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Thursday 11th November, 2010

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The River Ythan, where the man's body was found

The 47 year old spent Saturday travelling to watch Ellon United play Whitletts Victoria, and a memorial service for his family will be held in the Ellon Parish Church on Wednesday at 11:30am.

The death was originally treated as ‘unexplained’, and the area cordoned off as a crime scene but appears to have since been resolved.

The plan to create volts from malts involves using waste products from distillation to generate power.

Bruichladdich distillery on Islay says the £300,000 project will create enough electricity to export to local homes, cut the cost of transporting waste, and benefit the environment.

The firm has teamed up with a company called BioWayste to turn the waste, called pot ale, into useful power.

The pot ale, rich in protein and carbohydrates, has previously been dumped into the sea.

Although the dumping is not in itself harmful, turning the pot ale into electricity to drive the distillery means less power has to be taken from the grid.

Mark Reynier, managing director of Bruichladdich distillery, said: “We are doing it for a practical and sensible reason and because it’s common sense.

“It costs money to ship away the waste in lorries but now the process will make us around £120,000 a year.

“It will do three things; it will replace the cost of electricity that we have to pay, save us the cost of transporting the waste to the other side of the island and pouring it into the sea and it will also generate electricity that we can sell on.”

The waste is turned into electricity through the process of anaerobic digestion.

Two 50,000 litre tanks filled with 18,000 litres of specially bred bacteria have been installed in the plant and the pot ale is used as food for the bacteria. The process generates enough heat to generate electricity.

Mr Reynier said that by the end of December the bacteria would be able to handle the level of pot ale the distillery produces.

He said: “It will produce exactly the amount of electricity that we need with a little left over to export.”

Any electricity left over from the process will be sold to the national grid and the only bi-product of the process is pure clean water which can also be re-used.”

Mr Reynier added: “It is a very old concept but has been given a new life.

“It saves money in powering the distillery, it maximises our waste stream and will turn around and make us money.”

The family-owned distillery has been producing whiskey on the island since 2001.

It produces around 800,000 litres of whiskey around 45,000 cases are sold worldwide.

Speaking of the locals on the island Mr Reynier said: “Of course they are happy. It means less traffic on the roads. It is a very neat solution.

“If we can do it then everybody can. It is a practical solution and people will see that every distillery and every farm should be doing it.

“If it can be done on Islay in the middle of nowhere then it can be done anywhere.”

The process of anaerobic digestion has been around for years but this is the first time it will be used in a small distillery to make it completely self-sufficient.

Brian Howard, CEO of Biowayste, said: “Traditionally aerobic digestion has been done in big containers and small companies don’t have the money to fund it.

“The difference is that we have taken new technology and engineering solutions to an old industry. We have basically dragged it into the 21^st century.

“It is now small and compact and can fit onto compact sites. And by being smaller it is more affordable.

“Bruichladdich are excellent at finding new and interesting ways to improve their business. They have a great attitude to new technology.

“It is very exciting. Now not only are they making a fantastic product but the by-product is producing electricity too.”

REPORT: Amanda MacMillan

The antique was designed by Margaret MacDonald, later wife of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and her sister Frances who later married Herbert MacNair.

The piece, valued at £20,000 was made in the sisters’ studio, 128 Hope Street, Glasgow where they had lived for a short time after they had completed their studies at the Glasgow School of Art.

The two couples met at the Glasgow School of Art, where Mackintosh and MacNair studied architecture.  The artists later became known as the loose collective “The Four”. 

Mackintosh is believed to have had great appreciation for his wife’s work and is known to have said, “Margaret has genius, I have only talent.”

John Mackie Director and Decorative Arts Specialist at Lyon & Turnbull said that the discovery of this candlestick offers a rare insight into the sisters’ influencial collaboration which is largely undocumented.

He said: “There’s been very good interest in this very rare object.  It is an early collaborative piece by Margaret MacDonald, she excelled when she collaborated especially with Mackintosh or her sister, Frances.

“This is an impressive artefact both in terms of its conception and construction. The candlestick embodies many of the stylistic innovations that would contribute to and characterise the influential Glasgow Style. It is an exceptional example of what has been referred to as ‘the poetic metalwork of the Macdonald sisters.

“The original drawing for the piece is in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow, which is very compelling to a collector.

