges (and replacements) awarded after January 1 2012 to the maximum permissible amount (currently £20) to reflect the additional workload and cost of badge production.
Councillor Andrew Nisbet, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for social affairs, said the increase was an unavoidable result of the national initiative which is a response to widespread abuse of the current blue badge scheme.
“Our current fee will not even come close to covering the amount which the council will be invoiced for each new badge. Nor does it cover the significant cost of the implementation and ongoing administration of the new scheme,” he said.
“I very much regret having to bring in these increases. However, the increase will only take Argyll and Bute into line with the majority of other Scottish councils – some 60% of which already levy or plan to levy a £20 fee before the inception of this new scheme.
“It should be remembered that a Blue Badge lasts for three years, so the £20 fee is the equivalent of an annual charge of £6.67 in return for year-round free parking.”
News of the Government’s blue badge reform programme in February came just weeks after Argyll and Bute Council had completed a major overhaul of its own blue badge administration, making it easier for customers to apply through new postal and online channels.
Councillor Nisbet said: “We were really ahead of the game in this area. So for us the main change will be the improvement in anti-fraud capabilities.
“Nevertheless, implementing the new scheme by January 1 2012 is a legislative requirement, and one which we are well-placed to meet, given the fact that we re-engineered and streamlined our own processes so recently.
“We will be contacting our customers over the next few weeks through all available channels to alert them to the changes, talk them through the implications and help them with any queries they may have.”
At present, blue badge award and production is undertaken wholly by the council, using national statutory parameters for eligibility and badge design.
In 2010/11, 1,736 customers in Argyll and Bute were issued with either new or replacement blue badges. Each badge lasts for three years, and some 4,500 individuals in the region carry such a badge at any one time.
Transport Scotland is co-ordinating the introduction in Scotland of a new national Blue Badge Improvement Service (BBIS), under which all councils in England, Scotland and Wales will have to source new fraud-proof badges via the BBIS and use a new single BBIS data sharing system.
The changes, which take effect from January 1 2012, will significantly increase the administrative burden for the council as well as the cost per badge.
The council’s Executive today agreed to raise the fee for new Blue Badges (and replacements) awarded after January 1 2012 to the maximum permissible amount (currently £20) to reflect the additional workload and cost of badge production.
Councillor Andrew Nisbet, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for social affairs, said the increase was an unavoidable result of the national initiative which is a response to widespread abuse of the current blue badge scheme.
“Our current fee will not even come close to covering the amount which the council will be invoiced for each new badge. Nor does it cover the significant cost of the implementation and ongoing administration of the new scheme,” he said.
“I very much regret having to bring in these increases. However, the increase will only take Argyll and Bute into line with the majority of other Scottish councils – some 60% of which already levy or plan to levy a £20 fee before the inception of this new scheme.
“It should be remembered that a Blue Badge lasts for three years, so the £20 fee is the equivalent of an annual charge of £6.67 in return for year-round free parking.”
News of the Government’s blue badge reform programme in February came just weeks after Argyll and Bute Council had completed a major overhaul of its own blue badge administration, making it easier for customers to apply through new postal and online channels.
Councillor Nisbet said: “We were really ahead of the game in this area. So for us the main change will be the improvement in anti-fraud capabilities.
“Nevertheless, implementing the new scheme by January 1 2012 is a legislative requirement, and one which we are well-placed to meet, given the fact that we re-engineered and streamlined our own processes so recently.
“We will be contacting our customers over the next few weeks through all available channels to alert them to the changes, talk them through the implications and help them with any queries they may have.”
At present, blue badge award and production is undertaken wholly by the council, using national statutory parameters for eligibility and badge design.
In 2010/11, 1,736 customers in Argyll and Bute were issued with either new or replacement blue badges. Each badge lasts for three years, and some 4,500 individuals in the region carry such a badge at any one time.
NFUS SEEKS LEGAL OPINION ON SHEEP EID RULES
NFU Scotland is to seek a legal opinion on implementation of European rules and regulations that require the electronic tagging of sheep and recording their movements.
In response to requests from the membership, NFUS has prepared a brief for its lawyers regarding the difficulties many sheep farmers are having complying with Regulation 21/2004 which established a new system for the identification and registration of sheep. The rules came into force at the start of 2010.
NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said:
“In response to the ongoing difficulties our members are experiencing when attempting to comply with the new rules around electronic tagging of sheep and movement reporting, we have instructed our solicitors to consider if we can challenge the rules and any financial penalties that may be imposed.
“Legal opinions, by their nature, are rarely definitive but we will study any legal feedback we receive very closely. There may be no case to pursue or there may be matters that we can take up in court – either here or in Europe. If we decide there is a case then given the likely time and considerable cost involved, such a decision would require very careful consideration and ratification by NFUS board of directors.
“The Union has taken up legal challenges in the past. These have been costly exercises but given the problems EID has caused, we can reassure our members that if there is a case that can be pursued through the courts then we do have a level of contingency funds in place if we do go down that route.
“We have made Scottish Government aware of the work we are undertaking as ultimately this is about establishing a workable, pragmatic traceability system for Scotland’s sheep.
“Our long term goal remains securing wholesale changes into the requirements that sheep keepers have to meet. That requires re-opening and reviewing the regulation. That remains our main focus and we have been in discussions with the European Commission on that throughout the current implementation phase for 21/2004.
“In the meantime, NFUS continues to facilitate meetings around the country between its members and Scottish Government officials regarding compliance with the existing set of rules. Members with queries or concerns are also being encouraged to contact their local Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) office.”
In response to requests from the membership, NFUS has prepared a brief for its lawyers regarding the difficulties many sheep farmers are having complying with Regulation 21/2004 which established a new system for the identification and registration of sheep. The rules came into force at the start of 2010.
NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said:
“In response to the ongoing difficulties our members are experiencing when attempting to comply with the new rules around electronic tagging of sheep and movement reporting, we have instructed our solicitors to consider if we can challenge the rules and any financial penalties that may be imposed.
“Legal opinions, by their nature, are rarely definitive but we will study any legal feedback we receive very closely. There may be no case to pursue or there may be matters that we can take up in court – either here or in Europe. If we decide there is a case then given the likely time and considerable cost involved, such a decision would require very careful consideration and ratification by NFUS board of directors.
“The Union has taken up legal challenges in the past. These have been costly exercises but given the problems EID has caused, we can reassure our members that if there is a case that can be pursued through the courts then we do have a level of contingency funds in place if we do go down that route.
“We have made Scottish Government aware of the work we are undertaking as ultimately this is about establishing a workable, pragmatic traceability system for Scotland’s sheep.
“Our long term goal remains securing wholesale changes into the requirements that sheep keepers have to meet. That requires re-opening and reviewing the regulation. That remains our main focus and we have been in discussions with the European Commission on that throughout the current implementation phase for 21/2004.
“In the meantime, NFUS continues to facilitate meetings around the country between its members and Scottish Government officials regarding compliance with the existing set of rules. Members with queries or concerns are also being encouraged to contact their local Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) office.”
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 26 November – Friday 2 December 2011
Title: Scottish Premier League - Motherwell v Dundee Utd
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Motherwell host Dundee United at Fir Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 26 November
Time: 5.25 – 7.25pm
Title: Vets: Gach Creutair Beo
The lionesses give the male lion at Blair Drummond Safari Park a hard time, and vet Colin Scott gets called in to check things out.
At Ardene House near Aberdeen, specialist vet Richard Coe visits to look at some pet dogs, and Iain MacLean in Wick has a sickly three-day-old calf to tend to. The wonderful world of Scottish vets.
Transmitted: Monday 28 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Angus Sinclair – Double Jeopardy?
