Scottish Parliament Opened - At Last

If the Queen was watching the last minute preparations across the road from her Palace of Holyroodhouse as workmen worked through the night to get the Scottish Parliament ready for the official opening on Saturday, she probably breathed a sigh of relief that the noisy building works were at last coming to an end. Well, almost, workers will return on Monday to add some finishing touches. At least the scaffolding, dumper trucks and cranes were not in sight as the traditional procession of dignitaries, Members of the Scottish Parliament, jugglers, actors and celebrities (difficult sometimes to tell which were which) marched down the Royal Mile from the old parliament building beside St Giles to the new one. The opening ceremony included, in addition to the usual speeches, performances from BBC Young Musician of the Year, violinist Nicola Benedetti, a Gaelic choir and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. In an unscripted gesture, those in the debating chamber were invited to sing the last chorus - which they did with gusto. The Scottish Crown, the oldest in the UK, left its usual display cabinet in Edinburgh Castle to journey down to the other end of the Royal Mile as a symbol in the new building. But it had competition from a new sculpture entitled the "Honours of Scotland", unveiled by the Queen and gifted by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh.

Scottish Executive Cabinet Reshuffle

Despite huge injections of additional cash into the National Health Service, key issues such as waiting times for appointments are not improving (as they appear to be in England and Wales) and the overall perception is of a service in crisis. And for some time now, as a result of the number of hospital closures being pushed forward in various parts of the country, there have been calls for the resignation of the Health Minister, Malcolm Chisholm (pictured here). Of course, as the policy (or lack of policy?) is accepted by the Scottish Executive Cabinet, they all rallied round the beleaguered minister. However, this week, First Minister Jack McConnell announced a reshuffle of his team and the Health Minister was demoted to Communities Minister. The Finance Minister (a loyal supporter of Mr McConnell) was given the difficult job of Health Minister - firmly announcing, however, that "there's no big change of policy." Tom McCabe, the previous deputy Health Minister, becomes Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform. Frank McAveety, who has perpetrated a number of blunders, has been replaced as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport by Patricia Ferguson who was previously Minister for Parliamentary Business - in other words, the Labour party's chief whip. It says much for the lack of rising talent that this was largely a reshuffling of the pack rather than bringing in fresh people and ideas.

Rise in Scottish Manufactured Exports

Although Scottish manufacturing exports rose by 2.9% in the second quarter of 2004, government figures published this week show that, comparing the 12 months to the end of June with the preceding four quarters, Scottish manufactured exports were down 8.2%. Nevertheless, the improved quarterly figures were encouraging, particularly as the key engineering and allied industries sector (which takes in electronics) enjoyed a 3% advance in overseas sales. Metals and metal products category also advanced strongly in the three months to June, with an 11.5% rise in exports. Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace said "The data supports business survey evidence where there was a general consensus that export activity had strengthened during this period."

Visitors to Scotland Soar

According to statistics published this week by the Office for National Statistics, the number of visitors travelling to Scotland from abroad, particularly Europe and North America, during the second quarter of this year soared by 24%, compared to the same period in 2003. The number from Europe rose by a staggering 61% and there was a 13.9% increase in travellers from North America. Low-cost air travel to and from Europe is certainly helping to increase the flow of people able to fly in to Scotland, even if it is only for a short break. The statistics show that for the UK as a whole, the number of tourists is now higher than before September 11, 2001.

Slower Growth in House Prices

According to the Glasgow Solicitors' Property Centre GSPC), house price inflation has slowed significantly in the city in the past three months, as higher interest rates have taken the heat out of the market. In the previous quarter, property values rose by 21% but that has fallen to 11% in the most recent survey. House prices in the west of Scotland generally have fallen from a peak of 25% to 17%. The average price of a home in the west of Scotland now stands at £114,000, roughly £1000 more than it would have cost three months ago, and £11,000 more than it would have cost this time last year. Of course, these figures cover a wide range, with prices in the west end of the city averaging £151,000 while houses in desirable areas outside the city boundary go much higher than that. Statistics from estate agents such as GSPC must always be treated with caution, of course, as they reflect the market they serve - GSPC, for example, tends not to be involved in houses at the higher end of the market.