“Apart from anything else it is beautiful and the new owner is delighted.  There were 5 telephone bidders vying and eventually it was down to two to fight it out to the end.”

The candlestick belonged to the late Linda Rose Gallagher who was given the piece in the 1970’s, and collected a large collection of Glasgow metalware in her lifetime.

A relative said after the sale, “The family are over the moon with the sale and we hope that whoever has bought it will treasure it as much as my sister in law did.”

REPORT: Clare Carswell

John McKeown, 22, appeared on petition at Livingston Sheriff Court today in connection with the incident.

He faces charges of abduction, rape, two counts of assualt, attempted murder and breach of the peace.

McKeown, from Livingston, made no plea nor delcaration when he appeared in private and was remanded in custody until his next apearance later this month.

A 39-year-old woman was allegedly raped in the early hours of Saturday morning after a man broke into the home she was staying at.

REPORT: Cara Sulieman

Mistreatment of identified social/ethnic/religious groups occurs throughout the historical record, and to ‘apologize’ for one might as well lead to apologizing for the whole of history.  Furthermore, although official frustration of Traveller and Gypsy lawful activity does occur, there is considerable State support for their itinerant lifestyle and conferring of full civil rights.

I wonder if apologies have been issued to the residents of Abbey Road in Torry, Aberdeen upon in area a Traveller cortege has ensconced itself.

Hyde Out, in Edinburgh’s Quay area, officially opens with an invite-only launch and some of the glitter will be provided by a magnificent chandelier made up of 600 unique crystal glasses.

Creator John Harrington has previously created chandeliers for clients such as the Ritz in Miami. His design for Hyde Out is the first of its kind in Scotland.

Mr Harrington said: “This is the biggest chandelier I have built so far, making it a first both in size and location.

“There are no two chandeliers designed by me anywhere in the world that are the same as I source a mixture of glasses varying in size, shape and cut.”

The chandelier is so big and so intricate, it took five days to construct and hang as the foyer centre piece.

Hyde Out’s design also features a new Timorous Beasties Edinburgh Toile vinyl wall covering and artwork designed by Edinburgh based graphic designers, 16K Design Works.

Brighton-based Mr Harrington added: “The chandelier will fit in perfectly with the rest of the bar’s design and will make a very striking show piece.”

The 35-year-old – who has owned a successful jewellery business for the past 10 years – worked with his father in his antiques and restoration of furniture business which prompted his desire to design and create items on his own.

He said: “My inspiration comes from growing up through many design eras and combining the styles.

“I like to think my work is contemporary in design but traditional in creation.

“I tend to use crystal glasses as this combines the traditional background with contemporary development – it shows the skill and craftsman ship of times gone by.

“It’s the perfect solution and the glasses reflect the light beautifully.”

The designer has spent hundreds of hours sourcing traditional crystal and cut-glass drinking glasses, shopping online and trawling through charity and antique shops.

His first chandelier – made from 150 glasses – was the start of a global phenomenon.

Mr Harrington was also commissioned to make two chandeliers for The Ritz Hotel in Miami as part of its £30 million spa renovation.

He said: “It was an honour that they had chosen me but the experience was amazing.

“It took me about two weeks to create the two chandeliers which were made up of 300 glasses each.

“The thing I love the most about creating is going out on site and meeting clients and overseeing projects.

“It’s the most exciting part and I hope my chandeliers will give me the opportunity to get involved in more interior design work.”

Rory McWhirter, Hyde Out director, said: “I was very impressed with John’s work and I knew one of his chandeliers would look spectacular in Hyde Out.

“It really will make the bar unique as it’s not only John’s first chandelier of this size but the only one in Scotland.”

REPORT: Christine Lavelle

The fire occurred within a property in Fernieside Avenue in the early hours of Monday 8th November.

Ms Foley attempted to escape the flames by exiting via a first floor window.

She was taken to the ERI where she later died.

A 40-year-old man was also taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire or Ms Foley’s death and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

REPORT: Peter Laing

Lothian and Borders Police – the second biggest force in Scotland – wants to offer police a cash incentive of £12,000 to take a four-year break and £15,000 for a five-year break.

The move could save the force millions of pounds as it tries to slash its budget.

But the Scottish Police Federation is almost certain to oppose the plan, and predicts it will result in fewer officers on the streets.

