News.Scotland.Org

Scotland, Sept.27: The mere existence of the Civil legal aid is put into question after the publication of a survey showing nine out of ten law firms are preparing to withdraw from all such cases within the span of four years. The Civil legal aid is provided to those who cannot afford to appoint a solicitor in non-criminal cases. Divorce cases and the women being abused often depend on civil legal aid. It is also provided for adoption cases, debt and child law.

The reason for this is attributed to the way payments are decided with the low rates of pay under civil legal aid. Lawyers across Scotland are disappointed over this. As a result, the number of law firms offering their services for civil legal aid has seen a steep decrease. The remaining 736 firms which are extending their services to the civil legal aid are preparing to pull out in the next four years.

Oliver Adair, the convener of the Law Society’s Legal Aid (solicitors) committee, warned that the weaker side of the society would suffer if the solicitors withdraw their services.
He further added that, ‘the reforms included in the system in 2003, which were expected to increase access for the most vulnerable, will end up doing the opposite’.

The reforms were supposed to make the system simpler and more accessible for those most in need, introducing standard block fees for lawyers for set amounts of work and allowing lawyers to be paid for at least some of their work before the case was completed.

The survey was conducted by the Law Society only after hearing the increasing number of anecdotal evidence of dissatisfaction with the reforms that were introduced by the previous Scottish administration. However, the survey found 92 per cent of lawyers who provide services under civil legal aid were planning to end the service in the next four years. Most believe that they are getting so much less now, in terms of legal aid fees, that it does not make any sense to stay within the system.

When asked about the reasons for either giving up or considering quitting civil legal aid, 80 per cent of lawyers said it was because the system was “financially unviable” and 60 per cent also complained about the problem of bureaucracy.

The Scottish Government spokesman while responding to this survey said: “We are aware that civil legal aid fee levels are a major concern for solicitors. That is why the Scottish Legal Aid Board is reviewing the fees paid to solicitors undertaking civil legal aid work to see if the block fee arrangements are providing an appropriate level of remuneration”.

He further added that, “Regulations have been laid in parliament this week which will improve payments for undefended (non-divorce) civil actions in the sheriff court. This should make it more financially viable for solicitors to take on work such as seeking a protection order.”

For most firms, civil legal aid amounts to only a small part of their work, so it would not be difficult for them to pull out. The Law Society survey laid emphasis onto the serious problem lying ahead and stressed on the need to implement the reform so as to get rid of the overall collapse of the system. We can expect the legal firms and the government authorities to strike a balance to bring out an amicable settlement of this issue, considering the public wellbeing.

Scotland, Sept.26: The helicopter crash that took place last Saturday, which claimed the lives of rally ace Colin McRae, his son and two other passengers, could have been happened by the mechanical failure of a component which links the engine to the rotor blades.

The helicopter in which Mc Rae was travelling crashed in a wooded area on his Lanark estate last Saturday afternoon. The deceased include the driver, aged 39, died instantly along with his five-year-old son Johnny, his best friend Ben Porcelli, aged six, and family friend Graeme Duncan, aged 37.

Expert team from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) joined hands with Strathclyde Police to investigate the reason behind this crash. Although the official report regarding this tragedy will not be made public for at least few months, initial findings point finger on to a fault with the aircraft and not the pilot.

Police sources are almost certain that the tragedy was caused by mechanical failure rather than pilot’s mistake. One of the theories being examined is whether the Twin Squirrel’s drive belt failed, causing a sudden loss of power. A police source further added that “It looks as if it was a mechanical fault, something which they knew nothing about and something they could do nothing about once they took off.”

Traces of the belt have not been found yet, it is considered as a possible indication of the damage or disintegration of the vital component immediately after take off. The drive belt transfers power from the engine to spin the rotors and must be regularly maintained and replaced. So the inquiry is focusing on a specific part of the Eurocopter Twin Squirrel, which possibly could be the reason behind the tragedy.

