Scottish Magazines

A tougher regulatory framework for the press is needed but it should be voluntary, according to a new report.

Shipping and energy services firm Craig Group is to invest £50m in new vessels, after winning a contract with Talisman Energy.

New regulations come into force which will allow Scots to make certain home improvements without planning permission.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) calls for a new body to be set up to protect workers from abuse and exploitation by bosses.

A 38-year-old man is arrested in connection with a stabbing outside a primary school in Glasgow two weeks ago.

St Johnstone battle back to claim a Scottish Cup fifth-round replay against top flight rivals Hearts.

Gary Bollan is sacked as manager of Livingston, the Scottish First Division club announces.

Dundee United knock Rangers out of the Scottish Cup with a deserved fifth-round victory at Ibrox.

Scotland's Paul Lawrie shoots a final-day 65 to win the Qatar Masters and continue his fine start to 2012.

Finance Secretary John Swinney defends plans to let EU nationals living in Scotland vote in the independence referendum.

An 85-year-old man was robbed of a three-figure sum of money at a cash machine outside a bank in the centre of Edinburgh.

The stories making the headlines in Scotland's newspapers

The process of evicting anti-social tenants could be simplified under plans being put forward by the Scottish government.

The Scottish government is launching a "changing attitudes" campaign to encourage women to drop a drink size.

Motorists in Scotland are warned to beware of icy roads after a night of sub-zero temperatures.

A golf shop once owned by pioneering course designer Robert Simpson is put up for sale at Carnoustie Golf Links.

A security guard making a delivery of cash to a city centre centre was robbed by a thief who got away on a bicycle.

One of the most famous paintings by Fife artist Jack Vettriano has gone on public display for the first time in two decades.

A swimming pool in Glasgow whose closure 11 years ago led to violent clashes with police is reopened by Scots actor and director Peter Mullan.

A man had part of his ear bitten off in a "violent" and "unprovoked" attack by two men in a Glasgow fast food outlet.

Road users are advised to use caution whilst driving, as low temperatures have been forecast.

Road users are advised to use caution whilst driving, as low temperatures have been forecast.

Drivers are advised to slow down and exercise caution due to fog affecting driving conditions

Drivers are advised to slow down and exercise caution due to fog affecting driving conditions

Road users are advised to use caution whilst driving, as low temperatures have been forecast.

 

Road users are advised to use caution whilst driving, as low temperatures have been forecast.

Motorists are advised to drive with care due to low temperatures affecting driving conditions on many road throughout the region.

Motorists are advised to drive with care due to low temperatures affecting driving conditions on many road throughout the region.

Motorists are advised to drive with care due to low temperatures affecting driving conditions on many road throughout the region.

Motorists are advised to drive with care due to low temperatures affecting driving conditions on many road throughout the region.

The A890 remains closed in both directions at Strome ferry due to a land slide. The Local Council are advising that the road is scheduled to reopen, with restrictions, around 17th February although this date is subject to change. The advised diversion is via Inverness. Unfortunately this involves a journey of approximately 140 miles. The diversion route is signposted along its length.

Increased risk of landslide, drivers and road users must exercise extreme caution when travelling along the road.

The M74 southbound slip to Paisley road is currently closed due to an earlier building fire.

Invigor8 a new free falls prevention exercise programme, specifically designed for people 65 and over, has been launched at South Ayrshire Council’s Citadel in Ayr.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Chair of the South Ayrshire Community Health Partnership (CHP) said: "Invigor8 is an innovative programme designed to meet the needs of older people in our communities at risk of falls.

"Funding for the initiative has come from the Scottish Governments Change Fund, which supports the Reshaping Care for Older People programme. South Ayrshire CHP received an allocation of £1.9 million to invest in improving services.

"Demographic change in South Ayrshire over the next 20 years will see an increase of 50% in people aged over 75 and 124% in people over 85 years.

"South Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, voluntary and independent sectors are working together to further develop ways to help prevent older people falling and ending up in accident and emergency units or being admitted to hospital.

"Participating in Invigor8 will make a huge difference for many people, by reducing their risk of having a fall, improving their physical wellbeing and boosting their confidence.

Dr Heather Hall, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Falls Lead Practitioner said: "Invigor8 is an evidence-based service which meets the needs of the people who are most at risk of falling.

"We know that to reduce the numbers of people who suffer falls in Ayrshire and Arran, we need to deliver a 50 week exercise programme focused on improving an individual’s strength and balance. This partnership programme supported by the Community Health Partnership allows us to deliver this important service."

One in three people aged 65 and over experience a fall each year. Falls, however, are not an inevitable consequence of ageing. By undertaking a specific strength and balance exercise programme for 50 weeks, the risk of having a fall is markedly reduced.

The exercise classes are led by highly trained and experienced instructors. A physiotherapy support worker also assists with participants. Classes are suitable for people who have had a fall or want to prevent falls in the future.

The classes will help build and maintain eight core components:

• Balance
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Endurance
• How to get down on to the floor and back up
• Floor work
• Tai Chi
• Confidence building

Two levels of class will be held with ongoing monitoring and assessment.

Councillor Nan McFarlane, Portfolio Holder for Social Services for the Council said: "Invigor8 is an outstanding programme which supports the Reshaping Care Agenda for Older People.

"Older people want to remain fit, active and independent and we must do all we can to support them in meeting this aspiration.

"By carrying out the programme in venues across South Ayrshire we hope to make it easily accessible."

Enthusiastic Invigor8 participant Michael Abbott said: "This is an excellent programme which is well focussed for the people who need it most. It is beneficial having someone to encourage me in falls prevention and is also important to me socially."

Retired GP and Invigorate classmate Laura Macdonald agreed adding: "At this class we realise that aging and disability do not have to lead to further deterioration.

"The programme offers us a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to gain skills and confidence that help prevent falls and we’re already discovering that we can resume control of our everyday lives.

"But the best part is that Invigor8 is fun!"

