thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Devastating footage shows sperm whale died after being stranded in Moray Firth

A sperm whale has died after washing ashore in the Highlands .
The mammal was spotted on Tuesday morning in the Moray Firth near the village of Ardersier , between Inverness and Nairn , in the Highlands .
A local Coastguard team was on site along with the British Diver Marine Life Rescue ( BDMLR ) and Charlie Phillips - a field officer for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation ( WDC ) .
He was notified about the stranding around 11am , with the whale - thought to be about 20-25 tonnes - having been alive and rolling in shallow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the scene .
Phillips told the PA news agency : `` The whale died very soon after it stranded .
It 's a fairly thin looking animal and not in good nutritional condition .
`` It 's got to be examined properly , which will happen with the strandings team because there 's a protocol in place .
`` We 've also got Coastguard on scene because all stranded whales belong to the Queen so HM Coastguard are actually the policemen , if you like , who guard the animal . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ habit of trying to steal teeth because sperm whales ' teeth are quite valuable .
`` The Coastguard are a wonderful bunch of people .
It 's just one of these things that happen every now and again in rough weather .
`` There 's not been a sperm whale for a while , poor thing .
Nothing can be done now but it 's past suffering . ''
Phillips added an examination would likely take place on Wednesday , with efforts being made to move the whale 's body `` up beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away '' .
It would be co-ordinated by the BDMLR , with Mr Phillips saying soldiers `` very handily just a mile along road in the Black Watch battalion '' had equipment that could help the process .
He said : `` The light is going to go very quickly because of these wild and rainy conditions .
`` There 's not much rain when the tide is low later this afternoon but then it gets dark and working on a big animal like that in the dark is never a good idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme , believes the whale made a `` navigational error '' .
He said sperm whales that strand on the east coast of the UK tend to be teenage males , whose normal feeding grounds are in the deep ocean trenches between Scotland and Norway .
`` When it comes to the middle of winter and they are thinking of heading back down to their breeding ground in the Azores it seems they make a navigational error and rather than go through the Pentland Firth and through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland they end up in the North Sea , which is not a great habitat for them with not a lot of food sources , '' he said .
Brownlow said the whales ' method of navigating may indicate they are too far east and they try to head west but `` Scotland is in the way '' , leading them to become stranded in the `` whale traps '' of shallow waters such as the Moray Firth .
He said a post-mortem examination would take place on Wednesday to check if this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cailean Macleod , said the tide `` is still falling for a few hours yet '' .
He added there had been `` a fair crowd of onlookers and locals as it 's a pretty rare and possibly once in a lifetime experience to see an actual deep sea whale ashore '' .
Another witness , Craig Ising , said the whale 's appearance was `` unprecedented '' .
He told PA : `` We have had a couple of seals and a juvenile dolphin wash up over the past couple of years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day that we had a pod of orcas swim by .
But in my nine years here this is unprecedented . ''
A spokesman for the Coastguard said : `` At just after 8.40am this morning , HM Coastguard received a report that a distressed whale had been found in shallow water at Ardersier , close to Inverness , in Scotland .
`` Coastguard rescue teams from Nairn and Inverness and Cromarty were sent to the location .
`` The British Divers Marine Life Rescue ( BDMLR ) and members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) were contacted and also attended the scene to assess the whale and monitor the situation . ''

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A sperm whale has died after washing ashore in the Highlands .
The mammal was spotted on Tuesday morning in the Moray Firth near the village of Ardersier, between Inverness and Nairn, in the Highlands.
A local Coastguard team was on site along with the British Diver Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and Charlie Phillips - a field officer for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC).
He was notified about the stranding around 11am, with the whale - thought to be about 20-25 tonnes - having been alive and rolling in shallow water for an hour before he got to the scene.
Phillips told the PA news agency: "The whale died very soon after it stranded. It's a fairly thin looking animal and not in good nutritional condition.
"It's got to be examined properly, which will happen with the strandings team because there's a protocol in place.
"We've also got Coastguard on scene because all stranded whales belong to the Queen so HM Coastguard are actually the policemen, if you like, who guard the animal."
He added: "People have a habit of trying to steal teeth because sperm whales' teeth are quite valuable.
"The Coastguard are a wonderful bunch of people. It's just one of these things that happen every now and again in rough weather.
"There's not been a sperm whale for a while, poor thing. Nothing can be done now but it's past suffering."
Phillips added an examination would likely take place on Wednesday, with efforts being made to move the whale's body "up beach so the tide doesn't carry it away".
It would be co-ordinated by the BDMLR, with Mr Phillips saying soldiers "very handily just a mile along road in the Black Watch battalion" had equipment that could help the process.
He said: "The light is going to go very quickly because of these wild and rainy conditions.
"There's not much rain when the tide is low later this afternoon but then it gets dark and working on a big animal like that in the dark is never a good idea."
Dr Andrew Brownlow, of the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, believes the whale made a "navigational error".
He said sperm whales that strand on the east coast of the UK tend to be teenage males, whose normal feeding grounds are in the deep ocean trenches between Scotland and Norway.
"When it comes to the middle of winter and they are thinking of heading back down to their breeding ground in the Azores it seems they make a navigational error and rather than go through the Pentland Firth and through the Minch and down the west coast of Scotland they end up in the North Sea, which is not a great habitat for them with not a lot of food sources," he said.
Brownlow said the whales' method of navigating may indicate they are too far east and they try to head west but "Scotland is in the way", leading them to become stranded in the "whale traps" of shallow waters such as the Moray Firth.
He said a post-mortem examination would take place on Wednesday to check if this is the case.
One witness, Cailean Macleod, said the tide "is still falling for a few hours yet".
He added there had been "a fair crowd of onlookers and locals as it's a pretty rare and possibly once in a lifetime experience to see an actual deep sea whale ashore".
Another witness, Craig Ising, said the whale's appearance was "unprecedented".
He told PA: "We have had a couple of seals and a juvenile dolphin wash up over the past couple of years.
"It's 12 months to the day that we had a pod of orcas swim by. But in my nine years here this is unprecedented."
A spokesman for the Coastguard said: "At just after 8.40am this morning, HM Coastguard received a report that a distressed whale had been found in shallow water at Ardersier, close to Inverness, in Scotland.
"Coastguard rescue teams from Nairn and Inverness and Cromarty were sent to the location.
"The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and members of the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) were contacted and also attended the scene to assess the whale and monitor the situation."


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Scots commuters face chaos on trains after overhead wire comes down at Edinburgh Haymarket station

Rush hour commuters across Scotland are facing ‘ major delays ’ after an overhead wire has come down at an Edinburgh train station .
Network Rail were alerted to the issue at Haymarket Station at around 4pm which has left trains unable to use one platform due to ‘ safety reasons ’ .
The incident is causing major issues for commuters in Edinburgh , Fife , Glasgow and Aberdeen .
Engineers at Network Rail are currently on the scene attempting to the repair the damage caused to the overhead wire .
Alternative transport has been arranged for customers being affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesperson for ScotRail said : “ If you are travelling between Glasgow and Cumbernauld , we ’ ve arranged First Glasgow to accept valid rail tickets on these routes : X3 , 8 , 38 , 41 , 60 and 60A .
“ We ’ ve arranged extended ticket acceptance on First Glasgow buses out to Falkirk now .
You can use valid rail tickets and Smartcards on these bus routes between Glasgow , Cumbernauld and Falkirk : X3 , 8 , 38 , 41 , 60 and 60A .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way to Falkirk Grahamston , these are operating by Ace Travel .
”

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Rush hour commuters across Scotland are facing ‘major delays’ after an overhead wire has come down at an Edinburgh train station.
Network Rail were alerted to the issue at Haymarket Station at around 4pm which has left trains unable to use one platform due to ‘safety reasons’.
The incident is causing major issues for commuters in Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow and Aberdeen .
Engineers at Network Rail are currently on the scene attempting to the repair the damage caused to the overhead wire.
Alternative transport has been arranged for customers being affected by commuter chaos on the lines.
A spokesperson for ScotRail said: “If you are travelling between Glasgow and Cumbernauld, we’ve arranged First Glasgow to accept valid rail tickets on these routes: X3, 8, 38, 41, 60 and 60A.
“We’ve arranged extended ticket acceptance on First Glasgow buses out to Falkirk now. You can use valid rail tickets and Smartcards on these bus routes between Glasgow, Cumbernauld and Falkirk : X3, 8, 38, 41, 60 and 60A.
“We’ve got two replacement buses on the way to Falkirk Grahamston, these are operating by Ace Travel.”