The helicopter, which costs around £500,000 new, is one of the world’s most popular aircraft and has an excellent safety record but previously involved in other high-profile incidents. Eurocopter, the French-based manufacturers of the Squirrel aircraft has not expressed their version of things. Aberdeen based aviation expert Jim Ferguson said: “People like the Squirrel. They are a nice little aircraft and they are very popular, reliable and normally safe.”

The McRae family declined to comment on the reason behind the accident. Colin’s father, Jimmy, has already stated that he does not believe his son caused the crash. Meanwhile condolences began to pour from various parts of Scotland. More than 51,000 people had signed an online book of condolence in memory of the rally supremo and the three other victims of the crash.

In a surprising study it was found that a major portion of NHS staff are victims of verbal or physical abuse. The figures states that over 20,000 such cases are reported each year in which doctors, nurses and other hospital workers have to face the aggression, ill-treatment and anger of people. Though the figures show on an average, 400 staff a week in Scotland suffer from violence and abuse. These figures may likely go higher as many more cases do happen to GPs and other workers.

The matter came into limelight after one of the Glasgow GP Dr Helen Jacklson became a victim of this violence. She was stabbed three times in the stomach while working in her surgery last month. This eye raising stats has made Scottish government to take this irregularity in a serious way. The government has assured to provide tough sentences to the person who assaults health staff and GPs.

This type of treatment done these health staff by people is due to the loss of respect towards the health staffs. The matter is very pity and actions should do made to combat. If one looks what the figures have to say, it will be a shocking stats, it states that about 20,800 such attacks and incidents of aggressions are reported in the 14 health boards of Scotland. These figures are far higher than the last years report, while there are many incidents which go unreported.

According to Dr Marshall (Chairman of British Medical Association’s Scottish GPs committee) the sudden change in the behaviour of people towards doctors and other medical staff the fall of the level of respect people use to give to the doctors.

GPs, as independent contractors employed by health boards, are also not obliged to report attacks to a central database, making it impossible to gauge the true extent of the problem. The society has transformed a lot people have gone far, from the time when the profession like doctor was respected a lot and now when its not followed.

Edinburgh, Sept 28: The Scottish Government’s transport advisors on yesterday announced that a high speed railway line for the bullet train would cost at least £7 billion and be poor value for money than upgrading the existing route. This declaration came as a set back for the supporters of the long cherished dream of an Edinburgh-Glasgow ‘bullet train’.

The ministers also confirmed plans to increase services on the main line via Falkirk, which would help in gaining 40 minutes time. The project involves electrifying the route is scheduled to be finished within nine years time and expected budget is between £500 million and £1 billion. The limited stop services would take 37 minutes and stopping services will take 47 minutes, while the current fastest time is 48 minutes.

Jacobs, consultant of the Transport Scotland agency, in his report said that: “The option represents the most cost effective way of cutting journey times, increasing the efficiency and converting the rail journey more attractive one”.

He further added that the “For the long term the long route is unlikely to offer better value for money. So it is better to invest in the Edinburgh and Glasgow route, the main link via Falkirk. A dedicated high-speed line, which would reduce the journeys to 27 minutes, should still be considered as part of an ongoing major projects review, due to be completed next summer”.

Stewart Stevenson, the transport minister, also confirmed plans for a train-tram interchange at a new station near Edinburgh Airport to replace a proposed direct rail line to the terminal. The Gogar plan would cost only about £200 million and avoid putting a tunnel under the airport runway. Rail experts agreed to the point that Scotland could not afford a high-speed line, but business leaders said it must still be considered as part of faster rail links to London.

Jon Shaw, director of the Centre for Sustainable Transport at Plymouth University, said that: “£7 billion is an awful lot of money just to save ten minutes’ journey time; you could fix almost all of Scotland’s transport problems for that sum. What has been proposed instead is both practical and deliverable. Electric trains are more comfortable, quicker and more reliable than diesel trains.” he further added.