People over 65 can be referred to Invigor8 through a voucher scheme by a health or social care professional such as a doctor, practice nurse, physiotherapist or home care provider. Alternatively call the contact telephone number on one of the voucher booklets, which will be widely available in doctors surgeries, NHS outpatient clinics, physiotherapy and occupational therapy departments, pharmacists, opticians, and some Council premises.

Anyone wishing to participate in the programme will be asked to go for an assessment prior to joining a class to ensure the classes are suitable for them.

Classes will be held across South Ayrshire in Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Maybole and Girvan.

The Invigor8 programme is an Ayrshire-wide initiative, with classes also available in North and East Ayrshire and people are welcome to attend an Invigor8 class at any venue most convenient to them.

For more information on classes contact Janey.Anderson@south-ayrshire.gov.uk telephone 01292 294716 or 01292 294704.

For additional information on the NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s falls prevention programme contact Dr Heather Hall by email at Heather.Hall@aapct.nhs.scot.uk or phone 01292 660827.

Southcraig Campus, which provides specialist support for pupils with additional support needs in Ayr from 3 to 18, has received a glowing report from school inspectors.

Southcraig Campus was evaluated on learners’ experiences, improvements in performance, children’s experiences and meeting learning needs. In every single category, it was rated as ’very good’.

The report comments: "Children and young people are enthusiastic and happy in school. They are developing confidence and work well with others across the school. They are successfully developing the skills of cooperation and working with a wide range of adults.

"The school has a clear vision for the curriculum which it is developing effectively. Staff are working well together, developing comprehensive programmes for English and literacy, and mathematics and numeracy.

"They provide a balance of topics which help children and young people make links across different aspects of learning and have developed very effective procedures to help all young people move on from school successfully."

The inspector also pointed to how well pupils were being supported and encouraged and put this down to the outstanding leadership of the head of campus with the support of the wider senior management team.

The results have delighted Councillor Hywel Davies, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning who commented: "We are justifiably proud of this excellent report for Southcraig Campus.

"It is especially pleasing that the inspector noted how our children and young people, with a wide range of different needs, are encouraged to achieve at the highest level and this reflects positively on how well they, school staff and parents have worked together to make real progress in all areas of the school curriculum."

Southcraig Campus Head Teacher Lorraine Stobie added: "I’m over the moon with this positive and very encouraging school inspection report.

"Our team encourages children and young people to be independent from an early age and we try to give them appropriate responsibility, such as individual duties in classes, tending the garden and supporting other children to help them achieve this.

"This helps foster confidence and achievement from nursery years through to leaving school and we’re seeing children and young people make good progress in developing their personal and social skills, taking account of their stage of development and their barriers to learning."

"The inspector has given us some pointers to help make further improvement in the school, such as further development systems to track, monitor and assess pupils’ progress against the curriculum and how we can work even more closely with children, young people, parents and partner agencies to help every pupil achieve their full potential.

"We’ll be taking these on board and look forward to further improving the way we work with and develop our young people."

Councillor Davies concluded: "Southcraig staff, the Senior Management Team and parents deserve hearty congratulations on this report.

"It is a direct reflection on how far the school has come on its improvement journey and speaks volumes for the way they have worked together to deliver an excellent and supportive learning environment, in which pupils from both schools are clearly flourishing".

A strong message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in South Ayrshire was reinforced when a joint information sharing protocol between Strathclyde Police, South Ayrshire Council and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) was signed.

Representatives from South Ayrshire Council, Strathclyde Police, Ayrshire Housing, West of Scotland Housing Association, Hanover Scotland and Link Housing signed the document.

The information sharing protocol provides guidance and a framework for lawful and productive sharing of information between Strathclyde Police, South Ayrshire Council and RSLs in South Ayrshire. This includes the sharing of information relating to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), Unacceptable Behaviour Notices (UBNs), Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) and Eviction Actions.

It has been designed to ensure that all information is shared legally between the police, Council and RSLs to achieve best practice in the prevention, investigation and detection of anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Customer First, who signed the document said: "We are committed to protecting the quality of life of people who live in communities across South Ayrshire and enjoy a good quality of life with their neighbours and other people.

"We will not tolerate a small number of people who have no regard for other people and seem intent on disrupting peaceful communities.

"By agreeing to share information we will be able to legally share information and be more efficient in the way in which we prevent, investigate and detect antisocial behavior across South Ayrshire.

"Antisocial behaviour will be not be tolerated; we all have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can enjoy their home without fear or being disturbed."

Jim Whiston from South Ayrshire’s main RSL, Ayrshire Housing added: "This initiative means that the police, landlords and the Council know that they can move as a team to challenge bad behaviour as soon as it happens."

Chief Inspector Neil Kerr, Area Commander, South Ayrshire said: "Strathclyde Police is committed to working with our partners to keep people safe. This protocol strengthens our partnership working and is a clear message that antisocial behaviour is unacceptable. By sharing information with our partners we can ensure partnership working is efficient and effective, providing the best outcome for residents of South Ayrshire."

The Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 has given power for the sharing of information, for the legitimate purpose of tackling antisocial behaviour, between a local authority, a Chief Constable and RSLs.

The joint protocol for sharing of information to tackle antisocial behaviour can be viewed by logging on to http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/policies/.

Local residents and road users are being offered another opportunity to have their say on how South Ayrshire Council undertakes road improvements, road maintenance and road repairs.

The Council had previously hosted a series of roadshows for the public and the format proved so successful the idea is being repeated, with five evening roadshows across South Ayrshire planned for in February.

Recent extreme and adverse weather conditions have brought considerable interest in the Council’s work to maintain and improve the road network and the five roadshows will offer residents a chance to ask questions, make comments and have their voices heard.

The road shows are scheduled for:

• Girvan: Carrick Buildings, 1 February, 7pm
• Maybole: Maybole Town Hall, 8 February, 7pm
• Troon:, Walker Hall, 15 February, 7pm
• Prestwick: Prestwick Academy, Assembly Hall, 22 February, 7pm
• Ayr:  Citadel Leisure Centre, 29 February, 7pm

Councillor Peter Convery, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment explained: "We recognise the importance of working closely with local communities to make sure our planning, maintenance and improvement programmes closely reflect local needs.

