Holyrood Parliament. Image: Pete Swift
Check back this afternoon for a run down of the first minister’s questions.
by Sunnah Khan
Friends of the Earth Campaigner, Natascha Deigner, rallying support in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town to put pressure on the EU to transition to a low carbon economy
In less than a month confederates from around the world will gather in Durban for the 17th annual UN climate change conference. Over the last twenty years there has been a significant increase in global carbon dioxide emissions. Currently the EU is responsible for 13% of global emissions with the US emitting nearly twice as much.
The Keyoto protocol is set to expire in 2012 and this years conference will see a renegotiation of the process as to what the new protocol will look like and which countries will participate. Set out in 1997 as an international agreement to act on climate change, the Koyoto protocol set binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Paradoxically since its insemination global emissions have increased by 45per cent according to the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. An all-time high of 33 billion tonnes of CO2 was pumped into the atmosphere last year alone.
Natascha Deigner an activist for Friends of the earth emphasized that now more than ever there was a need to act on the issue of climate change; ‘We’re going to get runaway climate change. We’re going to have catastrophic climate change and certain things are going to be irreversible…rising sea levels, rising temperatures, will have devastating effect.’
The 2011 climate change conference is set to take place in Durban next month.
by Ashleigh Gibbs
Shutters Down: A familiar sight at the Kirkcaldy shopping centre
The potential closure of a small arts and craft store has struck a further blow to a local shopping centre in Kirkcaldy. Burns and Harris, one of the centre’s longest standing occupants, has been forced to reduce opening hours and create redundancies adding further speculation about the future of the ailing Postings Shopping Centre. With high rates forcing existing business to move to the High Street and failing to attract new business alike, the centre has seen a devastating increase in empty units with a direct impact on spend, leaving few remaining stall owners and shops struggling.
“It’s getting worse and worse…” an employee of Capability Scotland, one of several charity shops, said. “We would have had about eighty or ninety people through the doors a day, now it’s more like twenty five.” One stall owner told of how a fellow goods seller had taken no money at all on a Saturday and there is greater concern yet that development plans for a new supermarket at the town’s Inverteil site may have a detrimental effect to its vitally important Tesco. The initiative continues to be discussed.
by Gemma McCallan
A Tesco store similar to this one will get the ball rolling at Opportunity Omagh
It has been announced that the £350 million Opportunity Omagh development is underway with supermarket giants Tesco confirming their arrival. There have been mixed reactions to the news however, with claims that it will have a detrimental affect on the town centre, taking business out of the town centre. Omagh Chamber of Commerce President, Christopher Kelly has welcomed the news but has expressed concerns that the proposed location could create ‘a rival town’. Mr Kelly said: “The Chamber welcomes the news that Tesco has plans for a new store in Omagh and that the giant retailer is interested in investing the local community and creating jobs. The problem is that the proposed site on the Derry Road is the wrong site and is too far out of town.”
Portobello Park, the site of the new school.
By Tom Freeman
In the face of legal action, Edinburgh City Council is today voting to approve preparatory works on building on one of Edinburgh’s community parks. Portobello Park, between the ancient Portobello 9-hole golf course and the Milton Road section of the A1, is the preferred site for the new Portobello High School. The Portobello Park Action Group have condemned the decision to build on the park, citing this as another example of shrinking public green space in Edinburgh and have now raised a legal action in the Court of Session to review the decision, an action which the Council have vowed to ‘vigorously defend’.
“Green space is an asset” Ros Sutherland, chair of PPAG said yesterday, “Step outside the bounds of Portobello, and look at Edinburgh as whole, there’s a history of building on public space”
Local SNP councillor Michael Bridgeman was quick to distance the current administration from the previous Labour-led council “The SNP pledge to leave the golf course and its 150 year history alone” he told Napier News. “We have published a clear Open Space Strategy.” He conceded, however, that there were no plans to create new green space in Edinburgh.