Historic Scottish Regiments to Disappear

Although the decision has still to be approved by the UK government's Secretary of Defence, it is now looking increasingly likely that despite the efforts of campaigners, all the historic Scottish regiments are to merged into one unit but, in an attempt to sweeten the pill, the five battalions within that regiment will be given the names of the former regiments such as the Black Watch, Royal Scots and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. In order to comply with the demand of the Treasury to reduce the number of units to save money, it is likely that two existing regiments will be merged into a new battalion and this looks as though it will be the Royal Scots and the King's Own Scottish Borderers. While army chiefs tried to present the restructuring as "preserving and continuing the heritage of the existing regiments though the named battalions," critics say that all that is being saved are the cap badges. A "Save the Scottish Regiments" group is campaigning against the cuts and is planning to field candidates against Labour at the next general election.

Submarine Rescue

A Canadian navy submarine, which had left the Faslane naval base on the Gare Loch after a refit only hours before, was crippled after a fire broke out in electrical equipment. One crew member who was airlifted to hospital on the mainland died from smoke inhalation; two others were also taken to hospital and others suffered from the smoke before the fire was brought under control. The HMCS Chicoutimi lost power and is having to be towed back to Faslane. The diesel-electric submarine was formerly named HMS Upholder in the Royal Navy and is one of four Victoria-class submarines sold to the Royal Canadian Navy. The incident happened after reports that Canada might sue Britain over the sale of the second-hand submarines as they had been "dogged by serious malfunctions and corrosion."

2020 Vision for Scotland's Lighthouses

The Northern Lighthouse Board is responsible for 207 lighthouses around the coasts of Scotland and the Isle of Man and they have just produced a report on their vision of the future until 2020. All the lighthouses are now unmanned and run by computers in a control room in Edinburgh. The amount of maritime traffic has increased over the years and that trend seems likely to continue. But rapid advances in satellite navigation has reduced the value of lighthouses with flashing lights to warn mariners of dangers. Indeed, in some locations, the lights from houses and street-lighting is making them less visible. So it seems likely that although some lighthouses will have an enhanced role using electronics, others may have to close.

Don't Let the Bug Bite

The "Don't Let the Bug Bite" campaign encourages those most vulnerable to the complications of influenza to go along to their doctor's surgeries and get vaccinated against flu. It got under way again this week - just as the story broke that the vaccine from one manufacturer had been found to be contaminated and had been rejected worldwide. So although there was a publicity campaign to remind everyone aged 65 and over, and those under 65 with long term medical conditions, to consider protecting themselves from the virus over the winter by being immunised, some surgeries were having to postpone appointments. On Scotland, there is usually a more than 70% take up in the jab by those aged over 65. Each year the flu vaccine is adjusted to provide the best protection against the flu viruses circulating across the world. The vaccine should give good protection against the flu strains that have been shown to be freely circulating across the globe in recent months.

Funding for Scottish Canals

In this age of high-speed travel, it is surprising to find a renewal in the canals, a major but slow highway for bulk goods in the 19th century. Of course, upgrading would not be possible without major finance being provided - £75 million of Lottery and public money were spent on the "Millennium Link" in recent years to allow the Forth and Clyde Canal across central Scotland to re-open. This week, the Transport Minister announced core funding of £31.2 million over three years to provide investment to revitalise Scotland's canals and make them attractive places to be enjoyed by people from home and abroad. In Scotland, British Waterways manage five canals These are: the Caledonian; the Crinan; the Forth and Clyde; the Union; and Monklands canals.

Scot Wins Top UK Arts Prize

Scottish poet Kathleen Jamie has won the Forward Prize, Britain's highest award for poetry, worth nearly £10,000. Her collection of poems covering nature and spirituality and entitled "The Tree House" won the prize for the best collection of poetry. The winners were announced in London on Wednesday on the eve of National Poetry Day.

World Heritage Status for Arthur's Seat?

A review of the World Heritage site of Edinburgh's Old and New Towns has suggested that the area covered should be extended to include Holyrood Park, an area which is dominated by Arthur's Seat, the remains of an extinct volcano and which looms over the city. The document also calls for the Royal Botanic Gardens to be included and the creation of a "buffer zone" around the site to ensure that intrusive buildings on the fringes are not built, spoiling views to and from areas like Calton Hill. The existing World Heritage site covers 4,600 buildings, 75% of them listed by Historic Scotland.

Megabus Nets 1,000,000 Passengers

Maegabus,com, a subsidiary of the giant Perth-based Stagecoach transport company, has quadrupled the number of passengers in the last seven months and has broken through the million customer mark. Based on similar principles to budget airlines, tickets for journeys between nearly 30 of Scotland's cities and towns can cost as little as £1 - if booked far enough in advance. The services use high-capacity double-decker coaches and they have proved to be popular with students, families and "silver surfers" who use the Internet to book.