"In the past, we’ve enjoyed excellent support from communities and residents, particularly during the unprecedented cold weather we experienced in 2010 and 2011.

"We’re committed to making things better and this second series of roadshows offer a direct opportunity for people to have their say on how we can improve our service.

"They’ve been organised for early evening, to make them more convenient and will be attended by representatives from the Council’s Road, Transport, Structures and Street Lighting services who will answer any questions."

The roadshows will also offer the opportunity to discuss other issues that have been brought to the Council’s attention such as the Road Improvement Plan, winter service provision, festive lighting and parking.

Councillor Convery concluded: "We want to meet and hear from as many people as possible and all ideas, views and suggestions, especially those which could influence and contribute to future Council decisions, will be considered."

If you are unable to attend, you can still make your thoughts known by writing to Mike Newall, Head of Planning and Enterprise, Burns House, Burns Statue Square, Ayr KA7 1UT, or by emailing: traffic@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

The fourth Alloway 1759 event on Sunday 29 January celebrating the birth and life of Scotland’s national Bard, Robert Burns has again been hailed as a resounding success.

People from all over South Ayrshire and some from well beyond, enjoyed sights, sounds and tastes from a bygone era, marking the work and legend of the nation’s greatest Scot.

Opening the event, South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan said: "Alloway 1759 is now in its fourth year - having been created to mark the Year of Homecoming in 2009 - and it has fast become a ’must see’ attraction.

"Alloway village was transformed into a time gone by and it really added to the fun family event. There really was something for everyone to enjoy, music, poetry, acting, singing, dancing, walks and much more.

"The work of Burns was brought to life and everyone had a great time."

Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure for South Ayrshire Council said: "Every year this excellent event keeps growing, with new and innovative ideas on ways to celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns.

"It is now an established part of the national Winter Festivals programme, offering an afternoon as much about fun and celebration as it is about inspiration, education and information and I think that’s exactly how Rabbie himself would have wanted it."

"South Ayrshire Council is committed to encouraging tourism and the promotion of all that we do best – and what better way to put the area on the map so early in the New Year than celebrating the life, work and legacy that is Rabbie Burns?"

Events in Alloway took place in and around Burns Cottage and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and many of them were free. Visitors enjoyed celtic music; Ayrshire Farmers Market; Maybole Pipe Band; the arrival of Rabbie; an outdoor Ceilidh; Hipshot theatre company; Alloway Amble; poetry recitals; singing, haggis hurling and much more.

All weekend there were guided tours of Rozelle House available.

Alloway 1759 was the first of two annual events in South Ayrshire celebrating Burns.

The next event, the Burns an’ a’ that! Festival will take place from Wednesday 30 May to Sunday 3 June 2012.

For information about events in South Ayrshire visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/events.

Jackie and Margaret Stewart, from Glencairn Road in Ayr, celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary this week, having first met in 1945 at a meeting of Ayr Coastguards where both their fathers were members.

Love blossomed and, from that first meeting the active, it seems the sporty couple got their skates on, enjoying regular dates at Ayr Ice Rink, trips to the pictures at the Ritz Cinema and dancing at the Salvation Army Halls.

The dancing duo waltzed up the aisle at Wallacetown Parish Church in 1947, where Margaret was a very active member, until its move to Newton on Ayr Church.

Margaret & Jackie have a daughter and a son, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren and the family celebrated their anniversary with a lovely evening in The Kylestrome Hotel.

The special occasion was also marked by South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan who presented the couple with a basket of flowers.

Depute Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire Fiona Walker was also there to congratulate the couple and personally deliver a very special anniversary card on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

A Scots nurse who risked her life to treat patients from both sides of the Libyan civil war has tonight (28 January) been named recipient of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2012.

Karen Graham – originally from Clydebank and now matron/nursing services manager at the Oil Clinic in Tripoli – was presented with the prestigious award in recognition of her humanitarian efforts to care for patients, with little regard for her own personal safety, while gunfire and shells rained down on Tripoli.

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award – launched in 2002 and supported by South Ayrshire Council, EventScotland and VisitScotland – recognises a group or individual who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or ’hands on’ charitable work.

Presenting the award to Karen at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, said: "The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award recognises the unstinting efforts of those who dedicate their time and energy helping others around the world, of which, Karen Graham is an excellent example. Karen showed huge dedication and worked tirelessly to deliver the highest possible care to the people of Tripoli in extremely difficult circumstances.

"The award is an important celebration of charity, humanity and selflessness, providing an inspiration to people across Scotland and around the world. Akin to Robert Burns’ own values, it demonstrates that anyone can make a difference, whether in their own community or further afield."

Receiving the award, Karen said: "I was completely overwhelmed just to be nominated for the award so to win it is beyond my wildest expectations, particularly when you consider the other nominees on the shortlist.

"I’m just a nurse doing a job that I love and that doesn’t change when you suddenly have to deal with civil war and heavy fighting in the vicinity of the hospital which resulted in us caring for the casualties of the conflict rather than the oil workers we were used to looking after.

"Libya is a fantastic country – it really is home now – and the people here are some of the warmest I’ve ever met. I could never have upped and left them when they were most in need. It was one of the most challenging times of my life but was also one of the most rewarding. I’m really glad I stayed."

Born in October 1970, Karen has devoted her life to the medical profession. She studied at the Glasgow South College of Nursing before becoming a full-time nurse. During her career, she spent four years as an army nurse, where she served in both the Falklands and Germany and she latterly worked at Fulwood Hospital in Preston.

In September 2009, she separated from her husband and after sorting out her finances and with her 40^th birthday looming, Karen started the process of applying for a nursing position in Libya in an effort to make a fresh start.

In mid-September 2010, she was contacted and asked if she could go out to Libya on short notice and within six weeks – during which her feet literally didn’t touch the ground – she was in Tripoli, arriving on 18 November 2010.

