This little effort is for the period ending 24thApril 2010. Once again I’ve been able to include a small named article which is a bit “tongue in cheek”- Robin

Fatal-crash Driver Sends Warning Over Level Crossings A young driver who caused the death of two friends when he crashed his car into a high-speed train has sent a warning to other motorists in a hard-hitting safety film. Richard Fleming, 20, features in the film made for Network Rail, which is to be used to educate other drivers about the dangers of level crossings. Two years ago he was given a five-year custodial sentence after he admitted causing death by dangerous driving. In the film he says the crash at Delny level crossing, near Invergordon, had left him “broken and buckled”. Fleming, of Tain, Easter Ross, had been giving his friends a lift to college when he drove over an automatic level crossing as the warning lights were flashing, ploughing into a train. The crash, in February 2007, killed 17-year-old Paul Oliver at the scene. Another passenger, Allan Thain, also 17, died five days later in hospital. In the DVD, Fleming warns other drivers: “You don‘t want to lose any of your close friends through fooling about. Speaking about the accident, he said: “I was just buckled and broken. It will always be with me emotionally.”

City Loyalist March Passes Off Peacefully An annual loyalist march through Inverness passed off peacefully at the weekend. Despite claims that support for the Apprentice Boys of Derry is growing in the north of Scotland, most of the 200 or so marchers on Saturday were from the central belt. The event was led by the City of Inverness Campsie Club. The band marched for an hour and 20 minutes from Green Drive, down Culduthel Road and Castle Street and along Ness Bank, and the event culminated at Portland Place. Nearing the end, several followers broke away to hug a small group of supporters who were applauding the procession and waving a Ross County banner shortly after the club’s Scottish Cup win over Celtic. Event organiser Stewart MacColl said: “We had a magnificent turnout. “They came from all over – Fife, Glasgow, Londonderry and a lot of locals. We had about 45 or 50 of our own brothers here, which is an excellent turnout. We’ve got over 50 members in the Highlands. It’s growing all the time.” Campsie clubs take their name from Henry Campsie, the first to shed blood in defence of Derry Protestants when the Irish city was under siege from a Catholic-led army in 1688.

Warning of Chaos Over New School Curriculum Teachers are warning of classroom chaos if the Scottish Government presses ahead with the introduction of a new curriculum for secondary schools. The stark prediction comes with the publication of a survey of secondary teachers that reveals 87% of them lack the confidence to deliver the Curriculum for Excellence. Michael Russell, the Education Secretary, has already said he believes schools are ready to deliver the curriculum at the start of the new school year in August. Last month he announced a 10-point plan to help with its introduction, including moves to give local authorities a share of £3 million to help train staff. However, a joint survey by the Government and the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) has found the vast majority of its members still do not feel ready. However, the Scottish Government, which will publish its own survey of teacher attitudes today, said the concerns of SSTA members were already well known. A spokeswoman said every secondary school that wanted support would receive it.

We Should Appreciate the Local Cuisine in the North and West By Iain Maciver Lochinver has never really struck me as a haven of fine dining. Don’t get me wrong, I have not been there for many years, so it may well have a fine restaurant or two. However, now it has got itself an Albert Roux restaurant. Knowing the Rouxs, I am sure it will be nothing short of superb, because I have bitter memories of one wet winter’s evening tramping around that particular port and completely failing to find a suitable place to eat. In fact, we failed to find any place within taxi distance of the stag party’s B&B. I name drop because the legendary French father of modern cuisine and his brother, Michel, have both cooked for me. It was at the opening of a hotel in Surrey. They popped in unexpectedly to endorse the proprietor and allowed themselves to be corralled into the kitchen to give the unsuspecting and unfortunate chefs a series of impromptu, if slightly loud, tips. The result was an exquisite lunch for the press, most of whom had already been for a Big Mac with double fries and mayonnaise before they came Some Scottish Items #52 1 down from London because they expected a long, boring, hungry shift. Not me, though. Loved it.

You thought you had some unsophisticated oik writing here, didn’t you? Not at all. I have been cooked for by the very best in their particular culinary field. And I don’t just mean the French, either. So here’s a hot tip of my own. There is just time to try the very best of rustic Tuscan fare before the owner retires, so I recommend the Pot Del Caffè, a fine Italian eaterie which you will find at 5-7 Kenneth Street here in Stornoway. The genial proprietarios are Signor P. Scaramuccia and la moglie Mairi. Tell them I sent you. And tell them I said they should make you a rullo della pancetta affumicata. Mwah. You will not be disappointed. Or, if you are really pushing the boat out for a special occasion or something like that, just tell the signor that you would like to sample his rullo con la salsiccia. Heavenly.