But business leaders are opposing the move from the government’s side. Iain McMillan, the director of CBI Scotland, opined this as “a lack of ambition”.

In the trial of the tragic accident which claimed the life of Jack Anderson a 10-year-old boy last year while he was crossing the road was heard at the court yesterday. The witness Sharron Scott said how within seconds the deceased boy Jack lost his life. He just took two steps on to the road and was hit by the car. Another witness Mrs Scott earlier told the high court in Glasgow, that when she reached the traffic light and stopped her car the boy looked at her and smiled. He was looking to cross the road, then he looked at the lights and then again he looked at me and smiled all was going right until a zipping car came from the back and hit the boy. All things changed in fraction of seconds.

Mrs Scott further added that, “I thought he might have seen the car and stepped back but I was wrong he was no where there. She also got a glimpse of the driver and the rear passengers laughing as the car hit the boy. She also told the court the car didn’t applied brakes. Samantha Jane Sharp, 33, another witness told court that she held Jacks hands as he was dying. She said, I pulled my car to the side of the road and ran towards the boy who was lying in the gutter. His mouth was full of blood and his pulse was also not there. She further added that, as per her knowledge the green Peugeot overtook her at a speed of 40-45mph, but the speed was increasing as it went past her.

After hearing to all the witness the court charged the alleged driver Purcell of driving carelessly at a speed of 60mph. He was also accused of speeding the car on the red light and breaking the traffic rules. Purcell also later fled the scene of crime after hitting the boy to death. The case is still under trial and time will tell what the verdict will be. Still this incident will be a lesson to all other rash drivers who plays with the lives of innocent people daily on our city roads.

Edinburgh, Sept 29: After two decade long legal battle filled with uncertainty Eileen, mother of two prisoners in America revealed an astonishing twist in the developments. She expressed her hope that both her sons will return home in Edinburgh within few months. Having both her sons home would be an incredible development in the two-decades filled with ambiguity, which saw both boys quit the city for a new life with their American father that later end up in both being jailed within short span of time.

Eileen tells that Kenny, her elder son’s dream of being released on bail will become a reality as the family succeed in producing a $100000 bail bond. Earlier this month, Kenny moved to an open prison after 21 years protesting his innocence on Death Row. His younger brother Tom is convicted for murdering a shopkeeper has already served a third of his 65 year sentence. Both the brothers have promised to rebuild their lives in the Edinburgh.

While commenting on the legal battle the mother said: “Tom’s case is more complicated than Kenny’s. He has been fighting for a long time but he is definitely getting out in a few months. He has served his sentence, he’ll be free soon. And he wants to come back home.”

Long sentences are being slashed as part of the legal reforms implemented in the United States, opening the door for Tom’s early release from Clallam Bay Corrections Centre in Washington State. When he reaches Edinburgh to stay with his mother, he will be seeing his mother after a long wait of more than 20 years.

In Ohio, Kenny is now adjusting to live in an open prison after two decades of imprisonment under maximum security. Sent there after being convicted of starting a fire in a block of flats, this took the life of a two year old girl. Even after several investigations he continued to proclaim his innocence. His case took a dramatic shift when an appeal court recently upheld the 2005 decision to overturn his conviction, ordering he be freed or face a new trial.

“If they don’t go ahead with the retrial within 90 days, then Kenny will be released, We’d all rather there was a retrial – Kenny has always said he is innocent and we’d all prefer it if he walked free having been declared not guilty. If it’s the same verdict as before,” she adds, “he’d go back to Death Row and I don’t know what I’d do then.” said Eileen, in an excited manner.

She further added that: “Kenny is very excited about coming back. He keeps asking about places he remembers. He was asking about the Palais de Danse, his granddad’s old work, Joseph Mann’s the lorry firm, and the Baberton Hotel where his mates used to go for a drink”.

