Evening Times

50,000 Kids Hit by Scots Nursery Staff Walkout; 5000 Join Picket Lines in Pay Dispute

AROUND 50,000 Scots children were affected today as nursery nurses walked out on indefinite strike. The latest step in the bitter pay battle was expected to shut more than 120 council-run nurseries in Glasgow, and hundreds more throughout Scotland. Around 5000 staff took part in the action.

Nurseries Chaos As Hundreds of Staff Snub Walkout; Dozens of Council Centres to Re-Open

SCOTLAND'S nursery schools were thrown into chaos today as staff stepped up their bitter pay battle. Nursery nurses across the country walked out on indefinite strike, but hundreds of staff ignored picket lines and went to work.

Oscars As Lord of the Rings Sweeps Up

The Lord of the Rings made a clean sweep of the Oscars today with an epic 11 awards out of 11. But the glamour of the event was provided by Charlize Theron, who won best actress for her role as real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster.

Courage Showed Russell Was More Than Just a Fine Actor

ANOTHER week and another Scottish star of stage and screen bows out. Russell Hunter, for me, epitomised the pawky humour of Glasgow. He was a fine actor and, on the two occasions I bumped into him on the street in Glasgow, a delightful fellow, happy to take time to chat with a complete stranger.

No Cat-Napping When Larsson Is On the Prowl

MY pal and his wife say they are either going to buy a pet or have a child. He says it's a choice between ruining their carpets or their marriage.

Residents Can Pay Council Tax Online

COUNCIL tax payments can now be made online as part of a local authority's drive to make it easier for residents to pay. North Lanarkshire Council now takes council tax payments via its website at:

High-Rise Residents' Anger Over Central Heating Delay; Scottishpower Blasted Over Delays to Vital Improvements in Hundreds of Homes

POWER bosses have stalled plans to give hundreds of Glasgow's high rise homes central heating. The decision has infuriated residents forced to use expensive electric heaters to keep warm.

Scots Charities in Plea for Cash

TWO major charities are appealing for as many businesses as possible to help them raise money on Easter weekend. The Sick KidsFriends Foundation and Capability Scotland set up the Good Friday Appeal, a new initiative, to help adults and children throughout Scotland.

Green Ads in Energy Save Bid

A 3-D animated poster of a giant kettle is unveiled in Glasgow today It will go live in Scotland Street and launch the next phase of the Scottish Executive's Do a Little: Change a Lot, green campaign. The DALCAL campaign points out how small changes - like not overfilling a kettle - can have a huge impact on the environment.

Modern Art Goes On Show

WORK by some of the greatest names in modern art goes on show this week at the Gallery of Modern Art. The collection, titled Glasgow's Art: Selected prints from 1960- 2001, includes pieces by 'pop artist' Andy Warhol as well as David Hockney and John Byrne.

Closure-Hit Boots Staff Begin New Careers On the Wards; First Success for Training Scheme

WORKERS from the closure-hit Boots plant near Glasgow have escaped the dole queue for new careers on hospital wards. Six have qualified as nursing assistants and today finalised the paperwork before beginning new jobs as carers at Monklands General Hospital in Airdrie.

Royal Seal for Cinema Job Project

PRINCE EDWARD will give the royal seal of approval today to one of Ayrshire's forgotten architectural treasures. The (pounds) 2.26million Radio City project, which has transformed the old Radio Cinema, will provide jobs for young people in Kilbirnie when it is opened by the prince.

Aa Shows Drivers the Way with Free Maps

THOUSANDS of Scottish drivers waste fuel and money by getting lost - because their road maps are too old. A spotcheck for AA Service Centres shows that, although three million road atlases are sold every year, more than 60 per cent of drivers questioned were referring to atlases published in 2000 or earlier.

Mourners Pay Last Respects to Glass

HUNDREDS of mourners today paid their final respects to one of Scotland's most controversial religious figures. More than 200 people gathered at the Zion Baptist Church in Glasgow for the funeral of Pastor Jack Glass, who died last Tuesday, aged 67.

Bedtime Snack Is a Real Winner

A GLASGOW man is the first winner of a car in a new crisps promotion. Hugh Kyle found the voucher for one of 150 Ford Focus cars while eating Walkers crisps in bed.

Curry Spice in Health Risk Alert

CONSUMER chiefs have issued a health warning over two different batches of curry spices. Jars contaminated with Sudan I, an illegal dye which could pose a health risk, have been found on sale in the Woodlands Road area of Glasgow.

Libraries All Set for Book Day

LIBRARY bosses in Glasgow are gearing up for World Book Day with events across the city. Now in its seventh year, World Book Day on Thursday encourages people of all ages to enjoy reading.

Fan's Tribute to City's Silver Screen History; Guide Will Detail Films, Stars and Picture Houses of Yesteryear

A GLASGOW cinema buff is to produce a guide to the city's silver screen history. Author Neil Symington has landed Millennium Commission cash to pay tribute to the city's films, stars and grand picture houses of yesteryear.

9 Rescued After Blaze

NINE people had to be rescued after fire broke out in a flat in Glasgow's east end. Fire crews from Calton Fire Station rushed to the first floor flat at Broompark Drive, Dennistoun, early yesterday to find the house well ablaze.

A80 Chaos for Drivers

TRAFFIC on the A80 was returning to normal today after motorists endured a weekend of misery. Drives faced a two-hour delay and five mile tailbacks yesterday because the Stirling to Glasgow road was closed northbound for repairs.