Climate change plan set out

Driech Scottish weather was unable to dampen the spirits of Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson as he launched a five-year plan in north Glasgow on June 21.
In conjunction with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) The Minister set out plans for green measures to provide a brighter future and help indigenous species adapt to climate change.
Speaking at Dawsholm Local Nature Reserve in Maryhill, part of the Clyde Valley green network, Stewart Stevenson said: ‘Scotland has positioned itself at the forefront of international action on climate change.
‘This ambitious legislation will help Scotland take advantage of the opportunities presented by the move to a low carbon economy.’
The SNH outlines include a series of measures in which our nature and landscape aim to meet the challenges presented by the changes predicted, these include:
● Creating and managing green networks around towns and cities to increase the opportunities for wildlife to adapt and flourish as well as delivering other benefits
● Planning for sustainable future renewables schemes
● Protecting carbon stored in peatlands and capturing carbon by growing new woodlands
● Managing coastal lands to help adapt to the effects of rising sea levels
● Managing wetlands and floodplains as natural systems which can help reduce flood risk
It is hoped these measures will help certain species which will face additional pressure in the face of climate change.
It was conceded that among Scotland’s wildlife there would be ‘winners and losers’.
Some species may only be able to survive by being translocated to a new area. But SNH has advised that this strategy is to be used only as a last resort as it is costly, time-consuming, and there is no guarantee of success.
Professor Colin Galbraith, SNH’s director of policy and advice, said: ‘Protected areas, including those privately owned and managed as well as those owned by SNH, will remain important for species and habitat conservation.’
‘What is certain, however, is that climate change is here and the actions we take now can go a long way to addressing future challenges.
‘Our aim is to inform the people of Scotland about these changes and provide advice on adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.’

Cumming welcomes the Clarsach

The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama’s (RSAMD) American Foundation is delighted to announce its first scholarship from the USA.
As a part of Scots-American society The Clan Currie Society’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, organisers have launched a Clarsach Scholarship.
The Clarsach is an ancient Scots instrument, with a shape and sound similar to that of a harp. This announcement comes just weeks after the Academy Foundation introduced actor Alan Cumming as its President.
Alan Cumming Said: ‘As President of the RSAMD American Foundation I am delighted that Clan Currie has given what I hope is the first of many gifts from the US to benefit the Academy and its students.
‘And how appropriate in this year of Homecoming for the Clan to ensure that the future of Scottish culture is safer with this generous scholarship.’
The RSAMD has students from over 40 countries but has a very special relationship with friends across the pond.
And Professor John Wallace, Principal of the Academy, was equally chuffed with the announcement.
He said: ‘This is a very exciting time for the Academy in its relationship with the USA.
‘More and more of our young students travel to Scotland from America to study here with us and I am delighted that the Clan Currie Society has chosen to set up this significant scholarship in memory of its founder member.
‘The renaissance that is Scottish traditional music is a special moment in the Academy’s history.’

High hopes for new Firhill man Hodge

Partick Thistle may have sold their former star player to SFL first division rivals Dundee, but club Chairman Allan Cowan is confident that new signing Bryan Hodge can shine at Firhill.

It has been a busy summer behind the scenes as Ian McCall re-signed his contract as manager followed by the departure of players Gary Harkins (Dundee £150,000) and Marc Twaddle (£60,000, Falkirk).

However, a number of new faces have been brought in to freshen-up the Thistle squad including former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Hodge.

Speaking to LOCAL NEWS on the eve of the season Allan Cowan explained how he rates his club’s chances.

He said: ‘I’m delighted Ian McCall decided to stay on as manager at Partick Thistle, I think it was universally welcomed by everyone associated with the club.’

‘We did try to keep Gary Harkins by offering him an extension to his contract with improved terms but it didn’t work out that way.

‘As he only had one season left on his deal we then faced the scenario of losing him for nothing next summer, and we weren’t willing to do that.

‘Selling players is never something you never want to do, but Dundee kept coming back to us and the price in the end was the highest transfer fee between any two Scottish clubs this summer, it was an offer we couldn’t refuse.’

Cowan believes the playing squad is now stronger than it was last season and singled out one player in particular as the key to the Jags aspirations. He said: ‘We decided to take the fee as Ian believed he had a replacement lined up in Bryan Hodge, so it wasn’t just that we sold Gary, we made sure we could get someone else in.’

‘Dundee are hot favourites with the money they’ve spent but I believe that under Ian McCall we can maintain our challenge. We will be in at the death, fighting to decide where the first division title will end up.’

