New Scottish Cabinet

Last week when Jack McConnerll was elected First Minister he had indicated that there would be no "Night of the Long Knives" in the Cabinet which he appointed. But when he announced the names on Tuesday five senior figures had lost their jobs, astonishing the individuals involved, their Labour Party colleagues and the media. It was not long knives but a claymore which he had used. Susan Deacon, the Health Minister (pictured here) declined to accept the demotion to Social Justice Minister (though she claimed that it was because she did not want to take on a new job in the months before the birth of her next child). But Sarah Boyack (Transport), Tom McCabe (Parliament minister), Jackie Baillie (Social Justice) and Angus MacKay (Finance) were all replaced. Wendy Alexander retained her post as Enterprise Minister and keeps the portfolio for Lifelong Learning which she had controversially argued to retain. But she is also to become responsible for Transport - a poisoned chalice perhaps? The other new ministers (who all supported Jack McConnell's election campaign) were Malcolm Chisholm (Health), Cathy Jamieson (Education), Iain Gray (Social Justice), Mike Watson (Tourism, Culture, Sport), Andy Kerr (Finance) and Patricia Ferguson (Parliament Minister). The two Liberal Democrat Ministers in the coalition Executive were not involved in this "reshuffle".

First Defeat for First Minister

After making his mark with the radical shake-up of the Executive by appointing his supporters (described by political writers as "Jackobeans" or "Jackolytes") to Cabinet posts, Jack McConnell then tried to influence the election of a replacement Deputy Presiding Officer (ie Speaker) in the Scottish Parliament. The vacancy had arisen because he had appointed a previous incumbent to the ministerial ranks. But in a "free" vote, the Conservative Murray Tosh was elected with the support not only of many Scottish Nationalists but also the Liberal Democrats and some Labour Party MSPs. The illustration shows Sir David Steel, the Presiding Officer, flanked by his original two deputies.

Politician of the Year

On Monday, Jack McConnell, as the newly elected Scottish First Minister, met the Queen in London to receive his warrant of appointment - and had a quick visit to 10 Downing Street to meet Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister. Then on Tuesday there was the drama of the sacking of a large number of his former Cabinet colleagues and the appointment of his own choice for the posts. But on Thursday he was visibly disappointed when his nominee was not elected as Deputy Presiding Officer. But later in the same day, he was named "Scottish Politician of the Year" at a dinner in Glasgow. In previous years, the winners have been the late Donald Dewar and Jim Wallace (who has been Deputy First Minister since the start of the new Scottish Parliament). A "Lifetime Achievement Award" was also presented to Sir David Steel, the Presiding Officer (Speaker) of the Scottish Parliament.

£14 Million for Landscaping Parliament

A budget of £14 million has been allocated to create rolling grassy landscaping, water features fed by natural underground springs, walkways, trees and flower beds as part of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. The pathways and cycle tracks will connect with the nearby Holyrood Park and the Dynamic Earth exhibition complex. There will also be an area set aside for public performances - and public speaking. The cost of this work is not included in the latest estimated cost of the building - now £241.4 million.

Scotsman and Scotswoman of the Year

Sir Jackie Stewart and his wife Helen were named Scotsman and Scotswoman of the Year at the inaugural awards ceremony in Edinburgh. Jackie Stewart was Formula 1 World Racing Champion (three times) with 27 Grand Prix wins out of 99 starts. He then became a successful businessman, introducing shooting to Gleneagles Hotel and building up a Formula 1 racing team which he subsequently sold to the Ford Motor Company. The couple have had to face a fight against cancer when their son Paul, aged 36, was diagnosed with the disease and then Helen Stewart herself was found to have cancer earlier this year.

When is St Andrew's Day?