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Man found fighting for his life at Glasgow bus stop dies in hospital

A man who was found in a critical condition at a bus stop in Glasgow has died in hospital .
Emergency services descended on Garscube Road in the Cowcaddens area of the city at around 7.10am on Saturday morning after reports of a man lying injured at a bus shelter .
A 59-year-old was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary after he was found with serious injuries .
Police Scotland have now confirmed that the man has died in hospital .
The force have now launched a re-appeal for information on the incident and are piecing together his movements prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case have since reviewed CCTV as part of their enquiries .
Footage shows the man falling at the junction of Renfield Street and West George Street at around 3.30am on Saturday .
Three people were then seen to be assisting him - two wearing dark clothing and one wearing light .
The injured man can then be spotted walking away along Renfield Street .
Further enquiries suggest that the man was later standing at a the bus shelter on Garscube Road at around 5.25am .
Another three men interacted with him .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bus shelter while another appears to have attempted phoning a taxi for the injured man before boarding a number 60 First Bus .
Detective Inspector Iain Nelson said : “ Since our initial appeal , the man has died in hospital and it 's crucial we find out what happened to him earlier that morning .
`` I am appealing to the three people who interacted with him when he fell at the junction of Renfield Street and the three people who interacted with him at the bus shelter on Garscube Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgency as they could have vital information which could assist with our enquiries .
`` I would also ask anyone who was driving in these areas in the early hours of Saturday to review their dash-cam footage and report anything which may be of use to us . ''
A spokesperson for Police Scotland added : “ Anyone with information should call 101 , quoting reference number 0702 of January 4 .
”

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A man who was found in a critical condition at a bus stop in Glasgow has died in hospital.
Emergency services descended on Garscube Road in the Cowcaddens area of the city at around 7.10am on Saturday morning after reports of a man lying injured at a bus shelter.
A 59-year-old was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary after he was found with serious injuries.
Police Scotland have now confirmed that the man has died in hospital.
The force have now launched a re-appeal for information on the incident and are piecing together his movements prior to the incident.
Investigators working on the case have since reviewed CCTV as part of their enquiries.
Footage shows the man falling at the junction of Renfield Street and West George Street at around 3.30am on Saturday.
Three people were then seen to be assisting him - two wearing dark clothing and one wearing light.
The injured man can then be spotted walking away along Renfield Street.
Further enquiries suggest that the man was later standing at a the bus shelter on Garscube Road at around 5.25am.
Another three men interacted with him. One of the them assisted the man into the bus shelter while another appears to have attempted phoning a taxi for the injured man before boarding a number 60 First Bus.
Detective Inspector Iain Nelson said: “Since our initial appeal, the man has died in hospital and it's crucial we find out what happened to him earlier that morning.
"I am appealing to the three people who interacted with him when he fell at the junction of Renfield Street and the three people who interacted with him at the bus shelter on Garscube Road to contact police as a matter of urgency as they could have vital information which could assist with our enquiries.
"I would also ask anyone who was driving in these areas in the early hours of Saturday to review their dash-cam footage and report anything which may be of use to us."
A spokesperson for Police Scotland added: “Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference number 0702 of January 4.”


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Death-row Scot Kenny Richey's raging porn star ex tells cop to 'be killed in line of duty'

A raging Scots porn star told a police officer : “ Why don ’ t you be a f**king martyr and be killed in the line of duty ?
” Former stripper Vineeta Whyte lost the rag after cops arrived to take her in for questioning after three men called her a prostitute and accused her of carrying a knife , a court heard .
The 39-year-old – who in 2016 claimed she was engaged to former death row Scot Kenny Richey , 53 even though he was still married – unleashed a tirade of abuse as officers drove her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Livingston police station .
Kate Irwin , prosecuting , told Livingston Sheriff Court that Whyte began repeatedly shouting and swearing and making threats towards police officers during the journey .
Her remarks included : “ I ’ ll get the gangsters , the guns , the gadgies .
I don ’ t give a f**k. ” She told one officer : “ You ’ re a f**king retard ” then described him and his colleague as “ a couple of retards ” .
She went on to tell cops : “ One day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
You wan na be a police officer and die a vague hero then why don ’ t you be a f**king martyr and be killed in the line of duty.
” She added : “ I hope a man tomorrow comes up to you and punches f**k out of you for being a beast and I ’ ll make sure you get punched at the very least , motherf**ker !
” The fiscal depute said Whyte was not cautioned and charged at the time because she was deemed to be too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared from custody at court the following day .
The fiscal added that the matter for which Whyte had been detained was no longer before the courts .
At Livingston Sheriff Court on Tuesday Whyte , 39 , of Neilson Court , Blackburn , pled guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards the officers on the afternoon of Monday 6 October 2019 .
Her denial that she had lifted her top and exposed her breasts and lowered her clothing to expose her buttocks and pubic area to the officers was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were deleted from the charge .
Iain Smith , defending , said Three people approached her and suggested she was working as a prostitute , which she was not .
“ These people also told police the false allegation that she was carrying a knife .
“ She thought she had demonstrated that she was not in possession of such a knife and that that was enough but police officers were concerned at her conduct and put her in the car .
“ She accepts she was shouting and swearing and that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the police but the things she said she wasn ’ t capable of carrying out whatever her dreams about what might happen to the police were.
” Smith said his client had a tendency to be suspicious and paranoid about people and now wanted to apologise to the officers concerned .
Sheriff Martin Edington told Whyte he was prepared to take into account everything that had been said on her behalf about the incident .
He sentenced her to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work within six months under a community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time the self-styled “ professional dancer ” – whose criminal record includes courts across the UK – has dodged being sent to jail for her unruly behaviour .
In August 2017 she launched a racist Brexit rant at cops who were sent to investigate her for allegedly pretending to take naked selfies in a restaurant at Glasgow Airport .
She turned aggressive and she told cops : 'The only reason you 're arresting me is because I 'm Indian ' before calling them `` white pig c*** '' .
The abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station when she called one officer n****** and black b******* '' , then said she `` could n't wait for f****** Brexit '' .
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that in March 2019 she told cops she was a cousin of Meghan Markle and would rape and murder the officers during a drunken tirade at an Edinburgh train station .
The ex-glamour girl – who claims to have had relationships with several high profile celebrities including Robbie Williams and Eminem – also told two PCs she “ can ’ t wait until Prince William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her drunken rant she also shouted out that she had “ murdered a ni**er when I was 19 ” and she had killed an Asian a year later .
Deluded Whyte , who uses the stage name of Kimberley Lee , told the astonished cops : “ Meghan Markle is my f**king cousin.
” Earlier last year married Dancing on Ice star Mark Little , 59 , sent flirty online messages to Whyte , claiming “ You are like a drug… I am addicted to fantasising about you ” .
The married Aussie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neighbours , said he hoped she liked dirty talk and told her : “ I love your lingerie and boots .
”

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A raging Scots porn star told a police officer: “Why don’t you be a f**king martyr and be killed in the line of duty?”
Former stripper Vineeta Whyte lost the rag after cops arrived to take her in for questioning after three men called her a prostitute and accused her of carrying a knife, a court heard.
The 39-year-old – who in 2016 claimed she was engaged to former death row Scot Kenny Richey , 53 even though he was still married – unleashed a tirade of abuse as officers drove her from Blackburn, West Lothian , to Livingston police station.
Kate Irwin, prosecuting, told Livingston Sheriff Court that Whyte began repeatedly shouting and swearing and making threats towards police officers during the journey.
Her remarks included: “I’ll get the gangsters, the guns, the gadgies. I don’t give a f**k.”
She told one officer: “You’re a f**king retard” then described him and his colleague as “a couple of retards”.
She went on to tell cops: “One day your life is going to be at risk. You wanna be a police officer and die a vague hero then why don’t you be a f**king martyr and be killed in the line of duty.”
She added: “I hope a man tomorrow comes up to you and punches f**k out of you for being a beast and I’ll make sure you get punched at the very least, motherf**ker!”
The fiscal depute said Whyte was not cautioned and charged at the time because she was deemed to be too unruly. She was held overnight and appeared from custody at court the following day.
The fiscal added that the matter for which Whyte had been detained was no longer before the courts.
At Livingston Sheriff Court on Tuesday Whyte, 39, of Neilson Court, Blackburn, pled guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards the officers on the afternoon of Monday 6 October 2019.
Her denial that she had lifted her top and exposed her breasts and lowered her clothing to expose her buttocks and pubic area to the officers was accepted by the prosecution and those allegations were deleted from the charge.
Iain Smith, defending, said Three people approached her and suggested she was working as a prostitute, which she was not.
“These people also told police the false allegation that she was carrying a knife.
“She thought she had demonstrated that she was not in possession of such a knife and that that was enough but police officers were concerned at her conduct and put her in the car.
“She accepts she was shouting and swearing and that she made a whole lot of unpleasant threats to the police but the things she said she wasn’t capable of carrying out whatever her dreams about what might happen to the police were.”
(Image: PA)
Smith said his client had a tendency to be suspicious and paranoid about people and now wanted to apologise to the officers concerned.
Sheriff Martin Edington told Whyte he was prepared to take into account everything that had been said on her behalf about the incident.
He sentenced her to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work within six months under a community payback order.
It’s not the first time the self-styled “professional dancer” – whose criminal record includes courts across the UK – has dodged being sent to jail for her unruly behaviour.
In August 2017 she launched a racist Brexit rant at cops who were sent to investigate her for allegedly pretending to take naked selfies in a restaurant at Glasgow Airport.
She turned aggressive and she told cops: 'The only reason you're arresting me is because I'm Indian' before calling them "white pig c***".
The abuse continued on the way to the police station when she called one officer n****** and black b*******", then said she "couldn't wait for f****** Brexit".
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that in March 2019 she told cops she was a cousin of Meghan Markle and would rape and murder the officers during a drunken tirade at an Edinburgh train station.
The ex-glamour girl – who claims to have had relationships with several high profile celebrities including Robbie Williams and Eminem – also told two PCs she “can’t wait until Prince William cuts your heads off”.
During her drunken rant she also shouted out that she had “murdered a ni**er when I was 19” and she had killed an Asian a year later.
Deluded Whyte, who uses the stage name of Kimberley Lee, told the astonished cops: “Meghan Markle is my f**king cousin.”
Earlier last year married Dancing on Ice star Mark Little, 59, sent flirty online messages to Whyte, claiming “You are like a drug… I am addicted to fantasising about you”.
The married Aussie actor, who played Joe Mangel in Neighbours, said he hoped she liked dirty talk and told her: “I love your lingerie and boots.”


