thedailyrecord--2020-04-16--Family is determined to take on Kiltwalk challenge after it was shelved

A family set to take part in their tenth annual Kiltwalk in memory of their son are still determined to complete it later this year .
Aidan Moir , who sadly passed away in 2012 , aged just ten , suffered from Late Infantile Batten ’ s Disease , a degenerative neurological condition that slowly robbed him of the ability to walk , talk , see , eat or even hold himself up .
PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS : Live news as it happens His doting family , from Erskine , were expecting to participate in the event on April 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
However , Team Aidan – aka Claire and Paul Moir – their children Connor and Rebekah and other family members and friends have vowed to walk in his memory as soon as it is safe to do so .
Paul did his first Kiltwalk in 2010 to raise much-needed funds for Robin House , in Balloch , where Aidan received vital care from the age of five .
Claire said : “ The Kiltwalk may have been postponed , but we , as a family , are still determined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is such an important year for us .
“ We also want to do it in memory of Aidan and also for CHAS as Robin House was there for us every step of the way and helped us make so many amazing memories .
“ Every year on the walk , we have Team Aidan T-shirts with his face on them , so he really is with us every step of the way and we always see his cheeky wee smile .
“ If any of us are struggling to carry on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his face and think Aidan went through so much in his short life , so we can do this for him and we always finish it .
“ As for the party , Team Aidan are all looking forward to having a big one when the coronavirus is all behind us – I think we will all be ready for one by then.
” During his short life , Aidan touched the hearts of many and , over the years , other family members and friends offered their support to the Moirs by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family to continue raising funds for Robin House and Children ’ s Hospices Across Scotland ( CHAS ) .
To date , Team Aidan has raised more than £22,000 for CHAS .
This year ’ s Kiltwalk was to be especially poignant for the family as Aidan would have celebrated his 18th birthday in May .
And 2020 is , in fact , a year of milestones for the Moirs , with the Kiltwalk being Paul ’ s tenth event , Connor turning 21 and Rebekah becoming a teenager .
In a bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also mark all these special occasions , everyone in Team Moir had arranged a charity night , but that too has sadly been postponed for now .
Team Aidan has already collectively raised £1,500 , which means £3,000 for CHAS following Sir Tom Hunter ’ s generous announcement that the Hunter Foundation will top up all funds raised by an incredible 100 per cent .
CHAS Challenge events assistant Charlie Leavy said : “ We are so grateful to Claire and all of Team Aidan for helping to raise so many funds over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear they still intend to complete the walk for CHAS in Aidan ’ s memory later this year .
“ All the money raised through sponsorship and donations for CHAS through the Kiltwalk will help support families across Scotland by providing vital care and invaluable experiences to help keep the joy alive for many children with life-shortening illnesses and their families across Scotland .
”

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A family set to take part in their tenth annual Kiltwalk in memory of their son are still determined to complete it later this year.
Aidan Moir, who sadly passed away in 2012, aged just ten, suffered from Late Infantile Batten’s Disease, a degenerative neurological
condition that slowly robbed him of the ability to walk, talk, see, eat or even hold himself up.
PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS: Live news as it happens
His doting family, from Erskine, were expecting to participate in the event on April 26 before it was shelved due to the coronavirus crisis.
However, Team Aidan – aka Claire and Paul Moir – their children Connor and Rebekah and other family members and friends have vowed to walk in his memory as soon as it is safe to do so.
Paul did his first Kiltwalk in 2010 to raise much-needed funds for Robin House, in Balloch, where Aidan received vital care from the age of five.
Claire said: “The Kiltwalk may have been postponed, but we, as a family, are still determined to complete it one way or another as this is such an important year for us.
Read More News:
“We also want to do it in memory of Aidan and also for CHAS as Robin House was there for us every step of the way and helped us make so many amazing memories.
“Every year on the walk, we have Team Aidan T-shirts with his face on them, so he really is with us every step of the way and we always see his cheeky wee smile.
(Image: Daily Record)
“If any of us are struggling to carry on the walk, we just look at his face and think Aidan went through so much in his short life, so we can do this for him and we always finish it.
“As for the party, Team Aidan are all looking forward to having a big one when the coronavirus is all behind us – I think we will all be ready for one by then.”
During his short life, Aidan touched the hearts of many and, over the years, other family members and friends offered their support to the Moirs by joining in the Kiltwalk to help the family to continue raising funds for Robin House and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Read More News:
To date, Team Aidan has raised more than £22,000 for CHAS.
This year’s Kiltwalk was to be especially poignant for the family as Aidan would have celebrated his 18th birthday in May.
And 2020 is, in fact, a year of milestones for the Moirs, with the Kiltwalk being Paul’s tenth event, Connor turning 21 and Rebekah becoming a teenager.
(Image: Lewis Segal)
In a bid to raise further Kiltwalk funds, and also mark all these special occasions, everyone in Team Moir had arranged a charity night, but that too has sadly been postponed for now.
Team Aidan has already collectively raised £1,500, which means £3,000 for CHAS following Sir Tom Hunter’s generous announcement that the Hunter Foundation will top up all funds raised by an incredible 100 per cent.
CHAS Challenge events assistant Charlie Leavy said: “We are so grateful to Claire and all of Team Aidan for helping to raise so many funds over the years and it is heartening to hear they still intend to complete the walk for CHAS in Aidan’s memory later this year.
(Image: Daily Record)
“All the money raised through sponsorship and donations for CHAS through the Kiltwalk will help support families across Scotland by providing vital care and invaluable experiences to help keep the joy alive for many children with life-shortening illnesses and their families across Scotland.”


thedailyrecord--2020-04-16--Dog owners in West Lothian issued some top tips as part of National Pet Month

With the nation ’ s dog owners set to spend National Pet Month ( April 1 to May 10 ) indoors , Dogs Trust is issuing some top tips on how dog owners can keep their dogs happy – all with simple household items – a cardboard box and toilet roll tubes .
Jenna Kiddie , head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust , said : “ We understand that owners may be looking for ways to keep their dogs occupied , especially when the current advice is to go outside just once a day for exercise with your four-legged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your dog , mental stimulation is also essential to help keep them happy .
You can make it fun for them , and because they ’ re using their brains , it ’ s just as tiring as physical exercise .
“ It ’ s really easy for you keep your dog ’ s brain busy from the comfort of your own home using simple household items .
From activities involving their favourite treats , to games using things you may have left over from online deliveries , there are many ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without stepping outside your front door.
” Dogs Trust has come up with eight fun ways to entertain your dog with a cardboard box and tubes whilst you ’ re staying indoors , and asking people to share their pictures and videos using the hashtag # MyDogIsForLife and tagging @ DogsTrust on Twitter and Instagram .
Tutorial videos for the eight games will be released during National Pet Month on the charity ’ s social media pages .
The first is the Paw-fect Figure 8 – Get two boxes and set them out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog ’ s treats or a favourite toy in one hand and slowly start to move them in a figure of eight around the two items , swapping the reward into your other hand at the centre point .
One arm will guide your dog around the item to the left and the other arm will guide your dog around the item to your right .
Repeat several times until you ’ ve got the movement smooth and well-rehearsed .
The second is Digging Deep : Shred or scrunch up newspaper or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty box .
Drop in some treats or toys , and watch your dog dig away !
Up third is Paws-up : Can you get them to put their front feet on the box ?
Their back feet ?
Can you get them to run round to the left , to the right ?
Can smaller dogs sit in the box ?
Think outside of the box and we ’ re sure you won ’ t be able to contain yourself with all this fun .
The fourth trick is Bowling Balls : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen roll tubes .
Have a competition and see how many pins you can knock down vs. your dog !
Fifth is Tunn-els of Fun : Cut the sides of a few boxes and line them up to make your very own DIY tunnel .
Encourage your dog to go through with the promise of treats or their favourite toy at the end of the tunnel .
The sixth one is Jog Your Dog ’ s Memory : Lay out multiple boxes in a semi-circle and pop a treat in one of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hold up a sheet to block your furry friend ’ s vision , drop and then see if they remember which box the treat was in .
Repeat the game and change the box with the treat in , see how many times they get it right .
The Snoot Challenge : Next Level is next .
Cut a hole out in a box and see if you can get your dog to poke their nose through it .
And finally , Teach Your Dog to Read .
For starters write different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , paw ) on different boxes that you want your dog to learn .
Say the word that ’ s on the specific box in front of them , and ask them to do what the word says .
When your dog does as you ’ ve asked , reward them with a tasty treat and repeat several times until your dog has associated the new word , with the specific box .
Images and videos shared with Dogs Trust will appear on the My Dog Is For Life webpage feed for others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.dogstrust.org.uk/mydogisforlife