It's an Ill Wind that Blows Nobody Any Good

Soaring oil prices may mean higher prices at the pumps and higher costs for industry and airlines. But they are also having a beneficial impact on activity on the North Sea oil industry. A number of drilling rigs are moving out of the Cromarty Firth where they had been stacked up. And leasing costs for rigs have been on the rise. A year ago it cost £22,500 a day for a semi-submersible rig, but recent contracts have been as high as £58,000 a day. The number of rigs in use in the North Sea has risen by 20% compared with last year.

Edinburgh to Isle of Man Link Dropped

A few weeks ago, the independent airline EuroManx announced that it was to discontinue its service between Edinburgh and the Isle of Man. Now Loganair, which operates in British Airways' colours, and which launched a service on the same route in May, has announced that it is to abandon the route due to lack of demand. However, Loganair has emphasised that it is still committed to the Glasgow to Isle of Man route, which it took over from BA CitiExpress in March when BA scrapped all but three of its Isle of Man services.

Bambi Burgers for Schools

In an effort to help school kids in Highland Region of Scotland to fight the flab, the council's director of education has started a scheme which will mean that pupils in the region's 29 secondary schools will be offered venison burgers and meat from red deer in casseroles. The venison is from Highland estates where deer are killed for sport or culled for environmental reasons. Venison is healthier than other red meats as it contains much less fat, more iron and much lower cholesterol. But the new menu may have an image problem as children associate deer with Bambi and Walt Disney rather than food. But it is argued that children eat lamb and beef from "cuddly" animals and that deer are reared in a free-range environment.

Government Jobs for Tiree

Many of the islands off the west coast of Scotland struggle to maintain their way of life and stem the flow of their population to the mainland. Even Tiree (population 730 and climbing), which holds the record for the sunniest place in Scotland, has had to work hard to develop its local facilities. There are some bright spots - a new satellite communications system has been installed which will allow free telephone calls within the island and a wireless broadband connection to the Internet. A local radio station is being established and earlier this summer a new £677,000 community hall was completed. The local Scaranish Hotel has been upgraded to a four-star bed and breakfast rating and the island's tourist season is being extended by the "Tiree Wave Classic" surfing event at the end of this month (see the Sports section for more on this). And it is now looking increasingly likely that ten government jobs will be relocated from Edinburgh to the island. The last major relocation promoted by the Scottish Executive was when it was announced that Scottish Natural Heritage would move to Inverness. That caused a major conflict with the staff involved, so the announcement that the staff looking after the Crofters’ Building Grants and Loans Scheme would move to Tiree was put on hold. But a decision is expected by the end of the year.

More Controversial Irn-Bru Adverts

The makers of Irn-Bru, Scotland's "other national drink", have often resorted to controversial advertising campaigns and their latest £5 million TV and bill-board blitz is continuing that tradition. The orange-coloured, fizzy drink vies with Coca-Cola for top spot in the league of soft drink sales in Scotland and has long been touted as a hangover cure. The latest adverts show a football fan relishing a long drink of Irn-Bru at a football match - and thus missing a group of streakers invading the pitch. Except, this being a quirky Irn-Bru advert, it's the streakers who descend on a policeman and lead him away. In another sequence, a tramp and a dog are vacuumed up by a road sweeper, an event which is missed by an onlooker drinking a can of the sickly sweet drink.

Bid to Take Back Berwick

The town of Berwick, at the mouth of the river Tweed in Northumberland, changed hands between Scotland and England at least 13 times between 1296 and 1482. It finally became part of England - with the border between the two countries creating an artificial enclave north of the river. In the days of horse-drawn transport this gave England a convenient bridgehead in the event of invasion - which was to happen on a number of occasions over the next few hundred years. Some months ago, with his tongue stuck firmly in his cheek, the leader of the Scottish Borders Council suggested that Berwick should once again be part of Scotland, to produce tourism and economic benefits. The idea has apparently sparked off a debate in the area and now it is being suggested that a referendum should take place to see what the residents think. A Berwick Borough Councillor has suggested "In Berwick, 25% of people think of themselves as Scottish, 25% as English and 50% as Berwickers." If Berwick became part of the Scottish Borders, it would become the largest town in the region. But if, as seems likely, a North East Assembly is created in England, Berwick would be on the periphery of that larger unit.