However, as I am on the subject of culinary delights, I did on Friday evening discover yet another magnificent eating place that if it was a commercial organisation would be up there with the Scaramuccias and the Roux brothers. I was at that union where Garynahine and Plasterfield were joined in holy matrimony. Everyone was in great form. Reverend Stephen Macdonald, of Carloway, proved that he is probably the very best minister in Scotland at conducting weddings. His combination of humour and due ceremony put Joey, my sister-in-law, in such a tizzy that she did not wait for him to say to groom Aneas that he could kiss the bride. Fed up waiting, she just grabbed Aneas and snogged the bewildered fellow.

At the Breasclete hall, the community association are driven by some unfathomable desire to swell the girths of the guests at the festivities. It is probably some long-forgotten longing that is stirred in those who spend much of their lives in the shadow of the ancient megalithic puzzle that is the Callanish Stones. And on Friday, I have to report, they succeeded. First, there was the dinner. I went for the smoked salmon thingummy and then the chicken in a whatch-youmaycallit sauce. That particular three-course feast ended with dessert then coffee then cake, and other tasty stuff. Then the dance. Even maws like me and Cudaig were persuaded to shake our thang. Kenny Callanish and his crew are obviously acutely aware that the Canadian Barn Dance, shaking our bits or just using your elbow in the bar are really very strenuous and energy-sapping activities. So they laid on a humongous and reviving mid-dance buffet. The pudding had still not hit the bottom, yet there they were wheeling on to the floor tables groaning with finger food. High-end fare that you remember because you normally see it only in soft-focus as Nigella Lawson pushes it gently, ever so gently, through her immaculately-glossy lips. Actually, maybe that’s just me. Forget I said that. Everyone looked at the tables of food and gasped. They thought: “Oh no. Couldn’t possibly. I’m still full. What are they thinking of putting all that food there at this time of night?” Yet this was community entertaining, Breasclete-style.

They know that it does not matter whether you still feel full from your dinner, if someone comes and plonks down salvers of pates and skewers of chicken satay and baby sausages then you are going to try just one. You are, aren’t you? Be honest. After all, it would be rude to snub the hard-working caterers sweating like galley slaves in the kitchen. They had obviously gone to a lot of effort. And, finding “just one” somewhat moreish, everyone just flung their usual caution to the wind that blew gently off Loch Roag and dug in. Even a couple of calorie-counting waifs whose biggest meal in the past month had been a half-tub of cottage cheese with watercress on the side were filling their ill-fitting boots. It was fantastic. Also on the plus side was the fact that it helped soak up the whisky and brandy that everyone seemed to be sipping so we would all feel better in the morning. Well, you don’t want to snub the hard-working bar staff. No no, that would just be rude, too. I did have an anxious moment or two at the main meal. I was flapping about like a welly in a washing machine because I had a speech to make but, as that sticky toffee pudding slipped down, I felt that old familiar warm sensation spreading all the way down to the farthest and most delicate regions of my anatomy. Sheer bliss. It wasn’t the pudding, though. I had just spilled the coffee into my lap.

Some Scottish Items #52 2 Ayrshire Piper Voted Best in the World At Stornoway Contest Ayrshire piper Gordon Walker has been named best in the world. The 42-year-old clinched the coveted World Masters Donald Macleod Memorial title in a tight competition between the global best players in Stornoway. The select event is run annually by the Lewis and Harris Piping Society in memory of the Hebridean pipe major who commanded an international reputation for his playing and teaching. He was also a highly-respected composer, whose tunes are considered modern classics. Only eight of the world’s most successful bagpipers are exclusively invited to participate in the special contest. Mr Walker was astonished to have won the most points in two out of three sections to gain the title on Friday night. He said: “These are top quality, well-respected judges. I was just happy to get through my tune. At the end of the day it could have gone to any one of the pipers. They are all great.” He previously won the World Masters contest in 1998. He is no stranger to the international piping competition circuit, having last year alone picked up top prizes in New York, Uist and Barra, Lochabar Gathering and the Northern Meeting. He heads the piping programme at St Columba’s School in Kilmalcolm and is also Pipe Major of the Mauchline and District Caledonia Pipe Band, in Ayrshire.