Officers will be free to work and earn as much as possible during their break.

And although a specific job is not guaranteed on return, their rank, salary and benefits will all be preserved while they are on their break.

Lothian and Borders already offer unpaid career breaks and, currently, only 19 of the force’s 2,000 officers are away from their posts.

The career break incentive is hoped to encourage far more officers to hang up their uniforms. The force needs to identify a predicted 20 per cent of cuts in its annual budget.

‘Require to retire’

‘The force is also planning to force officers with more than 30 years’ service to retire as part of the cutbacks. This move, if implemented, could save between £11m and £13m a year.

A Scottish Police Federation insider predicted the paid career breaks would badly affect the quality of policing in Scotland.

He said: “There would be less police on the street and it would mean more pressure on those not on career breaks.”

A police spokesman said: “Due to the scale of the financial pressures facing Lothian and Borders Police, it is proposed that the existing career break policy for police officers be amended to make it more attractive and thus encourage a higher uptake.
 
“It is proposed that the revised career break policy would include a monetary incentive of up to £15,000 for someone taking a five year break.

“While the Force would initially incur the cost of the lump sum incentive, this would be quickly recovered and result in savings for the organisation.”

There is no known precedent for a Scottish police force proposing paid career breaks.

Other forces, including Strathclyde, have led the way in proposing to direct long serving officers to leave the force regardless of their desire to continue to work.

Various forces throughout the UK have already implemented Regulation 19, as it is known, which cannot force fully-sworn police officers into redundancy but states that those with 30 years or more service are “required to retire”.

The Scottish Police Federation will give a presentation concerning Regulation 19 at next Monday’s police board meeting.

David Grady, chairman of the Lothian and Borders joint branch board, said: “We will give our view on this proposal at the meeting.

“Every decision you make, there is a negative result so therefore our presentation is intended to show the possible negative impact of this decision.”

REPORT: Anna Gault

Edinburgh Council leader Jenny Dawe will discuss the plan with the Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, tomorrow (Thursday).

Last week Councillor Dawe and the leader of Glasgow City Council, Gordon Matheson, updated MSPs on what is required to build the high speed rail connections to Scotland.

The Scottish Government is being encouraged to co-operate with its Westminster counterparts to ensure the country is included in the plans from the outset.

It is hoped that the present fastest time from Edinburgh to London of around four-and-a-half hours could be slashed to as little as two hours and nine minutes.

Councillor Dawe said: “This meeting is recognition of Edinburgh’s importance not just to Scotland but to the UK as a whole. 

“I am grateful to the Secretary of State for taking the time to meet with me.

“The meeting will provide me with a great opportunity to promote Edinburgh’s priorities to ensure that we remain a world class city to live and visit as well as one which is attractive for investment.”

Mr Moore said: “I am keen to discuss the high speed rail link with Edinburgh Council.

“I am particularly looking forward to hearing about the way it will fit into their plans for strengthening the city’s economy and the investment opportunities that it will create.”

Staff at the City Chambers have also been invited to join the Secretary of State and the Council Leader as they observe a two minute silence to mark Armistice Day at the Edinburgh Cenotaph.

REPORT: Christine Lavelle

Betty Brown, who turns 56 today, was last spotted on CCTV on Friday, May 28, on a number three bus in the city’s Nicolson Street at around 11.55am.

She was wearing a black jacket, an open-necked blouse, blue jeans and black shoes, and was carrying two large Aldi bags at the time.

Ms Brown, originally from Hawick in the borders, is described as being 5ft 7ins, medium build, with fair hair and glasses.

In a statement released on behalf of Betty’s family, her sister, Maureen McLaughlin, said: “It is Betty’s birthday, and we would dearly love it if she was here to celebrate it with all of her family, who still miss her terribly.

“It is now over five months since she was last seen, and in that time we have grown ever more anxious for any information that can help us find out where she has gone.

“Everyone misses her, and we are desperate for any news that can help put our minds at rest. 

“If anyone has any information that can help, then please get in touch with police.

“Betty, if you are reading this we want to wish you a happy birthday, and let you know that we still miss you so much.

“If you don’t want to contact us then please let the police or somebody else know that you are ok.

“All we want to know is that you are safe and well.”

Chief Inspector Murray Dykes, who is leading the inquiry into her disappearance, said: “Betty’s birthday should be an occasion for celebration, but instead we are appealing for information that can help us reunite her with her family.