Weather in Scotland This Week

There was rather more sunshine this week, though it was the east side of the country which enjoyed the sun most in the earlier part of the week and then it was the turn of the west side to enjoy the clear skies. Daytime maximum temperatures were largely in the 12/13C (53/55F) range but as the thermometer dropped during the night temperatures fell rapidly. Ben Nevis and some of the Scottish mountains above 3,000 feet had a dusting of snow this week.

This week's illustrations of current flora and fauna in Scotland all come from the National Trust for Scotland's property at Culzean Country Park in Ayrshire where the sun was shining brightly on Friday. The Red Admiral butterfly seen here on a chrysanthemum was one of many making the most of the sunshine - there were Painted Lady and Peacock butterflies that day too.

Below, the first illustration shows a mass of chrysanthemums in the walled garden at Culzean, followed by the yellow fruit of the crab apple. The final picture shows two young bucks testing one another and learning the skills they will need later if they are to challenge the patriarch of the herd at some later stage. The present leader of the herd can be seen on the right, keeping a watchful eye to see how the younger generation is shaping up.

Conversion of Art Deco Landmark Into Apartments

The historic B-listed Baird Halls on Sauchiehall Street are to be converted into upmarket apartments by a developer. It was originally built as the Beresford Hotel for the Empire Exhibition in Glasgow in 1938. The first owner was also the architect and he created a cinema-style frontage for the hotel. Its "modern" architecture was disliked when it was built and the original mustard-coloured stonework with red fins was rather unkindly described as "custard and rhubarb architecture". The building later became an office block and since 1963 has been used as accommodation for students. City planners have granted permission only on the basis of a string of conditions which will safeguard the character of the building.

National Trust Properties Still in the Red

Two years ago, only six of the 68 National Trust for Scotland properties produced a profit for the heritage organisation. Now, that figure has risen to nine properties in the black out of 66. While it is in the nature of the charitable organisation (which depends on membership fees, charitable donations and endowments to finance its work) to have property that does not pay its way, it means that the National Trust is under constant financial pressure. Two of its most profitable properties are recent acquisitions such as Crarae Gardens in Argyll and Newhailes House in Musselburgh (both obtained only once finance had been put in place) plus Mar Lodge estate in Braemar, Fyvie Castle in Turriff and Threave Gardens (pictured here in springtime) near Dumfries. Visitor numbers declined between 1996 and 2001 by 15% and the organisation had a deficit of £2.5 million at that time. Since then, the shortfall has declined to £500,000, thanks to a radical management shake-up and an increase in membership from 250,000 to 285,000. Belonging to the National Trust for Scotland means having free access to all their properties, which can result in a considerable saving for those who visit on a frequent basis.

Aberdeen's Hidden Depths

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is to launch its 2004/05 season of lectures in Aberdeen earlier this week with a talk on the fascinating secrets of Scotland's medieval past. Aberdeen is one of a tiny group of European towns, which also includes York and Oslo, where soil conditions have allowed the remains of ancient organic items to be preserved underground. The remains, which date back at least 700 years, include wooden buildings, household articles, clothing, footwear and personal possessions, as well as tiny microscopic remnants of seeds, insects and parasites. Ongoing research and careful excavation by Aberdeen City Council archaeologists and their predecessors has transformed this 'raw data' from the earth into a detailed and authentic picture of Aberdeen's medieval past. City Centre development in the 1970s began to reveal superbly preserved remains of the 12th-century and later medieval town.

BBC Rewrites History

A new BBC series "The British Isles: A Natural History" is proving to be very popular and each episode ends with a 10-minute opt-out when the presenter hands over to different parts of the country for "local highlights." This week's episode in Scotland, for example, focused on the remains of volcanic activity such as Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, the Bass Rock off North Berwick (and North Berwick Law behind the town) and Dumbarton Rock. But the promotional material published by the BBC for the next episode and e-mailed to the media and subscribers across the country muddles up the history of the Massacre of Glencoe and says that the MacDonalds massacred the Campbells.... The BBC has apologised for the error which is not contained in the programme - which covers the glacial origins of Glencoe and many other landscape features of Scotland.