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Separate Scottish Labour party 'should be an option' says MP Ian Murray

Labour 's only MP in Scotland has said his colleagues should look at creating a separate party north of the border as an option .
Ian Murray , who has not backed the idea himself , nonetheless said that every idea for reform should be considered .
Scottish Labour lost six of its seven seats at the general election and recorded their worst result since before the second world war .
The electoral humiliation triggered a bout of soul searching and led to senior politicians making calls for far-reaching changes .
Monica Lennon , the party ’ s shadow health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour should breakaway and become separate .
Her call was fuelled by anger at the way UK Labour softened the party ’ s opposition to independence without consulting Scottish colleagues .
She wrote in the Daily Record that it was no longer tenable for decisions about Scottish Labour to be `` taken or undermined by colleagues outside Scotland '' , and warned : `` If we look like a pressure group within a UK party structure , we will continue to be rejected . ''
She added : `` Scottish Labour needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We either continue at the mercy of the UK party 's distant structures or we become a party in our own right .
`` This would mean raising our own funds , persuading trade unions to affiliate and reaching out to voters and organisations in a more meaningful way.
” In a television interview , Murray , a leading moderate who is standing to become his UK Labour ’ s deputy leader , cautioned against “ knee jerk ” reactions after the election defeat .
However , he said of the separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at that as an option .
Leave everything on the table.
” Murray also said it was important to focus on external , not internal , matters .

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Labour's only MP in Scotland has said his colleagues should look at creating a separate party north of the border as an option.
Ian Murray, who has not backed the idea himself, nonetheless said that every idea for reform should be considered.
Scottish Labour lost six of its seven seats at the general election and recorded their worst result since before the second world war.
(Image: PA)
The electoral humiliation triggered a bout of soul searching and led to senior politicians making calls for far-reaching changes.
Monica Lennon, the party’s shadow health secretary, wrote last week that Scottish Labour should breakaway and become separate.
Her call was fuelled by anger at the way UK Labour softened the party’s opposition to independence without consulting Scottish colleagues.
She wrote in the Daily Record that it was no longer tenable for decisions about Scottish Labour to be "taken or undermined by colleagues outside Scotland", and warned: "If we look like a pressure group within a UK party structure, we will continue to be rejected."
(Image: Getty Images)
She added: "Scottish Labour needs to stand or fall by its own decisions. We either continue at the mercy of the UK party's distant structures or we become a party in our own right.
"This would mean raising our own funds, persuading trade unions to affiliate and reaching out to voters and organisations in a more meaningful way.”
In a television interview, Murray, a leading moderate who is standing to become his UK Labour’s deputy leader, cautioned against “knee jerk” reactions after the election defeat.
However, he said of the separate party call: “Maybe we should look at that as an option. Leave everything on the table.”
Murray also said it was important to focus on external, not internal, matters.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Rutherglen schoolgirl wins South Lanarkshire Council's calendar contest

A Rutherglen schoolgirl has triumphed in South Lanarkshire Council ’ s road safety calendar contest thanks to an “ eye-catching ” design .
Iqra Bashir , of Fernhill Primary , won the overall prize for her innovative design ‘ Distracted ’ , which shows the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving .
She receives £100 , an individual trophy and her painting will be used as the illustration for the 2020 South Lanarkshire Road Safety Calendar .
Chair of South Lanarkshire Council ’ s Roads Safety Forum , Councillor Julia Marrs , said : “ Congratulations to Iqra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – every year the standard of entries gets better and better .
“ We found it very difficult to pick an overall winner but Iqra ’ s design just had that extra eye catching appeal that ensured it was well deserving of this year ’ s award .
“ I would like to thank every pupil in each school who took part in this year ’ s Calendar Competition .
“ Their support and help ensures that the Road Safety Calendar Competition continues to be such a success.
” A total of 71 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year ’ s competition .
Teachers were asked to send in the best five entries in each year category from their school , resulting in 1903 entries to South Lanarkshire Council ’ s Traffic and Transportation Section .
These entries where whittled down by the Traffic and Transportation Section and then judged by a panel of councillors , council officials , Scottish Fire and Rescue and police .
Primary 1 and 2 pupils ’ designs had to be based on ‘ a safe place to cross ’ for P3/4 the theme was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for P5/6 it was ‘ being a safe cyclist/ pedestrian ’ , for P7 it was ‘ parking safely near schools ’ and for secondary pupils it was ‘ peer pressure and road safety ’ .
The winners of each individual section were also rewarded for their designs and highly commended certificates issued to pupils whose artwork or road safety messaging stood out .

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A Rutherglen schoolgirl has triumphed in South Lanarkshire Council’s road safety calendar contest thanks to an “eye-catching” design.
Iqra Bashir, of Fernhill Primary , won the overall prize for her innovative design ‘Distracted’, which shows the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving.
She receives £100, an individual trophy and her painting will be used as the illustration for the 2020 South Lanarkshire Road Safety Calendar.
Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Roads Safety Forum, Councillor Julia Marrs, said: “Congratulations to Iqra for winning this year’s competition – every year the standard of entries gets better and better.
“We found it very difficult to pick an overall winner but Iqra’s design just had that extra eye catching appeal that ensured it was well deserving of this year’s award.
“I would like to thank every pupil in each school who took part in this year’s Calendar Competition.
“Their support and help ensures that the Road Safety Calendar Competition continues to be such a success.”
A total of 71 schools throughout South Lanarkshire took part in this year’s competition.
Teachers were asked to send in the best five entries in each year category from their school, resulting in 1903 entries to South Lanarkshire Council’s Traffic and Transportation Section.
These entries where whittled down by the Traffic and Transportation Section and then judged by a panel of councillors, council officials, Scottish Fire and Rescue and police.
Primary 1 and 2 pupils’ designs had to be based on ‘a safe place to cross’ for P3/4 the theme was ‘travelling safely in the car’, for P5/6 it was ‘being a safe cyclist/ pedestrian’, for P7 it was ‘parking safely near schools’ and for secondary pupils it was ‘peer pressure and road safety’.
The winners of each individual section were also rewarded for their designs and highly commended certificates issued to pupils whose artwork or road safety messaging stood out.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Architect of devolution blasts Scots Parliament for 'failures' on health and education

One of the leading backers of a Scottish Parliament has claimed that successive governments have failed to reform schools and hospitals .
Nigel Smith , a businessman who chaired the cross-party campaign in favour of devolution in 1997 , also blamed MSPs for failing to hold Ministers to account .
Smith led the official Yes campaign , Scotland Forward , which helped deliver a referendum victory for a devolved Parliament with tax-varying powers .
However , although supporters claimed devolution would improve public services , many outcomes have got worse rather than better .
On the SNP Government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and targets for NHS waiting times will not be met until 2021 .
Smith , responding to suggestions that no more powers should be devolved to Holyrood , wrote : `` The Scottish Parliament has not been a failure for it has legislated imaginatively , in many areas , but in the biggest areas such as education and health ... it has badly disappointed.
” On education , he continued : “ I blame all Scottish governments , including the current one , for the main part of this failure .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have failed to hold their government to account , allowing poor policy to persist . ''
He also claimed more devolution would lead to calls for more MSPs , a “ revised ” electoral system , and a new front for “ constitutional navel-gazing while another generation of Scottish children languish ” .