Karen works at the Oil Clinic – also known as the 11^th June Clinic – in Tripoli. Essentially a district hospital with more than 130 beds covering all the medical areas you would expect in a UK hospital such as A&E, maternity, general surgery and orthopaedics, the Oil Clinic looks after workers of oil companies and their dependants. Karen was initially employed as a theatre nurse but has since been promoted to matron/nursing services manager.

However, in August 2011, the hospital became the centre for trauma medicine during the Libyan civil war conflict. Not only that, it was often caught up in the conflict itself due to its proximity to a NATO target area and it sustained damage to several parts of the building. Fortunately, no patients were injured. However, many people and businesses left the city at this time – including the British Embassy. Karen and two other British nurses remained at the hospital, gaining the respect of both colleagues and patients alike.

Karen added: "Things were really frantic for a while with the two sides at war fighting each other from either side of a bridge right next to the hospital. We were stranded at the compound [where the hospital and living quarters are located] for around ten days without running water and electricity and we couldn’t contact anyone to let them know we were OK.

"Of course, it was scary at times especially when you knew just how close the fighting was. I actually discovered a bullet hole in my bedroom window but fortunately was at work when it came through, but it really hit home what was happening right on our doorstep. However, we just got on with things and I’m delighted that doing just that is being recognised in this way.

"So many amazing things have come out of my going to Libya – I met my fiancé, I’ve received this fantastic award and I can now also make bread – not bad going in just over a year!"

Karen’s fellow shortlisted finalists for the 2012 award were the Deaf History Review Editorial team – a group who have worked to transform the lives of deaf people across the world; and Sam Jennings (née Perkins) – a British midwife who saved the lives of thousands of babies and their mothers in the Congo.

David Anderson is Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council and Chair of the 2012 RBHA judging panel, which includes broadcaster Kaye Adams; actor, writer and painter John Cairney; Nat Edwards, Director of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum; former RBHA winners Habib Malik (Head of Islamic Relief Scotland) and Guy Willoughby (Chief Executive of the HALO Trust); Jim Shields, President of the Robert Burns World Federation; and STV Chief Executive Rob Woodward.

He said: "Choosing a winner from our three fantastic finalists was certainly not an easy task; however, all the judges were immediately struck by Karen’s story and the calm and matter of fact way she dealt with what was going on around her during a time of quite unimaginable violence and conflict.

"Karen didn’t care what side anyone was on – if they were injured and needed medical assistance, they got it. It really was as simple as that. She selflessly put others first, saving lives even when she too could have been in danger – and thought nothing of it. She epitomises all that the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is about and I’m sure the Bard himself would consider her a very worthy recipient indeed."

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said: "Karen’s story is a powerful one, and she has clearly shown the qualities that the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award represents, making her a worthy recipient for 2012. Each of the shortlisted finalists deserve recognition for their work and I am delighted that this event continues to highlight the selfless achievements of people like Karen, who make a real difference to people’s lives."

As the latest recipient of the award, Karen received the equivalent of 1759 guineas – a sum which signifies the year of the Bard’s birth and the coinage then in circulation – as well as a specially commissioned award handcrafted in Scotland.

Further information can be found at www.robertburnsaward.com.

Pupils, staff, parents and the local community came together at Heathfield Primary in Ayr on Wednesday (25 January) for an evening of song, music and dance in honour of the official opening of the school’s new £3.7 million extension.

The completion of the extension – the key feature of an overall £4.5 million reconfiguration programme – marks a new era for the school, which was originally built in 1931, and is currently home to 649 school pupils and nursery children.

The extension replaces the old dining/gym hall, which was no longer fit for purpose. It features eye-catching designs and creative concepts developed in consultation with pupils, staff, parents and the community to make the best possible use of light, height, space and colour that deliver a real ’wow’ factor for anyone using the extension.

Accommodated within the new extension are dedicated PE facilities, dining hall, stage area, music department, and library resource area complete with bespoke library and ICT area, furniture and open balconies, creating an attractive and pleasant learning environment.

In addition to the extension, there have been improvements to the existing internal accommodation within the school to enhance staff facilities and to create enhanced support facilities for pupils. This includes significant improvements to accessible facilities including disabled toilets, accessible changing room and the installation of lifts throughout the school.

Externally, the school now benefits from a new car park for staff and visitors and enhanced landscaping. New seating has also been installed alongside new bike shelters to encourage pupils to cycle to school. And an eye-catching outdoor feature has been created thanks to the donation from parent, Stewart Arthur, of a large sundial, under which pupils have buried a time capsule.

Head Teacher Carol Shearing said: "When our old dining hall was reduced to a pile of rubble in summer 2010, we had no idea what we were getting in its place and to say the new extension has exceeded all our expectations can only be described as an understatement. The children were in awe when they saw the building and, more importantly, it gives us the facilities we need to deliver Curriculum for Excellence to the standard our pupils deserve.

"The extension is a vital part of our school and we want to thank everyone involved in turning our ideas and vision into a reality, particularly the architects, Holmes Partnership and builders Mansell Construction."

Councillor Margaret Toner, Deputy Leader of South Ayrshire Council unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the official opening. She said: "From the outside, it’s hard to think that the extension has not always been part of the school – it complements the original building exceptionally well and blends in with the overall environment, which also now provides an outdoor classroom for pupils to enjoy.

"However, while the outside is very impressive, it’s when you come inside that the fun really starts! The design and use of the additional space provides a wonderful range of enhanced facilities for both pupils and staff that ensures we can deliver the best possible educational experience for anyone coming through these doors.

"With this extension, Heathfield really is one of the most impressive schools I’ve ever seen and I only wish schools had been like this when I was younger!"

Councillor Hywel Davies, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning, added: "The work undertaken at Heathfield Primary is a terrific example of the investment we are putting into our school estate throughout South Ayrshire to ensure our children enjoy the best possible education and benefit from all that Curriculum for Excellence has to offer.

"That commitment continues this year with more than £7 million earmarked in our 2012/13 capital programme for improvements in schools, making sure the standard of our education is matched by the standard of our school buildings. I’m delighted with the new Heathfield extension and look forward to seeing our other projects completed in a similarly successful way."