“We have devoted significant resources towards tracing Betty, however as yet we have had no confirmed sightings of her since she was last seen getting off the bus in Nicolson Street on May 28.

“At this time I would like to make an appeal to anyone who has any information that can help us establish her current whereabouts to get in touch with police.

“Similarly, I would appeal directly to Betty to let either her family or the police know that she is OK.”

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111

REPORT: Christine Lavelle

Jerry Robinson – DC Comic artist and creator of The Joker – is selling the original artwork for the cover of Superman 14 that he saved from destruction in 1942.

Showing the hero standing in front of a Stars and Stripes shield with an eagle on his arm, the cover made the superhero an American icon.

And 68 years after it was drawn it is being sold for the first time and is expected to fetch at least £300,000.

Jerry Robinson, 88, was working at DC Comics when the cover was created by fellow artist Fred Ray and he was determined to save it.

In the 1940s, the original art was usually destroyed by the engravers as soon as the comic had been printed but Robinson managed to keep hold of a number of drawings during his time with the company.

Also up for sale is the original artwork for the 1942 Detective Comics 69 cover which features Batman and a huge image of the Joker, drawn by Robinson.

The two drawings went on sale yesterday (Weds) and the auctions will close on December 1.

Vincent Zurzolo, of ComicConnect.com – the site hosting the auction – said: “To be able to offer at auction what may be the best Joker cover, drawn by the creator of the Joker, is certainly a tremendous honour.”

Experts predict that up to 15,000 collectors will bid on the two items during the three week auction as the popularity for comic book art increases.

Steven Fishler, owner of the auction site, said that they couldn’t predict how much the art would go for, but a conservative estimate for the Superman artwork would be more than $500,000 (£312,597).

Earlier this year the record was set for comic book auctions when the first appearance of Superman in 1938 sold for $1 million (£625,193) and the first appearance of Batman in 1939 fetched $1.075 million (£672,029).

Mr Fishler said: “Thank goodness for Jerry Robinson.

“He was one of the few pros of the era with the foresight to save these artifacts.

“It’s exciting to see the flood of new, aggressive collectors pouring into the market day in and day out.

“To a great extent, people are only beginning to appreciate the history and importance of American comic book art.”

Robinson is highly regarded in the industry, having been a member of the original team behind Batman and helping to create his sidekick Robin.

The art went on sale at 5pm yesterday (Weds) on www.comicconnect.com

REPORT: Cara Sulieman

The Britain’s Got Talent star arrived at Waterstones on Princes Street, Edinburgh, to sign copies of her autobiography The Woman I Was Born to Be.

Here are some of the main business stories hitting the headlines today:

Here are some of the main stories hitting the headlines today:

BILLY Bragg, The Charlatans, KT Tunstall and Biffy Clyro will headline Edinburgh’s world famous Hogmanay celebration.

The huge street party will also feature a series of new events to be held on the first of January, dubbed One Day.

REPORT: Clare Carswell

The accident happened at around 11:37 on the A68 southbound past Jedburgh.

The man was driving a 4×4 and had to be cut free by firefighters before being airlifted to hospital.

The driver of the lorry was unharmed.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said: “There was one casualty; the driver of the 4×4 was severely trapped

“Three sets of hydraulic cutting equipment were used to release the causality and he was transported in air ambulance to hospital in a serious condition.

“The driver of the car transporter was not injured.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We attended an incident with a 4×4 and a lorry.

“A gentleman was trapped and an air ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital.”

REPORT: Amanda MacMillan

Adelle Mackie, 34, was stopped on the street by the police after they received information that she was selling diamorphine near Wallyford Primary School, East Lothian.

They found 19.4 grams of the drug as well as £166.60 in cash in her handbag and a search of her home the same day led to the discovery of scales covered in traces of diamorphine.

Today at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Mackie – from Musselburgh – pled guilty to supplying diamorphine between February 19 and April 13 this year.

Depute fiscal Pauline Shade told the court that another search was carried out of Mackie’s home two months later when 12.5 grams of the drug was also found.

Ms Shade said: “The police around mid February received information that the accused may be dealing diamorphine near to Wallyford Primary School.

“As a result of that about nine in the morning on 23 Ferbuary this year police officers in a marked police car and in uniform made their way to Salters Road in Wallyford.