Ferry Operator Runs Two Island Sunday Sailings Sabbath sailings to and from the Wee Free bastion of the Isle of Lewis have made history. For the first time, operator Caledonian MacBrayne ran two Sunday sailings. It was because the MV Isle of Lewis broke down with engine problems on Saturday, leaving more than 100 vehicles and hundreds of passengers stranded on both sides of the Minch. Those sailings and yesterday’s service were fully booked so CalMac decided to operate another, leaving Stornoway at 7am. When CalMac introduced the controversial Sunday sailings on the Stornoway to Ullapool route in July the ferry broke down, and was only repaired just in time to launch the Sabbath service amid church protests, but applause from hundreds of islanders, at the quayside. Some islanders declared the breakdown “an act of God”. Since then the Sunday service has carried more than 10,000 passengers and 3,000 cars which, supporters say, shows the demand. The ferry has broken down twice since with engine problems. CalMac said the Isle of Lewis was unable to carry out the 2.30pm sailing from Stornoway on Saturday when a seal on a water cooling pump failed. “The fault has now been rectified and, to accommodate passengers who had been unable to sail, an extra service to and from Ullapool, was provided,” a company spokesman said. CalMac would like to apologise to passengers who have been inconvenienced.” An inter-island ferry between Harris and Berneray operates on Sundays after being introduced amid fierce protests in 2006. Sunday flights to and from Stornoway have operated since 2002.

Call for Greater Scottish Tax Powers Radical proposals for greater financial independence for Scotland are being put forward by two leading Scottish academics. The plans were set out yesterday by Professor Andrew Hughes Hallett, of St Andrews University, and Professor Drew Scott, of Edinburgh University, as First Minister Alex Salmond demanded the right to approve any plans by an incoming Conservative government to slash the Scottish budget. Prof Hallett and Prof Scott published a document urging proposals for devolving taxation. The pair also said spending powers needed to go considerably further than the key recommendation in the Calman Report that the Scottish Parliament should decide each year to put income tax up or down by up to 10% and take the spending and political consequences. Mr Salmond wrote to Tory leader David Cameron after failing to secure an assurance from shadow chancellor George Osborne that he would ask for the consent of the Scottish government before changing the formula used to calculate the Scottish budget. Mr Salmond said the Tory proposal was to replace the current Barnett Formula with one based on a wide-ranging needs assessment, and that this could disregard the fact that Scotland has been running budget surpluses since 2007, worth a total of £2.3billion. The professors said the Calman proposals were “unworkable” and additional tax powers should be devolved and a separate Scottish Treasury set up to administer tax collection north of the border. They claim the Scottish government could also be given borrowing powers without putting overall UK monetary control at risk.

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Celebrating the Life of A True Local Hero and Humanitarian By Ron Ferguson Here is an amazing story. In July 1920, two sisters were pregnant. One, Margaret, was unmarried, and fervently hoping and praying not to have her child. The other sister, Alice, with her husband, was looking forward to the birth. Alice delivered a still-born baby; Margaret gave birth to a healthy son. The young GP suggested that the two babies be switched. Grandma Lister intervened: “I think, doctor, if you don’t mind, we should accept our lot.” And that is how Douglas Lister came into the world. The boy would grow up to be the Rev Douglas Lister, a minister of the Church of Scotland and a man of humane instincts who helped many people. He died at the age of 89 a few days ago – on Easter Day, in fact.

I got to know Douglas over a long period when he wrote some kindly letters to me about columns I had written. We spoke on the phone. Now and again, I would get an e-mail from him. Gradually, I learned his story; it was quite an amazing one. When he wrote a book about his life adventures, called The Luneburg Story, he sent me a copy. It was a good read about a good man. Why was it called The Luneburg Story? Let me tell you.

Here’s how the book begins. “My posting for insubordination in 1946 was the best posting I was ever to have.” Well, that’s quite a start. Douglas was serving as a garrison chaplain and Church of Scotland minister in Gibraltar late in 1946 when his proposal to raise funds for the Commando Benevolent Fund clashed with the plans of the top brass. He was sent to Luneburg in Germany. In 1947, in the middle of the worst winter of the century, he was approached by a man wearing a leather Luftwaffe jacket. Joseph Makovee, a former bomber pilot, told him about the plight of 80,000 nearby refugees, who were nearly frozen to death. Could Lister help? He had spoken to the right man. Douglas Lister went with him to see the refugees. He was horrified by what he saw. He found babies wrapped in newspapers. The stench of boiling cabbage was everywhere: the refugees had very little to eat. He knew he had to help these starving people. High command refused permission on the grounds that it would be fraternisation with the enemy. Douglas approached his good friend Captain John Althorp – more about him later – for his advice. “Good God,” said Althorp, “these poor people are no enemies. Fight the high command.” He did. “As my order as chaplain is to serve people regardless of race, colour or religion, I wish to appeal against the rule in question,” he said in his letter to the high command. “I consider it my duty to help those people in their need if I possibly can. I would be grateful if you could give me permission to do so.” He won the appeal. Letters were sent to Scotland asking for support, to help the German refugees survive the winter hardship – all this only two years after a war in which many Scots had lost loved ones.