The views of the Councillors and head teacher were also echoed by pupils and parents:

• "The library is quiet, peaceful and has comfy seating." Josh Harvey P6
• "I could not believe my eyes when I saw the dinner hall." Emily Welstead P3
• "Very spacious, modern, fancy, bright, colourful, huge, breathtaking." Beth Gordon P6
• "Building will improve pupils’ learning because of the tutorial rooms." Shelley Miller P6
• "Fantastic, modern extension. Exciting times for pupils, teachers and parents. Wish I was back at school now." Gillian Milton, parent
• "An innovative and inspiring build which complements the more traditional area of the school. Will benefit all pupils in so many ways. A major impact on the whole community." Gaenor Hardy, parent
• "I left Heathfield as a P7 pupil 27 years ago and I am now delighted that my son who is in P1 in 2012 will be able to use such fantastic, state-of-the-art facilities for his primary education." Derek Peters, parent
• "Fab extension and fab school. Our new extension has added many new elements to equip our children with all the relevant skills to take them forward to secondary education." Ayshia Henderson, parent

The official opening of the extension was followed by a dedication from school chaplain, Reverend David Watson and an exciting entertainment programme performed by pupils.

Booking a holiday to beat the winter blues is one of the most popular New Year activities and, every January thousands of people make plans for a well-deserved break at home and abroad.

Local travel agents offer good advice to help you choose your ideal package holiday, but every year South Ayrshire Council deals with thousands of complaints to Trading Standards, some of which come from people whose dream holiday has turned into a nightmare.

The majority of complaints come from people who have booked holidays themselves via offers on the internet and traumatic experiences range from fraudulent flights to abysmal accommodation.

"It shouldn’t have to be like this", says Councillor Peter Convery Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards. "By following a few practical steps the Council can help you find your holiday heaven and avoid a having a holiday hell."

He continued: "The web can be a great place to find your perfect holiday, but booking holidays online is not without risk. All companies selling package holidays must offer protection if they, or the airline you’re flying with, go bust to prevent you losing money and help you sort out any practical problems.

"But if you book elements of your holiday separately, such as flights, accommodation or car hire this may not count as a package holiday and might not include the protection a package deal offers."

The popularity of internet deals has also seen consumers becoming the victims of scams perpetrated by bogus holiday companies.

Examples include: 

• Fake websites and email offers for holidays or villas that don’t exist.
• Websites not providing secure web pages to safely make payments online.
• Lower quality holidays than advertised on the website.
• Lack of legal protection when buying separate elements of a holiday.

Councillor Convery continued: "The Council has put together a dozen top tips so you can relax, knowing you’ve taken the proper precautions before booking and parting with your cash."

1. Take your time & shop around – it’s important to take your time with entering your holiday requirements onto a travel website, just as you would when booking face-to-face in a travel agency. Double check all details before entering your payment details.
2. Be vigilant – check the track record of any holiday retailer unfamiliar to you. Don’t reply to unsolicited bogus emails from retailers you don’t recognise. Legitimate companies will never send an information request via a "pop-up" advert. If you don’t recognise the sender, don’t reply.
3. Check for industry accreditation – make sure your holiday company is a member of a recognised travel authority, such as ABTA. ABTA members have to sign up to a strict code of conduct.
4. Don’t fall for fake competition scams – a common trick by fraudsters is an email or phone call claiming you have won a luxury holiday, but need to pay a small fee to secure it. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
5. If renting a private villa – speak to the owner/agent directly via telephone - if the number isn’t provided, email and request it. Ask for references from other people who have visited the property and make contact with them directly.
6. Do your research – get the full address of your holiday hotel or villa and find it on Google maps – you might also be able to do a virtual tour of the premises! Ask for a full contract, which should set out all the terms and conditions of the rental, deposits, payment terms etc.
7. Ensure the website is secure – on any web pages where you are entering personal or financial details, look for the signs that tell you if the site is secure. 
   Look out for a padlock symbol in the bottom right of the browser window, or for the payment pages to begin with the letters ’https’.
   Never transfer money directly into a holiday provider’s bank account and always log-out of sites where you have logged-in to register or update your details.
8. Keep your purchase records – keep receipts of all online orders. Print off any confirmation pages and emails and keep them in case you are overcharged. Remember, you have extra protection if you pay more than £100 by credit card.
9. Monitor your payments – be sure to check your credit card and bank statements carefully once the holiday is booked. Notify the bank as soon as possible if you notice anything is wrong.
10. Trust your instincts – five-star holiday at a two-star price? If something doesn’t seem right, take additional steps to verify the offer and if still in doubt, avoid.
11. Make sure that you are buying a package holiday if that was your intention - if you purchase separate elements even from the same website, you may not have the protection a package holiday offers. 
12. Stay safe - don’t advertise your home to thieves by posting details of your holiday dates on social networking sites.

Councillor Convery concluded: "There’s no better feeling than coming home from holiday, tanned, relaxed and fully refreshed thanks to a fantastic break.

"Wherever you go in 2012, I hope you can recharge your batteries safely and securely thanks to the Council’s tips and advice."

Grease: The Musical, was in full swing on Broadway and the UK was embracing decimalisation.

The first, very basic, hand-held calculators (priced at £300) were appearing on our shelves and we were getting our first glimpses of the Martian surface from the Mariner spacecraft.

You could buy a detached house for £7,000 and, with petrol at 2 pence per litre, you could fill your car for less than £2.50.

More importantly, it marked a time when twenty-four fresh faced employees were taking their first steps on the corporate ladders of organisations and departments that would later become South Ayrshire Council.

That was some 40 years ago and, last week, Provost Winifred Sloan hosted a special lunch and presentation ceremony at County Buildings to mark 40 years of services for those same employees and to say thank you for their dedication and long service in the public sector.

Provost Sloan commented: "I was delighted to acknowledge a select group of remarkable employees who have achieved 40 years of service and, in some cases, more than that.

"Between them, they have clocked up close to a thousand years of work for the benefit of local people in South Ayrshire.