“I fully acknowledge that for those living nearby this choice is totally unacceptable and very painful.” Labour councillor Maureen Child said yesterday.
The PPAG is holding a 5k fun run in the park tonight from 7pm, followed by tea and home baking in St Martin’s church hall. They hope this will raise awareness and funds for their appeal.
BY BURCIN MERTCAN
courtesy of http://construction-manager.co.uk/news/
Glasgow’s Riverside Museum is the UK’s newest and most exciting visitor attraction, home to the transport, engineering and shipbuilding legacy that made Glasgow great.
The Riverside Museum is an architectural masterpiece, designed by British-Iraqi, Zaha Hadid. Her company was picked from 140 submissions to build the £74 million Riverside Museum. The 74 million museum is Hadid’s first major public commission to open in Glasgow and 18 months later there will be another great master work will be opening – the new aquatics centre for the 2012 Olympics.
Visitors will be struck by the stunning displays, packed with fascinating exhibits, high-tech and hands-on interactions and inspiring moving stories. You’ll be able to walk down the re-created 1900s street, drive a locomotive and tackle a tenement fire, with more than 3,000 objects on display, there is something for everyone of all ages.
Outside, The Tall Ship Glenlee is moored in front of the museum creating a dramatic and iconic international destination. The Glenlee is one of only five Clyde-built sailing vessels afloat in the world today and the only one in the UK.
Councillor Gordon Matherson, the leader of Glasgow City Council, said “Glasgow’s history as an industrial giant, a global leader in engineering and shipbuilding, is celebrated is am architectural masterpiece which shows that we remain at the cutting edge of design and technology.”
Zaha Hadid said “The history of Glasgow is profoundly interlinked with the history of the Clyde, and together they have informed the museum’s design. I wanted the building to reflect the importance of its location and allow for the innovative and inspirational display of its outstanding collection. The fluid design continues Glasgow’s rich engineering traditions; a true demonstration and celebration of the skills and passion of local engineers and contractors who helped to bring this building to life.”
The museum will open its doors to the public on 21st June 2011. Entry to Riverside Museum is free!
Susannah prepares to read the news
Listen to today’s 2.30 bulletin to hear about the latest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution, funeral marches in Syria and how to have a dinner with the lights off.
Merchiston Crescent Credit: Adam Smyth
By Celeste Carrigan
Pawel Rodak a 20-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Roger Gray, retired lecturer. He has appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The charges made were culpable and reckless conduct, and endangering the lives of people in the building and surrounding area.
No declaration or plea was made on his behalf and the case continues for further enquiry. Rodak was remanded in custody.
by Catherine Mumford, Susannah Radford, Fearghus Roulston, Orla Nr Sheaghdha
Orla all warmed up for the 1:30pm bulletin
Headlines:
Listen to today’s 1.30 bulletin to join in the debate as questions are asked about aid to Burma. We talk with Grassmarket Community Project about helping people to fill out the census. We investigate whether people know about Earth Hour and find out what’s happening in this weekend’s first International Scottish Tattoo Convention.
Morningside Library Closing for Refurb Credit: Blythe Harkins
By Celeste Carrigan
Morningside public library is closing for eight months for renovations. The refurbishment will involve the creating of a new level in the library as well as a new cafe.
The library will see improved community and study areas with much-needed public toilets.
A book van will be in operation opposite the library during its closure on Falcon Road west.
Tune into Edinburgh Napier News TV Bulletin at 3pm to find out more on this story.
Edinburgh Castle turns off their lights for 'Earth Hour' Credit: WWF
By Celeste Carrigan
Dr Richard Dixon, Head of WWF Scotland, speaks to Edinburgh Napier News about Earth Hour. Not only will people have to remember to put their clock forward one hour this weekend but don’t forget to switch off your lights at 8.30-9.30pm on Saturday 26 March as part of the WWF Environmental campaign.