Tons of top-quality food and clothes poured in.

Now think about the name of John Althorp. Have you heard that name before? At one time he courted Princess Elizabeth, but he married someone else. One of his daughters was Diana, Princess of Wales. Douglas told me he was sure that Princess Diana’s compassion and fighting spirit showed her to be her father’s daughter. As a result of the efforts of Mr Lister and Captain Althorp, churches across Europe rallied to the cause. As a result of the campaign, the lives of hundreds of so-called “enemies” were saved. It was an impressive campaign, involving chaplains from different parts of Europe. As a result of this co- operation, the Inter-Church Refugee Service was born. It developed in time into Christian Aid, now a global charity which has done a fantastic amount of work over decades.

Douglas was born in Rothesay, Bute. His mother was a greengrocer. Before he graduated from Glasgow University, he decided to become a minister of the Kirk. After completing a degree in divinity, he joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department and was chaplain to the Royal Scots Guards, serving in Glasgow, Gibraltar and Germany. He was minister of St Stephen’s church, Carnoustie, from 1949 until 1955. He became chaplain to the Suez contractors, but this came to an end in 1956 when the Suez Crisis erupted.

Some Scottish Items #52 4 He even found himself imprisoned in Cairo for a spell. By the following year, Douglas was minister of St Andrew’s Church, Inverurie. He was there until 1967 when he moved to Largo and Newburn Parish Church in Fife. He retired in 1986. His first wife, Marion, died in 1976 and he married his second wife, Sandra, in 1987 and they lived in Inverurie. He was honorary assistant at St Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen until 1993.

The couple were invited to Luneburg in 1991 when a street was named after Mr Lister to recognise his contribution. It was a huge honour, and I remember Douglas telling me just how touched he was by the Luneburg Town Council's decision. When he was there, he was asked to speak about his experiences to pupils of the local school. Some of the pupils were grandchildren of the refugees who had been helped by the European aid effort.

We live in a celebrity culture in which people are famous for not doing a great deal. Yet there are many people who quietly, without any great fuss, go about the business of helping other people. To my mind, folk like Douglas Lister are the true local heroes. There are people up and down the land who selflessly care for others. Many of them don't get much recognition, but they are not bothered about that. It's good, therefore, to get the chance to celebrate the life of Douglas Lister, and to put his own kind of heroism on the public record.

Pressure on for 'Local Homes for Local People More must be done to guarantee local people get preference in the allocation of chronically constrained affordable housing in Ross-shire. The call was made this week as a contentious scheme in a Strathpeffer conservation area was backed by councillors - as new statistics reveal low-cost housing in the Highlands is at "crisis point". Black Isle councillor Billy Barclay made the remarks after the Ross, Skye and Lochaber planning committee this week unanimously approved plans by Albyn Housing Society for an eight-unit scheme within an outstanding conservation area in the village. The proposal prompted a "sit- in" protest by some locals who believe it is ill-suited given the special architectural and historic interest of the area. However Cllr Barclay, who attended the meeting in Skye via video-link, said he whole- heartedly backed the scheme and hoped the houses would be allocated to people from the village. "As far as I am concerned it is a really exceptional site for affordable houses, particularly for elderly people, as it is in a lovely location near the shops. It fits the bill perfectly and I hope that local people in the village will benefit from these houses being built."

Staging his own counter-protest at the weekend was Strathpeffer man Malcolm Ross (46), who is amongst 11,000 people in the Highlands on the waiting list for affordable housing. A council tenant in the village's Cromartie Drive, Mr Ross, was hit by the crippling spondylitis five years ago and struggles to manage the steps in his home. He said, I can understand what they're saying about the conservation area but at the end of the day there are a lot of people needing a home." Having undergone surgery, he now lives with "almost constant pain". He said, "I find it hard to walk so stairs are really difficult." He too has taken issue with the fact that people from outwith the area have been preferred for affordable housing built to date. Strathpeffer businesswoman Helene Lister had opposed the scheme and staged a "picnic protest" at the site on Saturday to raise awareness. She said, "In a village where many residents are not even permitted to replace old windows without planning consent, it was felt that the proposed plan to build modern semi-detached houses and flats is inappropriate in the centre of this area of such special architectural and historic interest. In any other EU country, the architectural integrity of a village like Strathpeffer would be retained for future generations."