Thistle’s first home league game is on Saturday 15 August when they entertain Ross County.

Remember entry into Firhill is FREE to all under 16s. Adult season tickets still available on 0141 579 1971.

SWAMP a key route out the recession bog

Fiona Hyslop last month visited South West Arts and Music (SWAMP) project and claimed that it’s Ready for Work Scheme was vital to lead Scotland’s next generation out of recession.
The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning was put through her paces by young people who interviewed her at the centre.
SWAMP, in Pollok, runs a Ready to Work scheme which can give young people specialist skills in digital technology, music and the arts.
After taking a range of questions in the radio studio about why politics should be of interest to youngsters, Fiona Hyslop talked to the LOCAL NEWS.  She remains upbeat in spite of the economic situation.
She said: ‘We want to make sure that young people have skills and abilities to go forward and get jobs. We are preparing Scotland for the recovery from the recession so that everybody can take part in that.
‘Projects like SWAMP recognise the talents that young people have so that they can have the belief that they can get on and get jobs.
‘Getting Ready for Work is a very good example of that. SWAMP has a good track record and learning through creativity – like arts and music - is great.
‘I would recommend that youngsters who get a chance to do this, just grab it with both hands.
‘We have to make sure that we are using any public resources wisely. We know that the current £500m cuts from Westminster will make things tight going forward.’
On a national level she refuses to accept that arts will suffer with budget cutbacks, instead recognises the creative industry as part of the recovery.
She said: ‘Arts and Culture are very much related to the government’s economic strategy. It is far more than just art, music, history and culture, it’s a key economic driver going forward.’

River Festival enjoyed by all

The last weekend in July saw nearly one hundred thousand people descended on the River Clyde for the sixth annual Glasgow River Festival, which once again proved to be a winner for all the family.
Locals and tourists alike turned up to watch and take part in the events based in and around the famous Glasgow river.
Real, live pirates were there, complete with firing cannons, cutlasses and grog to swill.
This was a hit with just about everyone. But as Ken Boswell, 40, from Maryhill explained it was just a wee bit too real for some!
He said: ‘I was there on Saturday with Julia, my wife, and my wee boy, Sam (3).
‘Sam was slightly scared of the pirates on the Pirate Ship Zebu at first but a few nautical ‘Oooo-aarrrs’ and a personal invitation from the pirate captain resulted in him jumping about the ship during the re-enactment.’
Young Sam wasn’t the only one having a ball, as Ken explained.
 ’The Farmers’ Market was also excellent, if rather busy. I left with some excellent Scottish produce including Arran Cheese and beer from Castle Douglas’ Sulwath Brewery.’
Also on show were powerboat rides and cruises down the Clyde on the Waverley – the world’s last working and most loved, paddle steamer.
The action concluded on Sunday afternoon with a Duck Race, as 20,000 toy ducks took to the Clyde in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The Lord Provost Bob Winter said: ‘The River Clyde has been – and continues to be – an important feature of Glasgow life. The Glasgow River Festival has once again proved a great way to celebrate its heritage.
‘I’m delighted that so many people turned up at the weekend for what was a spectacular two days of entertainment.’

Stow gets gold

Stow College has been recognised for its forward-thinking and excellent organisational structure with a top accolade.
The college has, for the second year running, been given an Investors in People (IIP) Gold award.
Stow was praised by IIP for its equality and diversity strategies, internal communication, student-driven focus and general effectiveness.
Ruth Kelling, IIP boss, said: ‘Stow College is one of a small group of organisations in Scotland achieving Investors in People Gold recognition for additional achievement beyond the standard.
‘The college’s vision which encourages openness, trust and partnership are interwoven throughout all of it’s activities.’
Stow was also recently recognised for its outstanding contribution to the further education sector after becoming only the second college in Scotland to receive the prestigious European Foundation for Quality Management for Business Excellence in Scotland Award.
Dr Robert McGrory, College Principle and Chief Executive, was delighted with the award.
He said: ‘We invest a lot of time and resources to ensure our staff are supported and motivated to the highest level possible.’
Last month the further education college was also able to raise over £3,000 for Radio Clyde’s Cash for Kids Campaign.

