Nurses protest over pay at demonstrations
August 8, 2020
BOOKS: SHAPESHIFTER by IAN PENMAN
August 8, 2020
Later that afternoon, on a road near the Grand Canyon, everything tilted on its axis. Elvis grabbed Geller’s arm and pointed out of the bus at some distant clouds, shouting: ‘Look! There’s Joseph Stalin in the clouds! What is he doing up there?’ He had the bus stop, and ran into the desert. ‘Oh my God, Larry, follow me!’ Elvis was babbling, tears running down his face. … More BOOKS: SHAPESHIFTER by IAN PENMAN
How were pupils’ final grades decided?
August 8, 2020
The SQA took the estimates by teachers and applied a system of moderation which, it said, would “ensure consistency across schools and colleges and with results from previous years”. … More How were pupils’ final grades decided?
Did you know?
August 7, 2020
As we deliver our final community food parcel, we wanted to give a massive thanks to colleagues, communities, volunteers, local businesses and suppliers who together have helped deliver 45,655 parcels in total to vulnerable people across Argyll and Bute during the pandemic. This huge and challenging task would simply not have been possible without your help and dedication. From the council and on behalf of everyone who received vital supplies, we thank you. … More Did you know?
Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
August 7, 2020
The discount will be automatically available to you at participating establishments. Establishments will then claim a reimbursement from the government for the discount they’ve given you. … More Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Think twice before signing up with cold callers
August 7, 2020
We’ve all heard stories of people being ripped off to the tune of thousands by rogue traders, be it for roof work that is shoddy or driveways that are never laid or cost thousands more than the original price quoted. … More Think twice before signing up with cold callers
URGENT ACTION DEMANDED AFTER ‘RESULTS POSTCODE LOTTERY’ IS REVEALED
August 7, 2020
This flies in the face of the professional judgement of teachers and the individual academic achievements of the pupils with a blanket approach to moderating the grades in this years’ qualification round … More URGENT ACTION DEMANDED AFTER ‘RESULTS POSTCODE LOTTERY’ IS REVEALED
Government must protect public notices in newspapers – editors
August 7, 2020
The ruling ensures the widest distribution of important information, says the SoE, and provides the best method for local councils and other bodies to enable citizens to be made aware of what is being proposed in their name. … More Government must protect public notices in newspapers – editors
BID TO RE-OPEN ROAD TO ARGYLL, BUT …
August 7, 2020
It would be used as a local diversion route from Saturday mid-morning, following a “full rigorous” safety assessment by Police Scotland and geotechnical specialists. … More BID TO RE-OPEN ROAD TO ARGYLL, BUT …
School pupils protest over SQA exam results
August 7, 2020
The SQA lowered about 125,000 estimated grades – and many students believe they were penalised during the moderation process because their schools have historically not performed as well as others. … More School pupils protest over SQA exam results
Almost 100% of pupils achieve one or more SQA qualifications
August 7, 2020
But being educated in a poor and deprived designated area costs them an average of 20 points each By Bill Heaney West Dunbartonshire pupils are alleged to be “celebrating after another year of record results with almost 100% of pupils achieving one or more qualification and schools outperforming the national average in all levels from … More Almost 100% of pupils achieve one or more SQA qualifications
SQA EXAM RESULTS BASED ON POVERTY AND DEPRIVATION IS AN SNP SCANDAL – BAILLIE
August 6, 2020
“Worst of all, the SQA have done this on the basis of each school’s past performance, marking the school not the pupil, and baking in the attainment gap. … More SQA EXAM RESULTS BASED ON POVERTY AND DEPRIVATION IS AN SNP SCANDAL – BAILLIE
Parking arrangements as work in Helensburgh begins
August 6, 2020
By Ruth Crosbie Preparatory work for the Helensburgh Waterfront Development site will start from Monday 10 August, and drivers are encouraged to find alternative parking options in other parts of the town. The new multi-million pound swimming pool and leisure centre will be built on the sea front, on the site behind the existing swimming … More Parking arrangements as work in Helensburgh begins
HOUSING HELENSBURGH, CARDROSS AND THE LOCHSIDE