St Andrew may be the patron saint of Scotland, but most Scots don't know when St Andrew's Day is celebrated. A new survey highlights that only 22% of those living in Scotland know that it is November 30. And only 50% knew why he was the patron saint. Surprisingly (?) 64% could give the date of Burns Night (25 January) perhaps because it is actually celebrated more in Scotland than St Andrew's Day. The illustration is of a carving of a representation of St Andrew in the Museum of Scotland.

Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay

Details were announced this week about a baton to be carried through 70 cities and towns in Scotland next June as part of the celebrations of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. A specially designed "hi-tech" baton is to be carried on a 5,000 mile, 50-day journey around the UK and will end at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester at the opening ceremony on July 25, 2002. In Scotland, the route begins at Stranraer as the baton arrives from Northern Ireland. It will then be carried by relays of runners to Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, St Andrews, Perth, Stirling and Edinburgh.

Scots Oppose Euro Currency

It used to be that Scots were, on average, more supportive of the European Union and the new European currency than any other part of Britain. This was in part due to the importance of European export markets and the Scottish Nationalists who advocated "Scotland in Europe" rather than being part of the UK. But a recent poll shows that opposition to the single European currency (which hits the streets of 12 European countries on 1 January 2002) is now stronger in Scotland than any other part of the UK. 71% of adults in Scotland said that they would vote against Britain joining the Euro currency if a referendum was held now.

Double Helpings for Breakfast

There was a clash of the cereals this week when the Scottish Executive launched a review of children in the more disadvantaged areas of Scotland to see whether they get a healthy breakfast. Once the review is completed, they will allocate £250,000 to develop breakfast clubs where required. But the initiative was somewhat overshadowed by Glasgow City Council who announced, on the same day, that they had cooked up a £965,000 budget proposal to ensure that every primary school pupil in the city gets a free breakfast. There is evidence that such schemes benefit children nutritionally and improve academic attainment. The final local authority budget will be decided on 10 December.

Lessons for Parents on How to Play With Their Kids

A £128,000 pilot project is being introduced across Easterhouse, Govanhill, Gorbals and Toryglen in Glasgow to teach parents how to play with their children. It is argued that the breakdown of traditional family life has resulted in parents forgetting the "art" of how to play with youngsters - or even knowing why they should. Staff are being hired to give lessons on improving such parenting skills.

New Ice Age in Glasgow

Glasgow's George Square looks as if a mini ice age has taken hold with the return of Glasgow on Ice 2001, a hugely popular ice-skating rink in George Square, throughout the festive season. There are special schools and community sessions, themed nights/events, personal appearances, professional demonstrations, guest DJs and music evenings, street theatre and associated events. The "helter-skelter" is back again, along with a merry-go-round and a traditional Christmas market. And for weary shoppers, there is an array of festive food and refreshments on offer from the covered café that overlooks the rink. Glasgow on Ice is open daily between 1-24th December. For more information visit www.winter-festival.org

Holiday Flights Axed

Thomson, one of the UK's biggest package holiday companies, has announced that it is to cut the number of its direct flights from Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports, forcing holidaymakers to travel to Glasgow or Newcastle instead. The company blames a fall in demand for foreign package tours in the wake of September 11. Flights to popular destinations such as Spain's Costa del Sol and Ibiza are affected. The company was quick to point out that there have also been cut-backs on flights from other UK departure points.

Glasgow Beats Tourism Slump

The chief executive of Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board was up-beat this week about the number of tourists visiting the area. He pointed to hotel occupancy rates being higher in August, September and October, compared with the same period last year, despite an increase of 1700 rooms every night due to the opening of new hotels. The number of conference delegates were also up compared to last year. Glasgow launched an advertising programme in September to attract visitors from Northern Ireland and that has been successful with a 180% increase on the numbers staying overnight plus many day visitors. In 1983, Glasgow had 1,200 hotel rooms and by the end of this year that number will be 12,500.

