Evening Times

Scotsport's New Signings Make Up a Winning Team

SCOTTISH TV has revealed the new football team it hopes will prove a winner with armchair fans across the country. Scotsport SPL, a football highlights and magazine show, will be presented by Evening Times columnist Sarah O'Flaherty and DJ and presenter Julyan Sinclair.

Down the Middle of the Road; Road Test : Hyundai Accent

MAYBE I'm just a tightwad. Actually, I'm definitely a tightwad, but that knowledge doesn't make me any less enthusiastic about the Hyundai Accent. The fact that my wallet contains more moths than five pound notes makes me a natural fan of what may well be the best value-for-money car available at the moment.

Climbers in Ordeal to Raise Funds

A GROUP of intrepid Glasgow climbers battled extreme weather to reach the peak of Ben Nevis and raise cash for Cancer Research. Robert Currie of Dennistoun organised the climb with nearly 30 friends who were met by snow and driving rain as they made their ascent on Saturday.

Now We're Ready to Host the Games; City Bosses Say New Facilities Are Perfect Boost for Commonwealth Bid

GLASGOW is ready to take its place on the world sports stage by hosting the Commonwealth Games, city leaders said today. The announcement of (pounds) 17million of funding for new sports facilities, including a new national indoor arena, as reported in yesterday's Evening Times, has given the city's bid to host the prestige games fresh impetus.

Man, 26, Picked Up Tot by Ears, Court Told

A babysitter picked up a four-month-old tot by her ears and shook her so violently her brain started bleeding, a court heard. When the child's mother returned home from a shopping trip she noticed bruising around her daughter's ears and right shoulder.

Exclusive : Car Park Plans Spark Gri Staff Safety Fears; Furious Hospital Workers Hit Out As They Face Late-Night Walk to Royal

STAFF at Glasgow's biggest hospital fear car parking chaos is looming after health bosses announced plans to slash the number of spaces. And some workers at Glasgow Royal Infirmary say their safety could be put at risk as they are forced to park further away and then walk to and from work late at night.

No Justice On Mps' Salaries

I see MPs are calling for a review of bosses' salaries, stating that rewards should be linked to performance and customer satisfaction - and I agree. But talk about the pot calling the kettle black!

Times Past : Albert Pickard, 1936

Albert Pickard, 1936 When it comes to Glasgow's showmen, none could match Albert Pickard for his 'simply sensational' publicity stunts. The Bradford-born entrepreneur came to Glasgow in 1904 and was responsible for The White Elephant theatre in Shawlands and the now well-know Panopticon.

Cancer Docs Urge First Minister to Back Smoke Ban; Experts Say Too Many People Falling Victim to Addiction

CONSULTANTS at Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow have sent an open letter to the First Minister urging him to back a ban on smoking in public. Ten of the country's top cancer experts based at the unit have put their names to a letter in support of outlawing cigarettes in public places, including all workplaces.

Manager Sacked After Buying Old Firm Cards

A company's general manager, who was sacked after buying "Old Firm" Christmas stocking fillers, has been awarded almost (pounds) 27,000 compensation by an employment tribunal. Paul Savage of Westfield Road, Kilmarnock, was employed in the Glasgow warehouse of the East Kilbride based, DL Scotland.

Woman Is Cleared of Ear Attack

A WOMAN has been cleared of trying to bite off her ex-partner's ear hours after she had been dumped. Victoria Shields was alleged to have lashed out at Ashley Niven after being told she was seeing another woman.

Fury As Setanta Lets Irish See Spl for Free; Scots Fans Hit Out at Republic's Tv Package As They Are Forced to Shell Out (Pounds) 119 a Year

FURIOUS Old Firm fans have hit out at TV channel Setanta for offering free football action to more than 340,000 Irish viewers while they have to shell out (pounds) 119 a year. The broadcaster has added SPL games to NTL's basic package in the Republic of Ireland, which costs (pounds) 11.90 a month.

Honour for Disabled Charity

Scotland's leading charity for people with learning disabilities is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. ENABLE has been honoured by a civic reception hosted by Renfrewshire Council in recognition of its work in the area.

National Theatre's New Role for Vicky

THE new National Theatre of Scotland has appointed its first director. And the choice will come as something of a shock to those in theatre circles.

Chinese Exhibition Is a Hit

MORE than 15,000 visitors have flocked to see the One Million Days in China exhibition at the Burrell Collection in its first 10 days . It is the city's first major Chinese display and features over 150 pieces from Burrell's Chinese collection, including paintings, textilesand some of the world's oldest earthenware.

Most Benefits Offices Still Open in Strike; Skeleton Staff Man Desks During Walk-Out

MOST of Scotland's benefits offices were expected to open today despite a second day of strike action by thousands of civil servants. Skeleton staff are manning 131 social security offices across Scotland, but the other 42 are likely to be closed all day.

Burned Out of My Home; Mum Tells of 4.30am Blaze Ordeal After Firebugs Torch Flats

A MUM today told how she had to flee her blazing home after firebugs torched the block of flats early today. Helen Kelly fears she has lost everything after the 4.30am fire in her Greenock tenement.

Park Life; Family Guide to Play; Enjoy the Best the West of Scotland has to Offer for Children - and Their Parents

We're heading for a warm weekend, according to the weather experts, so why not cool the kids off at some of the funkiest play parks around? Even better, there's something at each one for the grown-ups too. While the kids run riot on ropes and clamber over climbing frames, mum and dad can catch up on culture, indulge in some retail therapy, or just relax in spectacular surroundings. ANN FOTHERINGHAM discovers what is out there.

Conman Got (Pounds) 17,250 From Frail Pensioner; Bogus Workman Preyed On 81-Year-Old

A bogus workman conned an elderly woman into handing over (pounds) 17,250. Scott McCallum preyed on the frail and confused 81-year-old who lived alone by taking money for non-existent roof and garden repairs.

Wets Add Another Date

WET Wet Wet today announced a second date at Wembley Arena after the band's comeback tour sparked a ticket frenzy. The Scotish chart toppers, who reformed last month, said the extra date was added due to "phenonemal demand" from the fans.