It all mean that Eileen’s small flat would change into a lively family home once again with Tom, Kenny, his American wife Wendy and, perhaps, even the couple’s 21-year-old son Sean and his two young children all expecting a warm get together after a long legal battle filled with uncertainties.

The art of investment has taken an artistic shape, with all contemporary and traditional ways of investments becoming outdated. Nowadays a new addition to this money making market has created quite a sensation with its presence. It’s the Modern art which is attracting a lot of people, with a robust growth in cash making industry. The recent figures reveal that the value of the art works of 1970s has jumped up to more than 50 percent in previous year. In the same way the demand for English watercolourists has dropped a lot. These figures were revealed in the annual Hiscox Art Market Research (HAMR) report which was based on auctions all over the world.

Experts suggest that this mammoth rise in art forms have pointed out the positive reception this art has received making the markets to surge. Mr Ian O’Riordan, the manager of the prestigious City Art Centre in Edinburgh said, “I don’t think people have ever seen contemporary art as an investment before and, even if they did, then it was only major figures like Damien Hirst. It was possibly one of the last markets not to have exploded in terms of people looking for a large profit.” He also pointed out the fact that in recent years many hedge-fund managers have inclined towards buying these art forms as an investment.

This trend has also made people to take more interest in contemporary and modern art which is clearly visible from the recent figures. The value English sporting paintings have grown up by 26 percent, and the European 19th century paintings rose up by 19 percent. It also includes record-breaking sales in the past one year in the booming art world with few areas still to get some pace.

Adding his views Charles Dupplin, an art expert at the specialist insurers Hiscox said, the year was a golden year for modern and contemporary art. In this year several art works have been paid some record-breaking prices. These development and interest of people in art is a remarkable achievement for the art world.

Richard Ingleby owner of Edinburgh’s Ingleby Gallery in the Carlton Terrace says these auction houses have transformed themselves, giving more stress to marketing. In recent years the market has seen many new individuals showing interest in these contemporary arts. They are all set to spend on these art forms, even the auction houses are now more inclined towards the retail sector. All these sudden moves have shown yet another door to give a makeover to the investment scenario.

Scotland, Oct 1: After a setback in the third league match against New Zealand, Scotland Rugby team regained its name in the Rugby World Cup 2007. With this hard earned victory the Scottish team enters into the quarter final round of the world cup. Frank Hadden’s men survived the scare and a good few others to defeat Italy, the score card was horribly close thing, and anxiety prevailed up to the last moment. Some crucial flaws from the Italian side paved the way for the Scottish team’s victory.

The game was tight with plenty of kicking from both sides but in the end Scottish team gained the edge amidst heavy rain in St Etienne. In the initial league matches against Portugal and Romania the Scottish team won with a clean margin. But against the New Zealand side they failed to continue their winning streak as they gave way to a crumbling defeat.

With the rain interrupting the smooth conduct of the match, the wet field led to the flaws from both the sides. Most of the rugby on show came from the Italians who scored the only try of the night and were far more willing to risk moving the wet ball. The Scottish Coach won’t care about aesthetics and this victory was built on the backs of two kickers. Parks led the team into attacking areas and Chris Paterson just doesn’t miss when given the opportunity. He was given six in all and, insatiable, he took every one.

In the match against Italy the Scotland team give away 21 points in the initial stage of the match, but this time they were in no mood to repeat that generosity. Instead they got off to a flying start with two penalties within the opening five minutes, the perfect way to calm the nerves. In the final hour of the match, when the Italian team began to fought back the Scots team took defence as their rescue. Bortolussi kicked two penalties in quick succession; the first after Nathan Hines was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.

With the clock ticking and Scotland leading 18-16, Italy full-back David Bortolussi has the chance to win the game for his team. His long-range effort drifts wide and it favours the Scotland team. This crucial victory will let the Scottish team helped in getting the last minute berth in the quarter final round. They have to improvise their performance so as to overcome the trouble against Argentina or France in the next match to come.

