MACKENZIE WELCOMES BT PLANS TO UPGRADE BROADBAND IN RURAL AREAS

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie has welcomed the recent
announcement from BT that it is to upgrade the copper network that
presently connects 2.5 million internet subscribers in rural homes
across the UK. This is a move that should result in substantial
improvements in broadband performance that is set to deliver speedier
services to those affected at as much as twice existing speeds for many
users.

Mike MacKenzie said: "Broadband speeds have been improving dramatically for most urban based
users in recent years but those who live in rural areas have often found
that the response times that they operate with are considerably slower
than the norm and this means that both for business and recreational use
they are operating at a distinct disadvantage. One of the principle
stated benefits of efficient IT operation is that the "playing field"
across the country is level and any move that will help to remove the
disadvantages presently encountered by rural users across the Highlands
and Islands, where broadband speed is notoriously patchy, is to be
warmly welcomed.

The copper upgrade to the network will result in significant improvement
in operating speeds for many more users but in those areas where it has
not yet proved economic to upgrade their infrastructure because of
population sparcity or rurality subscribers will find that they are
falling even further behind the new levels available elsewhere. In such
areas BT is working with mobile phone companies, software operators and
satellite service providers to develop other means of mobile technology
to deliver improved broadband speeds

BT hope to complete this exercise early in 2013 and it will be
interesting to see what effect that this has on broadband communications
within the Highlands and Islands."

SEARCH IS ON FOR SCOTTISH FILMS AND VIDEOS OF LAST FEW DECADES

The Scottish Screen Archive is looking for films and videos shot anywhere in Scotland over the last 40 years that may be gathering dust in attics and forgotten cupboards.

The Scottish Screen Archive (SSA), which is part of the National Library of Scotland, wants to collect the films and videos now as there is a danger they could be lost forever.

They will be added to the national collection of film held by the SSA which provides a wonderful and unique record of Scotland in the 20th century.

Since the 1980s, most individuals, organisations or community groups used video to capture ordinary life, local events, changes to their neighbourhood or to promote local interests. However as video is becoming increasingly obsolete, tapes are being thrown away and these unique visual records from the last few decades could be lost forever. The SSA is appealing to the public for help in saving these films to ensure the most complete record of life in Scotland from the 1970s up to the present day is preserved.

In particular it is looking for film / video / digital media material, fiction or non-fiction from:

Video workshops / community groups / action groups
Cine / Video Clubs
Promotional films for local industries / charities / tourism
Sport and leisure
Footage depicting significant changes in local communities
Special local community events. eg. Gala Days ; Millennium Celebrations

Kay Foubister, SSA Curator who is working on this project said: “The advent of cheaper video cameras in the 1980s and 1990s made it much easier for people to record local events. However, video has been replaced by newer technology and there is a real danger that these tapes will just be forgotten about and discarded. We want to prevent that happening.”

The SSA is looking for films from 1970 onwards and anyone who can help is asked to contact Kay by completing an online submission form at www.gla.ac.uk/cams or by emailing ssaacquisitions@nls.uk . Alternatively, they can telephone on 0845 366 4608.

The SSA is also interested in films that were made by children in the same period. It is working with a team at the University of Glasgow who are researching aspects of childhood and the development of children making their own movies. This team in interested in hearing from anyone who
Made their own movies as a child
Were part of a group that ran video workshops for children
Participated as a child in movie making during the 1970s – 2000

Further information can be found on the project website www.gla.ac.uk/cams or by writing to the research team, Dr Karen Lury and Dr Ryan Shand.

More than 1000 films or film clips depicting community life in Scotland throughout the 20th century can be viewed on the SSA’s website at www.nls.uk/ssa. The website has just been recognised by List magazine as one of the top 30 webites in Scotland.

BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 13 August – Friday 19 August 2011

Title: SPL - Hearts v Aberdeen
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Heart of Midlothian host Aberdeen at Tynecastle Stadium.

Transmitted: Saturday 13 August
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm


Title: Paddy Keenan & Fred Morrison aig Celtic Connections

Two piping legends: Ireland's Paddy Keenan and Scotland's Fred Morrison, in concert at Celtic Connections with a host of musician friends from Scotland, Ireland and Galicia.

Transmitted: Saturday 13 August
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm


Title: Cuirm @ Celtic: Colin Farrell
More music and chat from Celtic Connections with acclaimed fiddle player Colin Farrell as guest.

Transmitted: Saturday 13 August
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm


Title: Dannsa
The latest Dannsa instalment, following six different dance groups from around Scotland through the highs and lows of rehearsal, competition and performance. The groups are highly diverse in location, style, aspiration, age and accomplishment, including The Space at Dundee College, the teenage girls of the Fusion dance class in Aberdeen, the Ballet West school in Taynuilt, Oban, the Golden class at their Dance Base studio in Edinburgh, the street-dancing crew Heavy Smokers in Livingston and the Maryhill Integration Network from Glasgow.