"That’s an extraordinary statistic and each of them represents the very best of South Ayrshire Council, undertaking a range of jobs and duties with responsibilities across every aspect of the organisation in their years of loyal service."

Leading the vote of thanks at the lunch, David Anderson, South Ayrshire Council’s Chief Executive said: "The Council prides itself in delivering an excellent and high quality service to the residents of South Ayrshire.

"I’m passionate about how we work together to do this and our select group of loyal employees, along with our annually nominated Outstanding People, epitomise the best examples of how work best.

"Forty years, or more, of unstinting dedication to service deserves to be recognised at the highest level and I would like to extend my thanks, on behalf of the Council, to each and every person by marking their marvellous milestones."

Following the lunch and the presentation of gifts and a commemorative certificate, Provost Sloan concluded: "Today has been a real cause for celebration and each of the 24 are a real inspiration to the rest of us.

"They have given us the chance to reflect on their achievements over many years of service and on their hard work for our local communities.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to them all and congratulate them on how much you have done and contributed to the people of South Ayrshire."

From 6 February 2012, important changes will be introduced that affect how householders can alter or extend their property without the need to apply for planning permission.

All development requires planning permission; however, certain forms of development may be carried out as ’permitted development’. This happens when the development meets criteria set out in legislation and does not need a specific grant of planning permission.

Councillor Margaret Toner, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for planning issues, explained: "As part of the reforms and modernisation of planning in Scotland in recent years, the Scottish Government has amended the permitted development rights for householder development.

"This means that, from 6 February, householders wanting to carry out certain developments to their home will no longer need to apply for planning permission, which will make it much easier and quicker for them to get to work on making the changes they want.

"The changes will also – in the longer term – help reduce the number of applications our planning service has to deal with overall, which in turn will have a positive impact on the turnaround times for the proposed developments that do still require to go through the application and consideration process."

Under the new regulations, householders – in certain circumstances – will be able to develop garden ground of up to 50% of the area of either the front or rear curtilage. It will also permit, within defined limits, the erection of porches and access ramps as well as dormers on rear elevations, without the need for planning permission.

For the first time, flatted residential properties will have permitted development rights. However, these will be limited to alterations including, for example, the erection of a satellite dish. In the interests of amenity, the new permitted development rights will not extend to properties within conservation areas or in some cases within the curtilage of a listed building.

It is anticipated that the new regulations will result in a decrease in the amount of householder developments requiring planning permission; however, an increase in the number of enquiries regarding permitted development rights is anticipated in the first instance.

Local architectural agents have been made aware of the changes to the planning system.

Further information can be found at http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/documents/planninghouseholderdevelopment.pdf or by contacting the planning service on 01292 616 107.

Council tenants in flats and maisonettes received a boost this week, after the Council agreed a new strategy to speed up and simplify repair and maintenance works, especially in blocks where some properties are privately owned.

Since the ’Right to Buy’ scheme was introduced in 1981, South Ayrshire Council has sold over 11,000 properties to sitting tenants.

This has created blocks of flats and maisonettes, where the dwellings are owned privately and by the Council. In some of these mixed tenure buildings improvement, repair and maintenance works had become difficult to schedule, because agreement from all private owners was required before they could start.

The situation was further complicated by the legal requirement for all local authority homes to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) by 2015. In South Ayrshire almost 60% of properties are at the required level.

Councillor Douglas Campbell, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing explained: "To meet the SHQS, many of the works we need to carry out are improvements in communal areas and to the exterior of buildings.

"Examples include replacing secure entry doors and door entry systems, re-cladding the external walls and fitting insulation. These are not classed as essential repairs, otherwise we could instruct them to be done quite quickly, but we still need to complete them."

Often, the Council requires full agreement from all the private owners in a block and that can be very difficult and time consuming, especially if there is a cost to them.

The new strategy aims to simplify the situation.

Councillor Campbell continued: "When title deeds for properties do not make allowance for specific types of work to be carried out, work can be instructed by any owner, or the Council, as long as the majority agree to it being carried out.

"Where the Council has majority ownership in a mixed tenure block, it is proposed that the Council will instruct works. Advice and information will be offered to home owners to assist them in this process and we’ll be rolling out a wide range of resources to help support this, all of which will be in place for October 2012.

Extensive consultation has already been carried out with residents, South Ayrshire landlords and the South Ayrshire Equality Partnership to agree the remit and scope of the strategy.

An options appraisal, looking at the risks and consequences of not adopting an owner engagement strategy was also considered.

Councillor Campbell concluded: "Our aim is to support owner involvement in repairs and improvements, in order to meet our obligation of having every home at the SHQS for 2015.

"We are absolutely committed to working and engaging with private owners in mixed tenure housing in order to make our homes better.

"We will offer comprehensive support, clear advice and a range of information on how we can all undertake improvements, repairs and maintenance, ensuring we all enjoy high quality housing that’s fully fit for our families, our residents and the 21^st century."

An exciting and ambitious vision for the provision, management and maintenance of open spaces in the local area, has been approved by South Ayrshire Council.

Taking account of public feedback from consultations in 2011, the draft Open Space Strategy is aimed at providing and managing high quality parks, estates, woodland, recreation, sports and play areas for the benefit of local people and visitors to the area.

Two of the main features will be to set the direction for other Council plans, such as sports, leisure, tourism and economic development and bring together historical and cultural elements, important to the local community, to provide spaces that are sensitive and responsive to changing needs.

The draft strategy also includes a commitment to deliver key aims in the Council’s Community Plan by promoting improved health and wellbeing, social inclusion, a more sustainable environment and long-term economic growth.

Welcoming the decision, Councillor Peter Convery, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment said: "This is excellent news for our local residents and visitors to South Ayrshire. High quality, well maintained open spaces are vitally important and we aim to make them even better.

"Open spaces improve the appearance of towns and villages, provide areas for recreation, sport and play, directly contributing to improving people’s physical and mental health.

"As well as that, they offer invaluable environments for events, learning and socialising, effectively bringing people together, strengthening family and community bonds.