Hydro Schemes Get Go-ahead Four hydro-electric schemes near Loch Lomond, which could supply enough power for 4,100 homes, were approved by the Scottish Government yesterday. About 50 construction jobs are expected to be created at the sites on Glen Falloch estate, near Crianlarich. Osspower applied last July to build the

Some Scottish Items #52 5 stations, which have a combined generating capacity of 6.7 megawatts. Energy minister Jim Mather said: "Scotland has an untapped potential for smaller hydro schemes which can create green energy and tackle climate change."

Rule Changes for Mòd 2010 Preparations for Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2010 are now well under way as Caithness gets set to host the annual event for the very first time in its history. It is anticipated that Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival will attract up to 8,000 people to the area during the nine day event in October, providing a welcome boost to the region, economically and culturally. National organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach have announced a number of new changes to the Mòd rules which are now effective for the 2010 event. These include the submission of all own choice music pieces by 30th June. Failure to do so will result in the Mòd office deducting 3 marks from the competitor’s total mark in each relevant competition. This year also sees a proportionate increase in the number of fluency card holders required for certain choral competitions in line with the long-term aim of improving the fluency levels of choir members. For full detailed information of these changes, please visit www.acgmod.org

Mòd 2010 in Caithness will also see An Comunn Gàidhealach make a concerted effort to recruit as many adjudicators as possible who have skills in both Gaelic and music. An Comunn Gàidhealach President, John Macleod said, “In keeping with our aims to encourage the use of Gaelic and boost its value in modern times, we want to reach a stage where, in relevant competitions, we have a combination of Gaelic adjudicators who have recognised musical knowledge, and music adjudicators with a knowledge and understanding of Gaelic. We have identified a number of individuals who we feel would be suitable for this role and who would, undoubtedly, enhance the judging process, have the ability to deliver adjudications in Gaelic as appropriate, and enhance the credibility of the event. This process may take some time to fully implement, but it will begin this year with some Provincial Mòds and later at the Royal National Mòd.” For any further information regarding Mòd 2010 in Caithness, please visit www.acgmod.org or www.caithnessmod2010.co.uk

Snowcross is An Instant Hit At the Cairngorms Nearly 100 competitors from across Scotland competed at the inaugural Scottish snowcross championships at the Cairngorms. The event was divided into 11 male and female categories with Scott McBain, 22, from Glasgow, winning the Scottish skier cross champion-ship. Sarah Norton, 19, from Carrbridge, claimed the women’s title in the skier cross national event. Boat of Garten’s Kevin Clark, 23, won the boarder cross men’s title, while former Cairngorms snowboard instructor Anna Dawson, 29, from Avie- more, was victorious in the women’s event. Aberdeen snowsports club chairman Ewen MacLean believes the Scottish snowcross championships will become an annual event. Former Olympian Alain Baxter was impressed with the standard of the competition. He said: “The champion- ships were thrilling to watch and it was fantastic to see such a prestigious sport coming to the UK.”

Happy, Motivated Children in Croileagan An Tairbeart The children who attend Croileagan An Tairbeart in Harris are 'happy and motivated', according to Integrated Inspection Reports published by HM Inspectorate of Education and the Care Commission.There is a positive relationships with parents and the local community, with dedicated hardworking staff committed to the playgroup, according to the report. Say HMIE: "We are confident that, with support from the education authority, the playgroup will be able to make the necessary improvements in light of the inspection findings. As a result we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. The playgroup and the education authority will inform parents about the playgroup's progress in improving the quality of education. HMIE have agreed the following areas for improvement with the school and education authority:

Some Scottish Items #52 6 * Continue to develop numeracy, literacy and science across all activities. * Include parents and children in making observations and planning next steps in their child's learning.