Britain's Best New Tourist Attraction

The Good Britain Guide for 2002 has named the Glasgow Science Centre as the "Newcomer of the Year" despite competition from a wide range of new attractions throughout the UK. The Science Centre and the adjoining Imax Cinema and the 400ft high Glasgow Tower are the only buildings in Europe (apart from the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain) clad in shiny titanium. The Science Mall is full of interactive exhibits and there are lifts which take people to a viewing platform on the tower (which is the only one in the world capable of revolving 360 degrees from the ground up. The complex had initial technical problems but these have now been resolved. This week, Santa found himself abandoned by his reindeer at the top of the tower - and abseiled down to the ground. He will be in the grotto at the Science Centre on Saturdays and Sundays in December. You can see the view from the top of the Glasgow Tower in this feature article.

One of World's Largest Windfarms for Lewis?

In the past, the ever present wind in the Western Isles has often been seen as a disadvantage. But with the drive towards sustainable energy, there is a prospect of harnessing that resource and maybe even reversing the downward population spiral. A feasibility study into the creation of one of the world's largest windfarms on Lewis moorland is about to be launched. One of the largest landlords in Lewis is a community trust which would benefit from the rents from such a development. New laws, which oblige power suppliers to buy a proportion of their electricity from renewable sources at premium prices, are providing a financial incentive for such projects.

Second Superquarry Inquiry

The development of a quarry at Lingarbay on the Outer Hebridean island of Harris was approved by Western Isles Council in 1991, despite concerns about the impact on the fragile environment of the area. However, a public inquiry was ordered by the then Scottish Secretary. This ran from October 1994 to September 1995. Due to the illness and retiral of the inquiry reporter, the final recommendations (to proceed) were not made until April 1999. But the environment minister rejected the findings and said that the benefits would not outweigh the impact on the scenic area. Now the company are trying to use planning permission granted in 1965 as a way of making a fresh application. At least on this occasion the inquiry into this aspect will take a week. But if the finding is in favour of the quarry development company, another round debates would begin yet again.

Glasgow - City of Love

Glasgow is using the somewhat tenuous link between the fact that the relics of St Valentine are said to be in the Blessed John Duns Scotus Church in the city's Gorbals area, to launch a festival from February 9 to 17. A guide to the world's top 50 honeymoon destinations published in June also ranked Glasgow as 21st. Stores are being asked to feature celebrity art work and a "love trail" which passes the "Wincher's Stance" (a statue at Buchanan Street Bus Station featuring a kissing couple). Thousands of balloons will be launched from George Square on February 9 carrying the names of loved ones and there will be a minor film festival featuring such romantic movies as Casablanca and Brief Encounter. There will also be concerts and night-clubs and bars in Glasgow will also get involved. The organisers of the festival say that they hope it will be the first of an annual event which Glaswegians and visitors will "take to their hearts".

Lerwick - Town of Love

A study of the relative numbers of men and women in different areas of Britain has highlighted that there are two single men for every single woman in Lerwick in Shetland. It is unlikely that this statistic will cause a surge in the number of young girls seeking a partner moving to the northern town - especially after some young Lerwick girls were rather disparaging about the local men when interviewed for a TV news programme. Other surprising results from the survey show that there are three single women for every unattached man in the islands of the Hebrides. Which is not quite as bad (or good, depending on your point of view) as Llandindrod Wells in the hills of Wales where there are four single girls for every unattached man.

Church Refuses to Baptise MSP's Children

It has been a bad week for Alasdair Morrison, the Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Western Isles. First, he lost his job as Deputy Enterprise Minister. Then it became public that his church, the Free Presbyterians, had told him that as a he had opened the Gaelic National Mod (his ministerial responsibilities included Gaelic culture) in Stornoway last month, the church would not baptise his children. The Free Presbyterians (a small sect with 13 ministers and an attendance of about 1000 at their services in Scotland) consider song and dance, which is a feature of the Mod, to be sinful. Mr Morrison was brought up within the church in North Uist, where his father was a Free Presbyterian Minister. It is thought likely that he will move to the larger Free Church of Scotland which, although strict, is not as narrow as the Free Presbyterians.