With the nation’s dog owners set to spend National Pet Month (April 1 to May 10) indoors, Dogs Trust is issuing some top tips on how dog owners can keep their dogs happy – all with simple household items – a cardboard box and toilet roll tubes.
Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, said: “We understand that owners may be looking for ways to keep their dogs occupied, especially when the current advice is to go outside just once a day for exercise with your four-legged friend. Whilst physical exercise is important for your dog, mental stimulation is also essential to help keep them happy. You can make it fun for them, and because they’re using their brains, it’s just as tiring as physical exercise.
“It’s really easy for you keep your dog’s brain busy from the comfort of your own home using simple household items. From activities involving their favourite treats, to games using things you may have left over from online deliveries, there are many ways you can keep your dog active, without stepping outside your front door.”
Dogs Trust has come up with eight fun ways to entertain your dog with a cardboard box and tubes whilst you’re staying indoors, and asking people to share their pictures and videos using the hashtag #MyDogIsForLife and tagging @DogsTrust on Twitter and Instagram.
Tutorial videos for the eight games will be released during National Pet Month on the charity’s social media pages.
The first is the Paw-fect Figure 8 – Get two boxes and set them out a little distance apart. Hold your dog’s treats or a favourite toy in one hand and slowly start to move them in a figure of eight around the two items, swapping the reward into your other hand at the centre point. One arm will guide your dog around the item to the left and the other arm will guide your dog around the item to your right. Repeat several times until you’ve got the movement smooth and well-rehearsed.
The second is Digging Deep: Shred or scrunch up newspaper or any paper items and pop them in an empty box. Drop in some treats or toys, and watch your dog dig away!
Up third is Paws-up: Can you get them to put their front feet on the box? Their back feet? Can you get them to run round to the left, to the right? Can smaller dogs sit in the box? Think outside of the box and we’re sure you won’t be able to contain yourself with all this fun.
The fourth trick is Bowling Balls: Create a 10-pin bowling alley with spare kitchen roll tubes. Have a competition and see how many pins you can knock down vs. your dog!
Fifth is Tunn-els of Fun: Cut the sides of a few boxes and line them up to make your very own DIY tunnel. Encourage your dog to go through with the promise of treats or their favourite toy at the end of the tunnel.
The sixth one is Jog Your Dog’s Memory: Lay out multiple boxes in a semi-circle and pop a treat in one of them, making sure your dog is watching. Hold up a sheet to block your furry friend’s vision, drop and then see if they remember which box the treat was in. Repeat the game and change the box with the treat in, see how many times they get it right.
The Snoot Challenge: Next Level is next. Cut a hole out in a box and see if you can get your dog to poke their nose through it.
And finally, Teach Your Dog to Read. For starters write different words (e.g. sit, down, paw) on different boxes that you want your dog to learn. Say the word that’s on the specific box in front of them, and ask them to do what the word says. When your dog does as you’ve asked, reward them with a tasty treat and repeat several times until your dog has associated the new word, with the specific box.
Images and videos shared with Dogs Trust will appear on the My Dog Is For Life webpage feed for others to see and take inspiration from. www.dogstrust.org.uk/mydogisforlife
For more information, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.


thedailyrecord--2020-04-16--Chiefs reassure pledge to reinstate GP out-of-hours at Vale of Leven Hospital

Health chiefs have reassured that they intend to reinstate the GP out-of-hours service at the Vale of Leven Hospital as soon as possible .
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ( NHSGGC ) told the Lennox Herald that work is ongoing to develop a new appointments system and they are reviewing GP pay scales in order to ensure the lifeline service is back up and running .
We reported last week how campaigner Dr Patrick Trust from Lomond Patients Group pleaded with the health board to progress with plans to allow medics , who have been running other services at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the out-of-hours service .
And the health board have responded and saying they remaining committed to ensure the service is again available at all times when patients ’ GP surgeries are closed .
An NHSGGC spokeswoman said : “ We will look to reinstate GP out-of-hours service at the Vale of Leven as soon as possible .
The temporary arrangement for GP out-of-hours in no way replaces long-term plans for the hospital ’ s service model .
“ We are working on a new appointments system , a review of GP pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care stakeholders to ensure that a robust , reliable and safe GP out-of-hours service will be available for the foreseeable future .
“ We would like to assure everyone that all patients who require an out-of-hours GP anywhere in our health board will receive the appropriate care , either at one of the out-of-hours core centres , which can provide transport if required , or via our GP home visiting service which has full cover over the area.
” In February , temporary measures were put into place by NHS Greater Glasgow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation to between 11pm and 8am seven days a week to make the service “ sustainable ” .
Dr Trust told us last week how GPs were keen to take over the running of the service but feared the health board weren ’ t progressing with plans .
He said : “ We still feel they regard the Vale as a thorn in their side which doesn ’ t fit in with their grand plans for centralisation .
“ We have an opportunity to push very hard once this current crisis is over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in a very difficult position .
“ They are being asked to perform miracles without the proper resources.
” The spokeswoman heaped praise on staff for their “ tireless efforts ” as they respond to the Covid-19 pandemic adding : “ This has complicated our discussions but we continue to work with local GPs to reinstate a robust GP out-of-hours service .
“ We appreciate and acknowledge the concern that has been expressed over the temporary measures which have been put in place to provide a reliable GP out-of-hours service in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours care should call 111 .

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Health chiefs have reassured that they intend to reinstate the GP out-of-hours service at the Vale of Leven Hospital as soon as possible.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) told the Lennox Herald that work is ongoing to develop a new appointments system and they are reviewing GP pay scales in order to ensure the lifeline service is back up and running.
We reported last week how campaigner Dr Patrick Trust from Lomond Patients Group pleaded with the health board to progress with plans to allow medics, who have been running other services at the Alexandria facility, to take over operating of the out-of-hours service.
And the health board have responded and saying they remaining committed to ensure the service is again available at all times when patients’ GP surgeries are closed.
An NHSGGC spokeswoman said: “We will look to reinstate GP out-of-hours service at the Vale of Leven as soon as possible. The temporary arrangement for GP out-of-hours in no way replaces long-term plans for the hospital’s service model.
“We are working on a new appointments system, a review of GP pay scales and more engagement with other primary care stakeholders to ensure that a robust, reliable and safe GP out-of-hours service will be available for the foreseeable future.
“We would like to assure everyone that all patients who require an out-of-hours GP anywhere in our health board will receive the appropriate care, either at one of the out-of-hours core centres, which can provide transport if required, or via our GP home visiting service which has full cover over the area.”
In February, temporary measures were put into place by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) restricting hours of operation to between 11pm and 8am seven days a week to make the service “sustainable”.
Dr Trust told us last week how GPs were keen to take over the running of the service but feared the health board weren’t progressing with plans.
He said: “We still feel they regard the Vale as a thorn in their side which doesn’t fit in with their grand plans for centralisation.
“We have an opportunity to push very hard once this current crisis is over, to support our local GPs who are in a very difficult position.
“They are being asked to perform miracles without the proper resources.”
The spokeswoman heaped praise on staff for their “tireless efforts” as they respond to the Covid-19 pandemic adding: “This has complicated our discussions but we continue to work with local GPs to reinstate a robust GP out-of-hours service.
“We appreciate and acknowledge the concern that has been expressed over the temporary measures which have been put in place to provide a reliable GP out-of-hours service in the short term.”
Anyone needing out of hours care should call 111.


thedailyrecord--2020-04-16--Wedding capital vows to recover from coronavirus

In the battle to beat the coronavirus crisis , weddings are in lockdown and that is having a devastating effect on the region ’ s Love Town .
Gretna has become the “ wedding capital ” virtually of the world courtesy of a 1754 Act of Parliament which outlawed marriages for under 21s in England .
That forced young couples to run away to Scotland and eloping caught on .
Now the harsh reality for a community teeming with wedding venues , accommodation , restaurants and everything needed for the Big Day from hire cars to bridal boutiques , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Temporarily it might be but that means hundreds of people have been furloughed on reduced salaries or lost their jobs and businesses are counting the costs .
The pandemic is “ ripping the heart out ” of Gretna and Gretna Green , according to Alasdair Houston , whose ancestor started the Blacksmith anvil weddings centuries ago .
He said the quietness in the usually thriving community packed with visitors from around the world is “ both eerie and saddening.
” His team at Gretna Green Ltd have worked “ round the clock ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past fortnight .
Mr Houston , chairman of the family-run business , which includes a number of hotels and properties , said : “ We have been overwhelmed by the understanding and support from our couples , as we do our best to ensure that their dreams for a Gretna Green wedding still come true ; just at a later date when it is safe to do so .
“ We , like many others , are continually adapting to the changing situation to ensure that we continue to support our local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and internationally .
The Daily Record has launched our NHS Heroes campaign to thank the remarkable NHS staff who are on the front lines of this coronavirus emergency .
These amazing people place our health above their own and we are inviting the public to pledge their support by placing a heart on their location in the UK .
Please join us in showing these people our gratitude as we navigate this difficult time .
To pledge your support , just : * Add your postcode to put a heart on the map @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the NHS * Share the page to encourage others to show their support “ We are , at the same time , doing everything we can to safeguard the short and long-term interests of our colleagues , our future guests and other partners.
” Also looking to the future of the region ’ s weddings and touism industries is Dumfriesshire constituency MSP Oliver Mundell , who said : “ There can be no doubt that the wedding industry in Gretna Green and the surrounding area has been hard hit by this crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general has not helped .
“ Right across our region we will need to look at the economic realities once the pressures ease on the public health front and ensure all the stops are pulled out to kick-start the local economy .
“ For the moment the absolute priority must be getting coronavirus under control and saving as many lives as possible .
”