Allan Speaks in Chamber on Future of Gaelic Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has spoken in the Scottish Parliament on the future plans for the development of the Gaelic Language. Dr Allan, who spoke in the debate entirely in Gaelic, commented: "I am pleased to say that the new steps in Bòrd na Gàidhlig's plans are clear and practical, and that they start with this principle – we don't have all day to save the Gaelic language. This may be our last chance. From here on in, before the Bòrd start any project, they will ask this question – how will this project keep up the numbers of people who are speaking Gaelic in Scotland?" He went on: "One thing which Bòrd na Gàidhlig are advocating, and which would certainly help in places like the Western Isles, is a legal right to education through the medium of Gaelic where reasonable demand exists. The Bord also has a very specific aim – that the number of children going to Gaelic early year's education will increase by 20% within two years, and that the numbers going into Gaelic units will increase by 15% at the same time.

Grants for Crofters to Help Save Rare Species Crofters are set to receive £800,000 in grants over the next five years to look after their land in a way that supports wildlife. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in the north of Scotland has worked in partnership with crofters to secure the funding from the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). It will help maintain and extend traditional crofting methods while protecting species such as corncrake, corn bunting, twite and the great yellow bumblebee. RSPB regional director George Campbell said: "Crofting and conservation go hand in hand. The decline of active crofting represents a threat to biodiversity in general and to key bird species in particular." Bridget England, the RSPB agricultural advisory officer, said: "To date we have worked on about 40 applications and these should generate about £800,000 for crofters and farmers over the next five years." She said the groups have a common goal in developing land management techniques. The Keoldale Sheepstock Club in Sutherland has secured SRDP funding for grassland management to help rare species without impacting upon the current sheep and cattle enterprises.

In North Uist crofters and RSPB officers have worked together to manage land on the Balranald reserve, renowned as the best place in the UK to see the corncrake. Measures there include support for grazing by cattle which helps control unproductive vegetation. Local RSPB warden Jamie Boyle said: "As well as corncrakes, we are particularly concerned to protect other characteristic birds of arable farmland such as corn bunting and twite. But perhaps even better than this is the spectacular display of wild flowers that characterises the machair environment at Balranald." Other grants have been awarded to the Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership and crofters in Lower Barvas in Lewis.

True Site of Battle of Prestonpans Found The 1745 Battle of Prestonpans actually happened in a field 550 yards east of the spot where it has traditionally been sited. Experts at Glasgow University made the discovery after finding few artefacts at the traditional location. Dr Tony Pollard, of Glasgow University, one of the world's leading battlefield archaeologists, said: "We were not finding very much at the site or the materials you'd expect to discover. "So we were thinking, 'Have we missed the stuff or has it been taken away?' But when the metal detectors went further east, we knew we had it." It appears previous records relating to the battle site have always been wrong. Dr Pollard added: "Although this was a very well-documented battle with lots of eyewitness accounts, it was also very brutal and over quite quickly. "It now seems that, in the excitement, some of the witnesses got it wrong." The surprise victory at Prestonpans allowed Charles Stuart and the Jacobites to take the upper hand. Dr Pollard is part of Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (Guard), which is under threat from budget cuts. His team was asked to investigate the site by the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust two years ago. The study, which was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund,

Some Scottish Items #52 7 revealed the main area of attack took place further towards Port Seton, and not on land south of Cockenzie Power Station. More than 5,000 men were involved in the battle, which saw 300 killed and 1,000 soldiers captured by the Jacobites.

Archaeologists, helped by volunteers with metal detectors, unearthed piles of pistol balls, grapeshot and musket balls at the new site in fields owned by farmer Alistair Robertson. He said: "It is exciting to think it was across our fields that the famous Highland charge took place, and here that the main part of the battle was fought." Dr Pollard and his group believe other fighting did take place on what was identified as the battle site originally, but not the historic charge. There are now plans to display the findings in a visitor centre in the area, which already has a memorial cairn to the dead. Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, chairman of the battle trust, said: "This battle was one of the most important in Scottish history and has the potential to draw many thousands of visitors to this part of East Lothian. We want to safeguard it for the nation and provide interpretation to inform and educate. Now we have a definite idea of where the battle actually took place, we can be confident that we will be telling the story as it actually was."

Haggis Lives Wild Among the Hills, Say A Fifth of Britons (In the last issue it was about chocolate haggis and now this? If you can believe it. Where on earth did they do this survey ?- Robin) One in five Britons thinks the haggis is a hilltop-dwelling animal, a survey showed. The poll showed 41 per cent of people across the UK have no idea what the traditional Scottish dish is. It also revealed that even many Scots are baffled. According to the survey, 18 per cent of Britons believe the myth that haggis – a mixture of offal and oatmeal cooked in a sheep's stomach – is a real beast that roams the Highlands. Another 15 per cent think it is a Scottish musical instrument while 4 per cent believe haggis is a Harry Potter character. Scotland's famous deep-fried Mars bar also made a mention in the study of Scottish food, with 76 per cent of those polled having eaten one. Over 90 per cent wanted more deep- fried chocolate available as a takeaway snack. Nearly 70 per cent wanted haggis to be available as a takeaway option. The survey was commissioned by the online takeaway food service Just-Eat.co.uk. A spokesman said: "We thought it'd be interesting to see just how much people know about haggis across the UK. It turns out, not a lot – but everyone seems open-minded."