The story of convicted serial killer & rapist Angus Sinclair - could he be responsible for many more of Scotland's unsolved murders?
Transmitted: Wednesday 30 November
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Caman/ Shinty Documentary
With exclusive access, narrator Calum Macaulay goes behind-the-scenes of the shinty community and introduces its dedicated characters and engaging personalities in a new six-part entertainment series, Caman.
Transmitted: Thursday 1 December
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Madame Ecosse
'Stop the World - Scotland wants to get on!' said Winnie Ewing after winning Hamilton in 1967 for the SNP. So how did this Grande Dame of Scottish politics try to stop the world?
Transmitted: Friday 2 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Motherwell host Dundee United at Fir Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 26 November
Time: 5.25 – 7.25pm
Title: Vets: Gach Creutair Beo
The lionesses give the male lion at Blair Drummond Safari Park a hard time, and vet Colin Scott gets called in to check things out.
At Ardene House near Aberdeen, specialist vet Richard Coe visits to look at some pet dogs, and Iain MacLean in Wick has a sickly three-day-old calf to tend to. The wonderful world of Scottish vets.
Transmitted: Monday 28 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Angus Sinclair – Double Jeopardy?
The story of convicted serial killer & rapist Angus Sinclair - could he be responsible for many more of Scotland's unsolved murders?
Transmitted: Wednesday 30 November
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Caman/ Shinty Documentary
With exclusive access, narrator Calum Macaulay goes behind-the-scenes of the shinty community and introduces its dedicated characters and engaging personalities in a new six-part entertainment series, Caman.
Transmitted: Thursday 1 December
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Madame Ecosse
'Stop the World - Scotland wants to get on!' said Winnie Ewing after winning Hamilton in 1967 for the SNP. So how did this Grande Dame of Scottish politics try to stop the world?
Transmitted: Friday 2 December
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Have you had a visit from a home improvement company? Make sure you check your credit agreement
Argyll and Bute Council’s trading standards team is warning the public to be on their guard when it comes to signing credit agreements for home improvements.
Trading standards has received several complaints from consumers regarding particular home improvement company salespeople. These salespeople visit your home to quote for potential work and then encourage householders to sign up to credit agreements that they do not fully understand.
One local consumer, a 78 year old lady, was given a ten year credit agreement with an APR of 27.2%. The original cash price for the work was £5000; but under the agreement she would end up paying the company £13,172.80 in total. She had no idea that what was she was signing for was in fact a credit agreement.
Another gentleman was told by the sales rep that if he signed up to a credit agreement he would be given six months of interest free payments. At that time the gentleman had the money to pay off the balance in full, but was advised that he would benefit from a discount if he signed the Credit Agreement. After six months passed, the gentleman called up to pay off the balance for the work done and found that interest had in fact been charged during the supposedly interest free period.
Chair of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee Councillor Daniel Kelly said, “When a consumer signs a contract in their home they are entitled to a cancellation period of seven days. This starts as soon as they are given the cancellation notice. It is an offence for a company or trader to enter into a contract under these conditions if they do not provide the consumer with such a cancellation notice. If a consumer cancels the contract within the notice period this automatically cancels any Credit Agreements attached to it. However if you cancel the credit agreement after the cancellation period, they will be liable for the cost of the work done. If you are not sure what you are signing then don’t sign.”
Anyone who need more advice on credit agreements should contact Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 or Trading Standards on 01546 604 404.
Trading standards has received several complaints from consumers regarding particular home improvement company salespeople. These salespeople visit your home to quote for potential work and then encourage householders to sign up to credit agreements that they do not fully understand.
One local consumer, a 78 year old lady, was given a ten year credit agreement with an APR of 27.2%. The original cash price for the work was £5000; but under the agreement she would end up paying the company £13,172.80 in total. She had no idea that what was she was signing for was in fact a credit agreement.
Another gentleman was told by the sales rep that if he signed up to a credit agreement he would be given six months of interest free payments. At that time the gentleman had the money to pay off the balance in full, but was advised that he would benefit from a discount if he signed the Credit Agreement. After six months passed, the gentleman called up to pay off the balance for the work done and found that interest had in fact been charged during the supposedly interest free period.
Chair of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee Councillor Daniel Kelly said, “When a consumer signs a contract in their home they are entitled to a cancellation period of seven days. This starts as soon as they are given the cancellation notice. It is an offence for a company or trader to enter into a contract under these conditions if they do not provide the consumer with such a cancellation notice. If a consumer cancels the contract within the notice period this automatically cancels any Credit Agreements attached to it. However if you cancel the credit agreement after the cancellation period, they will be liable for the cost of the work done. If you are not sure what you are signing then don’t sign.”
Anyone who need more advice on credit agreements should contact Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 or Trading Standards on 01546 604 404.
Friday, 11 November 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 19 November – Friday 25 November 2011
Title: Scottish Premier League - Dundee United v Hearts
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Dundee United host Hearts at Tannadice Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 19 November
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Trusadh - Sgaothan Sgadain/Silver Darlings
Herring has been fished around Scotland for hundreds of years. Where once there was heavy work there is now automation.
Hundreds of boats are reduced to only 28 in the Scottish pelagic fleet - fishing for mackerel and herring - but each of these modern supersize vessels is capable of catching as much fish in three days as the boats of previous decades could catch in a year. The Isle of Scalpay was sustained on the wealth gleamed from fishing. It was so wealthy that it gained the epithet "Treasure Island." But these days are long gone and the island has slipped into a steady decline. Through sustained overfishing the North sea and west of Scotland fishing grounds were closed between 1977 and 1983 to protect dangerously low stocks.
When they re-opened it was a very different industry. Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Shetland and particularly the island of Whalsey, were ready for this change though. Today the majority of the pelagic fleet is based in these three ports. In 2011, Whalsay has perhaps inherited the moniker once bestowed on Scalpay.
Transmitted: Monday 21 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Turas Tony - Trawlerman
Actor Tony Kearney from BBC's 'River City' swaps the comfort of a television studio for four varied and challenging professions.
Episode three sees Tony travel back to his family home of Barra and take to the high seas as he joins the crew of a trawlerboat.
Transmitted: Monday 21 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.45pm
Title: Soillse - Jamie Climbing against all the odds
On January 26th, 1999, the rescue team of Chamonix in the French Alps could only save one of the two Scottish mountaineers stuck at the edge of a glacier in the Mont Blanc: after six days of a frozen ordeal, one was frozen to death, the other suffered very severe frost bites.
The medical team of the Chamonix hospital sees no other solution but to amputate Jamie Andrew of both hands and feet. Equipped with feet prosthesis, he learns to walk again, to run, to use his arm stumps like hands, with only one idea in mind: climb back on the Mont Blanc in memory of his friend and to defeat destiny.
Transmitted: Wednesday 23 November
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm
Title: Na Geamannan/World Island Games
The Island Games get underway on the Isle of Wight - how will the Western Isles fare?
Transmitted: Thursday 24 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Eadar Duil is Dochas
Through the eyes of a few passionate football fans we get an insight into their unique world. Featuring loyal followers of Ross County, Rangers, Celtic, Ness, Southend and Scotland.
Transmitted: Thursday 24 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby - Glasgow V Ulster
LIVE rugby action as Glasgow Warriors face Ulster in the RaboDirect Pro 12 competition at Firhill Stadium, Glasgow.
Transmitted: Friday 25 November
Time: 7.30 – 9.25pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Dundee United host Hearts at Tannadice Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 19 November
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Trusadh - Sgaothan Sgadain/Silver Darlings
Herring has been fished around Scotland for hundreds of years. Where once there was heavy work there is now automation.