“This was an attempt to trace the accused.

“They saw her and she was in the company of a friend walking towards the police car on Salters Road.

“However she appeared to notice the police car and she and her friend walked away in the opposite direction.”

Officers got out their car and walked towards Mackie when they saw her try and offload the drugs onto her friend.

Ms Shade added: “As they were approaching they saw the accused hand over her handbag to the person she was with.”

Police found 19.4 grams of diamorphine in the handbag along with the cash and Mackie told them she expected to make up to £300 profit from the haul.

Later on in the year, another warrant was granted to search Mackie’s house.

When they broke down the door on April 13 and searched her, they discovered two wraps stuffed into her jeans pockets.

A total of 12.5 grams – worth up to £1,260 – was found in the wraps.

Sheriff Gordon Liddle deferred sentence on Mackie until next month.

REPORT: Cara Sulieman

Gordon Steen, 32, from Edinburgh, brandished a knife at Aquib Aslam at the Star Store in Kirkliston and threatened to kill him if he told the police.

Terrified Mr Aslam called his mum as soon as the robbery was over and went to shut up shop.

A female customer who was trying to get in to the shop saw how upset he was and comforted him until his mother arrived.

Today at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheen pled guilty to assaulting Mr Aslam and stealing £200 from the shop during the incident on April, 4.

Depute fiscal Pauline Shade told the court that the robbery was premeditated.

She said: “A day or two before the offence occurred the accused approached an acquaintance of his and asked him if he wanted to make some money.

“The accused said there may be an opportunity to make around £200.”

It was around 12.30pm when Steen and another male burst into the shop and threatened Mr Aslam with the knife, described as a Stanley knife.

Ms Shade said: “The accused said to Mr Aslam that he did not want to hurt him but if he did not give him the money he would put the knife through him.

“He then told him to open the till which he did.”

Steen grabbed £200 from the till before telling the teen that he would kill him if the police were called or were looking for Steen before fleeing.

Ms Shade added: “Mr Aslam ran outside the shop and pulled the shutters down.

“A customer was trying to go into the shop at this time and Mr Aslam told them what had happened and they stayed with Mr Aslam.

“When his mother arrived she immediately checked the till and saw that £200 had been stolen from it so she called the police.”

Remanding him in custody until sentencing next month, Sheriff Gordon Liddle said: “This was a premeditated offence.

“He decided to go and perform a robbery.”

Steen’s defence agent Mark Hutchison reserved mitigation until sentencing.

REPORT: Anna Gault

Susan celebrates her new book as she welcomes her fans

SCOTS singing sensation Susan Boyle wowed fans at her first ever book signing on her home turf.

The Britain’s Got Talent star arrived at Waterstones on Princes Street, Edinburgh, to sign copies of her autobiography The Woman I Was Born to Be.

She said she never thought the day would come when she had her own story out for the public to read.

The 49-year-old said: “It feels fantastic, I just hope everyone enjoys what I’ve got to say.

“I’m really glad it’s finally out.”

Fans of all ages queued for over an hour to meet their hero, and were not disappointed as Susan came out smiling and waving.

Greeted by cheers, the record breaking singer showed her down-to-earth side by going straight over to say hello to her waiting fans.

Susan, a former church singer, has had a busy year. In September, she sang to thousands at the Pope’s Papal Mass in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow.

John Howells, Waterstones’ events manager, said: “We are thrilled to host Susan’s first signing on her home turf, and we’re sure her fans and friends will be out in force to give her a great welcome.”

One onlooker said: “She looks fantastic and as though she’s doing really well.

“It’s great to see she is still just herself – the fame hasn’t gone to her head.”

REPORT: Christine Lavelle and Anna Gault

Steven Gardner, 38, from Dalkeith, loss control of the Mercedes he was driving on the A7 Edinburgh to Galashiels road on November 22 last year.

He crashed into Steven Price’s Ford Fiesta at around 7.10pm.

Mr Price pleaded with Gardner to help him out of his car, but he took off down the road on foot and hailed another car, asking the driver to call 999.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard today that the third party driver reported that Gardne smelled quite strongly of alcohol, and that he asked him how muh trouble he would be in at court for drink driving.

Procurator Fiscal Karen Rollo said: “It was only after this other driver persuaded him did he go back to the scene.