Currie Capital of the UK

It’s now official – Glasgow is the UK Currie Capital.
At a special lunchtime meeting and clan gathering at the City Chambers, Robert Currie, President of the Clan Currie Society was delighted to announce the creation of the Clarsach Scholarship. ‘Clarsach’ is Gaelic for ‘harp’. The host, and Lord Provost Bob Winter, said: ‘Glasgow has been the Currie Capital for many years!’ And Robert Currie replied: ‘Well, I have to say, we really are a spicy clan.’
The Clarsach Scholarship will be administered by the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. All  students on the Scottish traditional music degree programme at the Academy will be eligible to apply. The purpose of the scholarship is to help promote and conserve Highland culture internationally. Clan boss Currie, from the United States, continued: ‘It’s great to be here – a real honour. This great city is the home to more Curries than anywhere else in Scotland, so in my heart I felt that Glasgow is where we had to come first. The RSAMD is a great place and the creative hub of Glasgow and Scotland, so it’s with great pleasure and pride that I can come home and help set this up.’
Robert was tying in some clan business while on holiday in Scotland.

Islamic Relief Arson Attack

Two men, Mark Bining aged 34 and Stuart Rose, 25, were charged at Glasgow Sheriff Court with wilful fire-raising in connection with an arson attack on the Islamic Relief charity shop on Albert Drive in Pollokshields. They made no plea and were bailed. Habib Malik from Islamic Relief said: ‘We were notified by the fire brigade at 5.08am in the morning. They were working until 11am to bring the fire under control. Our own CCTV footage shows two men outside the shop. There is a gas pipe outside the shop and they seemed to be tampering with it. The next thing you can see is huge flames coming up in front of the shop.’ Habib explained that the shop had received telephone threats during the Gaza crisis in January, but that there had been no recent incidents. He went on to say that they had received messages of support from charities including Oxfam and from across the Scottish political spectrum. Mohammed Sarwar MP, Hanzala Malik and Nicola Sturgeon have all sent their best wishes, with Nicola Sturgeon even offering to help with the clean up. The bill for damages is estimated at £70-80,000, and it will take at least 6 weeks to get the shop up and running again, due to extensive smoke damage. Habib said: ‘The people who did this did not think about the deprived people who the charity helps. This is not a profit making business, it is a charity which raises money to help people in poverty. They are the ones who will suffer.’   

 

 

Labour of Love

A labour of love brings avid readers and booksellers together every month at the Botanic Gardens.
The book fair which ran over the Glasgow Fair weekend gives an opportunity for book worms, collectors and passing trade in the park to pick up a bargain.
Glasgow man Jim McKay has been selling at the book fair for ‘longer than he can remember’ but reckons the first year that they occupied the Hopkirk Building at the back of the Botanic Gardens was in 1992.
He said: ‘I started selling books here through a friend, but then it became more regular, and I’m probably here the longest from this group.
‘I suppose we all have a love of books in common but I and the other stall holders are here from a range of backgrounds and locations.’
Fiona Stanley from Ayrshire started her stall through her family.
She said: ‘I came here first of all to help my Dad but since he fell ill – and I realised how much I enjoyed the book fair – I started running the stall on my own.
‘Every fair we meet different people and you get an education, particularly when dealing with the younger readers who tell you all about the sort of books they are after in great detail.’
Susan, another long-term stall runner, travels miles over land and sea all the way from Orkney to the monthly Glasgow fairs. She said: ‘I used to have a bookshop of my own but not any more. Coming down here is always fun and selling books pays for my trip down, if not much more. It really is a labour of love.’
The book fair expects to have in the region of 250 people through the doors on each of the days it is on. The August fair runs longer than usual, from Saturday 8th – Sunday 16th.

Something for everyone

The Botanic book fair has a variety of titles as eclectic and interesting as the characters you are likely to meet at the monthly event.
Being a football fan and journalist – a fan with laptop if you like – the first book that caught my eye was Flowers of Scotland: The Official Book of Scotland’s 1978 World Cup Squad.
I was only one-year-old when Scotland, under the leadership of Ally MacLeod, crashed out of the 1978 World Cup but the campaign, media hysteria and lasting negative impact on the national psyche has fascinated me from an early age.
So much has been written and said about Scotland’s efforts at the ill-fated tournament in the 31 years since, so it’s great to get a perspective from the Scotland camp before a ball was kicked.
I picked this wee gem up and realised, despite initial reservations, that the book fair was for me too. I wouldn’t have got this book in any of the bookshops in town and wouldn’t have gone searching for it on eBay. It was like the book found me. Priced at £1.50 I defy anyone with an interest in books not to find a bargain there,
Happy reading…

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