Hundreds of boats are reduced to only 28 in the Scottish pelagic fleet - fishing for mackerel and herring - but each of these modern supersize vessels is capable of catching as much fish in three days as the boats of previous decades could catch in a year. The Isle of Scalpay was sustained on the wealth gleamed from fishing. It was so wealthy that it gained the epithet "Treasure Island." But these days are long gone and the island has slipped into a steady decline. Through sustained overfishing the North sea and west of Scotland fishing grounds were closed between 1977 and 1983 to protect dangerously low stocks.
When they re-opened it was a very different industry. Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Shetland and particularly the island of Whalsey, were ready for this change though. Today the majority of the pelagic fleet is based in these three ports. In 2011, Whalsay has perhaps inherited the moniker once bestowed on Scalpay.
Transmitted: Monday 21 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Turas Tony - Trawlerman
Actor Tony Kearney from BBC's 'River City' swaps the comfort of a television studio for four varied and challenging professions.
Episode three sees Tony travel back to his family home of Barra and take to the high seas as he joins the crew of a trawlerboat.
Transmitted: Monday 21 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.45pm
Title: Soillse - Jamie Climbing against all the odds
On January 26th, 1999, the rescue team of Chamonix in the French Alps could only save one of the two Scottish mountaineers stuck at the edge of a glacier in the Mont Blanc: after six days of a frozen ordeal, one was frozen to death, the other suffered very severe frost bites.
The medical team of the Chamonix hospital sees no other solution but to amputate Jamie Andrew of both hands and feet. Equipped with feet prosthesis, he learns to walk again, to run, to use his arm stumps like hands, with only one idea in mind: climb back on the Mont Blanc in memory of his friend and to defeat destiny.
Transmitted: Wednesday 23 November
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm
Title: Na Geamannan/World Island Games
The Island Games get underway on the Isle of Wight - how will the Western Isles fare?
Transmitted: Thursday 24 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Eadar Duil is Dochas
Through the eyes of a few passionate football fans we get an insight into their unique world. Featuring loyal followers of Ross County, Rangers, Celtic, Ness, Southend and Scotland.
Transmitted: Thursday 24 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby - Glasgow V Ulster
LIVE rugby action as Glasgow Warriors face Ulster in the RaboDirect Pro 12 competition at Firhill Stadium, Glasgow.
Transmitted: Friday 25 November
Time: 7.30 – 9.25pm
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 12 November – Friday 18 November 2011
Title: As An Eilean
A Gaelic film based on two books by Iain Crichton Smith.
Transmitted: Saturday 12th November
Time: 5.55pm - 7.30pm
Title: Air an Oir / Runrig
Air an Oir is a documentary looking at the roots of Runrig’s musical influences.
Transmitted: Saturday 12th November
Time: 8.55pm – 9.50pm
Title: Gach Creutair Beo / Vets
Wick based vet Iain Maclean does routine TB testing on cows but has to have a quick change of plan when he arrives at the second farm to find some cows have suddenly become unwell. Later, Iain has a house call to see a cat, with a quick stop en route to check out a sheep with day old twins, then a 3am call out to another sheep having difficulty, where the news is not so good.
Vet Jane Harley at Highland Wildlife Park has the tricky job of trimming the largest reindeer’s hooves, but he needs to be sedated before she can get near him. This gives keeper Jonathan the opportunity to have his first attempt with a darting rifle under the close supervision of experienced hand, Morag.
At Ardene House near Aberdeen, vet Graham Hunter removes a tumour from a horse during a delicate operation. Getting the horse anaesthetized and into the theatre is no mean feat, and requires a hoist and pulley to lift him in.
Transmitted: Monday 14th November
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm
Title: Trusadh – Kenneth Mckellar
Anne Lorne Gillies leads this celebration of arguably Scotland's greatest tenor - Kenneth McKellar who died last year. McKellar's career which spanned 50 years saw him rise to be a household name in Scotland and beyond, but behind the public persona was a quiet man who regularly spurned personal honours and accolades.
Although McKellar never sung in Gaelic, through singing he had an affinity with the language and was always meticulous about
ensuring any Gaelic words in his songs were pronounced perfectly, reflecting his love and affection for his native country and
all that it was.
Humour was also a big part of McKellar's life and a script he wrote was used in a Monty Python sketch, indeed he became the
only person outside the Monty Python team to have a sketch performed by them. He wrote many popular comedy songs like 'The
Midges' and formed a comedy duo with Johnny Beattie.
The definitive interpreter of the songs of Robert Burns, McKellar also composed 'Royal Mile', the song which opened the 1986
Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. And when his voice began to falter with age, he bowed out gracefully from his singing career
to become an acclaimed arranger.
Transmitted: Monday 14th November
Time: 9pm – 10pm
Title: Eorpa / European Current Affairs
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 16th November
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm
Title: Soillse – Aria a Afraga / Cape of Good Voices
In South Africa singing is as popular now as football, a fact rooted in their strong choral traditions. Once a year the The Cape Town Opera House's best up-and-coming singers take to the road in a mini bus to travel the length and breadth of South Africa. The young opera stars aim to generate interest amongst schoolchildren with their songs and at the same time keep an eye out for new vocal talent.
Transmitted: Wednesday 16th November
Time: 9pm – 9.55pm
Title: Beartas nan Daoine
A series looking at collections of Gaelic song, story and their heritage.
Transmitted: Wednesday 16th November
Time: 10.30pm – 10.55pm
Title: Na Geamannan / World Island Games
The games are drawing close and the Western Isles competitors are making final preparations.
Transmitted: Thursday 17th November
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm
Title: Air An Rathad / On The Road
'Air an Rathad' - it's all about cars! How do you get started in motorsport? Calum Iain joins the competitors at Fintray Hill Climb to find out. Murray's gone back to the day job looking after the sheep on the croft, and he's putting the Isuzu Rodeo pickup through its paces
- but is it tough enough for the task?
Fiona is a guest of Grampian Fire Brigade as she joins them on a blues and twos exercise through the busy streets of Aberdeen.
She gets some tips on how to manoeuvre through heavy traffic and finds out what you should do as a driver when you hear that
siren and see the blue lights flashing. And the team are back on the track for another round of Wacky Races - what daft stunt have they been given this week?
Transmitted: Thursday 17th November
Time: 10pm – 10.30pm
Title: Grinn / Makeover
This week student Sian Baldwin from Perthshire gets a re-style from fashion, beauty and style experts Donna Macleod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford.
Transmitted: Friday 18th November
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm
A Gaelic film based on two books by Iain Crichton Smith.
Transmitted: Saturday 12th November
Time: 5.55pm - 7.30pm
Title: Air an Oir / Runrig
Air an Oir is a documentary looking at the roots of Runrig’s musical influences.
Transmitted: Saturday 12th November
Time: 8.55pm – 9.50pm
Title: Gach Creutair Beo / Vets
Wick based vet Iain Maclean does routine TB testing on cows but has to have a quick change of plan when he arrives at the second farm to find some cows have suddenly become unwell. Later, Iain has a house call to see a cat, with a quick stop en route to check out a sheep with day old twins, then a 3am call out to another sheep having difficulty, where the news is not so good.
Vet Jane Harley at Highland Wildlife Park has the tricky job of trimming the largest reindeer’s hooves, but he needs to be sedated before she can get near him. This gives keeper Jonathan the opportunity to have his first attempt with a darting rifle under the close supervision of experienced hand, Morag.
At Ardene House near Aberdeen, vet Graham Hunter removes a tumour from a horse during a delicate operation. Getting the horse anaesthetized and into the theatre is no mean feat, and requires a hoist and pulley to lift him in.