In this programme, Anne Morrison and Kevin Walker watch on as renowned Scottish contemporary choreographer Andy Howitt oversees rehearsals for the end of series performance special at the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow.

Dannsa...........six groups, six different dance styles, one live dance show!

Transmitted: Monday 15 August
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm


Title: An t-Slighe a bu Mhiosa / The Worst Journey in The World

During World War II an important supply chain of military and other aid travelled to Russia by Arctic Ship Convoy. These voyages saved Russia from collapse and prevented Germany from winning the war. Some of the last few remaining veterans of these journeys gathered to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and make a final pilgrimage along the original route from Britain to Murmansk in Russia.

Transmitted: Wednesday 17 August
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm


Title: iTRAD

Schools, colleges and festivals all over Scotland are at the centre of a traditional music revival. Arising out of these institutions are talented singers and musicians who go onto successful careers in the music industry.

In this final programme of the iTrad series we meet two bands - Fuaim Ghlaschu and Caledonian Canals - who are among the youngsters who are now at the forefront of this musical revitalisation. Now they gather in Ullapool to put on a special show case for this series reflecting on the rise in interest in traditional Scottish music.

Transmitted: Friday 19 August
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm

Summer placement students "prepare to face their dragons"

Sixteen ambitious students, bringing fresh ideas for business development to companies across the Highlands and Islands, are gathering to prepare their own dragons den style pitches at a residential training course this week.

The students, who come from across the UK and abroad to work for eight weeks with local businesses, are part of the TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The projects carried out provide new thinking for the host businesses across a wide range of disciplines including scientific research, marketing projects and design.

As well as gaining experience through the paid placements, the students receive tailored training from Robert Gordon University’s Aberdeen Business School. This is taking place this week at Fairburn Activity Centre near Muir of Ord.

The training helps them with presentation and business pitching skills in preparation for a competitive event at the end of August where they pitch their project findings to a panel of business experts.

The students attending this week’s training course work in businesses and social enterprises in Shetland, Stornoway, Fort William, Inverness, Tain, Oban, Torridon, Wick, Thurso, Lossiemouth, Islay and Dingwall. (Details of businesses and students at end of release)

James Porcas, who is working with Highland Biosciences at the Dochfour Business Park, in Inverness, is studying for a MSCi Natural Sciences at University College London.

He said: “"My placement has been a great opportunity to learn new lab skills. Highland Biosciences is a small ambitious company and I feel like my research is making a difference."

Up to 70 students in Scotland will benefit from this course in 2011 and 2012. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has made the development and delivery of the tailored section of the course possible.

Ruth Sime, Acting Head of Business Support Programmes at HIE said: “The TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme provides benefits for both students and employers. The relevant work experience gained by the students sets them apart from others when applying for jobs, particularly when graduate opportunities are limited. The employers are able to take on committed project staff at a subsidised rate during the holiday period. Some employers are able to offer a permanent job to their placement students when they have graduated and this helps to retain skilled young people in the region.”

New drive to cut child passenger casualties in Argyll and Bute

Argyll and Bute Council’s road safety unit is launching a new campaign to raise awareness among parents, grandparents and carers about the dangers of incorrectly-fitted or inappropriate child car seats.

As part of this, three ‘car seat clinics’ have been arranged to which members of the public are invited to drop in to have their child seats checked by the experts.

In tackling this vital road safety issue, the council is supporting the national Scottish Good Egg In-Car Child Safety campaign, which has significantly reduced casualty rates among child passengers across Scotland over the last 10 years.

Director of Road Safety Scotland, Michael McDonnell said: “We have seen the number of children killed or seriously injured in cars fall by 72% over the past ten years which marks a welcome contribution to the UK Government target of a 50% reduction. This is a tremendous success story which I believe could not have been achieved without the Good Egg campaign.”

Campaign literature including posters, information leaflets and Good Egg guides will be widely distributed throughout Argyll and Bute in the coming weeks, backed up by a series of 'car seat clinic' events where people can have their child car seats checked for safety by experts and hear more about in-car child safety from the Good Egg team.


Taking place between 11am and 2pm, the dates and venues are:

Helensburgh – Sinclair Street Car Park – Monday, 22nd August
Oban – Tesco Car Park – Tuesday, 23rd August
Dunoon – Safeway Car Park – Wednesday, 24th August

Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for transport and infrastructure, said: "Although well-intentioned parents install a child car seat to keep their child safe, there is a significant danger of serious injury if the seat is not fitted properly or if they have chosen the wrong type of seat for the height, weight and age of the child.