Next Week in History

• October 10 1802 - Writer and geologist Hugh Miller born on the Black Isle, Cromarty.
• October 11 1297 - Letter from Wallace and Moray to the mayors of Lubeck and Hamburg saying that "The Kingdom of Scotland has, by God's Grace, recovered by battle from the power of the English".
• October 11 1511 - Ship "Great Michael" launched for King James IV.
• October 11 1797 - The British fleet, under the command of Admiral Adam Duncan (born in Forfar in 1731), defeated the Dutch off the village of Camperdown, Holland
• October 11 2000 - Scotland's first First Minister Donald Dewar died suddenly after a fall on the steps of his official residence in Edinburgh.
• October 12 1866 - Ramsay MacDonald, first Labour Prime Minister of UK, born in Lossiemouth.
• October 12 1929 - Birth of Magnus Magnusson, writer, broadcaster and questionmaster in TV programme "Mastermind".
• October 13 1644 - Battle of Aberdeen, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, sacked the city.
• October 13 1713 - Birth of Allan Ramsay, painter and son of Allan Ramsay the poet.
• October 14 1285 - Second marriage of King Alexander III (to Yolanda de Dreux).
• October 14 1318 - Edward Bruce, brother of Robert the Bruce, killed in a battle near Dundalk, Ireland.
• October 14 1633 - Birth at St James' Palace, London of King James VII, second son of King Charles I and brother of King Charles II.
• October 14 1788 - First steamboat tested on Dalswinton Loch by Patrick Miller and William Symington.
• October 14 1881 - Eyemouth Fishing Disaster, nearly 20 boats and 129 men (1 in 3 of the town's male population) lost their lives in a storm.
• October 14 1939 - German submarine sank HMS "Royal Oak" in Scapa Flow, Orkney, with the loss of 810 lives.
• October 14 1969 - The 50 pence decimal coin was first issued, replacing the ten shilling note.
• October 15 1686 - Birth of poet Allan Ramsay, father of Allan Ramsay the painter.
• October 15 1880 - Dr Marie Stopes, founder of first modern birth control clinic, born Edinburgh.
• October 15 1902 - Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel opened its doors for the first time.
• October 15 1928 - Voting age for women reduced from 30 to 21, the same as for men.
• October 15 1943 - Poet William Souter died in Perth.
• October 16 1430 - King James II born.
• October 16 1774 - Poet Robert Fergusson died.
• October 16 1921 - Poet George Mackay Brown born.
• October 16 1939 - City of Glasgow Fighter Squadron (No 602) shoots down the first enemy aircraft over Britain after an attack on the River Forth.

The Royal National Mod 2004

This year's annual Gaelic Mod is taking place from 8th -16th October in Perth. This is a competition-based festival, celebrating Gaelic through music, dance, drama, arts and literature. It was first held in Oban in 1892 and has grown over the years to become the second biggest festival in Scotland, attracting visitors and competitors from throughout the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada and the USA. This year's event will see in excess of 2000 competitors including 82 choirs, taking part in over 200 competitions throughout a variety of venues within the city centre. There are lots of "Fringe" events or 'Fèis a' Mhòid' such as a Fiddlers' Rally in Perth City Hall, storytelling, songs & poetry for children of all ages, beer tasting at Greyfriar's hosted by the Inveralmond Brewery and the Mod Shinty Cup Final at McDiarmid Park (the home of the local St Johnstone Football Club).

Travis Rocks Sauchiehall Street

The Scottish chart-topping pop group Travis surprised shoppers in the centre of Glasgow this week when they began a surprise performance in Sauchiehall Street, just along from the Buchanan Galleries shopping mall. Unlike the usual buskers who sometimes perform in the streets, and are largely ignored, a crowd of several hundred soon gathered as the group performed a number of their famous songs. Travis were gathering money - and publicity - for the "Big Issue" magazine sold by homeless street sellers. When the group had tried to perform in Newcastle on the day before, the police had moved them on as the crowds which had gathered to watch had stopped passengers from reaching a nearby railway station. There were no such problems in Glasgow and the quartet went on to perform at a gig of paying customers at Barrowland in the evening.

The Ideal Home Show 2004

Running from 15th - 24th October, at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow, this is Scotland's biggest and best home show brimming with unlimited ideas and inspiration at every turn. Visitors can explore the show home, pick up tips from the experts at the celebrity 'How To...' theatre and snap up some show bargains from the huge array of products available. There are a number of room designs to give DIY enthusiasts lots of ideas and TV celebrities from Channel 5's 'How Not To Decorate' will be hosting demonstrations and sharing their ideas on the latest trends and designs for the home. Leading chefs will show how to create the perfect dishes, whilst DIY professionals and expert gardeners reveal their trade secrets. See www.idealhomeshowscotland.co.uk for more details.