Transmitted: Monday 14th November
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm
Title: Trusadh – Kenneth Mckellar
Anne Lorne Gillies leads this celebration of arguably Scotland's greatest tenor - Kenneth McKellar who died last year. McKellar's career which spanned 50 years saw him rise to be a household name in Scotland and beyond, but behind the public persona was a quiet man who regularly spurned personal honours and accolades.
Although McKellar never sung in Gaelic, through singing he had an affinity with the language and was always meticulous about
ensuring any Gaelic words in his songs were pronounced perfectly, reflecting his love and affection for his native country and
all that it was.
Humour was also a big part of McKellar's life and a script he wrote was used in a Monty Python sketch, indeed he became the
only person outside the Monty Python team to have a sketch performed by them. He wrote many popular comedy songs like 'The
Midges' and formed a comedy duo with Johnny Beattie.
The definitive interpreter of the songs of Robert Burns, McKellar also composed 'Royal Mile', the song which opened the 1986
Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. And when his voice began to falter with age, he bowed out gracefully from his singing career
to become an acclaimed arranger.
Transmitted: Monday 14th November
Time: 9pm – 10pm
Title: Eorpa / European Current Affairs
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 16th November
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm
Title: Soillse – Aria a Afraga / Cape of Good Voices
In South Africa singing is as popular now as football, a fact rooted in their strong choral traditions. Once a year the The Cape Town Opera House's best up-and-coming singers take to the road in a mini bus to travel the length and breadth of South Africa. The young opera stars aim to generate interest amongst schoolchildren with their songs and at the same time keep an eye out for new vocal talent.
Transmitted: Wednesday 16th November
Time: 9pm – 9.55pm
Title: Beartas nan Daoine
A series looking at collections of Gaelic song, story and their heritage.
Transmitted: Wednesday 16th November
Time: 10.30pm – 10.55pm
Title: Na Geamannan / World Island Games
The games are drawing close and the Western Isles competitors are making final preparations.
Transmitted: Thursday 17th November
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm
Title: Air An Rathad / On The Road
'Air an Rathad' - it's all about cars! How do you get started in motorsport? Calum Iain joins the competitors at Fintray Hill Climb to find out. Murray's gone back to the day job looking after the sheep on the croft, and he's putting the Isuzu Rodeo pickup through its paces
- but is it tough enough for the task?
Fiona is a guest of Grampian Fire Brigade as she joins them on a blues and twos exercise through the busy streets of Aberdeen.
She gets some tips on how to manoeuvre through heavy traffic and finds out what you should do as a driver when you hear that
siren and see the blue lights flashing. And the team are back on the track for another round of Wacky Races - what daft stunt have they been given this week?
Transmitted: Thursday 17th November
Time: 10pm – 10.30pm
Title: Grinn / Makeover
This week student Sian Baldwin from Perthshire gets a re-style from fashion, beauty and style experts Donna Macleod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford.
Transmitted: Friday 18th November
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm
Monday, 31 October 2011
Become the next Argyll and Bute Sports Coach!
Have you a passion for sport that you want to pass on? Are you already involved with a sports group and want to move to a coaching role? Or maybe you want to move to a new career in sport? Then you need to know that Argyll and Bute Council has now launched the registration for their fifth annual sports coaching event.
The event will be held this year in Oban on the weekend of 4 and 5 February and will offer 56 courses from athletics to mountain skills. New courses which are being offered for 2012 include triathlon, Nordic walking, watersports, swimming master classes for coaches, gymnastics, archery, gym instructor and double goal coach. These new courses are designed to reflect the support for current local sports provision as well as introducing new opportunities for sport to grow in Argyll and Bute.
The sports coaching event has grown every year, starting from 250 in the first year to 401 in 2011. And we hope that we will have over 500 new sports coaches for 2012! The 2012 event also launches the new sports coaching awards in partnership with sportscotland. These awards recognise quality coaching in a number of categories: young coach; participation coach; performance coach; young person’s coach; performance development coach and disability coach.
Spokesperson for third sector and communities Councillor Rory Colville said, “The sports coaching event is now in its fifth year and has been an amazing success. The event gives future sports coaches the chance to get accreditation but it is so much more. It is about inspirational people who want to lead others to fulfil their dreams. I am delighted that the council is again running the sports coaching event and I would encourage anyone who has a desire to get into coaching to get involved.”
The cost of courses varies and the council’s partnership with spotscotland and Argyll College offer opportunities for everyone through subsidised courses.
You can find out more about the sports coaching event online at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coachingchampions
The event will be held this year in Oban on the weekend of 4 and 5 February and will offer 56 courses from athletics to mountain skills. New courses which are being offered for 2012 include triathlon, Nordic walking, watersports, swimming master classes for coaches, gymnastics, archery, gym instructor and double goal coach. These new courses are designed to reflect the support for current local sports provision as well as introducing new opportunities for sport to grow in Argyll and Bute.
The sports coaching event has grown every year, starting from 250 in the first year to 401 in 2011. And we hope that we will have over 500 new sports coaches for 2012! The 2012 event also launches the new sports coaching awards in partnership with sportscotland. These awards recognise quality coaching in a number of categories: young coach; participation coach; performance coach; young person’s coach; performance development coach and disability coach.
Spokesperson for third sector and communities Councillor Rory Colville said, “The sports coaching event is now in its fifth year and has been an amazing success. The event gives future sports coaches the chance to get accreditation but it is so much more. It is about inspirational people who want to lead others to fulfil their dreams. I am delighted that the council is again running the sports coaching event and I would encourage anyone who has a desire to get into coaching to get involved.”
The cost of courses varies and the council’s partnership with spotscotland and Argyll College offer opportunities for everyone through subsidised courses.
You can find out more about the sports coaching event online at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coachingchampions
Highlands & Islands parents urged to give evidence to Commission on Rural Education.
Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, has urged parents and communities in the Highlands & Islands to make their views known on the future of rural primary schools to the Scottish Government’s Commission on Rural Education. Jamie made the call when speaking in the Scottish Parliament this morning in a debate on attainment in schools where he focused his remarks on rural schools. Jamie also praised the pupils of Clachan Primary School in Argyll, a small rural primary school, for recently being named Best Green School in Scotland 2011.
Speaking in the debate, Jamie said:
“ I was pleased to receive recently the call for evidence from the Commission on Rural Education which I sent on to the many dozens of parents in Argyll & Bute who had contacted me over the past year as the Council there proposed various rural schools closure programmes that outraged so many people. I would urge all those in my region of the Highlands & Islands, and indeed elsewhere across Scotland, who value rural primary schools and who have opinions on how we can retain and protect them to make their views known to the Commission before the close of the call for evidence on the 12th January next year. This is a very important opportunity for rural communities to have their say about a key part of their infrastructure.
“ If we accept the evidence that the impact of primary school attainment plays a much greater role in students’ potential 16+ than their secondary school education then I am very clear that there are many excellent examples of the work that goes on in rural primary schools that can be replicated elsewhere in the schools system.”
Referring to Clachan Primary School in Argyll Jamie said:
“ I would want to commend the pupils of Clachan Primary school in Argyll, a small rural primary that was threatened with closure recently, on their success in being named the joint winner of the prestigious Best Green School in Scotland award 2011- this shows that best practice can exist in the smallest school as well as those larger ones.”
Speaking in the debate, Jamie said:
“ I was pleased to receive recently the call for evidence from the Commission on Rural Education which I sent on to the many dozens of parents in Argyll & Bute who had contacted me over the past year as the Council there proposed various rural schools closure programmes that outraged so many people. I would urge all those in my region of the Highlands & Islands, and indeed elsewhere across Scotland, who value rural primary schools and who have opinions on how we can retain and protect them to make their views known to the Commission before the close of the call for evidence on the 12th January next year. This is a very important opportunity for rural communities to have their say about a key part of their infrastructure.