Mother Brands War Hero's Killer 'Pure Evil' The mother of a murdered Iraq war hero has branded her son's killer as "pure evil". Barry McGrory, 28, was found guilty on Wednesday of stabbing Scots Guardsman Paul McGee to death last October. Anne McGee, 54, yesterday described her son as a "true hero" and said justice had been done following the conviction. Guardsman McGee, who was decorated for bravery in Iraq, was killed after a night out with his mother, his girlfriend and her mother on 25 October. He was attacked outside the McGee family home in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, after going to the aid of a taxi driver who was subjected to a road rage assault by co-accused Ian Wallace. Mrs McGee said: "Paul was a true hero in every sense. He served his country in Iraq and Northern Ireland, only to be murdered back home by pure evil."

Rain Reveals Chiselled Features in Rock Face Two walkers were left baffled when a downpour of rain uncovered a the shape of a human face carved into rock. The image – painstakingly chiselled out of red sandstone – is thought to be more than a century old, but had remained hidden under layers of moss for years. It was found in a glen along a popular rambling route on the outskirts of Kilsyth, Lanarkshire, by local Gerry Callahan who had sheltered from the elements under a rocky outcrop. While resting on a stone ledge, he spotted the outline of what appeared to be a human eye carved into the surface. Using his hands, he removed more moss and dirt and was astonished when he soon realised a stone face was staring back at him. He first called his friend Robert Bell to examine the find, and they contacted local historian Willie Chalmers. Mr Chalmers, 73, believes it may be linked to a nearby mine shaft that was taken out of use about a century ago. He said: "Years ago the glens around Kilsyth were full of smallholdings. A hundred years ago there would have been plenty of miners and quarrymen about in the hills, so I imagine it was probably one of them.

Some Scottish Items #52 8 "The face is next to an air vent for one of the old mine shafts. It's a nice place to sit. Many of these miners and quarrymen were very artistic people.

Protesters Win Last-minute Reprieve for Historic Wall A historic boundary wall in the Pleasance at Falkland, in Fife, which is believed to date back to the 1600s, has been saved from demolition. Work to tear down the wall – just 100 yards from Falkland Palace – had already begun after a 20m section was removed for "safety purposes" this month. But a proposal to demolish the rest of the structure, including a barn and byre, was delayed with just hours to spare after protesters argued that the wall was in a conservation area. On advice from Historic Scotland, Fife Council used devolved powers to carry out urgent works to preserve the wall and put in place a Temporary Stop Notice to prevent any further works being done. It also announced that the demolished section will be rebuilt. Protesters had argued that the developer Lomond Homes only wanted rid of the wall to allow access to fields behind, where it is hoping to create a new housing development. Lomond Homes said it had complied with Fife Council's initial notice to remove the danger of the wall collapsing, but that it would comply with the Temporary Stop Notice.

Fight-shy Falcons A Failure At Seeing Off Smug Seagulls It was meant to be an inspired way to stop flocks of seagulls terrorising a town centre. Eight falcons were brought in to Dumfries to scare off the pests. Their presence alone was expected to do the trick – to keep animal rights sensibilities they had not been trained to attack the intruders. But the gulls quickly learned that they were in no real danger – so more actually flocked there. The trial project – the first of its kind on the UK – has been declared a disaster in an official report. A new trial is now being planned with birds of prey taught to exert "direct lethal control". The Dumfries trial, which cost about £50,000, involved experts from the local council, the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage. The problem was recognised by Mike Russell, the former SNP environment minister in 2008, who said it was time to "get tough on seagulls and tough on the causes of seagulls." The trial was expected to pave the way for seagull control in communities around the Scottish coast.