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One of the leading backers of a Scottish Parliament has claimed that successive governments have failed to reform schools and hospitals.
Nigel Smith, a businessman who chaired the cross-party campaign in favour of devolution in 1997, also blamed MSPs for failing to hold Ministers to account.
Smith led the official Yes campaign, Scotland Forward, which helped deliver a referendum victory for a devolved Parliament with tax-varying powers.
However, although supporters claimed devolution would improve public services, many outcomes have got worse rather than better.
On the SNP Government’s watch, the attainment gap remains wide and targets for NHS waiting times will not be met until 2021.
Smith, responding to suggestions that no more powers should be devolved to Holyrood, wrote: "The Scottish Parliament has not been a failure for it has legislated imaginatively, in many areas, but in the biggest areas such as education and health...it has badly disappointed.”
On education , he continued: “I blame all Scottish governments, including the current one, for the main part of this failure.
"But I would also include the parliamentarians who have failed to hold their government to account, allowing poor policy to persist."
He also claimed more devolution would lead to calls for more MSPs, a “revised” electoral system, and a new front for “constitutional navel-gazing while another generation of Scottish children languish”.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--"Absolute mayhem" in Castlemilk as teenagers arrested in weapons incident

Three teenage boys were arrested on Hogmanay following an incident involving “ guns and weapons ” .
Shocked Castlemilk residents told the Reformer that Ballantay Road resembled a “ movie scene ” , as armed officers descended on the street , assisted by police dogs and a helicopter .
A householder who wished not to be named told the Reformer : “ It was mad out there .
“ It all kicked off at 8pm .
There were cops with guns , dogs , even the police helicopter was out .
“ It was absolute mayhem and quite scary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The resident went on : “ At first it was the helicopter that caught our attention as we could hear it from inside the house .
“ But when we went out the front and could hear the dogs and saw the armed police we knew straight away it was something serious .
“ You see the helicopter all the time and think nothing of it .
“ But you assume the worst when you see so many different kinds of police , you think maybe there ’ s a crazy gunman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we noticed it was boys the police were after .
“ They ran away from the police and tried to hide in the wooded grassy area at the bottom of the road but , because the helicopter and dogs were also out , they had no chance of getting away .
“ It was totally unexpected , especially so close to the bells .
New year but seemingly old habits.
” A Police Scotland spokesperson said : “ Police were called around 8.30pm on Tuesday , December 31 , to a report of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A number of specialist resources attended and three boys , aged 15 , 16 and 17 , were charged in connection with the incident .
Nobody was injured and there was no wider threat to the public .
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal .
”

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Three teenage boys were arrested on Hogmanay following an incident involving “guns and weapons”.
Shocked Castlemilk residents told the Reformer that Ballantay Road resembled a “movie scene”, as armed officers descended on the street, assisted by police dogs and a helicopter.
A householder who wished not to be named told the Reformer: “It was mad out there.
“It all kicked off at 8pm. There were cops with guns, dogs, even the police helicopter was out.
“It was absolute mayhem and quite scary. Like something from a Hollywood action movie.”
The resident went on: “At first it was the helicopter that caught our attention as we could hear it from inside the house.
“But when we went out the front and could hear the dogs and saw the armed police we knew straight away it was something serious.
“You see the helicopter all the time and think nothing of it.
“But you assume the worst when you see so many different kinds of police, you think maybe there’s a crazy gunman running around or something.
“Then we noticed it was boys the police were after.
“They ran away from the police and tried to hide in the wooded grassy area at the bottom of the road but, because the helicopter and dogs were also out, they had no chance of getting away.
“It was totally unexpected, especially so close to the bells. New year but seemingly old habits.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police were called around 8.30pm on Tuesday, December 31, to a report of a disturbance on Ballantay Road, Glasgow.
“A number of specialist resources attended and three boys, aged 15, 16 and 17, were charged in connection with the incident.
Nobody was injured and there was no wider threat to the public.
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Two lorries overturn on Scots road closed by cops due to 68mph winds

Two lorries have overturned on a busy Scots road which is supposed to be closed to high-sided vehicles .
Officers from Police Scotland have urged motorists to not ignore advice about the A1 road being closed in its entirety to HGV between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh .
Cops were called to two separate incidents on the A1 between Thistly Cross and the Spot Roundabout , and the Thorntonloch just after noon today .
The incidents came after police closed the road between Haddington Junction and Thistly Cross to all vehicles after gusts of 68mph recorded .
There is currently a yellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area which could see travel disruption .
It 's expected to last until 9pm tonight .
A Police Scotland spokesman said : `` At the moment the A1 is closed to high-side vehicles from Edinburgh to the English border .
Unfortunately we 're getting drivers who are choosing to drive their high-sided vehicles on the A1 despite the closure .
`` We 've had two vehicles blown over , one at Torness and one at Dunbar .
`` So police advice would be , if you 've got a high-sided vehicle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of being charged by the police if they drive there plus there is also the safety aspect they could cause harm to themselves or other road users . ''
There are a number of bridges closed as high winds batter the country .
The A9 Dornoch and Kessock bridges are closed to high-sided vehicles , while the A92 Tay Road Bridge is shut to double decker buses .
Strong winds have shut the Skye Bridge to high-sided vehicles .
The Forth Road Bridge is also closed to double decker buses , motorcycles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pedestrians .

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Two lorries have overturned on a busy Scots road which is supposed to be closed to high-sided vehicles.
Officers from Police Scotland have urged motorists to not ignore advice about the A1 road being closed in its entirety to HGV between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh.
Cops were called to two separate incidents on the A1 between Thistly Cross and the Spot Roundabout, and the Thorntonloch just after noon today.
The incidents came after police closed the road between Haddington Junction and Thistly Cross to all vehicles after gusts of 68mph recorded.
(Image: Traffic Scotland)
There is currently a yellow Met Office weather warning for winds across the area which could see travel disruption.
It's expected to last until 9pm tonight.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "At the moment the A1 is closed to high-side vehicles from Edinburgh to the English border. Unfortunately we're getting drivers who are choosing to drive their high-sided vehicles on the A1 despite the closure.
"We've had two vehicles blown over, one at Torness and one at Dunbar .
"So police advice would be, if you've got a high-sided vehicle the A1 is closed. Drivers face the risk of being charged by the police if they drive there plus there is also the safety aspect they could cause harm to themselves or other road users."
There are a number of bridges closed as high winds batter the country.
The A9 Dornoch and Kessock bridges are closed to high-sided vehicles, while the A92 Tay Road Bridge is shut to double decker buses.
Strong winds have shut the Skye Bridge to high-sided vehicles. The Forth Road Bridge is also closed to double decker buses, motorcycles, cyclists, vehicles with trailers and pedestrians.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-07--Universal Credit and benefit cuts putting tenants at risk of homelessness

Tenants face the growing risk of being made homeless because of welfare cuts and rising rents , a hard-hitting Scottish Government report warns .
The annual snapshot found 3320 families claiming help with housing costs are £64 a week worse off following a £300 million cut in UK welfare spending in Scotland .
The findings add to the impact of the Universal Credit payment , which combines six old benefits and has been blamed for soaring rent arrears and poverty .
As of March last year , arrears on council properties totalled £74 million - up £9 million on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish housing minister , said : “ UK Government welfare cuts are squeezing more families into poverty and leaving them struggling to afford appropriate accommodation .
“ As the private rental market becomes increasingly less accessible to those on low income , cutting housing benefit by £64 per week for some families puts them at risk of homelessness .
The UK Government must act urgently to reverse these cuts and support those renting in the private sector.
” The third annual report on welfare reform , published on Tuesday , focused on housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local Housing Allowance , which has rates set regionally for private tenants .
Rates were frozen by the Tory-led UK Government and it is “ unclear ” if they will change after March this year .
The Scottish Government said the weekly cash shortfall between the LHA rate and families in the cheapest 30 per cent of properties is getting worse .
For four-bedroom housing , the shortfall is as high as £114.31 a week in Lothian , which covers Edinburgh .
For a one-bed property , it is highest at £27.63 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glasgow and £11.51 in East Dunbartonshire .
The proportion of households in private rented homes increased from just five per cent in 1999 to 14 per cent in 2018 .
At the same time , rents have grown .
Tenants must make up the shortfall , move away from their area “ or have to apply as homeless ” , the report warned .
A spokeswoman for the UK Department for Work and Pensions said : `` Since 2011 we have provided around £1 billion to local authorities to make Discretionary Housing Payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an additional £40 million available .
“ The UK government continues to spend around £95 billion a year on working age benefits .
Meanwhile , Scotland has significant welfare powers and can top-up existing benefits , pay discretionary payments and create entirely new benefits altogether . ''

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Tenants face the growing risk of being made homeless because of welfare cuts and rising rents, a hard-hitting Scottish Government report warns.
The annual snapshot found 3320 families claiming help with housing costs are £64 a week worse off following a £300 million cut in UK welfare spending in Scotland.
The findings add to the impact of the Universal Credit payment, which combines six old benefits and has been blamed for soaring rent arrears and poverty.
As of March last year, arrears on council properties totalled £74 million - up £9 million on the previous year.
Kevin Stewart, the Scottish housing minister, said: “UK Government welfare cuts are squeezing more families into poverty and leaving them struggling to afford appropriate accommodation.
“As the private rental market becomes increasingly less accessible to those on low income, cutting housing benefit by £64 per week for some families puts them at risk of homelessness. The UK Government must act urgently to reverse these cuts and support those renting in the private sector.”
The third annual report on welfare reform, published on Tuesday, focused on housing and social security and the squeeze on Local Housing Allowance, which has rates set regionally for private tenants. Rates were frozen by the Tory-led UK Government and it is “unclear” if they will change after March this year.
(Image: Andrew Cowan)
The Scottish Government said the weekly cash shortfall between the LHA rate and families in the cheapest 30 per cent of properties is getting worse.
For four-bedroom housing, the shortfall is as high as £114.31 a week in Lothian, which covers Edinburgh.
For a one-bed property, it is highest at £27.63 in Lothian, followed by £21.86 in Greater Glasgow and £11.51 in East Dunbartonshire.
The proportion of households in private rented homes increased from just five per cent in 1999 to 14 per cent in 2018. At the same time, rents have grown.
Tenants must make up the shortfall, move away from their area “or have to apply as homeless”, the report warned.
A spokeswoman for the UK Department for Work and Pensions said: "Since 2011 we have provided around £1 billion to local authorities to make Discretionary Housing Payments and in 2020-2021, we will make an additional £40 million available.
“The UK government continues to spend around £95 billion a year on working age benefits. Meanwhile, Scotland has significant welfare powers and can top-up existing benefits, pay discretionary payments and create entirely new benefits altogether."