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In the battle to beat the coronavirus crisis, weddings are in lockdown and that is having a devastating effect on the region’s Love Town.
Gretna has become the “wedding capital” virtually of the world courtesy of a 1754 Act of Parliament which outlawed marriages for under 21s in England. That forced young couples to run away to Scotland and eloping caught on.
Now the harsh reality for a community teeming with wedding venues, accommodation, restaurants and everything needed for the Big Day from hire cars to bridal boutiques, is that Covid-19 has called a halt.
Temporarily it might be but that means hundreds of people have been furloughed on reduced salaries or lost their jobs and businesses are counting the costs.
The pandemic is “ripping the heart out” of Gretna and Gretna Green, according to Alasdair Houston, whose ancestor started the Blacksmith anvil weddings centuries ago.
He said the quietness in the usually thriving community packed with visitors from around the world is “both eerie and saddening.”
His team at Gretna Green Ltd have worked “round the clock” to contact shattered brides and grooms during the past fortnight.
Mr Houston, chairman of the family-run business, which includes a number of hotels and properties, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the understanding and support from our couples, as we do our best to ensure that their dreams for a Gretna Green wedding still come true; just at a later date when it is safe to do so.
“We, like many others, are continually adapting to the changing situation to ensure that we continue to support our local community, the UK as a whole and internationally.
NHS Heroes fact box The Daily Record has launched our NHS Heroes campaign to thank the remarkable NHS staff who are on the front lines of this coronavirus emergency. These amazing people place our health above their own and we are inviting the public to pledge their support by placing a heart on their location in the UK. Please join us in showing these people our gratitude as we navigate this difficult time. To pledge your support, just: * Go to http://www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk/ * Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS * Share the page to encourage others to show their support
“We are, at the same time, doing everything we can to safeguard the short and long-term interests of our colleagues, our future guests and other partners.”
Also looking to the future of the region’s weddings and touism industries is Dumfriesshire constituency MSP Oliver Mundell, who said: “There can be no doubt that the wedding industry in Gretna Green and the surrounding area has been hard hit by this crisis and the drop off in tourists in general has not helped.
“Right across our region we will need to look at the economic realities once the pressures ease on the public health front and ensure all the stops are pulled out to kick-start the local economy.
“For the moment the absolute priority must be getting coronavirus under control and saving as many lives as possible.”


thedailyrecord--2020-04-16--Firefighters show appreciation for key workers

The Daily Record has launched our NHS Heroes campaign to thank the remarkable NHS staff who are on the front @ @ @ @ @ .
These amazing people place our health above their own and we are inviting the @ @ @ @ @ by placing a heart on their location in the UK .
Please join us in @ @ @ @ @ as we navigate this difficult time .
To pledge your support , just : * @ @ @ @ @ a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS @ @ @ @ @ encourage others to show their support

reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk (Dumfries and Galloway Standard)

NHS Heroes fact box
The Daily Record has launched our NHS Heroes campaign to thank the remarkable NHS staff who are on the front lines of this coronavirus emergency.
These amazing people place our health above their own and we are inviting the public to pledge their support by placing a heart on their location in the UK.
Please join us in showing these people our gratitude as we navigate this difficult time.
To pledge your support, just:
* Go to http://www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk/
* Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS
* Share the page to encourage others to show their support


thedailyrecord--2020-04-16--Care homes missing out on PPE

Care homes missing out on PPE

Galloway care homes are losing out in the scramble to get enough personal protective equipment for staff .
Carlingwark House in Castle Douglas is among those struggling to procure disposable gloves , masks and aprons .
NHS Covid-19 hubs in Dumfries and Stranraer have also stepped in with suppiles .
But it ’ s nowhere enough – and Kelly fears the shortage increases the risk of Covid-19 getting into the home .
The Daily Record has launched our NHS Heroes campaign to thank the remarkable NHS staff who are on the front lines of this coronavirus emergency .
These amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are inviting the public to pledge their support by placing a heart on their location in the UK .
Please join us in showing these people our gratitude as we navigate this difficult time .
To pledge your support , just : * Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS * Share the page to encourage others to show their support She told the News : “ It ’ s a terrible situation at present when the care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of PPE to protect staff and the vulnerable residents that we are caring for .
“ Care homes and care at home is a vital role within the community looking after the most vulnerable of society .
“ This situation is simply quite heartbreaking and deeply concerning .
We need help !
” She added : “ The local community has given us quite a lot including gloves and aprons .
“ I have had people phoning up offering to donate home made masks as well .
“ The company has been trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy PPE from because there is such a shortage.
” Kelly praised her staff for doing all they can to preserve Carlingwark ’ s Covid-19-free status .
The home has managed to keep the deadly virus at bay through rigorous safety measures – so far .
She said : “ I would hate it if coronavirus came into the home .
It ’ s absolutely chilling and we just have to hope that it does not happen .
“ Yes , there are Covid-19 cases in Castle Douglas .
But even outwith the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
“ They are complying with all the guidelines .
“ I only want to ensure people ’ s safety and the need to protect themselves .
It angers me that staff could potentially be putting their lives at risk.
” Kelly ’ s plea came as Scottish Care chief executive Dr Donald Macaskill revealed that the UK ’ s four largest PPE manufacturers said they will limit supplies to England .
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland , he said : “ The four largest companies in the UK last week said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their priority was going to be England – English NHS and then English social care providers .
“ So , within two or three days , we ’ ve had a massive dry up of procurement into Scotland .
“ That ’ s had a really serious impact on our care homes and care organisations .
“ Things have improved over the weekend .
“ We are confident the stuff is there but just needs to be put out .
”

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Galloway care homes are losing out in the scramble to get enough personal protective equipment for staff.
Carlingwark House in Castle Douglas is among those struggling to procure disposable gloves, masks and aprons.
Manager Kelly Henderson receives some PPE from parent charity Community Integrated Care.
NHS Covid-19 hubs in Dumfries and Stranraer have also stepped in with suppiles.
But it’s nowhere enough – and Kelly fears the shortage increases the risk of Covid-19 getting into the home.
NHS Heroes fact box The Daily Record has launched our NHS Heroes campaign to thank the remarkable NHS staff who are on the front lines of this coronavirus emergency. These amazing people place our health above their own and we are inviting the public to pledge their support by placing a heart on their location in the UK. Please join us in showing these people our gratitude as we navigate this difficult time. To pledge your support, just: * Go to http://www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk/ * Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS * Share the page to encourage others to show their support
She told the News:“It’s a terrible situation at present when the care sector can’t access the basic of PPE to protect staff and the vulnerable residents that we are caring for.
“Care homes and care at home is a vital role within the community looking after the most vulnerable of society.
“This situation is simply quite heartbreaking and deeply concerning. We need help!”
She added: “The local community has given us quite a lot including gloves and aprons.
“I have had people phoning up offering to donate home made masks as well.
“The company has been trying to get providers and different companies to buy PPE from because there is such a shortage.”
Kelly praised her staff for doing all they can to preserve Carlingwark’s Covid-19-free status.
The home has managed to keep the deadly virus at bay through rigorous safety measures – so far.
She said: “I would hate it if coronavirus came into the home. It’s absolutely chilling and we just have to hope that it does not happen.
“The staff have been absolutely fantastic.
“Yes, there are Covid-19 cases in Castle Douglas. But even outwith the home the staff are not going out about.
“They are complying with all the guidelines.
“I only want to ensure people’s safety and the need to protect themselves. It angers me that staff could potentially be putting their lives at risk.”
Kelly’s plea came as Scottish Care chief executive Dr Donald Macaskill revealed that the UK’s four largest PPE manufacturers said they will limit supplies to England.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, he said: “The four largest companies in the UK last week said they were not sending to Scotland and their priority was going to be England – English NHS and then English social care providers.
“So, within two or three days, we’ve had a massive dry up of procurement into Scotland.
“That’s had a really serious impact on our care homes and care organisations.
“Things have improved over the weekend.
“We are confident the stuff is there but just needs to be put out.”


thedailyrecord--2020-04-16--Cops hunt man in 'Good for Nothing' jacket over Bearsden housebreaking

Police are searching for a man in relation to a housebreaking in Glasgow .
Detectives believe he can help with @ @ @ @ @ at Jubilee Gardens , Bearsden in October last year .
He is described as being @ @ @ @ @ years old , of slim build and with short dark hair .
He is pictured @ @ @ @ @ Nothing ” black jacket with a white butterfly logo , black Armani joggers and black @ @ @ @ @ `` We are keen to talk to the man in the images released today as @ @ @ @ @ help with our enquiries .
`` I would urge anyone with information as to the @ @ @ @ @ to contact Police Scotland via 101 , quoting incident number 0993 of 31 October 2019 @ @ @ @ @ Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 , where anonymity can be maintained . ''

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Police are searching for a man in relation to a housebreaking in Glasgow.
Detectives believe he can help with their investigation into the break-in at Jubilee Gardens, Bearsden in October last year.
He is described as being white, aged between 30-40 years old, of slim build and with short dark hair.
(Image: Police Scotland)
He is pictured wearing a “Good for Nothing” black jacket with a white butterfly logo, black Armani joggers and black trainers with white soles.
Detective Constable Andrew Lambie, of Glasgow City Centre CID, said:
"We are keen to talk to the man in the images released today as he may be able to help with our enquiries.
"I would urge anyone with information as to the identity of the man pictured to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0993 of 31 October 2019. Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."