Edinburgh, Oct 2: Strict laws are being implemented against the pubs in Edinburgh. The restrictions include the opening hours and the number of people allowed to stand up in the bar. Mixed remarks for and against this pub laws are coming out since then. The council put forth this law as an attempt to restrict the anti social behaviour.

The council’s plans to impose the pub laws were announced last month by the Liberal Democrat coalition Councillor Marjorie Thomas, chairwoman of the city’s licensing board.

The deputy council leader Steve Cardownie raised doubts regarding the outcome of this implementation. The SNP leader made an outspoken attack and he termed this attempt as a backward step. He further described the idea of sending “bean counters” to count the number of people standing up in individual bars as “nonsensical”.

While commenting on the need of the pub laws Cardownie said: “I think it is a good thing that people can go out a bit later now if they want to. Changing the rules would be a backward step when we are trying to compete with other major cities around Europe”.

“The situation is better in Edinburgh than it is down south where you get all the pubs shutting at once and huge queues forming at taxi ranks, when you get arguments and fights breaking out. I also think it’s nonsensical to try to impose some kind of limit on the number of people who can stand up in a pub. How on earth would you enforce that?”

Meanwhile the Councillor Thomas said: “I stand by the comments I made earlier this month but it is important to stress that we have simply put these proposals out for consultation at the moment. We have already had a big response, both from publicans and the licensed trade, but also from people in local communities across the city. Some don’t like what has been proposed, some are in favour, but we are going to listen to all views. However, we’re certainly not talking about turning the lights out on Edinburgh“.

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Licensed Trade Association, Scotland, said: “The draft policy isn’t just bad, it’s plain daft. Are they going to have people walking into pubs and demanding that half the customers sit down?”

Liberal Democrats Councillor Paul Edie, who is leading the council’s efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour, said: “Although this is really a matter for the licensing board, I’m certainly not aware of any demands by the police to cut back the hours of city pubs. There are obviously hot spots in the city, but there has been a lot of money invested in CCTV facilities and the police do seem to have coped well with the liberal licensing hours in Edinburgh“.

While commenting on the political version of things the city’s Labour leader, Ewan Aitken, said: “This is just another example of the complete chaos the SNP and the Liberal Democrats have got themselves in. They don’t seem to be speaking to the other party or even amongst themselves.”

Hope all these mixed responses will pave the way for some clear modification in the pub laws considering the public interest.

The case of hit and run which we were tracking since last week in which ten-year-old Jack Anderson lost his life took a U-turn when the culprit Purcell handed over himself to the St Leonard’s police station in Edinburgh. It was told that the accused Isaac Purcell 26, wrote to Jacks parents, declaring that he was the driver of the car which hit jack and feel sorry for the incident. In reply Jacks father wrote back him and enclosed a photograph of his son and his grave.

Purcell still denies murdering Jack and agrees of driving the green Peugeot 406 which hit Jack. The video of the police interview with Purcell who himself is a father of five was played before the jury. Purcell said “I’m so sorry. I’ve handed myself into the police. I’m doing this for the parents. It’s the only way I can give something back to Jack.”

The exchange of letters between Purcell and Jacks father Mr Anderson made Purcell to hand over himself to the police. In the letter which was read to the court tells, Jacks father opened his heart saying “The only thing we have now are memories. The house is quiet now. Jack was the life and soul of our family”. He at last concluded the letter by appealing Purcell to surrender in the police station.

This incident was shocking, and police were hunting for the suspect who hit Jack, but were clue less. Jack in his statement said I knew we hit something but never knew it was a little boy, later that night when I saw the news I got to know about the victim. He himself is the father of five and says I can imagine how I would feel in such a situation.

In his letter to Mr Anderson Purcell also claims that though he was chased by police but he didn’t stopped because he was wanted on a charge in Liverpool so he fearfully drove off. The case is still on and now the court will decide the fate of Purcell after hearing all allegations.