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--Three railway stations in Dumbarton aren't accessible to those with disabilities

Calls are being made to make three Dumbarton railway stations accessible to disabled travellers .
A new report published by Leonard Cheshire has revealed that almost half of train stations in Scotland are entirely inaccessible to many people who have disabilities .
In Dumbarton , there are three stations that are not accessible , which are Dumbarton Central , Dumbarton East and Dalreoch .
Jackie Baillie MSP said : “ The fact that almost half of Scotland ’ s rail stations including three in Dumbarton are inaccessible to disabled people is utterly unacceptable.
” Jackie added : “ Everyone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel and commute without barriers.
” The report states that 47 percent of Scottish railway stations have no step-free access , leaving the entire network inaccessible for disabled people to travel on .
The findings put the UK Government ’ s 2030 target to make all rail journeys step-free in 40 years at the current rate of completion in serious doubt .
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman told the Lennox Herald : “ Rail accessibility is reserved to the UK Government and , while we work closely with the Department for Transport to agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
“ That is why we continue to push for full devolution of rail powers to enable us to better deliver for Scotland ’ s rail users .
“ Where there is no disabled access at a particular station , passengers can make arrangements with ScotRail for taxi transportation to/from the nearest manned station.
” She added that the Scottish Government is committed to improving access at stations beyond the UK Government programme .
For more local news from West Dunbartonshire click here .

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Calls are being made to make three Dumbarton railway stations accessible to disabled travellers.
A new report published by Leonard Cheshire has revealed that almost half of train stations in Scotland are entirely inaccessible to many people who have disabilities.
In Dumbarton, there are three stations that are not accessible, which are Dumbarton Central, Dumbarton East and Dalreoch.
Jackie Baillie MSP said: “The fact that almost half of Scotland’s rail stations including three in Dumbarton are inaccessible to disabled people is utterly unacceptable.”
Jackie added: “Everyone in our society deserves to be able to travel and commute without barriers.”
The report states that 47 percent of Scottish railway stations have no step-free access, leaving the entire network inaccessible for disabled people to travel on.
The findings put the UK Government’s 2030 target to make all rail journeys step-free in 40 years at the current rate of completion in serious doubt.
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman told the Lennox Herald: “Rail accessibility is reserved to the UK Government and, while we work closely with the Department for Transport to agree priorities, the final decision rests with them.
“That is why we continue to push for full devolution of rail powers to enable us to better deliver for Scotland’s rail users.
“Where there is no disabled access at a particular station, passengers can make arrangements with ScotRail for taxi transportation to/from the nearest manned station.”
She added that the Scottish Government is committed to improving access at stations beyond the UK Government programme.
For more local news from West Dunbartonshire click here .


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--Vale singing star Alfie ends year with dream Glasgow gig

A Vale singing sensation celebrated the end of a landmark year with a dream gig at King Tut ’ s .
Following in the footsteps of his idol Lewis Capaldi , Alfie King walked the famous steps at the iconic Glasgow venue for a special showcase in December .
The 11-year-old became big news last year when he and singing partner Ava Macfarlane impressed music superstar Will.i.am on The Voice Kids .
The duo got through to the battle stages and won praise from The Black Eyed Peas frontman as well as Jessie J .
His proud mum Tracy told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent successes which followed on from he and Ava supporting an Ariana Grande tribute act .
She said : “ Alfie also sings himself .
“ He was playing the King Tut ’ s main stage .
Lewis Capaldi is his idol and he has been on that stage .
“ He kept saying he couldn ’ t believe he was playing on the same stage as him .
“ He does a lot of open mic nights in Glasgow and the opportunity came where he was asked to do a showcase with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loves singing .
Anywhere he can go to sing then he will do it.
” Alfie also marked the end of a successful 2019 by doing two special free gigs on Christmas Day and Boxing Day .
The schoolboy was determined to spread festive cheer to those who don ’ t have others to spend it with and celebrated December 25 with guests at the St Augustine ’ s Church Christmas lunch .
A meal is provided for those experiencing loneliness or who struggle at Christmas and Alfie helped bring extra joy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents at Crosslet Care Home in Dumbarton on Boxing Day , where he and Ava had performed a few months ago , getting the residents clapping and singing along .
Mum Tracy previously told how Alfie ’ s New Year ’ s resolution was to do more gigs at care homes saying : “ He just loves doing those gigs and the residents love him too.
” For more local news from West Dunbartonshire click here .

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A Vale singing sensation celebrated the end of a landmark year with a dream gig at King Tut’s.
Following in the footsteps of his idol Lewis Capaldi, Alfie King walked the famous steps at the iconic Glasgow venue for a special showcase in December.
The 11-year-old became big news last year when he and singing partner Ava Macfarlane impressed music superstar Will.i.am on The Voice Kids.
The duo got through to the battle stages and won praise from The Black Eyed Peas frontman as well as Jessie J.
His proud mum Tracy told the Lennox Herald all about his most recent successes which followed on from he and Ava supporting an Ariana Grande tribute act.
She said: “Alfie also sings himself.
“He was playing the King Tut’s main stage. Lewis Capaldi is his idol and he has been on that stage.
“He kept saying he couldn’t believe he was playing on the same stage as him.
“He does a lot of open mic nights in Glasgow and the opportunity came where he was asked to do a showcase with some other singers.
“He just loves singing. Anywhere he can go to sing then he will do it.”
Alfie also marked the end of a successful 2019 by doing two special free gigs on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The schoolboy was determined to spread festive cheer to those who don’t have others to spend it with and celebrated December 25 with guests at the St Augustine’s Church Christmas lunch.
A meal is provided for those experiencing loneliness or who struggle at Christmas and Alfie helped bring extra joy to them this year.
He also entertained residents at Crosslet Care Home in Dumbarton on Boxing Day, where he and Ava had performed a few months ago, getting the residents clapping and singing along.
Mum Tracy previously told how Alfie’s New Year’s resolution was to do more gigs at care homes saying: “He just loves doing those gigs and the residents love him too.”
For more local news from West Dunbartonshire click here .


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--A Dumfries mum finds out her car had been written off after she was contacted on Facebook

A pregnant woman only realised her car had been written off outside her front door when a friend told her on Facebook .
Gabriella Parello ’ s Honda was one of five that was damaged in an incident in Galloway Street in Dumfries on New Year ’ s eve .
When the 31-year-old went out to have a look the next day , she found her vehicle “ sandwiched ” between two others and cordoned off by police tape .
Gabriella said : “ A friend contacted me on Facebook and asked what had happened to my car .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hadn ’ t heard a thing .
“ I got home from my work around 4.45pm on Tuesday and was in for the night .
“ It seems like a car crashed into one which then shunted into the others , but I don ’ t have a clue what happened because nobody has told me .
“ I ’ m 17 weeks pregnant and have a young son —I couldn ’ t sleep after seeing the car as I was so stressed .
“ Our car is so old it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wasn ’ t able to contact my insurance company for days because we didn ’ t know the extent of the damage .
“ I went outside and the cars were surrounded by police tape .
I use my car all the time to get to work at Tesco and to go to my maternity appointments .
“ We ’ ll need to get a new car , which we can ’ t afford .
“ I ’ d like to know what happened .
Thank goodness I wasn ’ t in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time.
” A police spokesman said : “ A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged with road traffic offences following a crash that occurred in Galloway Street on December 31 .
“ A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal .
”

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A pregnant woman only realised her car had been written off outside her front door when a friend told her on Facebook.
Gabriella Parello’s Honda was one of five that was damaged in an incident in Galloway Street in Dumfries on New Year’s eve.
When the 31-year-old went out to have a look the next day, she found her vehicle “sandwiched” between two others and cordoned off by police tape.
Gabriella said: “A friend contacted me on Facebook and asked what had happened to my car. That’s the first I knew because I hadn’t heard a thing.
“I got home from my work around 4.45pm on Tuesday and was in for the night.
“It seems like a car crashed into one which then shunted into the others, but I don’t have a clue what happened because nobody has told me.
“I’m 17 weeks pregnant and have a young son —I couldn’t sleep after seeing the car as I was so stressed.
“Our car is so old it’s bound to be a write-off but I wasn’t able to contact my insurance company for days because we didn’t know the extent of the damage.
“I went outside and the cars were surrounded by police tape. I use my car all the time to get to work at Tesco and to go to my maternity appointments.
“We’ll need to get a new car, which we can’t afford.
“I’d like to know what happened. Thank goodness I wasn’t in the car with my young son at the time.”
A police spokesman said: “A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged with road traffic offences following a crash that occurred in Galloway Street on December 31.
“A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.”


