Evening Times

Secret Ballot Plea to City Strike Chiefs; Pressure On Union in Nursery Dispute

STRIKE leaders are under new pressure to hold a secret postal ballot in a bid to end the nursery nurses' dispute in Glasgow. Fresh calls came as Edinburgh strikers prepare to return to work on Monday after agreeing an hourly pay rate of (pounds) 9.83p - the figure their colleagues in Glasgow rejected three days ago.

Pulpit Plea by Police to Find Great-Gran's Killer

POLICE probing the murder of a great-gran are to address worshippers at a church, in a bid to reassure people the net is closing on her killer. The pulpit move will also include a plea for information on the death of Hilary Crowley, who would have been 65 yesterday.

Fox Hunt Appeal Is Rejected

A bid to overturn the ban on fox hunting with dogs in Scotland has been rejected by appeal judges. A group opposed to the ban maintained it infringed their rights under the European Convention of Human Rights.

Jacqui Accused Denies Red-Light Visit

THE man accused of murdering prostitute Jacqui Gallagher has denied trawling Glasgow's red-light district - hours before the vice- girl was bludgeoned to death. George Johnstone said police "made an error" in noting him as admitting to being in the area at that time.

Gps Warned On Overuse of Antibiotics

Experts are warning GPs against giving antibiotics to patients who don't need them. Researchers at the University of Dundee found people with urinary infections resistant to antibiotics were more likely to have received medication from their GP.

Food & Drink; Bring the Kids : Bouzy Rouge Seafood Bar and Grill Good

Visited by Rhona and Brian Balfour and their 12-year-old twins, Evan and Eilidh. What's it like?

Oslo; Inside Guide to the Norwegian Capital

OSLO is one of the gleaming jewels in Norway's crown. A wooded metropolis surrounded by magnificent fjords, it boasts vibrant nightlife, a hearty cultural scene, friendly locals, loads of Viking heritage and menu prices to make you fall off your seat - even before you've seen the price of the wine.

Old Pals Act Puts Jimmy in Hot Seat

New Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood admitted that Dons' executive football consultant Willie Miller had a major part to play in his move to Pittodrie. Calderwood revealed he would not have jumped so readily at the Pittodrie post had it not been for the involvement of Miller - his long-time friend and a legendary defender for the Dons.

The Signs Were All There As Steve Got the Boot

Probably the best story of the sacking of a football manager is told against himself by Tommy Docherty ... which should come as no surprise, given his wit, unorthodox style, and the number of clubs he handled. Other than the flamboyance of the teams he fielded, the one common thread running through his career was the love-hate relationship he had with chairmen and, for a brief spell in the early 70s, when he managed the national side, the SFA hierarchy.

I Love Scotland...But This Time Club Came First Says Hero Dailly; Bravehearts: Two Scots Square Up in Premiership Promotion Crunch

CRESTFALLEN Christian Dailly trudged off Cardiff's Millenn-ium Stadium pitch feeling more broken heart than Braveheart. He listened as the boos rained down from the Tartan Army, gutted at our 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Wales.

Dougie Hopes to Repeat History

DOUGIE FREEDMAN is dreaming of a return to the Premiership today, seven years after helping fire Crystal Palace there from the play- offs. His two last-minute goals over Wolves in the 1997 semi-final set Palace on their way to the top flight, only for them to crash back down the following season.

A Postcard From... Alex Carter

Alex, 21, was born in Oldham, Lancashire. At 14 he joined a local drama workshop on the advice of his teacher. After winning a small role in Where The Heart Is, he landed the part of Lee Hunter in Hollyoaks three years ago. Alex recently scooped the gong for Best Comedy Performance at the 2004 Soap Awards. If money was no object where would you spend your perfect holiday, and with whom?

When World Cup Action Starts Will This Be Berti's Dream Team?

BERTI VOGTS has not been able to field his dream team since taking over as Scotland coach. Slowly but surely, though, with a great deal of pain along the way, the German seems to be getting close to finding a side capable of restoring national pride.

Family Day Out Loudoun Castle

WHERE IS IT? From Glasgow take the M77/A77 south to Kilmarnock. Then the A71 to Galston from where the park is signposted.

Don't Miss... Burns and A' That

At the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay voices all over the world sing out Auld Lang Syne. In January haggis, neeps and tatties are served aplenty. But the biggest event commemorating Scotland's most famous literary figure, Rabbie Burns, is to be found in Ayrshire over the next nine days.

Weekend Highlight Bounce Streetdance Day, City Centre

THE CITY centre is set to come alive with the sights and sounds of streetdance today. Super-cool Swedish Bounce troupe are in Glasgow to get this year's Rev! campaign off to a spectacular start.

10 Things You Didn't Know About... The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel connects the Union Canal to the Fourth and Clyde Canal. - The (pounds) 84.5million attraction was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in May 2002.

Fame Won't Change Me...I'll Still Play Fives with My Pals; Captain's Role: Darren Fletcher Insists Strong Family Ties Ensure He Doesn't Spend It Like Beckham

New Scots hero Darren Fletcher has a few things in common with David Beckham. Both players began their senior careers at Manchester United under the watchful and critical eye of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Final Novices Queen's Are at Fever Pitch

QUEEN'S PARK stalwart Caroline Jamieson reckons that today's all- Glasgow Amicus Scottish Women's Cup Final will be the female equivalent of David v Goliath. Division One QP, who are making their cup final debut, will take on Premiership giants Glasgow City in the 3.15pm Almondvale match up.

City's Top Curry Chain Bans Smoking; Shock As Ashoka Stubs Out Cigarettes at Five Favourite Restaurants

BRITAIN'S biggest curry chain is to ban smoking at five of its Scots restaurants. The popular Ashoka restaurant in Ashton Lane in Glasgow's west end is among those going smoke-free from next Tuesday.