“ If we accept the evidence that the impact of primary school attainment plays a much greater role in students’ potential 16+ than their secondary school education then I am very clear that there are many excellent examples of the work that goes on in rural primary schools that can be replicated elsewhere in the schools system.”
Referring to Clachan Primary School in Argyll Jamie said:
“ I would want to commend the pupils of Clachan Primary school in Argyll, a small rural primary that was threatened with closure recently, on their success in being named the joint winner of the prestigious Best Green School in Scotland award 2011- this shows that best practice can exist in the smallest school as well as those larger ones.”
Colmcille a’ cur fàilte air tairgsean ùra airson pròiseactan choimhearsnachd
Tha Colmcille, prògram com-pàirteachais a bhios ag adhartachadh an dualchais chànanach is chultarach co-roinnte eadar Èirinn is Alba, air cuairt ùr maoineachaidh fhosgladh gus taic a chur ri iomairtean coimhearsnachd ùra, foghlam, na h-ealain, foillseachadh agus pròiseactan òigridh air feadh na h-Alba.
Colmcille welcomes new bids for community projects
Colmcille, a partnership programme which promotes the shared linguistic and cultural heritage of Ireland and Scotland, has opened a new round of funding to support new community initiatives, education, arts, publishing, and youth projects throughout Scotland.
For further information, please contact:
Steven MacIver, Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
E-Mail: steven@gaidhlig.org.uk Mobile: 07557 481 08
Colmcille welcomes new bids for community projects
Colmcille, a partnership programme which promotes the shared linguistic and cultural heritage of Ireland and Scotland, has opened a new round of funding to support new community initiatives, education, arts, publishing, and youth projects throughout Scotland.
For further information, please contact:
Steven MacIver, Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
E-Mail: steven@gaidhlig.org.uk Mobile: 07557 481 08
UNION ISSUES FURTHER GUIDANCE ON SHEEP EID COMPLIANCE
NFU Scotland is reminding all sheep producers of some simple steps that they can take to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations around sheep movements and identification, including electronic ear tags.
Scottish Government issued guidance to all registered sheep keepers a few weeks ago and since then, NFUS has met with the Scottish Government’s compliance and policy teams to look at standards, particularly with regards to electronic tagging.
These meetings have been mapping out more workable approaches to compliance and laying the foundation of a more risk based approach. NFUS and the Scottish Government are intending to hold public meetings on sheep ID starting next month.
NFU Scotland President, Nigel Miller said:
“The Scottish system based around the use of critical control points (CCPs) such as markets and abattoirs and a central ScotEID database is still evolving. Clearly the system has thrown up problems but all sides are looking to ensure workable standards at farm level.
“From a compliance perspective, most member concerns still revolve around the read rates of stock passing through CCPs. Scottish sheep farmers need to remember that compliance problems are only a risk when sheep which have been double tagged with their individual EID go ON to a new farm.
“It is clear that electronic tagging requirements are still causing confusion. I would suggest that wherever possible, those selling lambs should use the single slaughter derogation flock tag rather than double tagging lambs with their individual electronic ID. The single electronic slaughter tag covers slaughter lambs, store lambs and many ewe lambs. If new owners retain ewe lambs for breeding then they can be upgraded to their individual electronic tag at a year old.
“The use of the single slaughter derogation tag is significant as single tagged lambs can be moved on a batch basis – rather than recording every single ID – and thus eases compliance for both the breeder and the feeder. Buying single tag store lambs through a CCP will lift feeders and finishers out of read rate compliance issues provided the lambs have been marketed through Scottish CCPs.
“If farmers are unsure of their risk status then help is at hand. They can check their flock data on the ScotEID website or phone ScotEID for information. A support service is available to help producers update data if required and can be of value should a flock undergo an official inspection. In many ways, ScotEID is able to provide a safety net if electronic recording fails.
“Sheepkeepers also need to remember that read rates on electronic tags are not the main compliance risk when it comes to an inspection and basic record keeping is crucial. The new flock register and leaflets mailed to producers over the summer provide a reminder of the key points when it comes to properly recording movements, deaths, running totals, individual sheep ids, transport certificates, tagging and retagging.”
Scottish Government issued guidance to all registered sheep keepers a few weeks ago and since then, NFUS has met with the Scottish Government’s compliance and policy teams to look at standards, particularly with regards to electronic tagging.
These meetings have been mapping out more workable approaches to compliance and laying the foundation of a more risk based approach. NFUS and the Scottish Government are intending to hold public meetings on sheep ID starting next month.
NFU Scotland President, Nigel Miller said:
“The Scottish system based around the use of critical control points (CCPs) such as markets and abattoirs and a central ScotEID database is still evolving. Clearly the system has thrown up problems but all sides are looking to ensure workable standards at farm level.
“From a compliance perspective, most member concerns still revolve around the read rates of stock passing through CCPs. Scottish sheep farmers need to remember that compliance problems are only a risk when sheep which have been double tagged with their individual EID go ON to a new farm.
“It is clear that electronic tagging requirements are still causing confusion. I would suggest that wherever possible, those selling lambs should use the single slaughter derogation flock tag rather than double tagging lambs with their individual electronic ID. The single electronic slaughter tag covers slaughter lambs, store lambs and many ewe lambs. If new owners retain ewe lambs for breeding then they can be upgraded to their individual electronic tag at a year old.
“The use of the single slaughter derogation tag is significant as single tagged lambs can be moved on a batch basis – rather than recording every single ID – and thus eases compliance for both the breeder and the feeder. Buying single tag store lambs through a CCP will lift feeders and finishers out of read rate compliance issues provided the lambs have been marketed through Scottish CCPs.
“If farmers are unsure of their risk status then help is at hand. They can check their flock data on the ScotEID website or phone ScotEID for information. A support service is available to help producers update data if required and can be of value should a flock undergo an official inspection. In many ways, ScotEID is able to provide a safety net if electronic recording fails.
“Sheepkeepers also need to remember that read rates on electronic tags are not the main compliance risk when it comes to an inspection and basic record keeping is crucial. The new flock register and leaflets mailed to producers over the summer provide a reminder of the key points when it comes to properly recording movements, deaths, running totals, individual sheep ids, transport certificates, tagging and retagging.”
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 5 November – Friday 11 November 2011
Title: SPL Kilmarnock v Inverness CT
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 5 November
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music Sessions
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank.
This week, Duncan Chisholm and Phil Cunningham, Karen Matheson, Orkney's Saltfishforty and the fantastic sound of Ross Ainslie's new collaboration, India Alba. This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 5 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Gach Creutair Beo / Vets
Out on the farm with vet Iain Maclean in Wick as he treats a dairy cow with a twisted stomach, and back in the surgery with him as he castrates and treats a feral cat.
At Highland Wildlife Park, the family of Scottish Wildcats has recently had three kittens. Vet Jane Harley dares to get up close to these fearsome animals to give them essential injections, but first they must be caught. The wild and wonderful world of Scottish vets.
Transmitted: Monday 7 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Trusadh - Camanachd Leodhais/Lewis Camanachd
The beginning of the season 2011 and a new team is grabbing the attention of shinty fans. For the first time, the Camanachd Association have allowed a team from Lewis to compete in the national league. This year is a trial period and Lewis are up against it to prove that they are worthy of securing a permanent place playing at this level.
In Trusadh: Lewis Camanachd - Black and Blue, we follow manager Paul Duke and the team through the highs and lows of the season and meet some of the other characters associated with the team along the way. How will the new boys fare against the league's established teams? How will they cope with the travel across the country? Will they manage to put out a team each week? And will they ultimately do enough to silence the critics and secure their position in the league - and truly establish shinty's place in Lewis in the future?!