Across the country, people will be sitting in the dark but they won’t be alone, some of Scotland’s well-known landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle will be joining in the campaign.
Tune into Edinburgh Napier News radio bulletins at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm to find out more about Earth Hour and click on the link below to listen to Dr Richard Dixon to hear more.
by Catherine Mumford, Susannah Radford, Fearghus Roulston, Orla Nr Sheaghdha
Newsreader Cath reads the latest bulletin
Headlines:
Listen to today’s 12.30 bulletin to join in the debate as questions are asked about aid to Burma. The latest news about the war plane strikes on Ajdabiya from British troops.
Also, find out what charity has been helping with the census.
HMS Edinburgh docks in Leith Credit: Blythe Harkins
By Celeste Carrigan
The penultimate Royal Navy 42 Type Destroyer, HMS Edinburgh has docked in Leith for the weekend. Scotland’s capital ship will be open from 1pm to the public on Sunday 27 March 2011.
The public will be able to come on board and have a look around an active Royal Navy ship.
Edinburgh Napier News got exclusive photos of the ship as it docked in Edinburgh.
For more information on this story tune into Edinburgh Napier News TV Bulletin at 3PM
Protesters in Syria. Credit: thephotostrand.
By Edoardo Zandona’
While battles on the ground and air raid attacks from the coalition continue in Libya, other countries in the Middle East are still experiencing turmoil. Here are the last updates country by country.
Syria: Syrian police forces arrested at least three demonstrators today after thousands gathered in the Syrian capital of Damascus for the funeral march of those dead in the last days’ demonstrations. According to the opposition forces, 100 have been killed by riot squads during protests in the city of Daraa. The Syrian government claimed only ten people died in Wednesday’s turmoil, and denied having ordered the police to open fire on the protesters, as stated by the Asharq al Aswat newspaper.
Yesterday, President Bashar al-Assad promised the start of a series of reforms in the country, including the lifting of the state of emergency which has been in place since 1963. The government also announced measures to fight corruption, to raise workers’ wages and to relax restrictions over the media.
Yemen: Tens of thousands of people have gathered today in the capital Sanaa in what is believed to be the biggest anti-government rally so far. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in charge since 1978, while addressing his supporters, said he is ready to hand over power, but only to ‘safe hands’. He also urged his supporters to ‘stand firm’. The rallies are coming a week after 50 have been killed in protests.
The situation in the country seems about to explode. The Free Yemeni movement tweeted: “Taqyeer square screams right now: ‘The people want to overthrow the regime, Saleh you are going down tonight and no other night’.” A BBC correspondent reported that ‘the city is very tense and anxious, with a sense of history in the making’.
Latest reports say that government troops fired warning shots on the protesters.
Jordan: Supporters of Jordanian government have clashed last night with opposition forces, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit. King Abdullah’s supporters threw stones to the demonstrators who gathered on Thursday in the capital Amman. On Wednesday King Abdullah sent a letter to Jordanian newspapers, urging the Prime Minister to push through parliamentary reforms.
Source: Maverick Photo Agency
By Georgi Bomb
This Saturday, 26 March, remember to switch off your lights at 8.30-9.30pm as people around the world sit in the dark to join in the world’s biggest environmental campaign, set up by WWF.
WWF are doing their bit for climate change week with ‘Earth Hour.’ It started in Australia during 2007 and has now stretched across 35 countries.
On 26 March at 8.30pm, not only will people in their homes switch off their lights but offices, government buildings and iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle will be taking part in the campaign.
Tune into Edinburgh Napier News radio for the 12:30pm and 1:30pm bulletins where they will be talking to the director of WWF Scotland, Dr. Richard Dixon.
Edinburgh Zoo will soon welcomes two Chinese giant pandas
By Edoardo Zandona
Gary Wilson, the chief executive for Edinburgh Zoo was suspended yesterday after ‘anonymous allegations’ were made against him.