thedailyrecord--2020-04-16--Second firefighter dies as tributes paid to 'smiling' hero Derek Wilkie

A retired firefighter who dedicated 27 years to saving lives has died of Covid-19 .
Derek Wilkie , 57 , from Nairn , passed away on Sunday in the intensive care unit at Raigmore Hospital , Inverness .
The flag at Inverness fire station will be lowered to half mast in recognition of his work .
Mr Wilkie had been in intensive care for two weeks .
One of his two adult sons , who had also contracted the condition , has since recovered .
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group commander in Inverness , Alex McKinley , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday in Raigmore Hospital under the care of medical staff in the intensive care unit .
“ Derek previously worked as a firefighter at Inverness Airport , before joining Highland and Islands Fire Brigade in May 1990 as a firefighter at Inverness Station and worked in various departments throughout his 27 years service , including as district officer at Badenoch and Strathspey and group commander of the Shetland Islands .
`` He retired in December 2017 as Station Commander , Inverness and Nairn District .
“ Derek was a keen golfer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amateur competitions , and a keen cyclist , proficient skier , hill walker and outdoor enthusiast .
`` He was devoted to his wife Janice and their two boys , Owen and Blair .
`` His wife Janice is a specialist cancer nurse , while Owen is a paramedic for the Scottish Ambulance Service and Blair is a medical laboratory assistant at Raigmore Hospital . ''
Tributes to the firefighter have poured in from across the nation .
Deputy assistant chief officer for Scotland , John MacDonald , said : “ Derek was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a professional manner , with a warm , engaging and larger than life personality and always with a smile .
`` Nothing was ever a problem and he was dedicated to helping others , both the public he served and his colleagues , and was always willing to do whatever was required to deliver a positive outcome .
“ Derek enjoyed the camaraderie of the fire and rescue service , an environment where he was naturally comfortable and he very much enjoyed being part of the jokes and fun that inevitably went with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was a diligent and capable firefighter and command officer who attended many significant incidents across the north of Scotland , always giving his best , performing to a high standard , portraying the service in a very positive light and ultimately helping others .
`` Derek contributed to the fire and rescue service in many ways , not just from the obvious operational element but also from a sports and social perspective where he was a regular attendee at organised events and very much enjoyed being in the company of his friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues , past and present , within the Fire and Rescue Service .
`` Both the service and the world are better places as a result of Dereks contributions , in a life that was tragically cut short when he still had so much to offer .
A statement from the Wilkie family said : “ We wish to thank all NHS medical staff , laboratory staff and all support staff for the exemplary care that Derek received and in particular the ITU ( intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last two weeks . ''
They said they wanted the media to continue to raise awareness of the dangers and reality of coronavirus , and to continue to reinforce the message of `` stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives . ''
Nairn Golf Clubs chief executive Colin Sinclair said : “ Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and their many nearest and dearest at this time . ''

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A retired firefighter who dedicated 27 years to saving lives has died of Covid-19.
Derek Wilkie, 57, from Nairn, passed away on Sunday in the intensive care unit at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
The flag at Inverness fire station will be lowered to half mast in recognition of his work.
Mr Wilkie had been in intensive care for two weeks.
One of his two adult sons, who had also contracted the condition, has since recovered.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group commander in Inverness, Alex McKinley, said: “Derek lost his battle against Covid-19 on Sunday in Raigmore Hospital under the care of medical staff in the intensive care unit.
“Derek previously worked as a firefighter at Inverness Airport, before joining Highland and Islands Fire Brigade in May 1990 as a firefighter at Inverness Station and worked in various departments throughout his 27 years service, including as district officer at Badenoch and Strathspey and group commander of the Shetland Islands.
"He retired in December 2017 as Station Commander, Inverness and Nairn District.
“Derek was a keen golfer, winning many Scottish Fire and Rescue Service amateur competitions, and a keen cyclist, proficient skier, hill walker and outdoor enthusiast.
"He was devoted to his wife Janice and their two boys, Owen and Blair.
"His wife Janice is a specialist cancer nurse, while Owen is a paramedic for the Scottish Ambulance Service and Blair is a medical laboratory assistant at Raigmore Hospital."
Tributes to the firefighter have poured in from across the nation.
Deputy assistant chief officer for Scotland, John MacDonald, said: “Derek was an individual who approached his work in a professional manner, with a warm, engaging and larger than life personality and always with a smile.
"Nothing was ever a problem and he was dedicated to helping others, both the public he served and his colleagues, and was always willing to do whatever was required to deliver a positive outcome.
“Derek enjoyed the camaraderie of the fire and rescue service, an environment where he was naturally comfortable and he very much enjoyed being part of the jokes and fun that inevitably went with this territory.
"Notwithstanding this, he was a diligent and capable firefighter and command officer who attended many significant incidents across the north of Scotland, always giving his best, performing to a high standard, portraying the service in a very positive light and ultimately helping others.
"Derek contributed to the fire and rescue service in many ways, not just from the obvious operational element but also from a sports and social perspective where he was a regular attendee at organised events and very much enjoyed being in the company of his friends and colleagues.
“Derek will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues, past and present, within the Fire and Rescue Service.
"Both the service and the world are better places as a result of Dereks contributions, in a life that was tragically cut short when he still had so much to offer.
A statement from the Wilkie family said: “We wish to thank all NHS medical staff, laboratory staff and all support staff for the exemplary care that Derek received and in particular the ITU (intensive care) staff who cared for Derek in the last two weeks."
They said they wanted the media to continue to raise awareness of the dangers and reality of coronavirus, and to continue to reinforce the message of "stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."
Nairn Golf Clubs chief executive Colin Sinclair said: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and their many nearest and dearest at this time."


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Surprise farewell presentation for Marian Dixon as she stands down from Kirkcudbright Fishermen's Mi

Surprise farewell presentation for Marian Dixon as she stands down from Kirkcudbright Fishermen's Mission role

Boat crews and staff at Kirkcudbright Harbour staged a surprise farewell presentation for their Fishermen ’ s Mission superintendent .
Marian Dixon has stepped down from her role of providing support and advice to fishermen and their families .
Also in attendance was Marian ’ s replacement Grant Wilson , the newly appointed Fishermen ’ s Mission representative for the Solway Firth .
Marian , 73 , who lives in Kirkcudbright , was given gifts funded by fishermen ’ s donations .
“ I was totally flabbergasted by what they gave me , ” Marian told the News after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put into words how grateful I am .
“ The guys have been brilliant and always made me feel that I was welcome .
“ It was a true privilege to have the role for the period of time I was there.
” Marian added : “ The Fishermen ’ s Mission never had a port officer living in the town before .
“ I feel that having somebody local that fishermen could speak to whenever they needed to made a difference.
” Kirkcudbright harbourmaster Robbie Garside said : “ The fishermen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciation for the work Marian did .
“ We collected the money in the office for the presents.
” Regional harbourmaster Will Jones , from Gatehouse , added : “ The Fishermen ’ s Mission is the only charity providing active and retired fishermen and their families emergency support as well as practical , financial emotional and spiritual support .
“ Marian has worked tirelessly in this regard during her tenure in Kirkcudbright.
” He added : “ Reverend Marian Dixon , to give her full title , is also very active at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge asset to the community .
”

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Boat crews and staff at Kirkcudbright Harbour staged a surprise farewell presentation for their Fishermen’s Mission superintendent.
Marian Dixon has stepped down from her role of providing support and advice to fishermen and their families.
Also in attendance was Marian’s replacement Grant Wilson, the newly appointed Fishermen’s Mission representative for the Solway Firth.
Marian, 73, who lives in Kirkcudbright, was given gifts funded by fishermen’s donations.
“I was totally flabbergasted by what they gave me,” Marian told the News after the ceremony.
“It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am.
“The guys have been brilliant and always made me feel that I was welcome.
“It was a true privilege to have the role for the period of time I was there.”
Marian added: “The Fishermen’s Mission never had a port officer living in the town before.
“I feel that having somebody local that fishermen could speak to whenever they needed to made a difference.”
Kirkcudbright harbourmaster Robbie Garside said: “The fishermen wanted to club together to show their appreciation for the work Marian did.
“We collected the money in the office for the presents.”
Regional harbourmaster Will Jones, from Gatehouse, added: “The Fishermen’s Mission is the only charity providing active and retired fishermen and their families emergency support as well as practical, financial emotional and spiritual support.
“Marian has worked tirelessly in this regard during her tenure in Kirkcudbright.”
He added: “Reverend Marian Dixon, to give her full title, is also very active at Kirkcudbright Parish Church.
“She is a huge asset to the community.”