August 6, 2020
Argyll & Bute Council and its partners are preparing a new Local Housing Strategy which will set out priorities for action in the next five years (2021-26). We want to ensure the new strategy identifies issues and priorities across all types and tenures of housing and related services. … More HOUSING HELENSBURGH, CARDROSS AND THE LOCHSIDE
Referee Douglas Ross confirmed as Tory leader
August 6, 2020
Mr Ross was previously an MSP for the Highland and Islands region before leaving Holyrood to become an MP by defeating the SNP’s Angus Robertson to win the Moray seat in the House of Commons in 2017. … More Referee Douglas Ross confirmed as Tory leader
SCOTLAND NEEDS TO GROW UP
August 6, 2020
Nicola Sturgeon, whose daily briefings to the city and to the world, have been running for longer than The Mousetrap in London’s West End, was once again being economical with the truth. … More SCOTLAND NEEDS TO GROW UP
Boulders ‘as big as cars’ in Rest and Be Thankful landslip
August 5, 2020
Bear Scotland, who manage the road, said a large landslip around 200m above the carriageway occurred after the heavy rain created a “fan effect” down multiple water channels some of which reached the roadside. … More Boulders ‘as big as cars’ in Rest and Be Thankful landslip
SMALL NUMBER OF PLANNED OPERATIONS LEAVES THOUSANDS LIVING IN PAIN – BAILLIE
August 5, 2020
Thousands of patients have had their operations cancelled, chronic pain clinics are closed and people are losing hope of ever getting their health back, according to Jackie Baillie MSP for Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh. … More SMALL NUMBER OF PLANNED OPERATIONS LEAVES THOUSANDS LIVING IN PAIN – BAILLIE
William Hill to close 119 betting shops
August 5, 2020
The company, which has 1,500 UK outlets, including a number in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute, said it did not expect customers to return in the numbers seen before the Covid-19 pandemic. … More William Hill to close 119 betting shops
LOCAL BOOKSHOP UNDER THREAT OF CLOSURE?
August 5, 2020
WH Smith, which has a busy store in Helenbsurgh, said revenues plunged by 85% as the coronavirus lockdown resulted in a “significant hit” to trading. … More LOCAL BOOKSHOP UNDER THREAT OF CLOSURE?
Funeral of John Hume hears peacemaker ‘gave dignity and life to so many people’
August 5, 2020
‘Even in the darkest moments, when people would have been forgiven for having no hope, John made peace visible for others’ … More Funeral of John Hume hears peacemaker ‘gave dignity and life to so many people’
Scottish Natural Heritage condemned for Diageo peat extraction deal on Islay
August 5, 2020
A public conservation body which has received millions of pounds to restore Scotland’s peat bogs is allowing commercial peat extraction on its own land, The Ferret can reveal. … More Scottish Natural Heritage condemned for Diageo peat extraction deal on Islay
THIS IS AMERICA TODAY
August 5, 2020
Police in Aurora, Colorado, detained and handcuffed a Black mother and four children at gunpoint after mistakenly identifying the SUV she was driving as a stolen motorcycle. … More THIS IS AMERICA TODAY
Why the secrecy, Nicola? Rennie demands publication of data for exam marking
August 5, 2020
“I cannot fathom why there was no early transparency, scrutiny and discussion of the complex methodology used by the Scottish Qualifications Agency that has led to this injustice on a such large scale” … More Why the secrecy, Nicola? Rennie demands publication of data for exam marking
ScotRail’s Dumbarton-bound and Helensburgh trains cancelled due to flooding
August 5, 2020
The area has been plagued by landslips, and £79.2m has been invested in the maintenance of the route since 2007, but without a permanent solution being found. … More ScotRail’s Dumbarton-bound and Helensburgh trains cancelled due to flooding
Kerbside food waste collections to resume in Helensburgh and Lomond
August 5, 2020
Kerbside food waste collections will resume in Helensburgh and Lomond during the week beginning 17 August. … More Kerbside food waste collections to resume in Helensburgh and Lomond
BOOKS: ON THE ROAD by JAMES NAUGHTIE
August 5, 2020
By Hamish Mackay Can I mention the latest book, his fifth, from the pen of Scottish journalist and broadcaster, James Naughtie – a very trusted old friend and former colleague of mine. Considering the current momentous events across the pond – an erratic, self-obsessed President, a pending presidential election, and now approaching 170,000 deaths from … More BOOKS: ON THE ROAD by JAMES NAUGHTIE