Transmitted: Monday 7 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa / European Current Affairs
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 9 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Na Geamannan / World Island Games
Bad news for the men's football team while Norrie goes knocking on doors to raise money for the golf team.
Transmitted: Thursday 10 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Air an Rathad / On the Road
How do you get started in motorsport? Calum Iain joins the competitors at Fintray Hill Climb to find out.
Murray's gone back to the day job looking after the sheep on the croft, and he's putting the Isuzu Rodeo pickup through its paces - but is it tough enough for the task?
Fiona is a guest of Grampian Fire Brigade as she joins them on a blues and twos exercise through the busy streets of Aberdeen. She gets some tips on how to manoeuvre through heavy traffic and finds out what you should do as a driver when you hear that siren and see the blue lights flashing.
And the team are back on the track for another round of Wacky Races - what daft stunt have they been given this week?
Transmitted: Thursday 10 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Grinn / Makeover
In the third episode, Fay Thomson from Skye receives a makeover from the Grinn team. Presented by Donna MacLeod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford.
Transmitted: Friday 11 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Monte Cassino
To commemorate Armistice Day, we learn of the Allied invasion of southern Italy in September 1943 that led to one of the most controversial campaigns of World War II.
To prevent invaders from reaching Rome, the Germans constructed a chain of fortifications across Italy. Integral to this was the mountain-top monastery of Monte Cassino. Monte Cassino and its surroundings would be the site of thousands of Allied and Germans casualties in four battles in 1944.
The monastery at Monte Cassino was bombed by the Allies in the mistaken belief that German troops were occupying it. After this bombing, which destroyed much of the monastery, elite German paratroopers occupied the rubble and it took several months and several thousand lives to dislodge them.
In this programme, Brigadier John MacFarlane explores the impact the battles had on the monastery at Monte Cassino as he follows in the footsteps of the thousands of Scottish soldiers who fought there.
Transmitted: Friday 11 November
Time: 9.00 – 9.45pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 5 November
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music Sessions
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank.
This week, Duncan Chisholm and Phil Cunningham, Karen Matheson, Orkney's Saltfishforty and the fantastic sound of Ross Ainslie's new collaboration, India Alba. This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 5 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Gach Creutair Beo / Vets
Out on the farm with vet Iain Maclean in Wick as he treats a dairy cow with a twisted stomach, and back in the surgery with him as he castrates and treats a feral cat.
At Highland Wildlife Park, the family of Scottish Wildcats has recently had three kittens. Vet Jane Harley dares to get up close to these fearsome animals to give them essential injections, but first they must be caught. The wild and wonderful world of Scottish vets.
Transmitted: Monday 7 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Trusadh - Camanachd Leodhais/Lewis Camanachd
The beginning of the season 2011 and a new team is grabbing the attention of shinty fans. For the first time, the Camanachd Association have allowed a team from Lewis to compete in the national league. This year is a trial period and Lewis are up against it to prove that they are worthy of securing a permanent place playing at this level.
In Trusadh: Lewis Camanachd - Black and Blue, we follow manager Paul Duke and the team through the highs and lows of the season and meet some of the other characters associated with the team along the way. How will the new boys fare against the league's established teams? How will they cope with the travel across the country? Will they manage to put out a team each week? And will they ultimately do enough to silence the critics and secure their position in the league - and truly establish shinty's place in Lewis in the future?!
Transmitted: Monday 7 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa / European Current Affairs
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 9 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Na Geamannan / World Island Games
Bad news for the men's football team while Norrie goes knocking on doors to raise money for the golf team.
Transmitted: Thursday 10 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Air an Rathad / On the Road
How do you get started in motorsport? Calum Iain joins the competitors at Fintray Hill Climb to find out.
Murray's gone back to the day job looking after the sheep on the croft, and he's putting the Isuzu Rodeo pickup through its paces - but is it tough enough for the task?
Fiona is a guest of Grampian Fire Brigade as she joins them on a blues and twos exercise through the busy streets of Aberdeen. She gets some tips on how to manoeuvre through heavy traffic and finds out what you should do as a driver when you hear that siren and see the blue lights flashing.
And the team are back on the track for another round of Wacky Races - what daft stunt have they been given this week?
Transmitted: Thursday 10 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Grinn / Makeover
In the third episode, Fay Thomson from Skye receives a makeover from the Grinn team. Presented by Donna MacLeod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford.
Transmitted: Friday 11 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Monte Cassino
To commemorate Armistice Day, we learn of the Allied invasion of southern Italy in September 1943 that led to one of the most controversial campaigns of World War II.
To prevent invaders from reaching Rome, the Germans constructed a chain of fortifications across Italy. Integral to this was the mountain-top monastery of Monte Cassino. Monte Cassino and its surroundings would be the site of thousands of Allied and Germans casualties in four battles in 1944.
The monastery at Monte Cassino was bombed by the Allies in the mistaken belief that German troops were occupying it. After this bombing, which destroyed much of the monastery, elite German paratroopers occupied the rubble and it took several months and several thousand lives to dislodge them.
In this programme, Brigadier John MacFarlane explores the impact the battles had on the monastery at Monte Cassino as he follows in the footsteps of the thousands of Scottish soldiers who fought there.
Transmitted: Friday 11 November
Time: 9.00 – 9.45pm
Search Over for Science Park Contractor says HIE
Ambitious plans to create a multi-million pound marine science park in Argyll have taken a step forward following a European-wide procurement process.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed the infrastructure, support services and construction group, Robertson to deliver phase one of the European Marine Science Park at Dunstaffnage, near Oban.
Frank Reid, Regional Managing Director for Robertson said “Robertson are delighted to have been awarded the contract to build this prestigious Science Park building, and we look forward to working in partnership with HIE over the next year.”
The development will include 20,000 sq ft of laboratory and office space in a high-specification sustainable building in a stunning location, aimed at supporting Scotland’s growing Life Science sector and supporting up to around 125 jobs.
Situated adjacent to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), it is anticipated that the Science Park will be particularly attractive to start-up businesses, spin-outs and SMEs interested in the combination of an outstanding marine environment and world-class scientific expertise on hand. First-class business support will be available to tenants from HIE and Scottish Development International (SDI).
Douglas Cowan, Area Manager for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said “HIE is delighted that work is set to begin on the site. Argyll and the Islands already has a strong reputation in the Life Sciences sector, with businesses such as GlycoMar Ltd and Aquapharm Biodiscovery Ltd, occupying laboratory space at Dunstaffnage and achieving international recognition for cutting edge research and development work."
“The Scottish Association for Marine Science at Dunstaffnage is one of the UK’s leading marine research institutes with around 140 staff, and is a founding partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Existing and new businesses located in the Science Park will benefit from the proximity of world leading research and facilities on their doorstep, together with tailored business support from both HIE and SDI.”
“Argyll’s marine resource is a fantastic asset, and is particularly well placed to exploit once in a generation opportunities in marine life science activity and in renewable energy. The construction of the Science Park is designed to act as a catalyst for these growing sectoral opportunities.”
In August 2010, the HIE Board approved an investment of £7.5m to create the first phase of the Science Park on the site next to SAMS at Dunstaffnage. HIE will contribute £4.5m of its own grant-in-aid budget from the Scottish Government, and has attracted the remaining £3m towards this first phase from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed the infrastructure, support services and construction group, Robertson to deliver phase one of the European Marine Science Park at Dunstaffnage, near Oban.