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--A New Year nightmare for Kelloholm couple after their home is destroyed by fire

A brave dad smashed in a door in a bid to stop his daughter ’ s house from going up in flames .
Jack Woonton raced from his own home after a neighbour told him Kimberley and Chris McMillan ’ s house in Kelloholm ’ s Greystone Avenue was on fire .
But the 57-year-old was beaten back by the heat after smashing down the door with a mallet and an axe .
Kimberley and Chris were both at work at the time , while their two young children were at grandfather Jack ’ s house .
But their pets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perished in the smoke-filled building .
The devastated family has been left homeless after the incident on New Year ’ s eve .
Kimberley ’ s sister Jacqui Haddow said : “ It was a sad end to 2019 for my sister and her family .
Her family home caught fire and it destroyed most of their belongings .
“ The firemen who were on scene were amazing and did the best they could but unfortunately the family pets didn ’ t make it.
” Jacqui , 27 , was also at her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fire .
She said : “ Kimberley ’ s neighbour ran along to tell us and my dad raced there and managed to smash the back door in to try to save the pets but the heat was too much for him to do anything .
“ The kitchen is totally destroyed and the rest of the house is jet black .
“ There ’ s absolutely no way they can live there .
“ Kimberley and Chris were at work at the time .
“ We couldn ’ t get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberley knew about it was when she finished at Brown Brothers , which is practically across the road from the house .
“ She saw the smoke billowing and people told her in the street her house was on fire .
She was in total shock.
” Kimberley , 29 , and 30-year-old Chris had only lived in the house for around a year with their children Maxwell , nine , and five-year-old Haillie .
The community is now rallying together to help the family .
A JustGiving page has been set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and items for another house .
Jack thanked the fire crews from Sanquhar and New Cumnock as well as Crossriggs vets following the fire , which happened around 1.30pm .
He added : “ We are now just waiting on a report coming back to establish the cause of the fire .
“ It could have been a far different story if it had happened during the night .
It ’ s unthinkable .
“ They are devastated at losing their pets but my grandkids , daughter and son-in-law are here to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The community spirit of the people of Kelloholm , Kirkconnel and Sanquhar is second to none and I want to thank them all.
” To help the family by making a donation , visit https : //www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mcmillanfamily .

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A brave dad smashed in a door in a bid to stop his daughter’s house from going up in flames.
Jack Woonton raced from his own home after a neighbour told him Kimberley and Chris McMillan’s house in Kelloholm’s Greystone Avenue was on fire.
But the 57-year-old was beaten back by the heat after smashing down the door with a mallet and an axe.
Kimberley and Chris were both at work at the time, while their two young children were at grandfather Jack’s house.
But their pets, dog Forrest and cat Nala, perished in the smoke-filled building.
The devastated family has been left homeless after the incident on New Year’s eve.
Kimberley’s sister Jacqui Haddow said: “It was a sad end to 2019 for my sister and her family. Her family home caught fire and it destroyed most of their belongings.
“The firemen who were on scene were amazing and did the best they could but unfortunately the family pets didn’t make it.”
Jacqui, 27, was also at her parents’ house when they were alerted to the fire.
She said: “Kimberley’s neighbour ran along to tell us and my dad raced there and managed to smash the back door in to try to save the pets but the heat was too much for him to do
anything.
“The kitchen is totally destroyed and the rest of the house is jet black.
“There’s absolutely no way they can live there.
“Kimberley and Chris were at work at the time.
“We couldn’t get in contact with them and the first Kimberley knew about it was when she finished at Brown Brothers, which is practically across the road from the house.
“She saw the smoke billowing and people told her in the street her house was on fire. She was in total shock.”
Kimberley, 29, and 30-year-old Chris had only lived in the house for around a year with their children Maxwell, nine, and five-year-old Haillie.
The community is now rallying together to help the family.
A JustGiving page has been set up and people have been offering them clothes and items for another house.
Jack thanked the fire crews from Sanquhar and New Cumnock as well as Crossriggs vets following the fire, which happened around 1.30pm.
He added: “We are now just waiting on a report coming back to establish the cause of the
fire.
“It could have been a far different story if it had happened during the night. It’s unthinkable.
“They are devastated at losing their pets but my grandkids, daughter and son-in-law are here to tell the tale and to make more memories.
“The community spirit of the people of Kelloholm, Kirkconnel and Sanquhar is second to none and I want to thank them all.”
To help the family by making a donation, click here.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--Coatbridge community enjoy second annual Christmas lunch

COMMUNITY groups from across Coatbridge came together in numbers to share and enjoy a very special Christmas lunch .
A grand total of 100 guests attended the second annual festive event at the Georgian Hotel in Blairhill , organised by Coatbridge West councillor Caroline Stephen .
Members of groups for older people , community organisations and users of the area ’ s community centres were among those invited along to the celebration – which has doubled in size since the previous year .
They enjoyed arrival drinks and a three-course meal , as well as dancing , singing , party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councillor Stephen told the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser : “ It was really successful and was a really beautiful community event – it was so nice to see everyone mixing together .
“ Everybody had an excellent day and it ’ s brilliant to see this event getting even bigger ; we had twice as many as the year before and I ’ m already wondering how to make it even better this Christmas !
“ The party games were hilarious , and everybody was involved.
” She added : “ The guest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coatbridge area , like those at Old Monkland community centre and the Safety Zone in Bargeddie ; they ’ re there when I ’ m at those venues doing my surgeries .
“ We ’ d also been contacted about Coatbridge Men ’ s Shed and the men ’ s group at Whifflet , so it was great to have them there and for this Christmas celebration to be getting even bigger .
“ The guys from the Men ’ s Shed were fantastic and such a joy to have there as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen extended her thanks to Georgian Hotel manager Brendan Crozier and all the staff there , Nan Frame from the Safety Zone , and locally-based firms Barratt Homes , Taylor Wimpey , Paterson ’ s Quarries and Viridor who all provided funding for the lunch .
She said : “ I ’ d like to thank all the community groups for attending and the companies who provided funding – if not for their generous donations , we wouldn ’ t be able to have this event .
“ It was a great success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people together and have those from all these different groups and areas socialising and having fun together at Christmas .
”

reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk (Judith  Tonner)

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COMMUNITY groups from across Coatbridge came together in numbers to share and enjoy a very special Christmas lunch.
A grand total of 100 guests attended the second annual festive event at the Georgian Hotel in Blairhill, organised by Coatbridge West councillor Caroline Stephen.
Members of groups for older people, community organisations and users of the area’s community centres were among those invited along to the celebration – which has doubled in size since the previous year.
They enjoyed arrival drinks and a three-course meal, as well as dancing, singing, party games and entertainment from a DJ.
Councillor Stephen told the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser: “It was really successful and was a really beautiful community event – it was so nice to see everyone mixing together.
“Everybody had an excellent day and it’s brilliant to see this event getting even bigger; we had twice as many as the year before and I’m already wondering how to make it even better this Christmas!
“The party games were hilarious, and everybody was involved.”
She added: “The guest list comes from community groups in the Coatbridge area, like those at Old Monkland community centre and the Safety Zone in Bargeddie; they’re there when I’m at those venues doing my surgeries.
“We’d also been contacted about Coatbridge Men’s Shed and the men’s group at Whifflet, so it was great to have them there and for this Christmas celebration to be getting even bigger.
“The guys from the Men’s Shed were fantastic and such a joy to have there as they had everybody up dancing!”
Councillor Stephen extended her thanks to Georgian Hotel manager Brendan Crozier and all the staff there, Nan Frame from the Safety Zone, and locally-based firms Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Paterson’s Quarries and Viridor who all provided funding for the lunch.
She said: “I’d like to thank all the community groups for attending and the companies who provided funding – if not for their generous donations, we wouldn’t be able to have this event.
“It was a great success, and it was fantastic to get people together and have those from all these different groups and areas socialising and having fun together at Christmas.”


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--Pedestrian dies after being hit by car on Edinburgh road

A pedestrian has died following a crash on an Edinburgh road .
The 63-year-old man was struck by a Nissan @ @ @ @ @ between the junctions with Parkgrove Avenue and Drum Brae North at around 9.10pm on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead at the scene .
The Edinburgh Police Division tweeted that Queensferry Road @ @ @ @ @ after the incident .
Drivers were urged to avoid the area while officials attend to @ @ @ @ @ was closed for four hours .
Sergeant Jennifer Forbes of Edinburgh Road Policing Unit said @ @ @ @ @ crash are ongoing .
`` We have already spoken to a number of people who @ @ @ @ @ appeal to anyone we haven ’ t spoken to regarding this to please contact us @ @ @ @ @ urge anyone with dashcam footage to get in contact with police.
” Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ on 101 quoting incident number 3488 of Tuesday , January 7 .