“The victim had to be cut out of the car and suffered serious injuries, including a compression fracture in his back.

“He still has to go or spinal check-ups.

“Mr Gardner admitted to police that he had had three or four pints.”

Gardner pled guilty to being over the limit, and driving without due care or attention to the safety of others.

He also pled guilty to driving without insurance according to the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Mark Hutchieson, representing Garder, said: “My client paniced but did return to the scene.

“He admits what he did was wrong.”

Sheriff Jarvie said this was a very serious case and that she needed more time to look into the details.

She deferred sentencing until 6 December. 

REPORT: Christine Lavelle

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how some of the men were told to carry on touching dangerous areas with their own hands even after the alarm had been raised.

If asbestos is disturbed it can release harmful fibres into the air, which can lead to diseases such as cancer, lung scarring and serious respiratory problems.

However, the effects of the illness may not become apparent until up to 40 years later.

Between 21 and 24 July 2008, the department store at the St James Centre in Edinburgh called in contractors Morris and Spottiswood to carry out a refurbishment on management suites in the top floor of the building.

Last month the Court heard that neither of the two companies carried out the necessary checks for asbestos before they allowed the workmen to begin.

A “type three” asbestos check should have been carried out – which is described as “getting into every nook and cranny to ensure there is no risk of asbestos exposure”.

But John Lewis and their contractors only carried out a “type two”, which is only recommended for households.

Yesterday (Tue), both John Lewis and Morris and Spottiswood were sentenced to pay £20,000 each for their part in the blunder.

Procurator Fiscal Maureen McGovern said the safety checks could have been carried out by either company, and both should have ensured it had been done.

She said: “The potential risk of what could have happened is very great, and both companies did not make the suitable safety checks, nor did they ensure that the other had.”

Robert Fife, representing John Lewis, said: “My client is in no way denying the mistakes.

“This has been a learning curve for John Lewis.

“They did carry out a type two check on the area before beginning so it is not as though they neglected to do any sort of safety check – they just got it wrong.”

Craig Turnbull, representing Morris and Spottiswood, said: “The type two survey showed no asbestos and everyone really believed that.

“It was not a deliberate mistake, no one suspected anything.”

Sheriff Jarvie said the fines would have been as much as £30,000 if both parties had not pleaded guilty at the earliest possible stage.

She said: “This is a very serious and disturbing case, but no one has been hurt as a result.

“Both companies took effective and immediate action after the error occurred and neither could be blamed for being cavalier.

“And since the incident I am satisfied that new systems have been put in place to make sure this never happens again.”

The case was taken to court after a 12-month investigation carried out by officers from the City of Edinburgh Council.

There is no known cure for asbestos related diseases, and around 4,000 people die from them each year in the UK.

In a statement for John Lewis Edinburgh, Managing Director, Barry Matheson, said: “John Lewis takes today’s decision of the court seriously.  

“This incident has shaped stringent new health and safety protocols, which have now been implemented at John Lewis.

“Comprehensive new training, refresher courses, clearer communication and senior management involvement has been introduced as standard across all our branches in the UK.”

A Morris and Spottiswood spokeswoman said: “We accept the Sheriff’s decision and her recognition that neither company had acted in wilful disregard.

“She further recognised that robust systems were already in place and that Morris and Spottiswood has since invested significantly in additional measures to ensure it is prevented from happening again.”

Councillor Robert Aldridge, City of Edinburgh Council environmental leader, said: “We welcome this judgement today and this case clearly highlights the serious dangers associated with asbestos and why proper checks should be done.

“Both companies failed as they put the health of others at risk. At this early stage we do not know the longer term health effects of being exposed to asbestos. Our officers will not hesitate to investigate businesses that expose other people to health risks with a view to prosecution.”

REPORT: Christine Lavelle

The alleged incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning in Oakwood Park, Livingston.

Lothian and Borders Police appealed for information in catching the suspect and had warned locals to secure their homes.

The 22-year-old is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court tomorrow (Wed).

REPORT: Peter Laing

Leading campaigners today (Tue) presented the parliament’s petitions committee with more than 1,600 signatures backing the move.

Members of the Justice For Megrahi group (JFM) told MSPs a full, independent inquiry was the only way to restore the reputation of the Scottish legal system.

