Evening Times

Truth About War Is Still so Relevant Today; Theatre: From the Calton to Catalonia

THE BRIGHT lights of panto may be dazzling us at the moment but who's to say we should become blind to the realities of incisive historical storytelling? Based on a true story, From the Calton to Catalonia is a play about the experiences of a group of Scots during the Spanish Civil War.

Critic's Choice

musicality, Channel 4, 9pm IT'S the big night for our five winners, as they strut their stuff on the West End stage in the musical Chicago.

Don't Miss Out On Boost Pension Credit Can Give

Are you aged 60 and over? Are you single and have a weekly income of less than (pounds) 105.45 or (pounds) 160.95 if you have a partner? If so you could join the thousands of people in Glasgow already receiving Pension Credit.

How to Curry Favour with Your Friends; Foodbook

AS THE winter chill sets in, hot, spicy food that heats and comforts is the ideal fare for curry-hungry Scots. In Camellia Panjabi's beautiful new book, 50 Great Curries of India, (Kyle Cathie, (pounds) 8.99) she unlocks the secrets behind traditional Indian cuisine and guides us into a rewarding world of spice and colour.

Rivals in Sights of Suv Star

The Range Rover Sport, an all-new sports tourer SUV, is the best- performing and best-handling vehicle Land Rover has ever built. That's the lofty claim for the V8-powered vehicle designed to combine dynamic ability with comfort.

Job Losses Cost Us Dear

I refer to news that many civil service jobs are to be lost to save money (Evening Times, November 29). I wonder if the politicians really think it through before they say "we will save X number of pounds but it may cost 10,000 jobs".

Times Past; Ice Skating, Paisley, 1954

THE popular Christmas ice rink has just opened again in George Square. And skating has long been a favourite winter pastime for Scots.

Disaster Fund Stands at (Pounds) 144,000

MORE than (pounds) 140,000 has been raised for the victims of the Maryhill factory blast. But there are just three more weeks left to make donations to help those who suffered in the May 11 explosion and their families.

This Robocop Camera Takes Photographs of Criminals.. And Then Tells Them to Beat It; Hi-Tech Device Gives Orders to Thugs

A NEW weapon to tackle street crime in the darkest corners of Glasgow was unveiled today. A cross between Big Brother and Robocop, the revolutionary camera will bark orders and take action before drug users, thugs and vandals have the chance to step out of line.

Rookie Malcolm's Epic Trip

A BIKER left Glasgow today on an epic round-the-world motorbike trip spanning 50 nations just three months after passing his test. Malcolm Campbell, 43, has already completed a 27-month tour of Australia and New Zealand on a push bike.

Football Fan Cleared of Race Abuse at Match

A football supporter was cleared of racially abusing black players by appeal judges today after they were told his outbursts could not be heard on the pitch. Keith Anderson was originally convicted of acting in a racially aggravated manner at St Johnstone's McDiarmid Park, in Perth, by targeting Marvin Andrews and Eugene Dadi, who then played for Livingston.

(Pounds) 1000 Fine for Garden Centre Fire

A CLYDE Valley garden centre was fined (pounds) 1000 for illegally burning waste. At Lanark Sheriff Court owners of the Sandyholm Garden Centre and Coffee Shop on Lanark Road, Crossford, admitted four charges under Section 33 of the Environment Protection Act 1990.

Health Firm Gives Town Jobs Boost

A new company that will produce heart monitoring systems is to create 74 jobs. Omega Critical Care will set up in Cairn Court, East Kilbride, and has been given a (pounds) 500,000 grant from the Scottish Executive.

The Sweet Taste of Success; the Votes Are All in and Counted... Now We Can Name Glasgow's Favourite Restaurant; Italian Eaterie La Fiorentina Wins Evening Times Readers' Award

EVENING Times readers have spoken - and they've named La Fiorentina Glasgow's favourite restaurant. The winner of the coveted People's Choice accolade was announced last night at the 2004 Auchentoshan Spirit of Glasgow Restaurant Awards, now in their fifth year. The Evening Times is the media partner for the event organised by the Glasgow Restaurateurs' Association.

(Pounds) 30m Needed to Tackle Scots Sex Health Epidemic

The Executive needs to plough (pounds) 30million into tackling Scotland's soaring levels of sexually transmitted diseases, an expert claimed today. Tim Street, director of the Family Planning Association in Glasgow, said the problem would only increase unless urgent action was taken to address rocketing cases of chlamydia, syphilis and genital warts.

Pervert Jailed for 7 Years Over Sex Attacks On Boys

A PERVERT was today jailed for seven years for sex attacks on four schoolboys. David Simmons, 34, of Craigneuk, Wishaw, Lanarkshire, was convicted of four indecent assaults on the boys - the youngest was only 11 at the time.

Scots Drop Bucket and Spade

SCOTS holidaymakers are ditching their bucket and spade for designer fashion boutiques and premium beers thanks to a boom in low- cost airlines. The increase in popularity of city break destinations and the exodus to cities like Rome and Prague is expected to continue over Christmas.

Blaze-Hit Club Open for Xmas

A NIGHTCLUB gutted by firebugs six months ago is to reopen in time for Christmas. Bosses at Bennets in Glasgow said today they were planning a major relaunch in about two weeks' time.

Music Bid to Help Out Youngsters

YOUNGSTERS orphaned in the world's worst troublespots are to benefit from a new charity single - premiered in a Glasgow church. The track, Angels From The Ashes, was penned and recorded by top folk singer and Runrig founder Blair Douglas as a tribute to the victims of the September 11 terror attacks in America in 2001 It was performed last night at a St Andrew's Day ceremony at Old Cathcart Parish Church.

Probe Launched After Fatal Fire in Disused Cinema; 40-Year-Old Man Found Dead at Former Picture House

POLICE and fire experts today launched a major investigation after a man died in a blaze in a derelict cinema. The body of John Burns, 40, was discovered on the ground floor of the former Olympia picture house in the east end of Glasgow.