Win a Luxury Week at Craigellachie Hotel on Speyside

Regular readers to Scottish Snippets will be aware of the Scots Heritage Magazine, a glossy publication about many aspects of Scotland and Scottish Culture. Some of the articles in this magazine have appeared in the "Places to Visit" series on this site. Now the magazine is offering US or Canadian residents who take a subscription, or give a gift subscription, the opportunity to enter a draw to win a luxury week at the Craigellachie Hotel on Speyside. Described as the "quintessential Speyside Hotel", Craigellachie is beside the river in the heart of the malt whisky country. Details of the offer are at www.usscots.com.

Call to Relax Sunday Drink Laws

The Scottish Retail Consortium, the trade body which represents retailers in Scotland, has called for changes to the laws relating to the sale of alcohol to "move them into the 21st century". In a submission to the Government committee which is looking at liquor licensing, they recommend the extension of hours during which shops and supermarkets can sell alcohol so that they can do so before 12.30pm on Sundays. The rules cause difficulties in the operation of stores which have to fence off shelves with alcoholic beverages during these hours. The last major changes to licensing laws were made in 1976. The number of outlets selling alcohol in Scotland increased from 4899 in 1980 to 6368 in the year 2000.
The picture shows the "Last Drop Bar" in Edinburgh's Grassmarket - near to where public hangings used to take place!

World's Narrowest House Sold

The new owners of a house in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde which is just 47 inches wide and is in the Guinness Book of Records as the narrowest in the world, have recently been measuring up to the publicity which goes along with the house. They have been interviewed by newspapers, magazines, TV and Australian and Canadian radio stations. Fortunately, the front door and the window above, are the narrowest parts of a house which widens out behind to form a wedge-shaped house with a lounge which is 22 feet long and a double bedroom. It was built in 1875 and in recent years it has been rented out as a holiday home. It was bought for £27,000 by an English couple who want to use it as a second home. But they are having to come to terms with the fact that there is no space for a cooker in the kitchen, only a microwave. But they have stunning views across Millport Bay and are already talking about getting planning permission - to build a third floor.

Scottish Pie Champion

The twelve judges from the meat and bakery trades, plus invited guests, have voted Thomas Auld and Sons from Greenock as the Champion Scottish Pie Maker, for the second year in succession. The Scotch Pie is often derided by nutritionists as a poor quality fast food but the meat traders are trying to emphasise that many are made from prime mutton and lamb and seasoning with a pastry shell which should look attractive and taste good too.

Scotspeak

An Edinburgh University researcher, who was fed up with big-name actors and actresses mangling Scottish accents, has produced a new CD and book to help production companies and drama schools to understand the nuances of Scottish regional accents and the differences between Glasgow and Edinburgh intonations. Dr Robinson, cringes when she hears "Scotty" in Star Trek and objects to people thinking that Glaswegian is the only accent in Scotland. But she does compliment Robert Carlyle in getting a perfect Leith accent in "Trainspotting". The CD has taken ten years to produce and is backed by the Scots Language Resource Centre.

McChina Beats Big Mac

A Chinese immigrant, who has started a fast food chain selling oriental food, won a court case this week to allow him to continue to call his outlets "McChina". He had been challenged by McDonald's who claimed that they had established rights over trading names with "Mc" or "MAC". They pointed to names such as Chicken McNugget and Oriental McRib and McFortune Cookie. But as their oriental range did not come onto the market until after the Chinese entrepreneur had applied for his trademark, the judge decided that the McChina business was sufficiently different from McDonalds to avoid confusion. The judge seemed unenthusiastic to give McDonald's a monopoly of all names and words with the prefix Mc or Mac in relation to food or restaurant services.