"The response from the public in 2011 was excellent and I’m very keen to encourage more people to look at this draft and make their views known. The strategy will have a long-lasting impact and we now have a real opportunity to make a significant difference to local communities and to South Ayrshire."

The draft strategy focuses on three main outcomes.

• Creating attractive, safe and sustainable environments by enhancing local landscapes and their character. This will provide attractive settings, protect and enhance biodiversity and help manage pollution, noise and flooding.
• Supporting communities in identifying and developing opportunities for outdoor leisure, recreation, environmental education and relaxation through the best use of communal spaces.
• Improving South Ayrshire’s towns and villages by enhancing the visual quality of the built environment as well as supporting employment and economic growth by attracting inward investment and tourism.

Nine key open space areas are also identified within the strategy: Estates and Parks; Trees and Woodland; Open Spaces in Communities; Allotments and Community Gardens; Play Areas; Paths and Access; Sports Pitches and Tennis; Golf and Bowling and Contingency Uses – such as managing unauthorised encampments and reducing problems caused by extreme weather conditions.

Councillor Convery continued: "The social, cultural and economic importance of the Open Space Strategy is crucial. High quality, well designed and properly maintained open spaces can help reduce vandalism, provide excellent locations for events and attract tourists."

He concluded: "The new strategy is a very significant piece of work and will bring many elements of current Council operations together, offering community based solutions that are well thought out, relevant, affordable and sustainable."

The draft strategy document is available for further public comment and feedback during a six week consultation process between 23 January and 4 March 2012.

Paper copies of the strategy and feedback forms will also be available in all public libraries and from Burns House and County Buildings in Ayr.

A new nationwide campaign to recruit Children’s Panel members is underway as a local appeal for potential new recruits in South Ayrshire commences.

With the campaign aiming to attract over 600 new volunteers, 12 of which are needed in South Ayrshire, local people are being encouraged to apply if they think they have what it takes to help a child out of a dark place.

The month-long drive will seek to find the right type of individual to ensure the Children’s Panel system offers the best support to neglected, troubled and abused children across Scotland.

There are currently around 2,500 panel volunteers in Scotland who regularly attend hearings to address the needs and behaviour of children and young people who face serious problems in their lives. These problems can include a child being abused, a child failing to attend school, the child’s parents having difficulty looking after them, or a child committing an offence.

Nan McFarlane, Social Services Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council: "The  Children’s Panel relies on attracting fresh volunteers and we need adults in South Ayrshire from all backgrounds to apply to ensure the system offers the best support.

"We’re not looking for people with specialist skills, simply those with the capacity to care about, and communicate with, children and families. We need dedicated, caring local people with commitment and commonsense to get involved.

"It’s a vital role that helps us to ensure that vulnerable children in South Ayrshire have access to the care, support and the direction that they need."

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People said: "By committing time to the Children’s Panel, people can improve the lives of vulnerable youngsters across Scotland. Those interested in getting involved don’t require qualifications or experience; they just need to care about the welfare and wellbeing of Scotland’s children.

"This year’s campaign also promotes the role of employers in supporting employees who wish to become panel members and highlights the benefits to supportive employers of having their staff involved.

"The Children’s Panel is an invaluable service which provides a hugely significant support network to young people who require it. I’d therefore encourage as many people as possible to come forward and get involved.’’

No qualifications are needed as full training is given to help prepare panel members of the difficult decisions they will face.

To register your interest in becoming a panel member, call 0845 601 2770 or text CHILD to 61611. Further information on the Children’s Panel is available at www.childrenspanelscotland.org. 

The Leader of South Ayrshire Council today (Tuesday) welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of Enterprise Area status for Prestwick International, which will boost the area’s potential to create new employment opportunities, stimulate investment and boost economic growth within the aerospace industry.

Prestwick International – together with Creative Clyde in Glasgow – will form one of the first Enterprise Areas in Scotland from April 2012, covering manufacturing and growth sector opportunities.

This means Prestwick International will benefit from specific incentives such as a possible reduction in business rates – the details of which have yet to be finalised – to encourage private investment at the site, which currently accommodates 12 companies in the Scottish aerospace industry.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: "This is a fantastic boost for Ayrshire and fully recognises the infrastructure, people and potential we have in our area to continue to grow the aerospace industry as it benefits from this new status.

"Improving access to employment and investment opportunities for people and businesses alike and stimulating economic growth are key commitments for our Council as we continue to work to become the best place for business, tourism and leisure. Enterprise Area status for Prestwick International will be an important factor in helping us achieve that.

"Prestwick International is already home to a number of world-class companies and Enterprise Area status will make it even more attractive for other businesses to invest in this area. This in turn will help deliver very real benefits that will have a positive impact on our communities and further contribute to sustained economic growth not just for South Ayrshire but for the whole of Ayrshire.

"Enterprise Area status will confirm Prestwick International’s place as the home of the Scottish aerospace industry and we look forward to getting to work with the other key partners involved to make this happen."

Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s Chief Executive Iain Cochrane said: "We’re delighted to be part of this important Scotland-wide initiative as aerospace is one of the UK’s highest value-adding manufacturing sectors and is particularly important to Ayrshire. We look forward to playing our part in boosting the economic growth, both of Ayrshire and Scotland."

South Ayrshire Council has been named the venue for one of the UK’s most prestigious cycling events later this year. The South Carrick David Bell Memorial cycle race will take place on Sunday 10 June 2012 and the 2011 winner, James McCallum, has pledged his intention to defend his title when the race takes place in what elite cyclists call the Ayrshire Alps.

This is a high profile cycling event, the promoting club, Ayr Roads - Harry Fairbairn BMW have already secured ’National A’ status for the 47^th running of the 100 mile event guaranteeing the best possible line up of British professional and elite cyclists.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism said: "The South Carrick David Bell Memorial will come as the climax of a weekend of once in a lifetime opportunities and sporting activity starting with the Olympic Torch Relay and including a family cycle ride and opportunity for sports cyclists to ride the route in the lead up to the event.

"I am positive that this race will raise the profile of sport in South Ayrshire and encourage enthusiastic and determined cyclists to come and watch the race and return and ride parts of the route.

