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08/09/2009
Other News In Brief
Robert Fergusson's Grave To Be Restored
The grave of one of Scotland's most inspirational poets is to be restored thanks to a £2,500 grant from the Scottish Government. Restoration work will be carried out on the grave of Robert Fergusson, the poet whose work most inspired Robert Burns and who was born on this day, September 5, 1750, and who is buried in the Canongate Kirkyard in Edinburgh.Tourism Minister Jim Mather said: "In this year of Homecoming, a year inspired by the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth on our culture, it is only fitting that we recognise the influence of Fergusson. Robert Burns acknowledged his debt to Fergusson by providing the gravestone which is still in place today."
Students Warned About Accommodation Fraud
Students searching the internet for term-time accommodation in London are being warned about the dangers of sending deposits for properties without viewing them first.
The alert, issued by the Metropolitan Police's 'Operation Sterling' Fraud Prevention Team, comes as significant numbers of people are falling victim to fraud after responding to online advertisements for flats and houses to let. In a simple but effective scam, fraudsters, masquerading as would-be landlords, demand tenants pay a holding deposit to secure a property. But when the tenant arrives at the property to collect the keys, having paid the deposit, they discover that it is owned or rented by an unsuspecting third party who has no intention of renting it out.
New moves to help protect the identity of iconic Scottish produce and give imitations the chop have been unveiled.
Royal Marines Successfully Navigate North-West Passage By Open Boat
A Royal Marines duo have successfully navigated the central section of the Arctic's notorious North-West passage, in a 17 foot open boat.
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Oliver (42) and Major Tony Lancashire (36) have taken 42 days to sail and row their 17-foot boat Arctic Mariner 1,400 miles through Canada's Northern provinces. They started from Inuvik, on the Beaufort Sea on July 24, travelled east and arrived safely in Gjoa Haven on King William Island at the weekend. A year in the planning, the duo’s expedition was conceived to raise awareness of the charity 'Toe in the Water' for which they have raised in excess of £10K. The charity is dedicated to inspiring injured servicemen and women to move beyond their disability through competitive sailing - an extension of Headley Court’s rehabilitation programme. Both of them are veterans of Iraq and Northern Ireland and Tony has also served in Afghanistan. Kevin will be deploying to Afghanistan on his return from the Arctic.
Iconic Scottish Foods To Get More Protection
Scottish Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead announced action to extend the list of Scottish foods enjoying Protected Food Name (PFN) status. The Arbroath Smokie, Scotch Beef, Shetland Lamb, among others, already enjoy PFN status, making it illegal for others to cash in on their special appeal by selling imitations. As part of Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, Mr Lochhead announced that the Scottish Government will bring together producers currently registered as PFNs (including those elsewhere in Europe) with those hoping to secure that status in the future.
The event, to take place later this year, will highlight the benefits, advise on the process for application and provide an opportunity to exchange ideas about growing the number of PFNs in Scotland.
(GK/KMcA)
The grave of one of Scotland's most inspirational poets is to be restored thanks to a £2,500 grant from the Scottish Government. Restoration work will be carried out on the grave of Robert Fergusson, the poet whose work most inspired Robert Burns and who was born on this day, September 5, 1750, and who is buried in the Canongate Kirkyard in Edinburgh.Tourism Minister Jim Mather said: "In this year of Homecoming, a year inspired by the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth on our culture, it is only fitting that we recognise the influence of Fergusson. Robert Burns acknowledged his debt to Fergusson by providing the gravestone which is still in place today."
Students Warned About Accommodation Fraud
Students searching the internet for term-time accommodation in London are being warned about the dangers of sending deposits for properties without viewing them first.
The alert, issued by the Metropolitan Police's 'Operation Sterling' Fraud Prevention Team, comes as significant numbers of people are falling victim to fraud after responding to online advertisements for flats and houses to let. In a simple but effective scam, fraudsters, masquerading as would-be landlords, demand tenants pay a holding deposit to secure a property. But when the tenant arrives at the property to collect the keys, having paid the deposit, they discover that it is owned or rented by an unsuspecting third party who has no intention of renting it out.