“I am delighted that the road safety unit is organizing these clinics throughout the area as part of this campaign, and strongly advise all parents to take advantage of this free opportunity to let the experts make sure children of all ages are being carried safely using the correct restraint. It will give them peace of mind and it could save their child’s life.”


For more information, please contact road safety officer June Graham on 01546 604182.

BBC ALBA – Saturday 20 August – Friday 26 August 2011

Title: Scottish Premier League – Dundee United v Dunfermline

The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Jim McIntyre’s Dunfermline side travel to face Dundee United at Tannadice Park. This game marks the first league clash between Dundee United and Dunfermline since the 2006/2007 season.

Transmitted: Saturday 20 August
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm


Title: Cuirm@Celtic: Taigh Ciuil - Atlantic Seaway

Coverage of the Celtic Connections 2011 festival continues in Cuirm@Celtic with coverage of The Atlantic Seaway which features staff and students from Strathclyde University, the RSAMD and Boston’s Berklee College, tracing the transatlantic evolution of Scottish music, in a collaboration supported by Glasgow UNESCO City of Music. They are joined by acclaimed piper Finlay MacDonald, one of the new generations of brilliant young pipers.

Transmitted: Saturday 20 August
Time: 9.55pm – 10.25pm


Title: Trusadh – Ag Iomradh Sa Tarraing / Coastal Rowing

This Trusadh documentary will take a look at the resurgence in coastal rowing throughout Scotland, and we follow one of the latest groups to get involved in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis on their journey to join the ranks.

The arrival of the outboard engine brought a new way of life to coastal towns throughout Scotland. No longer were traditional wooden boats necessary and as their use declined so too did rowing. That is until a couple of years ago when the Scottish Coastal Rowing Project began, with the arrival of a new kit boat called the St Ayles Skiff. Over 40 different community groups have come together across Scotland to build their own skiff and then take part in one of the many regattas that have sprung up in their wake.

Transmitted: Monday 22 August
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm


Title: Leabhar an Aigh
This is the story of the man behind the indispensible Dwelly's Gaelic Dictionary.

Dwelly's Gaelic Dictionary is one of the most important works of Scottish scholarship, an indispensable reference guide for a century of Gaels since its first publication in 1901. This programme examines the amazing achievement of Edward Dwelly, who originally undertook the compilation for his own private use.

Transmitted: Thursday 25 August
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm


Title: 'S ann an Ile / Islay
'S ann an Ile explores the community of Islay through the prism of Gaelic. An unusual wedding takes place, and Islay's population soars as the lively Malt and Music Festival begins.

Transmitted: Friday 26 August
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm


Title: Dannsa/Dance Series

Over the course of this vibrant and highly energetic television series, viewers have followed six different dance groups from around Scotland through the highs and lows of rehearsal, competition and performance.

The last programme in the series will see the six divers dance groups perform together at the Tramway Theatre in an entertaining grand finale showcasing their work for a national television audience under the guidance of renowned Scottish choreographer Andy Howitt. The production took place to the accompaniment of a specially commissioned new piece of work by Quee MacArthur of Shooglenifty and the show will also feature special guest stars, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

The groups are highly diverse in location, style, aspiration, age and accomplishment, including BALLET WEST, the international dance school situated in Argyll, THE HEAVY SMOKERS, an independent breakdancing crew from Livingston, GOLDEN, an over 60's group run by DanceBase, the national centre for dance in Edinburgh, THE MARYHILL INTEGRATION NETWORK, a company of asylum seekers and refugees based in Glasgow, the aspiring hopefuls from THE SPACE at the School of Contemporary Dance in Dundee and FUSION from City Moves in Aberdeen, a teenage dance group.

Transmitted: Friday 26 August
Time: 9pm – 10.30pm

Councillor Donald Macdonald

Argyll and Bute Councillor Donald John Macdonald has died suddenly whilst on holiday in North Uist.

Council leader Councillor Dick Walsh expressed his shock and sadness at the news, and paid tribute to Councillor Macdonald’s contribution to the council over the last four years.

“This is devastating news. Donald was a conscientious and popular councillor who will be very sorely missed by all who came into contact with him,” Councillor Walsh said.

“His loss will be particular keenly felt in the Oban area, which he was so proud to serve and to which he devoted so much of his time and energy. He contributed greatly on a wide range of issues, both local and regional, and always with the best interests of his constituents in mind.

“I had a high regard for Donald, who was always a gentleman in his approach to council business and in dealing with his colleagues, whatever their political persuasion.

“I know I speak for everyone at Argyll and Bute Council when I say how sad we are to hear of his death. Our thoughts are of course with his family and friends, in particular his wife Dorothy and children Donald and Kirsty, who I will be contacting to express our condolences.”

Councillor Macdonald worked for many years for British Gas as a distribution engineering manager before taking early retirement in 2001.

He joined Argyll and Bute Council in 2007, representing the SNP for the Oban North and Lorn ward.