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Flat in Castle Douglas' clock tower set to be sold off

A flat in Castle Douglas ’ iconic clock tower is set to be sold off .
Members of the town ’ s common good fund committee have finally admitted defeat in their attempts to find a tenant or commercial let for the property , which has been empty for nearly a decade .
The move will now be the subject of an eight week consultation period .
The flat was previously used by the council ’ s homelessness service , however they stopped using it for temporary accommodation in 2010 .
A report for the committee last year revealed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so long , it was in “ surprisingly good ” condition , while it came with the “ unique feature ” of being accessed through the clocktower itself .
Members were told last month that the council ’ s options for the flat were “ limited ” as they are unable to act as a social or private landlord .
Earlier in 2019 , officials were given the go ahead to hold discussions with the current tenants of a nearby common good shop to see if they were interesting in a commercial sublet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced “ no formal interest ” .
The report noted that Dumfries and Galloway Small Communities Housing Trust are interested in buying the flat and they would then carry out a “ significant renovation ” .
The charity , which aims to increase the amount of affordable housing in rural communities , would then “ let the property at an affordable rent to applicants with a clearly identified housing need ” .
The report ’ s author , ward officer Melinda Dolan , stated : “ If members agree to dispose of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively maintained and managed into the future which will make a contribution to the future sustainability of Castle Douglas town centre .
In addition , the sale will generate a capital receipt for the common good fund that could be allocated to meet other locally identified priorities.
” Members agreed to putting the flat up for sale , a decision which will be subject to an eight-week consultation as it is common good property .

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A flat in Castle Douglas’ iconic clock tower is set to be sold off.
Members of the town’s common good fund committee have finally admitted defeat in their attempts to find a tenant or commercial let for the property, which has been empty for nearly a decade.
The move will now be the subject of an eight week consultation period.
The flat was previously used by the council’s homelessness service, however they stopped using it for temporary accommodation in 2010.
A report for the committee last year revealed that, despite it having been empty for so long, it was in “surprisingly good” condition, while it came with the “unique feature” of being accessed through the clocktower itself.
Members were told last month that the council’s options for the flat were “limited” as they are unable to act as a social or private landlord.
(Image: Bobby Geddes)
Earlier in 2019, officials were given the go ahead to hold discussions with the current tenants of a nearby common good shop to see if they were interesting in a commercial sublet of the clocktower flat, but this produced “no formal interest”.
The report noted that Dumfries and Galloway Small Communities Housing Trust are interested in buying the flat and they would then carry out a “significant renovation”. The charity, which aims to increase the amount of affordable housing in rural communities, would then “let the property at an affordable rent to applicants with a clearly identified housing need”.
The report’s author, ward officer Melinda Dolan, stated: “If members agree to dispose of the flatted property it will ensure it is effectively maintained and managed into the future which will make a contribution to the future sustainability of Castle Douglas town centre. In addition, the sale will generate a capital receipt for the common good fund that could be allocated to meet other locally identified priorities.”
Members agreed to putting the flat up for sale, a decision which will be subject to an eight-week consultation as it is common good property.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--History as Aberfoyle woman is elected first female Guildry Dean in 900 years

An Aberfoyle woman has made history by becoming the first ever female Dean of Guild of the Merchant Guildry of Stirling .
Elizabeth Roads was elected to take on the prestigious role at the organisation ’ s Winter Court in December .
It comes six years after the Guildry revived the admission of female members .
Sixty-eight-year-old Elizabeth , of Duchray , joined the Guildry in 2015 .
She said this week : “ I feel very honoured by the election .
I ’ m also amazed – and apprehensive that I do not disappoint .
“ There were female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusion of women in modern times only goes back about six years..There ’ s no record of there having been any female Dean of Guild before , but back when the Guildry ran Stirling in the 15th century , wives were allowed to follow their husbands ( in the post ) .
” The Merchant Guildry of Stirling has been in existence since early medieval times and is one of the oldest in the UK .
Elizabeth replaces Alasdair Gammack as Dean , an office he held for three years during which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrations .
She moved to the Stirling area from Edinburgh in 2013 with her husband Christopher who is a retired soldier and marketing executive .
They have two sons , Timothy ( 33 ) , William ( 31 ) , and daughter Emily ( 25 ) .
Elizabeth is now retired but for most of her working life held the office of Lyon Clerk and Keeper of Records at the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh which regulates heraldry in Scotland .
She also holds the office of Secretary of the Order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herald of Arms , a title derived from a part of Stirling Castle .
Elizabeth said : “ My professional expertise revolves around heraldry and ceremonial .
I am very active in the international heraldic community and was responsible for an international heraldic conference held in Stirling in 2013 .
“ I joined the Guildry in 2015 having met the then Dean Robin Iffla when I attended the Stirling Marches in my capacity of Snawdoun Herald of Arms.
” Looking forward to her role in the coming years , Elizabeth said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support a particular project .
“ I have not quite decided what mine will be although I do want to make the history of the Guildry more widely known and understood .
“ Like my predecessors I am also keen to continue to support local schools and to that end we award a history prize to each secondary school in the Stirling Council area as well as to the university and Forth Valley College .
“ There are also a number of relatively small but important local charities which the Charitable Trust of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more news and sport from the Stirling area .

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An Aberfoyle woman has made history by becoming the first ever female Dean of Guild of the Merchant Guildry of Stirling.
Elizabeth Roads was elected to take on the prestigious role at the organisation’s Winter Court in December.
It comes six years after the Guildry revived the admission of female members.
Sixty-eight-year-old Elizabeth, of Duchray, joined the Guildry in 2015.
She said this week: “I feel very honoured by the election. I’m also amazed – and apprehensive that I do not disappoint.
“There were female members in much earlier times but the inclusion of women in modern times only goes back about
six years..There’s no record of there having been any female Dean of Guild before, but back when the Guildry ran Stirling in the 15th century, wives were allowed to follow their husbands (in the post).”
The Merchant Guildry of Stirling has been in existence since early medieval times and is one of the oldest in the UK.
Elizabeth replaces Alasdair Gammack as Dean, an office he held for three years during which he oversaw the organisation’s 900th anniversary celebrations.
She moved to the Stirling area from Edinburgh in 2013 with her husband Christopher who is a retired soldier and marketing executive.
They have two sons, Timothy (33), William (31), and daughter Emily (25).
Elizabeth is now retired but for most of her working life held the office of Lyon Clerk and Keeper of Records at the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh which regulates heraldry in Scotland.
She also holds the office of Secretary of the Order of the Thistle as well as Snawdoun Herald of Arms, a title derived from a part of Stirling Castle.
Elizabeth said: “My professional expertise revolves around heraldry and ceremonial. I am very active in the international heraldic community and was responsible for an international heraldic conference held in Stirling in 2013.
“I joined the Guildry in 2015 having met the then Dean Robin Iffla when I attended the Stirling Marches in my capacity of Snawdoun Herald of Arms.”
Looking forward to her role in the coming years, Elizabeth said: “It is usual for a Dean to support a particular project.
“I have not quite decided what mine will be although I do want to make the history of the Guildry more widely known and understood.
“Like my predecessors I am also keen to continue to support local schools and to that end we award a history prize to each secondary school in the Stirling Council area as well as to the university and Forth Valley College.
“There are also a number of relatively small but important local charities which the Charitable Trust of the Guildry can support.”
Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Young Police Scotland officer dies suddenly as devastated colleagues pay tribute

Tributes have been paid to a young police officer who has died suddenly .
Tragic Natalie Faulds passed away on Sunday after she took ill at home but died a few days later in hospital .
It 's understood the 25-year-old had 18 months service with Police Scotland and was still on her probationary period .
A colleague , who asked not to be named , said : `` She was just a young girl with her whole life ahead of her .
It 's a tragedy .
`` She was valued and well-liked and loved her job .
Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who worked in Baird Street police station in Glasgow , was originally from southeast England .
Calum Steele , General Secretary of the Police Federation , said : `` The sad and untimely death of Natalie will be keenly felt by her family , colleagues , and friends .
`` She was a much loved member of her policing team and as a police family we are all the poorer for her passing .
`` We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones at this time . ''
A Police Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 January , 2020 , officers attended an address in Marshall Street , Wishaw , following a report that a 25-year-old woman had taken unwell .
`` She later died at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary .
The death is currently being treated as unexplained and a report will be submitted to Procurator Fiscal .
`` The woman was a serving police officer and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time . ''
Natalie 's death is the third tragedy to hit the force in just over three months following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gordon Gibson was found dead inside Greenock police station last month and dad-of-three Martin Mooney died after he was struck by a train in October .