New moves to help protect the identity of iconic Scottish produce and give imitations the chop have been unveiled.
Royal Marines Successfully Navigate North-West Passage By Open Boat
A Royal Marines duo have successfully navigated the central section of the Arctic's notorious North-West passage, in a 17 foot open boat.
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Oliver (42) and Major Tony Lancashire (36) have taken 42 days to sail and row their 17-foot boat Arctic Mariner 1,400 miles through Canada's Northern provinces. They started from Inuvik, on the Beaufort Sea on July 24, travelled east and arrived safely in Gjoa Haven on King William Island at the weekend. A year in the planning, the duo’s expedition was conceived to raise awareness of the charity 'Toe in the Water' for which they have raised in excess of £10K. The charity is dedicated to inspiring injured servicemen and women to move beyond their disability through competitive sailing - an extension of Headley Court’s rehabilitation programme. Both of them are veterans of Iraq and Northern Ireland and Tony has also served in Afghanistan. Kevin will be deploying to Afghanistan on his return from the Arctic.
Iconic Scottish Foods To Get More Protection
Scottish Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead announced action to extend the list of Scottish foods enjoying Protected Food Name (PFN) status. The Arbroath Smokie, Scotch Beef, Shetland Lamb, among others, already enjoy PFN status, making it illegal for others to cash in on their special appeal by selling imitations. As part of Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, Mr Lochhead announced that the Scottish Government will bring together producers currently registered as PFNs (including those elsewhere in Europe) with those hoping to secure that status in the future.
The event, to take place later this year, will highlight the benefits, advise on the process for application and provide an opportunity to exchange ideas about growing the number of PFNs in Scotland.
(GK/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
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28 March 2013
Record High For Scotland's Renewable Energy
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has said Scotland generated 7% more renewable energy in 2012 than the previous year. In its latest report, it said 14,600 Gigawatt hours were generated in Scotland from renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro.
Record High For Scotland's Renewable Energy
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has said Scotland generated 7% more renewable energy in 2012 than the previous year. In its latest report, it said 14,600 Gigawatt hours were generated in Scotland from renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro.
23 May 2013
14-Year-Old Rescued From Chimney
A 14-year-old boy has been rescued from a chimney by firefighters who had to dismantle to the 20ft stack brick by brick. The boy was wedged inside the chimney of a single-storey building in Cassels Street, Carluke, South Lanarkshire, but it is not yet known how the boy fell down the chimney.
14-Year-Old Rescued From Chimney
A 14-year-old boy has been rescued from a chimney by firefighters who had to dismantle to the 20ft stack brick by brick. The boy was wedged inside the chimney of a single-storey building in Cassels Street, Carluke, South Lanarkshire, but it is not yet known how the boy fell down the chimney.
09 November 2012
Scottish Referendum Question Confirmed
The exact wording of the Scottish independence question has been announced. The Scottish government has confirmed what question will be put before the people of Scotland when they are asked to vote on the independence referendum.
Scottish Referendum Question Confirmed
The exact wording of the Scottish independence question has been announced. The Scottish government has confirmed what question will be put before the people of Scotland when they are asked to vote on the independence referendum.
29 June 2012
Employers Get Support For Graduate Jobs
A new pilot scheme in Scotalnd to support graduate recruitment and business growth has been launched by the Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Dumfries and Galloway can now receive up to £3,000 to take on a graduate in a permanent post.
Employers Get Support For Graduate Jobs
A new pilot scheme in Scotalnd to support graduate recruitment and business growth has been launched by the Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Dumfries and Galloway can now receive up to £3,000 to take on a graduate in a permanent post.
11 January 2012
Scottish Independence Referendum Plans Announced
The Scottish Government plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said following a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon.
Scottish Independence Referendum Plans Announced
The Scottish Government plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said following a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