But the experts' report found that after being frightened by the falcons for the first five weeks of the ten- week study, the gulls then started to ignore the birds of prey. Sensitive to complaints from animal rights groups, the falcons had not been taught to hunt by their trainers, in order to make sure they did not kill the gulls. Instead, the falcons were expected to simply perch on buildings or fly around among the seagulls birds to intimidate them into fleeing. However, in the report for the government, the trial organisers wrote: "It was apparent, however, that both species of gull began to tolerate the presence of falcons as the trial period progressed and no actual threat occurred." The report concluded that the total number of lesser black-backed and herring gull nests rose. "The programme implemented therefore failed to reduce the nesting population," it said.

Maureen and Mark Are Toast of the Town A shocked Thurso couple are coming to terms with a prize of £834,824 from the People's Postcard Lottery spring rollover. Mark and Maureen Jamieson, both 47, from Holborn Avenue, were the toast of the town on Sunday when their success with the full winning postcode of KW14 7JR saw them scoop a major share in a prize pot of over £2 million. Both were visibly shaken and almost speechless as they were presented with cheques by People's Postcard Lottery presenters Angus Purden and Judie McCourt during an outdoor party held in Sir George's Park, headlined by pop star Darius Campbell. Their windfall is the biggest to go to a single household in the five-year history of the online competition. The delighted pair couldn't hide their shock as they heard the extent of their life-changing win. "I'm not sure it's quite sunk in," Judie said. "Just an hour ago Mark and Maureen had no clue how much they'd won. Now they are near-millionaires." They were joined in the celebrations by sons Gary (25) and Ryan (19). The family moved back to Thurso from Alva five years ago to get better support for Gary who suffers from Prader- Willi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. "We wanted to get help with the family. Up here the community

Some Scottish Items #52 9 is quite good with disabled people. That was one of the main reasons why we moved back - there is more care here than down the road in the central belt," said Mr Jamieson. He added that the winnings would help make life more comfortable for Gary. The joiner said: "It will help a lot with Gary's care. That's the main thing just now."

Body of Quad Bike Woman Who Fell Into Fast-flowing River is Recovered After 18 Days THE body of a woman who fell from a quad bike into a fast-flowing burn has been recovered, police said today. It is thought Linda Weir, 58, from Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway, was swept away by the swollen waters of Burnsands Burn, which joins the River Nith. A major search, which included 30 rescue specialists, was carried out over two days. Police on Friday confirmed the body discovered in the River Nith yesterday was that of the missing woman. A Dumfries and Galloway Police spokesman said: A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

£70m Pools and Schools Blueprint A multi-million pound plan to invest in schools and leisure facilities across Renfrewshire has been revealed. Councillors will be asked to agree contractors for the £70million investment package at a meeting next week. If agreed, the deal will see a host of new projects get under way, including: * A £7m community sports hub and expansion at the Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley, which would include climbing walls, skateboard parks, mountain bike equipment, an updated pool and a spa. * A £33m new Park Mains High School in Erskine with enhanced sports facilities for community use. * A £6m community sports hub located at Johnstone High School, with a 25m, four lane pool, dance studios, fitness gym and a full size synthetic pitch * A £24m sports hub at Linwood with an eight court sports hall, fitness suite, dance studio, upgraded pitches and athletics tracks, and a swimming pool.

The facilities form a key element of the £92m investment agreed by Renfrewshire Council in June 2009. Council leader Derek Mackay said: “This plan will deliver major economic, social, health and fitness benefits to Renfrewshire. “The completion of the new High School for Erskine, new and refurbished pools and expanded leisure facilities will be great, but we also want to make the best of the construction work for the local population as well. We will, in partnership with the appointed contractor, provide wider community benefits including apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities, as well as work for local companies too. We are very confident about the future, and this report, if approved, will give the green light to this major, life-changing project.” Councillor Eileen McCartin is convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Community and Family Care Policy Board. She said: “The proposed £70m investment follows on from the £250,000 boost for the Renfrew Victory Baths and £500,000 investment on Erskine Pool to extend their working lives. The package will improve opportunities for sport and leisure, and drive forward the regeneration of our town centres. We will also be working with local schools to highlight career opportunities in construction with work-based placements and enterprise events. It’s a real win-win.”

Iains Joke Section A Glaswegian stops before a graveyard in the cemetery, and notices a carved tombstone declaring, "Here lies a lawyer and an honest man..." "Ach, who'd ever think..." he murmured, "there'd be enough room fer two men in that one wee grave..."

Old Tam, who had lost all his teeth, had a visit from the minister who noted that Tam had a bowl of almonds. "My brother gave me those, but I don't want them, you can have them" said Old Tam. The minister tucked into them and the said "That was a funny present to give a man with no teeth." To which Old Tam replied "Not really, they had chocolate on them..."

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