GOING BACK TO SCHOOL WITH OUR FINGERS CROSSED
August 5, 2020
In these circumstances, effective implementation of the health and safety guidelines is absolutely critical as a first step for schools in fighting this disease. … More GOING BACK TO SCHOOL WITH OUR FINGERS CROSSED
Connemara’s tourism industry rides seasonal tide but fears uncertain future
August 4, 2020
“I promise you, I do not take this place for granted. I am thankful for it every day. It is easy to forget but the things we have here – the beautiful beaches, the clean water, mountains and lakes . . . we need to protect that.” … More Connemara’s tourism industry rides seasonal tide but fears uncertain future
THIS IS AMERICA
August 4, 2020
He tried to recast a second COVID-19 surge as an achievement for the U.S. in an interview with Axios. When a CNN reporter asked him why U.S. deaths were soaring, Trump snapped, “Fake news CNN, hold it.” And when Dr. Anthony Fauci pointed out Europe has more effectively fought the virus, Trump tweeted, “Wrong!” [HuffPost] … More THIS IS AMERICA
DELAY IN WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE SCHOOL CLOTHING GRANT SEES PUPILS LEFT WITHOUT UNIFORMS AS SCHOOLS RETURN
August 4, 2020
These parents have not been given any indication of when they will receive the grant, and parents and children are being left in Limbo by the cruel council decision to keep them hanging on until the last minute. … More DELAY IN WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE SCHOOL CLOTHING GRANT SEES PUPILS LEFT WITHOUT UNIFORMS AS SCHOOLS RETURN
CARE HOME OWNERS COVER UP COVID DEATH NUMBERS
August 4, 2020
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has said the lack of transparency over deaths in individual Scottish care homes due to Covid-19 is unacceptable and must be addressed. … More CARE HOME OWNERS COVER UP COVID DEATH NUMBERS
Nothing But Blue Sky: Reaching for hope in the depths of grief
August 4, 2020
The novel is full of beautiful prose, powerful metaphors and astute observations of human behaviour. It’s skilfully written with a wonderful lightness of touch. There is a perfectly described moment as David,watches a small child with Down’s syndrome playing quietly in the sand: … More Nothing But Blue Sky: Reaching for hope in the depths of grief
VALE OF LEVEN OUT OF HOURS SERVICE CONTINUES TO SEE CLOSURES DESPITE HEALTH BOARD PROMISES
August 4, 2020
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has said that there are still deep concerns surrounding the running of the Vale of Leven Out of Hours service — despite NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde chiefs claiming that all issues had now been resolved. … More VALE OF LEVEN OUT OF HOURS SERVICE CONTINUES TO SEE CLOSURES DESPITE HEALTH BOARD PROMISES
When Covid subsided, Israel reopened its schools. It didn’t go well
August 4, 2020
PM Boris Johnston and FM Nicola Sturgeon are sabre rattling together over pupils going back to school., but let what’s happened in Israel be a lesson to them. Other countries ‘definitely should not do what we have done’, an Israeli government adviser has warned. This report by Ishbel Kushner and Pam Belluk is from The New York Times. … More When Covid subsided, Israel reopened its schools. It didn’t go well
Running star Lachie Stewart of Commonwealth Games 1970 loses his leg
August 4, 2020
His stunning victory in the 10,000 metres at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games in 1970 left crowds in a frenzy and his reputation as a national hero sealed … More Running star Lachie Stewart of Commonwealth Games 1970 loses his leg
Dismay as thousands of pupils have exam grades lowered
August 4, 2020
By Bill Heaney Pupils have been praised by the government after finding out their results this morning, with overall pass rates rising — despite almost 125,000 grades being lowered by the exams body. However, there is likely to be a huge political row about this given the exams were cancelled for the first time in … More Dismay as thousands of pupils have exam grades lowered
MAN IN COURT ON SERIOUS SEX ASSAULT CHARGE
August 4, 2020
Police Scotland have confirmed that a 21-year-old man has been charged in connection with a serious sexual assault in Clydebank on a 23-year old woman in the early hours of Saturday, 1 August, in a lane off Alexander Street in the town. He is due to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court today (Tuesday, 4 August, 2020.) … More MAN IN COURT ON SERIOUS SEX ASSAULT CHARGE
BRIAN WILSON’S COLUMN
August 4, 2020