Sunday and Mid-Week Football Results

Dundee United 0 Celtic 3
Hearts 0 Livingston 0
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1 Motherwell 1
Rangers 2 Kilmarnock 0

Bank of Scotland Premierleague/Scottish First Division

No games on Saturday due to Scotland v Norway international.

BT Scotland Rugby Division 1 Results - 9 October 2004

Aberdeen 23 Heriots 27
Ayr 19 Boroughmuir 5
Currie 52 Gala 7
Glasgow Hawks 40 Hawick 14
Melrose 32 Glasgow Hutchesons' 27
Watsonians 19 Biggar 27

Another Scotland Defeat

Scotland's 19-year unbeaten record at Hampden in football (soccer) World Cup qualifiers came to an end on Saturday when they were defeated 1-0 by Norway. A lack-lustre Scottish side, which admittedly had a number of key players missing due to injury, had few opportunities to score. One chance was ruled by the referee not to have crossed the line - even though TV replays seemed to suggest it had. Manager Berti Vogts obviously thought so too, and remonstrated with the referee at half-time. For his efforts he was ordered to move to the spectators' area rather than the touchline when the match resumed. The end came when a header from Norway's Lundekvam was punched off the line by McFadden. The schoolboy error may have been instinctive, but that meant an automatic red card and Iversen calmly slotted away the penalty. Sometimes when a side is down to ten men they fight harder and come back, but that was not to happen here. Scotland now play away in Moldava next Wednesday, but after two games so far, Scotland have one solitary point. Qualification for the World Cup now seems more remote than ever.

Luck of the Draw

Rangers, one of the highly seeded clubs in the UEFA Cup, came out of the draw for the group stages of the competition with opposition which, on paper at least, they should do well against. Hearts, on the other hand, seeded in a more lowly position, will have to work hard to progress further. Rangers opponents will be Auxerre in France, Grazer AK in Austria, Amica in Poland and AZ Alkmaar in Holland. Hearts will have to face Feyenoord of Holland, Schalke in Germany, Berne in Switzerland and Ferencvaros of Greece.

BBC TV Wins Rugby Internationals

The BBC has secured a new deal to televise all Ireland, Scotland and Wales autumn home international games for the next five years. That means that the corporation now holds rights to all international rugby hosted in the UK with the exception of England's autumn Tests, for which it shows highlights. The Celtic Rugby Cup final will also be screened on BBC Grandstand.

Sponsorship of Scottish Cup Extended

The company producing Tennent's Lager has agreed to extend its sponsorship of the Scottish Cup for a further three years in a deal which is worth over £6 million to the Scottish Football Association. Tennent Caledonian Breweries has been supporting the Cup competition since the 1989/90 season. The showpiece cup final takes place every May and involves 79 teams in a knockout competition.

EventScotland Tiree Wave Classic 2004

The final leg of the UK Triple Crown Windsurfing Tour takes place on the Inner Hebridean island of Tiree from Saturday 16th - Saturday 23rd of October. Remote and exposed, Tiree is 70 miles off the west coast of Scotland and is a visually stunning island which is sometimes described as "The Hawaii of the North". There are plenty of activities being laid on for spectators in addition to the surfing events - including sand yachting, surfing tuition, surf kayaking, kite surfing and power boat trips. See www.tireewaveclassic.com for more information.

Dunhill Links Championship

Conceived as a celebration of links golf, the Dunhill Links Championship is played over three seaside courses - The Old Course at St Andrews; the Championship Course at Carnoustie; and the highly regarded Kingsbarns Golf Links (seen here). World No 1 Vijay Singh, who won the US PGA Championship in August, will be competing against other top golfers such as World No 2 Ernie Els and US Open Champion Retief Goosen. Scottish golf fans will be supporting Colin Montgomery and the other members of the successful European Ryder Cup team including Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood. Amateurs are also sharing the stage during the event, with such notables as Kevin Costner, Michael Douglas, Samuel L Jackson and former US vice-president (and spelling champion) Dan Quayle. Last year, former European Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, playing with his 15-year-old son Daniel, won the team pro-am competition.

Phillips Tour of Mull Car Rally

This car rally is organised by the 2300 Club, a group of motor sport enthusiasts based in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. The event is held every October on the Isle of Mull, Argyll, and this year it runs from 8th - 10th October. The rally is open to anybody who would like to have a go in an appropriate vehicle. Cars compete against the clock over the public roads which are closed to the public during the event. The roads are all tarmac, single track lanes with numerous hairpins, steep hills, and big drops.