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A pedestrian has died following a crash on an Edinburgh road.
The 63-year-old man was struck by a Nissan Note on Queensferry Road, between the junctions with Parkgrove Avenue and Drum Brae North at around 9.10pm on Tuesday, January 7.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Edinburgh Police Division tweeted that Queensferry Road was closed in both direction after the incident.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area while officials attend to the crash.
The road was closed for four hours.
Sergeant Jennifer Forbes of Edinburgh Road Policing Unit said: “Enquires into this crash are ongoing.
"We have already spoken to a number of people who witnessed the incident but would appeal to anyone we haven’t spoken to regarding this to please contact us.
“I would also urge anyone with dashcam footage to get in contact with police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 3488 of Tuesday, January 7.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--England internationalist arrives at Livingston in loan deal

Livingston have made their first signing of the January transfer window as goalkeeper Ryan Schofield arrives on loan from Huddersfield Town .
The 20-year-old will replace Matija Sarkic , who was recalled by his parent club Aston Villa after their first choice keeper Tom Heaton suffered a season-ending injury over the festive period .
Schofield has represented England at under-18 , under-19 and under-20 level and his considered a top prospect .
The youngster has featured twice for the Championship outfit this season , including keeping a clean sheet on his league debut against Middlesbrough .
He spent the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Notts County in League Two and will look to continue his development in the Scottish top flight for the remainder of the current campaign .
Schofield travelled out with the team to their winter training camp in La Manga and could feature in friendlies against Jong Ajax and Anderlecht .
The keeper said : “ The deal happened quite quickly , but as soon as I heard about it I was ready to go and get started .
It ’ s valuable as a young goalkeeper to get games , and I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some games , if possible .
“ I think the opportunity was too good to turn down when you look at the teams in the league and the profile of the league .
Everyone ’ s in it together here and that ’ s something I like when approaching games.
” Schofield is set to battle it out with Ross Stewart for the starting spot .
Stewart had been given the gloves to start the season before losing out to Sarkic .
The Montenegrin returned to Villa after making 18 appearances for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His impressive performances also earned him a first-ever call-up to the Montenegro squad where he kept a clean sheet on his international debut against Belarus .
Meanwhile , Livingston have missed out on signing Motherwell goalie Trevor Carson to a pre-contract .
The club had been keen to get the Northern Ireland international in for next season but the stopper has committed his future to the ‘ Well by agreeing a two-year extension to his deal , which was due to expire at the end of the season .

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Livingston have made their first signing of the January transfer window as goalkeeper Ryan Schofield arrives on loan from Huddersfield Town.
The 20-year-old will replace Matija Sarkic, who was recalled by his parent club Aston Villa after their first choice keeper Tom Heaton suffered a season-ending injury over the festive period.
Schofield has represented England at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level and his considered a top prospect.
The youngster has featured twice for the Championship outfit this season, including keeping a clean sheet on his league debut against Middlesbrough.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Notts County in League Two and will look to continue his development in the Scottish top flight for the remainder of the current campaign.
Schofield travelled out with the team to their winter training camp in La Manga and could feature in friendlies against Jong Ajax and Anderlecht.
The keeper said: “The deal happened quite quickly, but as soon as I heard about it I was ready to go and get started. It’s valuable as a young goalkeeper to get games, and I want to kick on and hopefully rack up some games, if possible.
“I think the opportunity was too good to turn down when you look at the teams in the league and the profile of the league. Everyone’s in it together here and that’s something I like when approaching games.”
Schofield is set to battle it out with Ross Stewart for the starting spot. Stewart had been given the gloves to start the season before losing out to Sarkic.
The Montenegrin returned to Villa after making 18 appearances for the Lions, including keeping seven clean sheets.
His impressive performances also earned him a first-ever call-up to the Montenegro squad where he kept a clean sheet on his international debut against Belarus.
Meanwhile, Livingston have missed out on signing Motherwell goalie Trevor Carson to a pre-contract.
The club had been keen to get the Northern Ireland international in for next season but the stopper has committed his future to the ‘Well by agreeing a two-year extension to his deal, which was due to expire at the end of the season.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--Airdrie youngster chosen as official ambassador for festive carnival

AIRDRIE schoolboy Ciaran Davies is enjoying all the fun of the fair as he kicks off the new year – after being chosen as an official ambassador of the 100th annual festive Carnival in Glasgow .
The seven-year-old was chosen as one of five official ambassadors for the 2019 centenary event and will become the face of the funfair , which runs at the SEC until Sunday .
Ciaran won unlimited and behind-the-scenes access to the month-long fair for himself and three relatives or friends ; and is sharing his favourite rides , top tips for visitors and stories of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50,000 social media followers .
He was chosen for the role after the Glasgow institution launched a search to find the event ’ s biggest fans , aiming to celebrate carnival-goers from across the decades .
Sponsored by Irn Bru , the Carnival is Europe ’ s largest indoor funfair and includes 65 rides from the traditional carousel to new favourites like the Drop Zone , as well as stalls and a hall of memories for its 100th year .
Greg Cherry , the managing director of QD Events , praised the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said : “ Each winner is a true Carnival super-fan , and we can ’ t wait to see what fantastic content Ciaran will create as part of his role .
“ The amount of entries we received really showed us how important the Carnival is to people and we ’ re delighted to be able to include some of our regulars in our centenary celebrations , and invite our visitors to follow their experiences with us.
” Meanwhile , festive shoppers in Airdrie were also treated to a quirky sing-song as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the town ’ s branch of Morrisons .
Irn Bru sent its “ phenomenally festive ” carol crew to the store as part of a whistlestop tour of central Scotland which saw the singers start at the AG Barr factory in Cumbernauld and then make six stops through Lanarkshire , West Lothian and Edinburgh .
Decked out in orange , the distinctive choir serenaded shoppers with “ festive favourites with a twist ” , including Hark !
The Happy Drinkers Sing !
, Joy to the Weeg and Jingle Bru .

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AIRDRIE schoolboy Ciaran Davies is enjoying all the fun of the fair as he kicks off the new year – after being chosen as an official ambassador of the 100th annual festive Carnival in Glasgow.
The seven-year-old was chosen as one of five official ambassadors for the 2019 centenary event and will become the face of the funfair, which runs at the SEC until Sunday.
Ciaran won unlimited and behind-the-scenes access to the month-long fair for himself and three relatives or friends; and is sharing his favourite rides, top tips for visitors and stories of his trips to the Carnival with its 50,000 social media followers.
He was chosen for the role after the Glasgow institution launched a search to find the event’s biggest fans, aiming to celebrate carnival-goers from across the decades.
Sponsored by Irn Bru, the Carnival is Europe’s largest indoor funfair and includes 65 rides from the traditional carousel to new favourites like the Drop Zone, as well as stalls and a hall of memories for its 100th year.
Greg Cherry, the managing director of QD Events, praised the “amazing entries” to the ambassador competition and said: “Each winner is a true Carnival super-fan, and we can’t wait to see what fantastic content Ciaran will create as part of his role.
“The amount of entries we received really showed us how important the Carnival is to people and we’re delighted to be able to include some of our regulars in our centenary celebrations, and invite our visitors to follow their experiences with us.”
Meanwhile, festive shoppers in Airdrie were also treated to a quirky sing-song as they stocked up on Christmas essentials at the town’s branch of Morrisons.
Irn Bru sent its “phenomenally festive” carol crew to the store as part of a whistlestop tour of central Scotland which saw the singers start at the AG Barr factory in Cumbernauld and then make six stops through Lanarkshire, West Lothian and Edinburgh.
Decked out in orange, the distinctive choir serenaded shoppers with “festive favourites with a twist”, including Hark! The Happy Drinkers Sing!, Joy to the Weeg and Jingle Bru.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--Council hammered over 'suicidal thoughts are not an illness' Facebook post

North Lanarkshire Council have made a public apology after a social media post regarding suicide received a huge backlash .
Last night , as part of their Suicide Prevention Campaign , the local authority posted a status on Facebook which said : “ Suicidal thoughts are not an illness.
” Many users hit out at the post calling it “ disgusting ” and “ extremely insensitive ” while a suicide prevention organisation branded the post “ utterly shameful ” .
The full council post read : “ Suicidal thoughts are not an illness .
“ Everyone has an individual story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s personal to you , your background , your experiences and your history .
“ Your strength and personality will get you through it .
By telling and sharing your story you can help yourself and others .
“ Never give up on yourself or those you care about.
” Suicide prevention organisation WHY ?
The Graham Fraser Foundation hit out at the comments from the council .
A spokesperson said : “ It ’ s utterly shameful to ever write such a thing shame , North Lanarkshire Council .
Stand up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rubbish and being so insensitive.
” The foundation was set up by family after Graham , a 27-year-old father from Motherwell , took his own life last year .
Graham Fraser ’ s partner Natalie Fraser told us that she was disgusted by the post .
She said : “ We ’ re extremely disappointed at how insensitive North Lanarkshire Council have been towards so many families that have lost loved ones due to mental health and mental illness .
“ Depression is definitely an illness and their comments are disgraceful and someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They mentioned in the post that their personality will get you through .
Our Graham had the biggest personality and biggest smile in the room and would always be the most out going character person .
“ So personality doesn ’ t always get you through when you have a mental illness or when you have depression .
It is not NOT an illness.
” There was a huge backlash against the council ’ s post by the public .
One person said : “ This is the most disgusting post on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another said : “ I hope no one reading this is suicidal.
” And another added : “ This post is one of the most damaging posts I have seen on social media in a long time .
Removing it will not repair the hurt it has caused.
” The post has since been removed and the council have issued an apology .
A spokesperson for Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire said : “ We apologise if our social media post about suicide prevention caused upset .
“ This was certainly not the intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this subject and that many people may experience mental ill health and suicidal thoughts at any point in their life .
“ We are committed to offering support and advice through our suicide prevention campaign to anyone concerned about suicide or worried about someone with suicidal thoughts .
”