In these parts of the UK, nobody boasts of having been “extremely successful”. No politician feels the need to foster division through false comparisons. The tasteless battle of statistics is a Scottish phenomenon and reflects ill upon us. … More BRIAN WILSON’S COLUMN
BISHOPS COMMIT TO ABOLITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
August 4, 2020
Pope Francis reiterated that the threat of mutual destruction, the massive loss of innocent lives and the annihilation of any future for our common home, is completely incompatible with our efforts to build peace … More BISHOPS COMMIT TO ABOLITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
JACKIE BAILLIE MSP EXPRESSES SADNESS AT CLOSURE OF RIALTO CINEMA AND BINGO HALL
August 3, 2020
“I was saddened to hear that the Carlton Bingo Hall in Dumbarton is to close. I know that this has been a hugely uncertain time for Carlton Bingo – and for hundreds of other businesses in our local community. … More JACKIE BAILLIE MSP EXPRESSES SADNESS AT CLOSURE OF RIALTO CINEMA AND BINGO HALL
BOOKS: NEW BORROWING SERVICE AT LOCAL LIBRARIES
August 3, 2020
Introducing a new Book to Borrow collection service By Bill Heaney West Dunbartonshire Council have announced that they have launched their new “click & collect” style service – Book To Borrow. This service will initially be available at Alexandria, Dumbarton and Dalmuir libraries only, before they extend it to all branches as soon as possible. Book To Borrow Process Step 1. … More BOOKS: NEW BORROWING SERVICE AT LOCAL LIBRARIES
Samaritans issue new guidelines on reporting suicides in the media
August 3, 2020
We know that the current climate has created new challenges, adding more pressure on journalists to produce of the moment reports, which can be particularly difficult when dealing with a sensitive and very complex … More Samaritans issue new guidelines on reporting suicides in the media
Lennox Herald publishers announce new editors for regional titles
August 3, 2020
Reach, which owns the Lennox Herald, the Paisley Daily Express, the Ayrshire Post and the Perthshire Advertiser along with a stable of Scottish weekly newspapers, has confirmed that five roles are under threat at the Derby Telegraph as part of its plan to cut more than 300 editorial and circulation posts across the country in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown, reports HoldtheFrontPage … More Lennox Herald publishers announce new editors for regional titles
Argyll and Bute, where the film stars come out to shine
August 3, 2020
The area’s stunning landscape is also continuing to attract fashion photo shoots, with Urban Outfitters and Stella McCartney, whose parents lived in Mull of Kintyre and wrote and sang the eponymous song, just two who have recently visited. … More Argyll and Bute, where the film stars come out to shine
John Hume obituary
August 3, 2020
Hume’s many long promotional trips eventually paid off as the most powerful figures in business and politics recognised Northern Ireland’s potential as an investment location. If the ceasefire wobbled on occasion he dismissed it as a little local difficulty. … More John Hume obituary
John Hume on the end of the Unionist veto in Ulster
August 3, 2020
I have often thought that our over-indulgence in the past is a reflection of a much deeper weakness – our lack of the confidence to stand on our own feet, in our own time, with the ideas of our time, facing the problems of our time. … More John Hume on the end of the Unionist veto in Ulster
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
August 3, 2020
St Benedict was among many who warned against the consequences of over-indulgence. It’s good to be back at work, and liberated from the temptations of the newly-reopened coffee and cake shops. … More THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Hospitals inquiry: What is being investigated?
August 3, 2020
The inquiry is being chaired by Lord Brodie QC and will examine issues at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh. … More Hospitals inquiry: What is being investigated?
BOOKS: ONE FOR HIBERNOPHILES
August 2, 2020
In Ireland, the link between place and myth is strong, and there is no more enlightening way to understand the rich tapestry of Irish mythology, and its relationship to our true history, than by reading the landscape. Earthing the Myths is an engaging and exhaustive county-by-county guide to the vast number of fascinating places in Ireland connected to myth, folklore and early history.
… More BOOKS: ONE FOR HIBERNOPHILES