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Tributes have been paid to a young police officer who has died suddenly.
Tragic Natalie Faulds passed away on Sunday after she took ill at home but died a few days later in hospital.
It's understood the 25-year-old had 18 months service with Police Scotland and was still on her probationary period.
A colleague, who asked not to be named, said: "She was just a young girl with her whole life ahead of her. It's a tragedy.
(Image: Google Maps)
"She was valued and well-liked and loved her job. Everyone is in deep shock."
Natalie, who worked in Baird Street police station in Glasgow, was originally from southeast England.
Calum Steele, General Secretary of the Police Federation, said: "The sad and untimely death of Natalie will be keenly felt by her family, colleagues, and friends.
"She was a much loved member of her policing team and as a police family we are all the poorer for her passing.
"We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones at this time."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "On Saturday, 4 January, 2020, officers attended an address in Marshall Street, Wishaw, following a report that a 25-year-old woman had taken unwell.
"She later died at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary . The death is currently being treated as unexplained and a report will be submitted to Procurator Fiscal.
"The woman was a serving police officer and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."
(Image: Facebook)
Natalie's death is the third tragedy to hit the force in just over three months following the deaths of two other serving officers.
Gordon Gibson was found dead inside Greenock police station last month and dad-of-three Martin Mooney died after he was struck by a train in October.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--West Dunbartonshire cancer patients not being treated within target time

Cancer patients across West Dunbartonshire aren ’ t being treated within the 62-day target time prompting calls for more to be done to catch the disease early .
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie is calling on the NHS to introduce a two-week waiting time and puts some of the problems down to a “ workforce crisis ” .
Only 83.3 percent of patients were treated within two months during the last quarter .
This sits below the target of 95 percent .
The figures came from the Information Services Division ( ISD ) , part of National Services Scotland which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to travel to other end of West Dunbartonshire due to flu vaccine shortage Jackie said the figures were a major cause for concern and further evidence of the need for more investment in the NHS workforce .
The latest statistics follow a report from the cross-party group on cancer this year which found that staff shortages were having a detrimental impact on cancer diagnosis rates .
Jackie said : “ I support a two-week waiting time for cancer diagnosis to raise survival rates and to prevent thousands of people enduring a worrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also a worrying variation across health boards in Scotland , with one in five cancer patients in Greater Glasgow and Clyde having to wait longer than the two-month target .
“ It isn ’ t good enough .
It ’ s clear that Greater Glasgow and Clyde along with the rest of the NHS in Scotland are suffering a workforce crisis .
The stats even say that staffing shortages in the colorectal and urology services have impacted its performance .
“ The health secretary must set out in detail how she will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment to deliver the care that people need.
” Health secretary Jeane Freeman responded to the criticism outlining a £10million investment in the sector .
She said : “ It is welcome that our NHS is treating more patients within both standards than we were during the same period last year .
However , we are determined to go further as there are some people who are having to wait too long for treatment .
“ Once a decision to treat has been reached , cancer patients in Scotland wait , on average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Almost £10million has been made available to support improvements in cancer and diagnostic performance this year - including actions focused on improving performance in both colorectal and urological cancer .
“ Improvements in workforce planning will help ensure we have the right people in the right place at the right time to continue to deliver high-quality care that meets Scotland ’ s needs .
Our integrated workforce plan – the first in the UK – commits to increasing Reporting Radiography training places by 30 over the next three years.
” And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health board continues to work hard to improve performance for all patients affected by cancer .
Water skiier marks more than 40 years on Loch Lomond A spokswoman said : “ While performance in relation to 62 day waits remains challenging for some cancer types , we achieved the target in seven out of 10 cancer types in the 31-day performance .
“ We continue our work to improve performance around breast cancer and have recently invested in new equipment to improve our waiting times for surgery .
“ We have undertaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colorectal cancer and our waiting times have reduced as planned with our performance in part impacted on increased numbers of patients who have now been treated .
“ Our board remains committed to improving waiting times for patients with cancer and will continue to work with clinical teams to ensure this continues to improve in spite of increasing demand for our services.
” For more local news , click here

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Cancer patients across West Dunbartonshire aren’t being treated within the 62-day target time prompting calls for more to be done to catch the disease early.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie is calling on the NHS to introduce a two-week waiting time and puts some of the problems down to a “workforce crisis”.
Only 83.3 percent of patients were treated within two months during the last quarter. This sits below the target of 95 percent.
The figures came from the Information Services Division (ISD), part of National Services Scotland which is a division of NHS Scotland.
Pupils had to travel to other end of West Dunbartonshire due to flu vaccine shortage
Jackie said the figures were a major cause for concern and further evidence of the need for more investment in the NHS workforce.
The latest statistics follow a report from the cross-party group on cancer this year which found that staff shortages were having a detrimental impact on cancer diagnosis rates.
Jackie said: “I support a two-week waiting time for cancer diagnosis to raise survival rates and to prevent thousands of people enduring a worrying wait to begin treatment.
“There is also a worrying variation across health boards in Scotland, with one in five cancer patients in Greater Glasgow and Clyde having to wait longer than the two-month target.
“It isn’t good enough. It’s clear that Greater Glasgow and Clyde along with the rest of the NHS in Scotland are suffering a workforce crisis. The stats even say that staffing shortages in the colorectal and urology services have impacted its performance.
“The health secretary must set out in detail how she will urgently increase capacity in cancer detection and treatment to deliver the care that people need.”
Health secretary Jeane Freeman responded to the criticism outlining a £10million investment in the sector.
BBC documentary captures magical moment Dumbarton choir had dream come true
She said: “It is welcome that our NHS is treating more patients within both standards than we were during the same period last year. However, we are determined to go further as there are some people who are having to wait too long for treatment.
“Once a decision to treat has been reached, cancer patients in Scotland wait, on average, five days for it to begin.
“Almost £10million has been made available to support improvements in cancer and diagnostic performance this year - including actions focused on improving performance in both colorectal and urological cancer.
“Improvements in workforce planning will help ensure we have the right people in the right place at the right time to continue to deliver high-quality care that meets Scotland’s needs. Our integrated workforce plan – the first in the UK – commits to increasing Reporting Radiography training places by 30 over the next three years.”
And NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde told how the health board continues to work hard to improve performance for all patients affected by cancer.
Water skiier marks more than 40 years on Loch Lomond
A spokswoman said: “While performance in relation to 62 day waits remains challenging for some cancer types, we achieved the target in seven out of 10 cancer types in the 31-day performance.
“We continue our work to improve performance around breast cancer and have recently invested in new equipment to improve our waiting times for surgery.
“We have undertaken significant work to improve our waits for colorectal cancer and our waiting times have reduced as planned with our performance in part impacted on increased numbers of patients who have now been treated.
“Our board remains committed to improving waiting times for patients with cancer and will continue to work with clinical teams to ensure this continues to improve in spite of increasing demand for our services.”
For more local news, click here


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Major work to restore fire-hit Cameron House well underway

Major work to restore fire ravaged Cameron House is well underway with the hotel scheduled to reopen later this year .
New photographs taken last week show white sheets and scaffolding covering the facade of the building which was severely damaged in the fire which killed two guests on December 18 , 2017 .
Richard Dyson , 38 , and Simon Midgley , 32 both died in the blaze , the cause of which has never been revealed .
The Crown Office is leading the investigation into their deaths and has received reports from Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision is still to be made on legal proceedings , with Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie leading calls for answers last month on the second anniversary .
She has been in contact with mum Jane Midgley , who lost her son Simon in the fire , and said the delay in answers has added to her distress .
Yesterday ( Monday ) , a spokesman for the Crown Office said there was no update on the investigation .
Meanwhile , work to reopen the five-star hotel is gathering pace with Cameron House chiefs confirming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen later this year .
They are also adding a 70-bedroom extension , which they say was planned before the fire .
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park granted planning permission to demolish and replace parts of the building .
Cameron House Hotel , The Leisure Club , The Great Scots bar and Cameron Grill are expected to reopen this year .
A “ sensitive ” renovation is being undertaken to revamp the hotel , involving retaining the B-listed facade and rebuilding the entire internal frame , which is too badly damaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be replaced entirely by a new structure and the plans feature recladding , new dormer windows and roof terraces , and the demolition and rebuilding of walls .
Consent was also granted for alterations to and the relocation of the principle staircase and installation of a sprinkler system .
Extensions to the rear of the building and development of a new roofline will take a more modern approach .
This week , a spokeswoman for the venue said : “ Cameron House Hotel will re-open in late 2020 offering unrivalled five-star luxury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , incentive , conference and event venues in the UK .
“ With 140 rooms , the reinstated hotel will also have eight flexible function and event spaces with state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate anything from small , intimate gatherings to large weddings and conferences.
” In October , the Lennox Herald reported that the cost of repairs to fix the luxury building was expected to reach £23million .
The detail was revealed in new accounts submitted to Companies House by Cameron House Resort ( Loch Lomond Ltd .
Earlier in the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire should be £18.5m but this rose to £23m , which should be met by their insurance firm .
The report also stated that the hotel had laid off 300 staff following the incident .
For more local news , click here