Mixed Fortunes for Scotland's Wildlife

A report by Scottish National Heritage highlights that a combination of changing weather and farming methods have benefitted some wild life in Scotland but that others are under threat. Numbers of wild geese have increased as a result of protection from hunting and agricultural changes and otters have thrived as water quality has improved. A number of woodland birds such as wrens, robins, great tit, finches and goldcrest have also done well in the milder winters. And grey seals are increasing by around 6% a year. But butterflies are in decline, especially marsh fritallary and small blue as their normal habitats are lost. Birds which inhabit farmland have also suffered, especially skylarks, lapwings and kestrels. And over-zealous management of grouse moors has meant that birds of prey have been shot or poisoned, despite efforts to re-introduce species such as the red kite.

Weather in Scotland in October

The full statistics on the weather in Scotland for October were published this week and they confirm that it was the warmest October on record over mainland Scotland. There were no cold spells at all as warm winds blew mainly from the south-west and south-east. But the moist winds brought in lots of cloud and the south-west of Scotland in particular had below average amounts of sunshine and much of the country had above average rainfall. The highest temperature during October was recorded at Durness in Sutherland which reached 20.3C (68.5F) on the 5th. Dalmally in Argyll had 4.5 inches (116mm) of rain on 29 October.

Weather in Scotland This Week

Temperatures dropped from a mild 12/14C (54/57F) last Saturday and Sunday to a chillier 7/8C (44/46F) by the middle of the week. But they returned to 13/15C (55/59F) by Friday. There was a fair amount of sunshine on Monday but strong winds and heavy rain created hazardous driving conditions in the West of Scotland on Tuesday.

The illustration here is of an acer, growing in a wood near Glasgow in November.

Step back into a 19th Century Christmas

A chance to experience Christmas at the end of the 19th century is on offer to visitors to Culzean Castle in Ayrshire on the 9th December. As you walk through the castle doors you are whisked back to 1869 to see what everyone from the masters of the house to the servants were doing in preparation for Christmas. Sir John and Lady Alice Kilhame will be welcoming visitors to their home where every room has come alive again for this special day. You will hear the stories of the family and servants, and some carol singers may arrive from local Kyle Academy. Culzean Castle and Country Park is the National Trust for Scotland's most visited property and one of the major tourist attractions in Scotland. Robert Adam's castle was built between 1772 and 1790 for David, 10th Earl of Cassillis on a cliff-top site associated with the Kennedy family since the late 14th century. For more information visit: www.culzeancastle.net/news.html.

Plan to Rescue Gateway

The gatehouse to the Southern Necropolis, an old cemetery in the Gorbals area of Glasgow, is a historic landmark. But it has been neglected over the years and now has no roof. But the Gorbals Heritage Environmental Trust is hoping to give the gatehouse a new lease of life by converting it into a family history centre to assist genealogists to trace their ancestors, particularly those buried in the Southern Necropolis. This was once the burial ground of the rich and famous as well as ordinary people of Glasgow. It is the final resting place of the architect Alexander "Greek" Thomson and the millionaire grocer and yachtsman Sir Thomas Lipton. Other notables include Rab Ha' who was nicknamed the "Glasgow Glutton" and Wee Willie White, a blind Glasgow street musician.

Time Up For One O'clock Gun

The 25-pounder howitzer which has been firing at 1pm each day from Monday to Saturday from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle since 1953 was used for the last time on Friday. A more modern, 105mm light gun will be used in future as it was proving to be difficult to get spare parts for the previous type of gun - which saw service in WW2. "Tam the Gun" - Staff Sergeant Tom Mackay, MBE - who has fired the gun since 1978, expressed sadness at the departure of the old howitzer. He makes a theatrical experience out of the firing of the gun, with his military bearing and stop-watch held high in the minute before the gun is fired with a flourish - and that loud bang!