Frank Reid, Regional Managing Director for Robertson said “Robertson are delighted to have been awarded the contract to build this prestigious Science Park building, and we look forward to working in partnership with HIE over the next year.”
The development will include 20,000 sq ft of laboratory and office space in a high-specification sustainable building in a stunning location, aimed at supporting Scotland’s growing Life Science sector and supporting up to around 125 jobs.
Situated adjacent to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), it is anticipated that the Science Park will be particularly attractive to start-up businesses, spin-outs and SMEs interested in the combination of an outstanding marine environment and world-class scientific expertise on hand. First-class business support will be available to tenants from HIE and Scottish Development International (SDI).
Douglas Cowan, Area Manager for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said “HIE is delighted that work is set to begin on the site. Argyll and the Islands already has a strong reputation in the Life Sciences sector, with businesses such as GlycoMar Ltd and Aquapharm Biodiscovery Ltd, occupying laboratory space at Dunstaffnage and achieving international recognition for cutting edge research and development work."
“The Scottish Association for Marine Science at Dunstaffnage is one of the UK’s leading marine research institutes with around 140 staff, and is a founding partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Existing and new businesses located in the Science Park will benefit from the proximity of world leading research and facilities on their doorstep, together with tailored business support from both HIE and SDI.”
“Argyll’s marine resource is a fantastic asset, and is particularly well placed to exploit once in a generation opportunities in marine life science activity and in renewable energy. The construction of the Science Park is designed to act as a catalyst for these growing sectoral opportunities.”
In August 2010, the HIE Board approved an investment of £7.5m to create the first phase of the Science Park on the site next to SAMS at Dunstaffnage. HIE will contribute £4.5m of its own grant-in-aid budget from the Scottish Government, and has attracted the remaining £3m towards this first phase from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Argyll and Bute Council "is ready for winter"
Argyll and Bute Council is well prepared for winter with thousands of tonnes of salt already in stock and the roads team doing a dry run to make sure all equipment and treatment routes are tested before any bad weather.
There are 17,700 tonnes of salt already – this in an increase of 70 percent from before. The council has a fleet of 33 vehicles capable of gritting and ploughing roads. We will get delivery of another 8 in December bringing the total number of snowploughs to 41. Each lorry is capable of carrying between 2 and 11 tonnes of salt. All equipment has been serviced and tested by the roads team and they are ready to go.
Gritter driver William Holmes said “we are first on the road when there’s been heavy snowfall and although there can be some beautiful views there are still some very real dangers. Despite the snow and icy conditions many people drive too fast. Remember even if the gritter has been, it will take a couple of cars to go over the grit to really make it effective so my advice would be to slow down.”
There are more than 300 grit bins and thousands of salt heaps across Argyll and Bute so you can spread salt on local pavements and roads. Salt will be available for you at roads depot gates and will be restricted to one 20 kg bag per person.
Spokesperson for transport and infrastructure, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre said, “This year’s plan to deal with winter is very impressive. The council is ready for whatever the weather holds in store. There will be leaflets distributed across the area with information on priority routes, how to be prepared in the car and some tips for winter driving.
“This year there will be also more information available online at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/winter-road-maintenance .You can see the treatment routes and how they are prioritised. You can also see regular weather forecasts so you can plan ahead. If the weather is severe you have to ask yourself if the journey is really necessary.”
There are 17,700 tonnes of salt already – this in an increase of 70 percent from before. The council has a fleet of 33 vehicles capable of gritting and ploughing roads. We will get delivery of another 8 in December bringing the total number of snowploughs to 41. Each lorry is capable of carrying between 2 and 11 tonnes of salt. All equipment has been serviced and tested by the roads team and they are ready to go.
Gritter driver William Holmes said “we are first on the road when there’s been heavy snowfall and although there can be some beautiful views there are still some very real dangers. Despite the snow and icy conditions many people drive too fast. Remember even if the gritter has been, it will take a couple of cars to go over the grit to really make it effective so my advice would be to slow down.”
There are more than 300 grit bins and thousands of salt heaps across Argyll and Bute so you can spread salt on local pavements and roads. Salt will be available for you at roads depot gates and will be restricted to one 20 kg bag per person.
Spokesperson for transport and infrastructure, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre said, “This year’s plan to deal with winter is very impressive. The council is ready for whatever the weather holds in store. There will be leaflets distributed across the area with information on priority routes, how to be prepared in the car and some tips for winter driving.
“This year there will be also more information available online at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/winter-road-maintenance .You can see the treatment routes and how they are prioritised. You can also see regular weather forecasts so you can plan ahead. If the weather is severe you have to ask yourself if the journey is really necessary.”
Thursday, 20 October 2011
GOVERNMENT IGNORES GROCERIES ADJUDICATOR RECOMMENDATIONS SAYS NFUS
NFU Scotland has branded the UK Government’s response to the Business, Innovation, and Skills Committee report on the Draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill, as published over the weekend, as extremely disappointing.
Whilst some of the Select Committee’s smaller recommendations for change to the draft Bill have been accepted, the Union’s primary concern has not been adequately addressed. That is, that the bill does not go far enough to tackle the climate of fear that exists among suppliers and processors feeding into the retail sector.
NFU Scotland still believes that without guaranteed anonymity suppliers will not risk bringing instances of abuses of power to the attention of an adjudicator.
Chief Executive of NFU Scotland, Scott Walker, said:
“It is extremely disappointing that the UK Government have rejected some important recommendations for positive change to the draft Bill.
“While the bill remains hugely important, and is a step forward in terms of ensuring greater transparency within the food sector, the opportunity that is there to ensure this bill makes a real difference to the working lives of retail suppliers is in danger of being missed.
“The climate of fear that has existed for many years within the food sector is well documented, and understandably many suppliers are loath to complain when so much of their output may be directed at a single buyer. With this in mind, the one recommendation we just can not understand being rejected is the option for third parties to make complaint on behalf of a supplier. Without this additional layer of anonymity the likelihood of any complaints being made remains miniscule.
“Even at this late hour, we would urge the Government to think again, and look at taking on board the recommendation that information provided by third party sources should be enough to trigger an investigation. Without this being permissible, we see very little being done to encourage suppliers and processors to make a complaint when they feel they are being subjected to abuses of power.”
Whilst some of the Select Committee’s smaller recommendations for change to the draft Bill have been accepted, the Union’s primary concern has not been adequately addressed. That is, that the bill does not go far enough to tackle the climate of fear that exists among suppliers and processors feeding into the retail sector.
NFU Scotland still believes that without guaranteed anonymity suppliers will not risk bringing instances of abuses of power to the attention of an adjudicator.
Chief Executive of NFU Scotland, Scott Walker, said:
“It is extremely disappointing that the UK Government have rejected some important recommendations for positive change to the draft Bill.
“While the bill remains hugely important, and is a step forward in terms of ensuring greater transparency within the food sector, the opportunity that is there to ensure this bill makes a real difference to the working lives of retail suppliers is in danger of being missed.
“The climate of fear that has existed for many years within the food sector is well documented, and understandably many suppliers are loath to complain when so much of their output may be directed at a single buyer. With this in mind, the one recommendation we just can not understand being rejected is the option for third parties to make complaint on behalf of a supplier. Without this additional layer of anonymity the likelihood of any complaints being made remains miniscule.
“Even at this late hour, we would urge the Government to think again, and look at taking on board the recommendation that information provided by third party sources should be enough to trigger an investigation. Without this being permissible, we see very little being done to encourage suppliers and processors to make a complaint when they feel they are being subjected to abuses of power.”