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Major work to restore fire ravaged Cameron House is well underway with the hotel scheduled to reopen later this year.
New photographs taken last week show white sheets and scaffolding covering the facade of the building which was severely damaged in the fire which killed two guests on December 18, 2017.
Richard Dyson, 38, and Simon Midgley, 32 both died in the blaze, the cause of which has never been revealed.
The Crown Office is leading the investigation into their deaths and has received reports from Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
However, a decision is still to be made on legal proceedings, with Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie leading calls for answers last month on the second anniversary.
She has been in contact with mum Jane Midgley, who lost her son Simon in the fire, and said the delay in answers has added to her distress.
Yesterday (Monday), a spokesman for the Crown Office said there was no update on the investigation.
Meanwhile, work to reopen the five-star hotel is gathering pace with Cameron House chiefs confirming this week that they are on track to reopen later this year.
They are also adding a 70-bedroom extension, which they say was planned before the fire.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park granted planning permission to demolish and replace parts of the building.
(Image: Daily Record)
Cameron House Hotel, The Leisure Club, The Great Scots bar and Cameron Grill are expected to reopen this
year.
A “sensitive” renovation is being undertaken to revamp the hotel, involving retaining the B-listed facade and rebuilding the entire internal frame, which is too badly damaged to be restored.
The historical interiors will be replaced entirely by a new structure and the plans feature recladding, new dormer windows and roof terraces, and the demolition and rebuilding of walls.
Consent was also granted for alterations to and the relocation of the principle staircase and installation of a sprinkler system.
Extensions to the rear of the building and development of a new roofline will take a more modern approach.
This week, a spokeswoman for the venue said: “Cameron House Hotel will re-open in late 2020 offering unrivalled five-star luxury and one of the most unique meeting, incentive, conference and event venues in the UK.
“With 140 rooms, the reinstated hotel will also have eight flexible function and event spaces with state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate anything from small, intimate gatherings to large weddings and conferences.”
In October, the Lennox Herald reported that the cost of repairs to fix the luxury building was expected to reach £23million.
The detail was revealed in new accounts submitted to Companies House by Cameron House Resort (Loch Lomond Ltd.
Earlier in the year, owners said the bill for the fire should be £18.5m but this rose to £23m, which should be met by their insurance firm.
The report also stated that the hotel had laid off 300 staff following the incident.
For more local news, click here


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Water skiier marks more than 40 years on Loch Lomond

An avid waterskiier took to chilly Loch Lomond on New Year ’ s day as he celebrated more than 40 years on the water .
Stephen Kinghorn has only ever missed two of the annual Ne ’ erday events since he joined the club 43 years ago .
And the 62-year-old has even passed his skills onto younger members of the community who he has helped get involved in the thrilling activity .
Stephen told the Lennox Herald how he first got a taste for waterskiing saying : “ Myself and friends went away for the weekend down to Portpatrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wee club set up to teach local kids to ski in the harbour .
A few of us had a go and enjoyed it .
“ I sought out somewhere nearer home where we could go and ended up involved with Loch Lomond Waterski Club .
David Henderson had set up the club a few years before.
” Stephen , who now stays in Ardgarten , was living in Stirling at the time but moved to Balloch citing access to the waterski club as one of the driving forces which led him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel to other end of West Dunbartonshire due to flu vaccine shortage He had certainly got the bug for the sport .
Stephen said : “ I was never into football or anything .
It just captured my imagination .
“ There was a lot of very keen , interested people of my age .
We took it very seriously .
“ Over the years , we have run a club for youngsters which started with my own kids who are now in their 30s.
” And although Stephen has scaled back his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure he is raring to go each January 1 saying : “ I go out every New Year .
It ’ s great .
It gives people in the area something to watch and we have raised a lot of money over the years.
” This year , the club supported Alzheimer Scotland but has fundraised for Robin House children ’ s hospice , the MS Society and Glasgow Royal Infirmary among many other good causes over the years .
But Stephen admitted it wasn ’ t always plain sailing .
He told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the waterskiiers have found themselves .
Stephen added : “ We have had to break ice before and we have had to abandon skiing because it has been too rough but we all got lined up on the jetty and jumped in just to be able to show a wee bit of pain for our sponsors.
” They have also regularly raised money for Loch Lomond Rescue Boat who provide assistance on the day of the New Year event .
For more local news , click here

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An avid waterskiier took to chilly Loch Lomond on New Year’s day as he celebrated more than 40 years on the water.
Stephen Kinghorn has only ever missed two of the annual Ne’erday events since he joined the club 43 years ago.
And the 62-year-old has even passed his skills onto younger members of the community who he has helped get involved in the thrilling activity.
BBC documentary captures magical moment Dumbarton choir had dream come true
Stephen told the Lennox Herald how he first got a taste for waterskiing saying: “Myself and friends went away for the weekend down to Portpatrick on the Galloway coast. There was a wee club set up to teach local kids to ski in the harbour. A few of us had a go and enjoyed it.
“I sought out somewhere nearer home where we could go and ended up involved with Loch Lomond Waterski Club. David Henderson had set up the club a few years before.”
Stephen, who now stays in Ardgarten, was living in Stirling at the time but moved to Balloch citing access to the waterski club as one of the driving forces which led him to the village.
Pupils had to travel to other end of West Dunbartonshire due to flu vaccine shortage
He had certainly got the bug for the sport.
Stephen said: “I was never into football or anything. It just captured my imagination.
“There was a lot of very keen, interested people of my age. We took it very seriously.
“Over the years, we have run a club for youngsters which started with my own kids who are now in their 30s.”
And although Stephen has scaled back his own activities on the water he makes sure he is raring to go each January 1 saying: “I go out every New Year. It’s great. It gives people in the area something to watch and we have raised a lot of money over the years.”
This year, the club supported Alzheimer Scotland but has fundraised for Robin House children’s hospice, the MS Society and Glasgow Royal Infirmary among many other good causes over the years.
But Stephen admitted it wasn’t always plain sailing.
He told us about some of the difficult conditions the waterskiiers have found themselves .
Stephen added: “We have had to break ice before and we have had to abandon skiing because it has been too rough but we all got lined up on the jetty and jumped in just to be able to show a wee bit of pain for our sponsors.”
They have also regularly raised money for Loch Lomond Rescue Boat who provide assistance on the day of the New Year event.
For more local news, click here


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Cute Scots kids give Facebook users the 'goosebumps' with Bohemian Rhapsody performance

Talented young musicians stunned their parents when they performed Bohemian Rhapsody on New Year 's Day .
Self taught pianist Ethan Murdoch , 13 , and singer pal Freya Jamieson , 9 , performed a beautiful rendition of Queen 's hit song leaving their proud families speachless .
Ethan started playing the piano 12 months ago and has became quite the perfectionist after learning from Youtube tutorials .
His mum Pamela Murdoch , from Stirling , said : `` He sounds amazing and is totally self taught .
`` He told me he had been learning Bohemian Rhapsody and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Danielle , Freya 's mum . ''
After hearing what Ethan had been up to , Freya decided to learn the words to the song so the pair could perform it together .
Pamela added : `` Danielle and her family travelled through from East Kilbride to bring in the bells with us and Ethan and Freya asked to perform .
`` They were absolutely amazing and totally blew us away with how great they sounded .
`` We were so proud of how well they done and are trying to encourage them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .

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Talented young musicians stunned their parents when they performed Bohemian Rhapsody on New Year's Day.
Self taught pianist Ethan Murdoch, 13, and singer pal Freya Jamieson, 9, performed a beautiful rendition of Queen's hit song leaving their proud families speechless.
Ethan started playing the piano 12 months ago and has became quite the perfectionist after learning from Youtube tutorials.
His mum Pamela Murdoch, from Stirling , said: "He sounds amazing and is totally self taught.
"He told me he had been learning Bohemian Rhapsody and I happened to mention it to my friend Danielle, Freya's mum."
After hearing what Ethan had been up to, Freya decided to learn the words to the song so the pair could perform it together.
Pamela added: "Danielle and her family travelled through from East Kilbride to bring in the bells with us and Ethan and Freya asked to perform.
"They were absolutely amazing and totally blew us away with how great they sounded.
"We were so proud of how well they done and are trying to encourage them to learn something new to perform together again.
"They're wee stars."


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Tragic East Kilbride teen to be remembered at second annual football tournament

The second annual Alex Lindsay Cup will kick off this Saturday in memory of the much-loved East Kilbride teen .
Alex will be remembered during the football tournament at his former school Calderglen High – one day after what would have been his 20th birthday .
The charity event , organised by friends of the avid Motherwell FC fan , aims to raise awareness of mental ill-health as well as funds for a charity chosen by his parents Robbie and Jill , who have revealed plans to commission a wishing well in Alex ’ s name .
Apprentice mechanic Alex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leonards home on July 8 , 2018 .
Now an annual celebration of Alex ’ s life , the tournament is organised by close friends Jack Smith and Joe McDermott .
More than 160 players have signed up to take part in the knockout tournament , including Alex ’ s dad Robbie , who will once again pull his boots on in honour of his beloved son .
Speaking to the News , the family said : “ All of us are delighted that so many people have again shown such strong support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a positive contribution and difference .
“ We are extremely proud of the boys who put so much effort in organising and running the tournament .
“ We will be supporting Beautiful Inside and Out , also an up-and-coming venture that will be combined with the money raised from Alex ’ s JustGiving page .
“ We are in the process of having a wishing well commissioned in Alex ’ s name , which we hope will further contribute to helping others.
” As well as marking Alex ’ s birthday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise hundreds of pounds for Beautiful Inside and Out .
The charity was set up by Pauline Moriarty following the death of her daughter Jenna , who took her own life , and serves to offer support for those affected by suicide , especially youngsters .
Jack told the News : “ It ’ s great how everyone comes together to raise money in Alex ’ s memory and to celebrate his birthday .
“ The tournament will be a group knockout to allow more playing time for everyone involved .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will all play each team in their group once .
“ The two teams with the most points in each group will go through to knockout rounds .
Games will be 15 minutes long with five minute intervals between games .
“ If a game ends a draw , the game will be decided by penalties.
” Spectators will be asked for a £5 donation on entry at the gate with all proceeds going directly to the two causes .
Kick-off is 10am at the outdoor pitches with the trophy presentation taking place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private function in Olives and Pesto in the Village afterwards for all players taking part which includes a buffet , entertainment and a raffle with some great prizes .
The organisers would like to thank owners Derek and Anne-Marie for their generosity .