The nature of the allegations remains unknown, but a spokeswoman for the attraction said they are going to be treated ‘extremely seriously’. She also revealed that an internal and external examination are under way, although the police are not involved.
The suspension arrives immediately after the zoo announced the arrival of two specimen of giant pandas from China. Mr Wilson was responsible for all the zoo’s major projects, including the pandas import.
Edinburgh Zoo is owned by the Royal Zoo Society of Scotland, and is one of Britain’s biggest zoos. It opened in July 1913 and it attracts more than 600,000 visitors a year.
by Tina Charon and Patrick McPartlin
Middle East
Libya
For the moment the US, UK and France are continuing air strikes against the country. A second raid was lead early this morning and destroyed a building in Libya’s capital Tripoli. The building was one of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s command centres. US officials have said that Colonel Gaddafi himself was not a target of the air strikes.
The Arab League, Russia and China have condemned the attacks. Arab League General Secretary Amr Mussa said, “What has happened in Libya differs from the goal of imposing a no-fly zone. What we want is the protection of civilians.” He has also announced that an emergency meeting of the 22-member Arab league is about to be set up.
by Orla Ni Sheaghdha
The terminal at Edinburgh Airport has been reopened. The airport was evacuated when a suspicious package was left in the terminal building, which has since been dealt with by authorities. Edinburgh Napier News spoke exclusively to the airport media office. “The threat’s been stood down. There was a suspect package that’s been made safe and we are now reopen.” There has been no knock-on effect on flights.
Tune in to the radio bulletin for more information.
Suspicious package cleared at Edinburgh Airport. Image: Flickr.com
by Blythe Harkins
Prince William attended a service rally for the Christchurch victims on Friday. Thousands of people gathered in North Hagley Park for a memorial service for the estimated 182 people that were lost in the 6.3-magnitude quake in New Zealand, on February 22. Two minutes of silence were observed at the time that the quake hit. Prince William spoke a few words of hope to the people. “My grandmother once said grief is the price you pay for love.” He went on further to say that the Cantabrians “are an inspiration to all people. I count myself enormously privileged to be here to tell you that.” His closing words were telling the people in Christchurch to be strong.
The New Zealand Herald was very excited to cover the Prince’s visit. Check out their video below:
by Patrick McPartlin
Ricky Preddie, one of the brothers convicted of the manslaughter of Damilola Taylor, is back in jail after breaching the conditions of his release. Preddie, who has been living in a probation hostel, was jailed for eight years in 2006 along with his brother, but was released from prison in September of last year.
Bruce Gittings, Vice Chairman Royal Scottish Geographical Society/ University of Edinburgh
By Susannah Radford
Foreign Secretary William Hague says that the Prime Minister sends his condolences to Japan. [Read more...]
(Image courtesy of: YouReporter.it)
A relief fund has been set up by the GlobalGiving organization to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami which devastated Japan last night. The aim of the project is to collect $90,000 to “disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services”, and it is meant to be the first step of a series of international actions for support.
If you wish to contribute to the cause, you can access the project’s webpage here.
Cannongate Kirk Edinburgh Source: Telegraph
By Celeste Carrigan
As Royal Wedding fever starts to set in across the UK, Scotland is starting to prepare for the 2nd of Royal Marriages to happen this Year. Princess Ann’s daughter Zara Phillips and fiancé rugby player Mike Tindall have chosen to hold their nuptials in Edinburgh. The summer wedding will be a small family affair, with the ceremony happening at Cannogate Kirk on the Royal Mile . The reception will take place at the Queen’s Scottish residence Palace of Holyroodhouse. Further updates on this story to follow in the tv news bulletin on Edinburgh Napier News.
Cardinal Keith O'Brien visited Riggi at Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Source: BBC
By Georgi B
Cardinal Kieth O’Brien, the leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland visited a woman in hospital who confessed to murdering her three children, it is believed. [Read more...]
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