This Week in History

• December 2 1848 - Mary Slessor, African missionary, born.
• December 3 1894 - Robert Louis Stevenson died in Samoa.
• December 3 1965 - The Beatles launched their last concert tour of Britain in Glasgow.
• December 4 1214 - King William I (The Lion) died at Stirling and was succeeded by his son Alexander II.
• December 4 1423 - Treaty of London, releasing James I from his 18 years captivity in England.
• December 4 1795 - Essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle, best known for his "French Revolution" born in Ecclefechan.
• December 4 1937 - Desperate Dan, cartoon character, first appeared in the "Dandy" comic.
• December 5 1560 - King Francis II of France, first husband of Mary Queen of Scots, died.
• December 6 1214 - King Alexander II crowned at Scone.
• December 6 1745 - Charles Edward Stewart's entry into Derby.
• December 8 1542 - Mary, Queen of Scots, born Linlithgow Palace. For the other 51 weeks in history and a chronology of Scottish events see the Scottish Timeline.

Geeza great big HUGmanay

That's the slogan for the Hogmanay celebrations in Glasgow though "We know how to party!" was an earlier, less colloquial headline. The huge street dance party will have an emphasis very much on a lively and contemporary musical to welcome in 2002. In the centre of the city at George Square thousands of Hogmanay clubbers will join top DJs, Roger Sanchez, Huggy, Jon Macini, George Bowie and other special guests including top rock, pop and dance performers at the outdoor club arena complete with giant video screen and state of the art sound and light show. Numbers will be limited to this event but in several other pedestrian areas throughout the city there will be free access for an entertainment programme of street theatre and live music. There will be three separate Concert Stages, compèred by Radio Clyde DJs with a diverse range of music to choose from - Soul, Tamla Motown, 70s disco and a Scottish ceilidh Band. The Hogmanay celebrations from across the city will be broadcast live on Radio Clyde.

Loch Ness Monster - Proof At Last

That was the title of a 1936 newsreel footage which it is thought launched the present-day interest the existence of "Nessie". It was one of a number of old film clips from the early days of Scottish film-making which were shown on a special programme by BBC Scotland on 30 November, St Andrew's Day. The Nessie film? It shows a grainy ripple on the waters of the loch and what appears to be two humps. The people who were filming it say that they were convinced that they had seen the monster - but experts say it looked more like an object being towed...

Festive Treasure at Callender House

The Grand Hall at Callender House will be alive with music this month and kids will be given the chance to hunt for hidden treasure there. The house encapsulates 600 years of Scottish History from medieval times right up to modern times and has been visited by such great historical figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. It still stands as one of Scotland's finest stately homes and features staff in historical dress to bring the house to life. Kids will be kept entertained between the 12th and 24th December with a special "Twelve Days of Christmas" treasure hunt throughout the grounds. And the house will feature a special exhibition showing how presents have changed throughout the ages.

Scotland Vanishes in Harry Potter Promotion

A world-wide campaign by the British Tourist Authority to promote the locations featured in the film "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" totally omits any mention of Scotland. This is despite the author being based in Edinburgh and the Hogwarts towers being digitally superimposed on Highland scenery and as Hogwarts Express travels north, it is the west Highlands landscape it is seen travelling through. And one of the stars of the film, Robbie Coltrane, is a Scot. But a spokeswoman for the British Tourist Authority fought back, describing the accusations of bias as "hufflepuff and only worthy of a slytherin." If you haven't read the books or seen the film, you won't understand that jibe.

New Comedy Club for Glasgow

Jongleurs, a London-based comedy club which launched the careers of a number of today's top comedians, is to open in Glasgow in January in the basement of the new UGC cinema in the centre of the city. It will feature new Scots comedy acts and the opening shows will include a number who appeared at this year's Edinburgh International Festival.

Sunday and Mid-Week Results

Celtic 2 Rangers 1
Hibernian 2 Dundee United 0 (CIS Insurance Cup, quarter-finals)
Ross County 1 Rangers 2 (CIS Insurance Cup, quarter-finals)
Ayr United 5 Inverness 1 (CIS Insurance Cup, quarter-finals)
Livingston v Celtic had to be postponed after the floodlights failed.