Libyan Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who was convicted of the December 1988 bombing, dropped his second appeal and returned to his homeland after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Members of JFM believe the unanswered questions about the case have left a dark shadow over the victims and Scottish legal system.

Canon Patrick Keegans, who was the local catholic priest in Lockerbie at the time of the disaster, said: “People have never found a full answer to Lockerbie and this will always be a source of distress.” 

Keegans, who lived in Sherwood Crescent, part of which was obliterated by falling debris,  said the case was about the “redemption of the Scottish justice system”.

He added: “We have been denied justice from the very beginning. I am very doubtful about the conviction of Megrahi. While doubt remains the victims are denied justice. What we need is the truth about Lockerbie.

Keegans, now the Canon in charge of St Margaret’s Cathedral, Ayr, said: “Obstacles have been put in our way by the Crown Office and by the judiciary. There seems to be a desire to put a lid on this and keep it there.”

“We need truth and we need justice to be at peace. Otherwise we are back in December 1988 in the darkness.”

Jim Swire, whose daughter, Flora, died in the bombing, said “the reputation of Scottish justice has been shot to pieces”.

He said only an impartial inquiry could rebuild that reputation. Swire said the original criminal investigation was run by Scottish police forces and involved Scottish lawyers. They were two obvious groups who might be interested in protecting their reputation, he added.

“Speaking as a relative who has been looking for the truth for 22 years I think it would be vital that any inquiry is seen to be led impartially. Such an inquiry would be of little value if it was deemed to be in any way limited by groups involved in the trial.

Swire said an inquiry “is the only way we will be able to heal the terrible wounds done to our justice system”.

Professor Robert Black, emeritus professor of Scots Law at Edinburgh University, said: “The fact of [Megrahi’s] conviction is being used as an excuse for not holding a wide ranging inquiry.”

Black refuted suggestions from one committee member that an inquiry would create a constitutional crisis by pitching government against judiciary.

He said: “We are asking the Scottish Government to set up an inquiry. The government cannot deny there is domestic and international concern. We are asking them to investigate these concerns.”

First Minister Alex Salmond has said he has confidence in the conviction of Megrahi.

After hearing today’s arguments, the committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government asking them to respond to the request for an independent inquiry.

The petition has already attracted the support of Cardinal Keith O’Brien, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, as well as Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Have I Got News for You? TV star Ian Hislop.

REPORT: Peter Laing

The huge street party will also feature a series of new events to be held on the first of January, dubbed One Day.

Fife singer/songwriter Tunstall will be the leading lady of the One Day celebrations in a concert which is to showcase Scotland’s finest singers, songwriters, poets and writers.

There will also be a number of smaller events that will incorporate the newly named Resolution Square at  the Mound in the space between the  National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy. 

Peter Irvine the Director of the Festival said: “It’s a challenge every year but we do make it different, it is absolutely different. 

“We always have a torchlight procession and we always have a huge Street Party, obviously the bands and the DJs are different.

He added: “Of course the first of January most of Britain is really quiet, in cities and towns there’s nothing going on. 

“Edinburgh it is really full-on because we know there are huge numbers of people here from all over the world and they want to do something.”

The entire Hogmanay programme stretches across four days and will start one day later than in previous years after research has shown that many visitors had missed out on the torchlight procession which usually takes place on December 29.

In addition to the One Day events there will be the traditional favourites including the Loony Dook, the One O’Clock Run and of course the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens which will be headlined by Biffy Clyro and feature The Charlatans as well as special guest Billy Bragg.

The concerts and events on Sunday 1 January have been supported by the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund.

Minister for Culture, Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “The Scottish Government is providing £190,000 from the Scottish Expo Fund to help a new development in the festival which is to have a big showcase of events on the first on January.

“There’s going to be fantastic celebrations on the first on January as well as what we’ve become used to, some of the best showcasing of creativity and talent and performances on Hogmanay.”

She added: “We know that tourists enjoy coming to Edinburgh because of our landscape, because of our culture, because of our festivals and all the concerts that are going on as part of Hogmanay and now the first of January. 

“But one of the special things Scotland can offer the world is the warmest welcome you will get anywhere.”

Ticket sales for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have exceeded previous years, with the Enclosure for the Concert in the Gardens selling out in two days. 

It is expected that the KT Tunstall concert will sell out in record time.

REPORT:  Clare Carswell