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North Lanarkshire Council have made a public apology after a social media post regarding suicide received a huge backlash.
Last night, as part of their Suicide Prevention Campaign, the local authority posted a status on Facebook which said: “Suicidal thoughts are not an illness.”
Many users hit out at the post calling it “disgusting” and “extremely insensitive” while a suicide prevention organisation branded the post “utterly shameful”.
The full council post read: “Suicidal thoughts are not an illness.
“Everyone has an individual story and worries of their own. It’s personal to you, your background, your experiences and your history.
“Your strength and personality will get you through it. By telling and sharing your story you can help yourself and others.
“Never give up on yourself or those you care about.”
Suicide prevention organisation WHY? The Graham Fraser Foundation hit out at the comments from the council.
A spokesperson said: “It’s utterly shameful to ever write such a thing shame, North Lanarkshire Council. Stand up and explain and apologise for writing such rubbish and being so insensitive.”
The foundation was set up by family after Graham, a 27-year-old father from Motherwell, took his own life last year.
Graham Fraser’s partner Natalie Fraser told us that she was disgusted by the post. She said: “We’re extremely disappointed at how insensitive North Lanarkshire Council have been towards so many families that have lost loved ones due to mental health and mental illness.
“Depression is definitely an illness and their comments are disgraceful and someone must be held accountable for it.
“They mentioned in the post that their personality will get you through. Our Graham had the biggest personality and biggest smile in the room and would always be the most out going character person.
“So personality doesn’t always get you through when you have a mental illness or when you have depression. It is not NOT an illness.”
There was a huge backlash against the council’s post by the public.
One person said: “This is the most disgusting post on suicide I have ever read.”
While another said: “I hope no one reading this is suicidal.”
And another added: “This post is one of the most damaging posts I have seen on social media in a long time. Removing it will not repair the hurt it has caused.”
The post has since been removed and the council have issued an apology.
A spokesperson for Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire said: “We apologise if our social media post about suicide prevention caused upset.
“This was certainly not the intention and we fully understand the sensitivities around this subject and that many people may experience mental ill health and suicidal thoughts at any point in their life.
“We are committed to offering support and advice through our suicide prevention campaign to anyone concerned about suicide or worried about someone with suicidal thoughts.”


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--Hundreds of trees planted by school pupils at new Airdrie woodland

A NEW woodland has been created in Clarkston with the planting of hundreds of trees by local schoolchildren and residents .
They took part in a community planting day at the open space off Clement Drive , with pupils from Clarkston Primary joining forces with residents of the Crystal Park , Wallace Wynd and Victoria Gardens housing developments and taking turns to plant the new saplings .
More than 800 trees will be planted on the two-acre site in the coming months , as part of an environmental project arranged and financed by housing development factors Newton property management as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The company is promoting community tree planting to help absorb carbon dioxide emissions and improve the local environment , saying : “ Factors help manage lots of private housing estates which contain surplus land and this could be used to plant trees – the potential is enormous.
” Each tree planted at the initial community woodland day was then name-tagged by one of the Clarkston Primary pupils or youngsters living in the estate – who will now get to see the individual tree bearing their name grow and develop over the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ association chair Tracey Kinloch said : “ This project is a great opportunity to help our environment and to teach local children about the importance of our trees .
“ The school presented the Woodland ’ s Trust story on The Man Who Planted Trees at assembly , which explains how it breathes life into the landscape and brings the community together .
“ Children then enjoyed planting the trees , and they ’ ll be able to watch their tree grow over the years.
” Derek MacDonald , who is Newton ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Creating a tactile link for a child between planting a tree , seeing it grow and the benefits to the environment is really the best way to encourage future generations , and we ’ re delighted to help get schemes like this off the ground.
” Also joining the pupils and residents for the planting ceremony at the housing development – on the site of the town ’ s former Boots factory – were staff from the property management firm and Airdrie North councillor Alan Beveridge .

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A NEW woodland has been created in Clarkston with the planting of hundreds of trees by local schoolchildren and residents.
They took part in a community planting day at the open space off Clement Drive, with pupils from Clarkston Primary joining forces with residents of the Crystal Park, Wallace Wynd and Victoria Gardens housing developments and taking turns to plant the new saplings.
More than 800 trees will be planted on the two-acre site in the coming months, as part of an environmental project arranged and financed by housing development factors Newton property management as part of their 2020 Green Vision campaign.
The company is promoting community tree planting to help absorb carbon dioxide emissions and improve the local environment, saying: “Factors help manage lots of private housing estates which contain surplus land and this could be used to plant trees – the potential is enormous.”
Each tree planted at the initial community woodland day was then name-tagged by one of the Clarkston Primary pupils or youngsters living in the estate – who will now get to see the individual tree bearing their name grow and develop over the coming years.
New Clarkston estates owners’ association chair Tracey Kinloch said: “This project is a great opportunity to help our environment and to teach local children about the importance of our trees.
“The school presented the Woodland’s Trust story on The Man Who Planted Trees at assembly, which explains how it breathes life into the landscape and brings the community together.
“Children then enjoyed planting the trees, and they’ll be able to watch their tree grow over the years.”
Derek MacDonald, who is Newton’s joint managing director, said: “Creating a tactile link for a child between planting a tree, seeing it grow and the benefits to the environment is really the best way to encourage future generations, and we’re delighted to help get schemes like this off the ground.”
Also joining the pupils and residents for the planting ceremony at the housing development – on the site of the town’s former Boots factory – were staff from the property management firm and Airdrie North councillor Alan Beveridge.


thedailyrecord--2020-01-08--Coatbridge school pupils learn more about Fairtrade work

PUPILS at Buchanan High showed they have an appetite for supporting Fairtrade as they welcomed visitors to learn more about helping farmers and families in the developing world .
Youngsters at the Coatbridge school had a visit from fruit and vegetable wholesaler and supplier George Carruthers and Sons , who gave them the chance to taste a variety of Fairtrade produce .
The pupils found out more about how Fairtrade ensures those producing goods are paid a fair price , and how it assists farmers , workers , producers , their families and communities with better deals and using methods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects John Kennedy said : “ We have a Fairtrade committee in the school , who organise our Fairtrade coffee shop and tuck shop during Fairtrade fortnight .
“ We ’ re also proud to have Fairtrade as part of our modern studies course .
“ We want to encourage pupils ’ understanding of their wider environment and how their actions can improve the quality of life in the developing countries.
” The visit was part of the current programme of work to earn Fairtrade status for North Lanarkshire , through projects including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , restaurants and bars sell Fairtrade products , which are used by businesses , clubs and social groups .
Airdrie gained the accolade in 2015 , recognising locals ’ efforts to use goods including tea , coffee , sugar , chocolate and bananas where producers in developing countries are appropriately paid .
North Lanarkshire set up a Fairtrade steering group in October 2018 to help work towards earning the Fairtrade zone status ; its members include Airdrie Academy pupils , Airdrie North councillor Alan Beveridge , and representatives of community councils , businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lanarkshire ’ s youth forum .
The council has also agreed to promote Fairtrade items in refreshment areas and with local retailers and businesses , support the Fairtrade towns initiative and give annual Fairtrade fortnight , and backed an international charter raising awareness of Fairtrade and acknowledging its positive impact .
Steering group chair John McDonald said : “ We have power in our hands to make choices that help others to have better lives – Fairtrade challenges people to think about the source of goods we buy , and we can all @ @ @ @ @

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PUPILS at Buchanan High showed they have an appetite for supporting Fairtrade as they welcomed visitors to learn more about helping farmers and families in the developing world.
Youngsters at the Coatbridge school had a visit from fruit and vegetable wholesaler and supplier George Carruthers and Sons, who gave them the chance to taste a variety of Fairtrade produce.
The pupils found out more about how Fairtrade ensures those producing goods are paid a fair price, and how it assists farmers, workers, producers, their families and communities with better deals and using methods that encourage sustainability.
Head of social subjects John Kennedy said: “We have a Fairtrade committee in the school, who organise our Fairtrade coffee shop and tuck shop during Fairtrade fortnight.
“We’re also proud to have Fairtrade as part of our modern studies course.
“We want to encourage pupils’ understanding of their wider environment and how their actions can improve the quality of life in the developing countries.”
The visit was part of the current programme of work to earn Fairtrade status for North Lanarkshire, through projects including demonstrating that the area’s shops, restaurants and bars sell Fairtrade products, which are used by businesses, clubs and social groups.
Airdrie gained the accolade in 2015, recognising locals’ efforts to use goods including tea, coffee, sugar, chocolate and bananas where producers in developing countries are appropriately paid.
North Lanarkshire set up a Fairtrade steering group in October 2018 to help work towards earning the Fairtrade zone status; its members include Airdrie Academy pupils, Airdrie North councillor Alan Beveridge, and representatives of community councils, businesses, faith groups, colleges and North Lanarkshire’s youth forum.
The council has also agreed to promote Fairtrade items in refreshment areas and with local retailers and businesses, support the Fairtrade towns initiative and give annual Fairtrade fortnight, and backed an international charter raising awareness of Fairtrade and acknowledging its positive
impact.
Steering group chair John McDonald said: “We have power in our hands to make choices that help others to have better lives – Fairtrade challenges people to think about the source of goods we buy, and we can all make a difference.”