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The second annual Alex Lindsay Cup will kick off this Saturday in memory of the much-loved East Kilbride teen.
Alex will be remembered during the football tournament at his former school Calderglen High – one day after what would have been his 20th birthday.
The charity event, organised by friends of the avid Motherwell FC fan, aims to raise awareness of mental ill-health as well as funds for a charity chosen by his parents Robbie and Jill, who have revealed plans to commission a wishing well in Alex’s name.
Apprentice mechanic Alex was tragically found dead in his St Leonards home on July 8, 2018.
Now an annual celebration of Alex’s life, the tournament is organised by close friends Jack Smith and Joe McDermott.
More than 160 players have signed up to take part in the knockout tournament, including Alex’s dad Robbie, who will once again pull his boots on in honour of his beloved son.
Speaking to the News, the family said: “All of us are delighted that so many people have again shown such strong support in remembering Alex and are determined to make a positive contribution and difference.
“We are extremely proud of the boys who put so much effort in organising and running the tournament.
“We will be supporting Beautiful Inside and Out, also an up-and-coming venture that will be combined with the money raised from Alex’s JustGiving page.
(Image: EAST KILBRIDE NEWS)
“We are in the process of having a wishing well commissioned in Alex’s name, which we hope will further contribute to helping others.”
As well as marking Alex’s birthday and passing, the lads are aiming to raise hundreds of pounds for Beautiful Inside and Out.
The charity was set up by Pauline Moriarty following the death of her daughter Jenna, who took her own life, and serves to offer support for those affected by suicide, especially youngsters.
Jack told the News: “It’s great how everyone comes together to raise money in Alex’s memory and to celebrate his birthday.
“The tournament will be a group knockout to allow more playing time for everyone involved.
“There will be four groups of four who will all play each team in their group once.
“The two teams with the most points in each group will go through to knockout rounds. Games will be 15 minutes long with five minute intervals between games.
“If a game ends a draw, the game will be decided by penalties.”
Spectators will be asked for a £5 donation on entry at the gate with all proceeds going directly to the two causes.
Kick-off is 10am at the outdoor pitches with the trophy presentation taking place at 2.30pm.
There will be a private function in Olives and Pesto in the Village afterwards for all players taking part which includes a buffet, entertainment and a raffle with some great prizes.
The organisers would like to thank owners Derek and Anne-Marie for their generosity.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Dangerous knife thug jailed for murder bid on wheelchair-bound neighbour in East Kilbride home

A knife thug who tried to kill a wheelchair-bound woman in her Catacol home has been jailed for more than eight years .
Mark Crawford plunged a knife into neighbour 62-year-old Mary Henderson ’ s neck and shoulders after telling her `` you are going to die ” .
Crawford previously admitted attempting to murder Ms Henderson at her home in Catacol Grove on July 17 last year .
That happened just weeks after he had been freed from jail .
At the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday , the 36-year-old was jailed for eight years and three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This was a vulnerable person who lived alone and required the use of a wheelchair .
“ You befriended her , but , for some reason , you got it into your head that you should stab her .
You almost killed her .
“ You have a record involving violence .
It appears to me that you are a dangerous individual.
” Prosecutor Chris McKenna previously told the court that Ms Henderson screamed down the phone to the operator at the bank call centre saying : “ It ’ s Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ phone the police.
” Crawford , who was a regular visitor to Ms Henderson ’ s home then left , but before doing so threatened to come back and finish her off .
Mr McKenna added : “ The complainer had a vague recollection of using a tea towel to stop the bleeding .
She was left in a very distressed state .
“ About this time the police received a call via Avon and Somerset Police from the bank manager from Lloyds TSB who reported that they had received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she stated that she was being assaulted by a man called Mark.
” When police arrived they had to force entry and found Ms Henderson sitting on her couch , which was saturated with blood , suffering from multiple wounds to her neck .
One officer applied pressure to her wounds before paramedics arrived and she was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital .
They traced Crawford to his nearby home and found the knife he had used hidden under a rug .
There was blood on the front of the letterbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has been left permanently scarred , had to undergo surgery to repair damage to an artery .
She also suffered damage to multiple blood vessels , a broken bone in her back , two black eyes and a fractured eye socket and nose .
The knife found had Ms Henderson DNA on it and her blood was also found on Crawford ’ s left trainer .
When interviewed by police Crawford said that he lived in Catacol Grove and claimed he had the knife for his protection .
Judge Lord Matthews deferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Defence QC Tony Graham will give his plea in mitigation then .
Crawford , who has numerous convictions for offences involving knives , will be monitored for three years on his release .

reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk (Fraser N Wilson)

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A knife thug who tried to kill a wheelchair-bound woman in her Catacol home has been jailed for more than eight years.
Mark Crawford plunged a knife into neighbour 62-year-old Mary Henderson’s neck and shoulders after telling her "you are going to die”.
Crawford previously admitted attempting to murder Ms Henderson at her home in Catacol Grove on July 17 last year. That happened just weeks after he had been freed from jail.
At the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday, the 36-year-old was jailed for eight years and three months.
Sentencing, Lord Matthews told him “This was a vulnerable person who lived alone and required the use of a wheelchair.
“You befriended her, but, for some reason, you got it into your head that you should stab her. You almost killed her.
“You have a record involving violence. It appears to me that you are a dangerous individual.”
Prosecutor Chris McKenna previously told the court that Ms Henderson screamed down the phone to the operator at the bank call centre saying: “It’s Mark, he’s stabbing me,” and “phone the police.”
Crawford, who was a regular visitor to Ms Henderson’s home then left, but before doing so threatened to come back and finish her off.
Mr McKenna added: “The complainer had a vague recollection of using a tea towel to stop the bleeding. She was left in a very distressed state.
“About this time the police received a call via Avon and Somerset Police from the bank manager from Lloyds TSB who reported that they had received a call from Mary Henderson in which she stated that she was being assaulted by a man called Mark.”
When police arrived they had to force entry and found Ms Henderson sitting on her couch, which was saturated with blood, suffering from multiple wounds to her neck.
One officer applied pressure to her wounds before paramedics arrived and she was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
They traced Crawford to his nearby home and found the knife he had used hidden under a rug. There was blood on the front of the letterbox of his home.
Ms Henderson, who has been left permanently scarred, had to undergo surgery to repair damage to an artery.
She also suffered damage to multiple blood vessels, a broken bone in her back, two black eyes and a fractured eye socket and nose.
The knife found had Ms Henderson DNA on it and her blood was also found on Crawford’s left trainer.
When interviewed by police Crawford said that he lived in Catacol Grove and claimed he had the knife for his protection.
Judge Lord Matthews deferred sentence on Crawford until January next year.
Defence QC Tony Graham will give his plea in mitigation then.
Crawford, who has numerous convictions for offences involving knives, will be monitored for three years on his release.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Rangers fans to hold minute's applause after death of Wishaw teen on New Year's Day

Rangers fans are being urged to hold a minute 's applause for a 15-year-old killed in a road crash on New Year 's Day .
Steven Mcilquham , from Wishaw , Lanarkshire , passed away after being struck by a grey Volkswagen car on Alexander Street , at its junction with Marshall Street , at around 9.30pm on New Year 's Day .
The schoolboy , who was a huge Rangers fan , was tragically pronounced dead at the scene .
A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with road traffic offences and released pending further investigation .
A report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Procurator Fiscal .
Supporters of the Ibrox club are now urging their fellow fans to remember Steven by clapping on the 15th minute of their next game , which takes place on January 17 against Stranraer in the Scottish Cup .
In a post on a Rangers fans Facebook page , Wilma Owen wrote : `` This young lad Steven Mcilquham 15 lost his life in Wishaw on New Year 's Day in a Road Traffic Accident .
`` For everyone going to the first game back if you could have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he loved Rangers .
`` Rest In Peace Steven .
Thinking of the family xx . ''

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Rangers fans are being urged to hold a minute's applause for a 15-year-old killed in a road crash on New Year's Day .
Steven Mcilquham, from Wishaw , Lanarkshire, passed away after being struck by a grey Volkswagen car on Alexander Street, at its junction with Marshall Street, at around 9.30pm on New Year's Day .
The schoolboy, who was a huge Rangers fan , was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with road traffic offences and released pending further investigation.
(Image: Daily Record)
A report on the incident will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Supporters of the Ibrox club are now urging their fellow fans to remember Steven by clapping on the 15th minute of their next game, which takes place on January 17 against Stranraer in the Scottish Cup.
In a post on a Rangers fans Facebook page, Wilma Owen wrote: "This young lad Steven Mcilquham 15 lost his life in Wishaw on New Year's Day in a Road Traffic Accident.
"For everyone going to the first game back if you could have a minute applause on the 15th minute please as he loved Rangers.
(Image: Facebook)
"Rest In Peace Steven. Thinking of the family xx."