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 29 October – Friday 4 November 2011
Title: SPL: Hearts v Kilmarnock
‘As-live’ coverage from the Scottish Premier League as Hearts host Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Blas Music Festival 2011
Kirsteen MacDonald with more music and song from Blas 2011 including performances from Karen Matheson and Kathleen MacInnes.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 8.55 – 10.00pm
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank. This week, Rachel Sermanni, Ireland's Glackin Brothers, Linda Macleod from Uist and Jamie McMenemy with Soig Siberil are among the guests. This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Gach Creutar Beo / Highland Vets
A new series following the wild and wonderful world of Scottish vets.
We’re out on the farm with vet Iain Maclean in Wick as he's called out to a cow who has lost a lot of blood during calving, then he heads back to the surgery to tend to some cats. Following this, our next stop is Blair Drummond Safari Park, where the cats are a whole lot bigger and a whole lot wilder, as park vet Colin Scott gives his attention to the lions.
Transmitted: Monday 31 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Ceol Country
Anne Morrison presents highlights from the Kelso Country and Western Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are Henry Smith and Country Dreams and Chris Raddings.
In addition to the music, Anne takes part in a Western quick draw competition and samples the pre-gig nerves with a band as they introduce new material into their set.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Na Geamannan / World Island Games
Shona hopes for a good showing at the Benbecula half-marathon but Donald MacInnes has a bad day at the clay pigeon shoot.
Transmitted: Thursday 3 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Air An Rathad / On The Road
'Air an Rathad'- it's all about cars! Presenters Fiona Mackenzie, Murray Macleod and Calum Iain Mackenzie are back with a new series of Scotland's very own car show. All the thrills and spills you expect from 'On the Road', with guest appearances from stunt driver Paul Swift, 'rollover' Roy Maclennan, and rally drivers David Bogie and Donnie Campbell. And let's not forget the weird and wonderful Wacky Races! There's more fun on the track as our presenters battle it out for the coveted Wacky Races Cup. Sit down and buckle up for the new series of Air an Rathad.
Transmitted: Thursday 3 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Grinn / Makeover
This week, hotelier John MacRitchie gets a re-style from experts Donna Macleod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford.
Transmitted: Friday 4 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Am Boireannach a Dh’ith Bo
As an artist, Heather Dewar has travelled the world for inspiration. But as a cook, her inspiration is her native Islay and its produce. A thrifty Gael, she loves food - but hates waste. But with rising food prices, there's never been a better time to re-embrace Heather's good old-fashioned thrifty kitchen skills. With this in mind, Heather's on a quest to find an animal to cook and eat, using the cuts of meat that people would normally cast aside.
Transmitted: Friday 4 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
‘As-live’ coverage from the Scottish Premier League as Hearts host Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Blas Music Festival 2011
Kirsteen MacDonald with more music and song from Blas 2011 including performances from Karen Matheson and Kathleen MacInnes.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 8.55 – 10.00pm
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank. This week, Rachel Sermanni, Ireland's Glackin Brothers, Linda Macleod from Uist and Jamie McMenemy with Soig Siberil are among the guests. This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Gach Creutar Beo / Highland Vets
A new series following the wild and wonderful world of Scottish vets.
We’re out on the farm with vet Iain Maclean in Wick as he's called out to a cow who has lost a lot of blood during calving, then he heads back to the surgery to tend to some cats. Following this, our next stop is Blair Drummond Safari Park, where the cats are a whole lot bigger and a whole lot wilder, as park vet Colin Scott gives his attention to the lions.
Transmitted: Monday 31 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Ceol Country
Anne Morrison presents highlights from the Kelso Country and Western Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are Henry Smith and Country Dreams and Chris Raddings.
In addition to the music, Anne takes part in a Western quick draw competition and samples the pre-gig nerves with a band as they introduce new material into their set.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Na Geamannan / World Island Games
Shona hopes for a good showing at the Benbecula half-marathon but Donald MacInnes has a bad day at the clay pigeon shoot.
Transmitted: Thursday 3 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Air An Rathad / On The Road
'Air an Rathad'- it's all about cars! Presenters Fiona Mackenzie, Murray Macleod and Calum Iain Mackenzie are back with a new series of Scotland's very own car show. All the thrills and spills you expect from 'On the Road', with guest appearances from stunt driver Paul Swift, 'rollover' Roy Maclennan, and rally drivers David Bogie and Donnie Campbell. And let's not forget the weird and wonderful Wacky Races! There's more fun on the track as our presenters battle it out for the coveted Wacky Races Cup. Sit down and buckle up for the new series of Air an Rathad.
Transmitted: Thursday 3 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Grinn / Makeover
This week, hotelier John MacRitchie gets a re-style from experts Donna Macleod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford.
Transmitted: Friday 4 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Am Boireannach a Dh’ith Bo
As an artist, Heather Dewar has travelled the world for inspiration. But as a cook, her inspiration is her native Islay and its produce. A thrifty Gael, she loves food - but hates waste. But with rising food prices, there's never been a better time to re-embrace Heather's good old-fashioned thrifty kitchen skills. With this in mind, Heather's on a quest to find an animal to cook and eat, using the cuts of meat that people would normally cast aside.
Transmitted: Friday 4 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
BBC ALBA ANNOUNCES LATEST VIEWING FIGURES
BBC ALBA, the Gaelic television channel, has today (Thursday 20 October) announced its most recent viewing figures.
The figures have been compiled over a four month period since the channel was made available on Freeview and Virgin Media’s Cable at the start of June this year.
During this period (June to September 2011), BBC ALBA has attracted a significant number of new viewers averaging a total claimed weekly reach of 12.9% of adults aged 16 and over, equating to 530,000 viewers.
The claimed fifteen minute plus reach for the channel over the same four month period was 10.6% which equates to 430,000 viewers per week.
In addition, the average time viewers spent watching BBC ALBA per week was 1 hour 40 minutes.
Prior to the channel being made available on Freeview, the total weekly reach for the channel was 220,000 viewers with the weekly fifteen minute plus reach being 179,000 viewers.
This figure is for those tuning into the channel in Scotland only and does not take account of anyone in the rest of the UK who may be viewing programmes on BBC ALBA. It also does not include the under-16 age group who may watch the schedule of children’s programming on offer.
Furthermore, a watch-again facility provides 10 hours of BBC ALBA content on the BBC iPlayer each week. Latest figures available, covering the period January to September 2011, found that there was an average of 29,000 requests per week for BBC ALBA content on iPlayer.
Channel executives have attributed the increase in viewing figures to the distinctive and high quality range of programmes offered, as well as the increased accessibility for viewers.
The figures have been compiled over a four month period since the channel was made available on Freeview and Virgin Media’s Cable at the start of June this year.
During this period (June to September 2011), BBC ALBA has attracted a significant number of new viewers averaging a total claimed weekly reach of 12.9% of adults aged 16 and over, equating to 530,000 viewers.
The claimed fifteen minute plus reach for the channel over the same four month period was 10.6% which equates to 430,000 viewers per week.
In addition, the average time viewers spent watching BBC ALBA per week was 1 hour 40 minutes.
Prior to the channel being made available on Freeview, the total weekly reach for the channel was 220,000 viewers with the weekly fifteen minute plus reach being 179,000 viewers.
This figure is for those tuning into the channel in Scotland only and does not take account of anyone in the rest of the UK who may be viewing programmes on BBC ALBA. It also does not include the under-16 age group who may watch the schedule of children’s programming on offer.
Furthermore, a watch-again facility provides 10 hours of BBC ALBA content on the BBC iPlayer each week. Latest figures available, covering the period January to September 2011, found that there was an average of 29,000 requests per week for BBC ALBA content on iPlayer.
Channel executives have attributed the increase in viewing figures to the distinctive and high quality range of programmes offered, as well as the increased accessibility for viewers.
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