Scottish Premier League Results - 1 December 2001

Aberdeen 1 St Johnstone 0
Celtic 3 Hibernian 0
Dundee 0 Rangers 0
Hearts 1 Dunfermline 1
Kilmarnock 2 Dundee United 0
Livingston 3 Motherwell 1

Scottish First Division Results - 1 December 2001

Clyde 2 Ayr United 2
Falkirk 3 Arbroath 2
Inverness 1 Airdrie 2
Partick Thistle 0 Ross County 0
St Mirren 1 Raith Rovers 1

BT Scotland Rugby Division 1 Results - 1 December 2001

Boroughmuir 17 Glasgow Hawks 14
Gala 9 Aberdeen 13
Hawick 19 Heriot's 6
Kirkcaldy 11 Melrose 13
Stirling County 13 Currie 6

League Tables

After losing to Celtic last Sunday and then only managing a draw against Dundee this Saturday, Rangers are now 12 points behind Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic and only 2 points ahead of Livingston. St Johnstone are firmly fixed at the foot of the Premier, 7 points behind Motherwell.

In the First Division, Airdrie went further ahead as a result of Saturday's matches - now 5 points ahead of Partick Thistle. St Mirren are in third place, 4 points behind Partick.

In the BT Scotland Rugby Division 1, Boroughmuir are leading the pack with 42 points, followed by Hawick and Melrose on 40.

Sporting Hall of Fame

A panel of sporting journalists and administrators have made an initial selection of 100 Scottish sporting greats from the last 200 years and now the public can vote on these - or add to the list. On St Andrew's Day 2002, the top 50 men and women in Scottish sport will be inducted into a Hall of Fame. An exhibition of sporting mementos has been set up in the Royal Museum in Edinburgh.

Touchline Argument Helps Needy Kids

When Rangers player Michael Ball was replaced by manager Dick Advocaat during the match against Celtic on Sunday there was a touch-line bust-up between the player and the manager which was clearly sen by TV viewers. Ball was carpeted on Monday and told in no uncertain terms who was managing the team and making the decisions. As a result of his outburst, Ball was fined £10,000 - two weeks' wages. But the cash will not go to Rangers. Instead it will be donated to the "Cash for Kids" Christmas appeal being run by a local radio station.

Problems Mount for Advocaat

The Rangers manager Dick Advocaat has been plagued by speculation about his future at the club. In the absence of any hard facts, sports writers have allowed their imaginations to run riot and the struggling manager has been written off, appointed manager of Holland, been assured of a new contract and appointed to a more senior position in the club all in the same week, by various journalists. But he is still having to cope with the fact that Claudio Reyna, one of his best players, has requested a transfer to another club (preferably in the English Premier League) and Lorenzo Amoruso, has been penalised by the SFA and will miss three league fixtures following his ordering off towards the end of the match against Ross County. The one piece of good news was that Stefan Klos, the Rangers goalkeeper, is negotiating a contract extension. The German has a contract with 18 months to run and is likely to agree a deal to stay until 2004.

Derision at Larsson for Liverpool Story

Celtic's manager Martin O'Neill poured scorn on a story this week that his star striker, Henrik Larsson, was in talks with Liverpool. The Merseyside team have just sold Robbie Fowler to Leeds United for £11 million and are thought to be looking for a replacement. Larsson scored 53 goals last season for Celtic.

Scotland May Meet Euro 2008 Criteria

The European football governing body, Uefa, confirmed this week that the number of stadia required to stage the Euro 2008 tournament is a minimum of six with a capacity of at least 30,000. Scotland has four in this category and plans to create new or upgraded venues in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee have been proposed. The Scottish government is likely to meet half the building cost of £100 million.