"The Carrick area will receive a boost to its economy, many of the people coming to see the race will take the opportunity to explore South Ayrshire.

"I am sure that many people will be inspired to take up cycling, or cycle more when they watch the event. We have a great network of cycle paths across South Ayrshire, whether you use them to travel to and from work or during leisure time. Cycling is a great activity which exercises the body and can improve mental wellbeing.

"I would like to wish all the riders good luck when they take to the saddle and do their best to pedal to success.

This is an event that the public can go to and watch the race and also have a fun family day out.

Thanks to backing from South Ayrshire Council and support from South Carrick Community Leisure the event that will see prestigious cycling teams including Endura Racing, Herbalife-Leisure Lakes and Vanilla Racing competing in the race.

The race is rightly feared by the Scottish cycling community, with its tough ascents of the area popularly referred to as the ’Ayrshire Alps’, and also for its who’s-who list of former winners including Robert Millar, the late Jason MacIntyre and current Scottish Road Champion Evan Oliphant. With such a rich history, organisers are already building towards the 50^th edition to ensure a spectacular celebration of Ayrshire cycling, and the life of David Bell. More commonly known under his penname ’The Highwayman’, Bell was a local journalist who brought his explorations by bike between the 1930s and mid 1960s alive in print.

Riders in the event will be faced with two stretches of unsurfaced forest roads in the Carrick Forest. Thanks to co-operation from the Forestry Commission, the ’strada grigio’ will return, which will create dust roads to challenge the cyclists. Set under the majestic views of Merrick and the Galloways, organisers are confident this is the most scenic road race route in the UK.

Local community leader Andrew Sinclair Chair of South Carrick Community Leisure, local Councillors Ian Fitzsimons, John McDowall and Alec Oattes and the Council have all lent their enthusiastic support to the event.

Andrew Sinclair, Chairperson of South Carrick Community Leisure said: "We are delighted that the David Bell Memorial race will be based in Girvan and use an exclusively South Carrick based route. We would like to encourage members of the local community to support the organisers ARCC, by volunteering to help on the day, or by turning out to spectate with family and friends. This is one of the many events we are working to facilitate in partnership with South Ayrshire Council in the lead up to the anticipated opening of the new leisure facility."

The 2011 champion, James McCallum has called the route visionary. The organiser of the race, Christopher Johnson, praised the fantastic support of South Ayrshire Council and the South Carrick community, he said: "As a club, we have a hugely ambitious timetable looking forward to 2015 and the 50^th edition, and from the very start all our partners have bought into our vision. It’s going to be a great event and I hope the people of South Carrick will embrace this event and really make it their own.

For more information about the 47^th South Carrick David Bell Memorial, visit ayrroadscc.com/daviebell/

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Party leaders in Greece's governing coalition are to resume crisis talks on backing a 130bn-euro rescue plan needed to avoid a debt default.

A campaign to stop people smoking in cars when children are present, and which could pave the way for a ban, is launched by the Welsh government.

The risk of birth defects increases four-fold if the pregnant mother has diabetes, a study of 400,000 pregnancies in England suggests.

China tells its airlines not to pay charges to the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme, aimed at cutting carbon emissions.

The US is working closely with Israel to use diplomacy to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, President Barack Obama says.

Prime Minister David Cameron praises the "magnificent service" given by the Queen, as she celebrates 60 years on the throne.

Panama's jailed ex-leader Manuel Noriega is moved from his prison cell to hospital, suffering hypertension, and having possibly had a stroke.

World Champions Argentina beat Great Britain 1-0 to win the Champions Trophy.

The Queen is marking 60 years as monarch of the UK and Commonwealth and says she is dedicating herself "anew to your service".

New regulations come into force which will allow Scots to make certain home improvements without planning permission.

England coach Fabio Capello says he disagrees with the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the national team's captaincy.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) calls for a new body to be set up to protect workers from abuse and exploitation by bosses.

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Egypt says it is to try 43 people - including Americans and other foreigners - over the alleged illegal funding of non-governmental organisations.

Motorists are urged to take extra care in icy conditions as Heathrow Airport cancels half of its flights.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton deplores as a 'travesty' Russia and China's veto of a UN resolution condemning Syria's violent crackdown on protesters.

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Motorists are being warned to drive with extreme care as the icy conditions around England look set to continue overnight and into Monday.

Max Temp: 16°C (61°F), Min Temp: 11°C (52°F), Wind Direction: SE, Wind Speed: 7mph, Visibility: very good, Pressure: 989mb, Humidity: 86%, UV risk: low, Pollution: low, Sunrise: 07:24GMT, Sunset: 16:28GMT

Max Temp: 13°C (55°F), Min Temp: 6°C (43°F), Wind Direction: WSW, Wind Speed: 4mph, Visibility: moderate, Pressure: 988mb, Humidity: 100%, UV risk: low, Pollution: low, Sunrise: 07:27GMT, Sunset: 16:26GMT

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Information, tips and maps for cyclists

There are five Associations in South Ayrshire based in the major towns: Ayr, Girvan, Maybole, Prestwick, Troon

A great programme of activities across South Ayrshire.

Surgeries provide an opportunity for residents to meet their ward councillors in person and to discuss any local issues they may have.

More than 160 runners took part in the 5k and 10k races including Minnie Mice, superheroes and two Staffordshire bull terriers!

Website statistics for May added.

South Ayrshire Youth Forum are young people from around south Ayrshire who believe that every young person should have a voice in the issues which affect them.

Download a FREE ’The complete National Cycle Network’ iPhone app today and explore: 25,000 miles of route great local detail GPS tracking every bus stop and train station in the country with links to their timetables

Holms Farm, by Dalrymple Glenginnet, by Barr Robstone Farm, by Girvan East Mosside Farm, Hurlford, South Ayrshire Grangestone Industrial Estate, Girvan Mossbog Farm, by Mauchline

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One of the key priority industries identified is Tourism, and it is with this in mind the AEP continue this collaborative approach to Tourism development by holding a number of workshops throughout the Ayrshire and Arran area.

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