Evening Times

Fratellis in City Party

TOP band the Fratellis are in for a hectic Hogmanay after agreeing to headline parties in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Glasgow stars will appear in George Square before dashing along the M8 to the capital.

We're Going to Clean Up Glasgow

GLASGOW has revealed plans for a massive litter crackdown. And council leader Steven Purcell today vowed to get his own hands dirty if it helped crack the city centre's litter nightmare.

Fratellis Headline Hogmanay in City . . . And Edinburgh

TOP Glasgow band the Fratellis will headline Hogmanay parties in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Jon, Barry and Mince will play George Square before heading along the M8 to perform in front of thousands of fans at the Waverley Stage at Edinburgh's Royal Bank Street Party.

Top Council Jobs to Go in Bid to Cut Gbp1m Costs 13 Posts Face Axe As Part of New Pay and Benefits Structure

GLASGOW city council is to cull its highest earners as part of its new pay and conditions structure. Two department directors and 11 senior managers' posts will be cut in a move which will save GBP1.2m a year.

Wind Farm Plan Scaled Down After Protests

PLANS to build one of Europe's largest wind farms in Ayrshire have been dramatically scaled down after protests from the public and conservation groups. A total of 148 wind turbines had been proposed for Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park in North Ayrshire.

Glasgow Shivers As Big Freeze Arrives

LOOK out your woollies - winter is here. Scots got their first taste of the colder weather today as temperatures took a dip below freezing. Temperatures in and around Glasgow were as low as -2c, and -4c in the Highlands. Travellers were warned to brace themselves for even lower temperatures as council gritters took to the roads for the first time this winter.

Fans Roar As Lions Return to Lisbon

MORE than 1000 Celtic fans today cheered Billy McNeill as the Lisbon Lions captain returned to the scene of the club's greatest triumph. The man known as Cesar to legions of admirers spoke to hordes of fans at the foot of the dais where he became the first British player to lift the European Cup.

I'll Clean Up Glasgow Purcell Vows to Get Tough On Litter Louts Who Shame City

GLASGOW'S council leader today pledged he would get his hands dirty helping to clean up the city centre's major litter problem. And he revealed the council was planning to take tough new measures to crack down on litter louts.

Gbp100,000 Drug Courier Afraid to Name 'Mr Big'

A TERRIFIED drug courier refused to name the Mr Big behind a GBP100,000 cocaine consignment for fear he might be murdered. When Steven Conner was caught by stake-out cops, he buried his head in his hands and said: "There's a package in the car. I don't know what's in it."

Ally Helps to Net a Charity Winner

FOOTBALL legend Ally McCoist has helped net hundreds of pounds for two Scots charities. The former Rangers star joined staff from the Scottish Football Association for a day's hike on Arran which raised GBP569.30 each for Alzheimer Scotland and Friends of Spina Bifida.

M-Ways 'Safer' for Winter Drivers

DRIVERS in and around Glasgow could be on course for a safer winter. Gritters are to spray motorways with pre-wetted salt for the first time.

Kriss Trial Is Told Suspect Was Framed Accused Says He Was Targeted Over Girl's Pregnancy

ONE of the men accused of murdering schoolboy Kriss Donald claimed today he had been framed because he got a girl pregnant. Zeeshan Shahid, 28, claimed he knew little or nothing of the attack on Kriss, 15, until he was confronted by Pakistani authorities a year later.

Murder Trial Delay to Find Witnesses Accused Is Given More Time Over Kriss Death Case

THE KRISS Donald murder trial was halted early yesterday - to allow one of the accused more time to get his witnesses into court. David Burns QC, defending Imran Shahid, 29, told the jury at the High Court in Edinburgh he had been "having certain difficulties."

Lorraine's in Town to Announce Scots Bafta Hopefuls

MORNING television presenter Lorraine Kelly today announced the nominations for Scotland's Bafta awards - and comedy stars Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill have a great chance of landing a prize after having two programmes chosen for one category. The duo's Still Game and Chewin' The Fat shows are nominated for Most Popular Television Programme Made In Scotland.

Tunnock's Staff Set to Walk Out in 4p Pay Row Threat to Disrupt the Production of Famous Tea Cakes

PRODUCTION of Tunnock's famous caramel wafers and tea cakes could be hit unless bosses settle apayrow. Just 4p an hour extra is all it would take for 600 workers to abandon plans to halt production at the firm's manufacturing base in Uddingston, Lanarkshire.

Euro Funding Cuts Could Hit City's Poor Families

CHARITIES helping the poorest families in Glasgow face losing their shareout of GBP20million after changes to the rules on European funding. Single parent group One Plus, based in the city centre, and the Wise Group, which helps thousands into work, are among Scottish organisations that could lose cash.

Cathedral Funeral for Blast Marine

THE funeral of a Marine who was killed in Afghanistan is to be held at Glasgow Cathedral with full military honours. Gary Wright, 22, of Blanefield, Stirlingshire died after an explosive device was detonated next to his patrol vehicle at Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province.

Apple to Take Byte at City

THE computer firm which designed the iMac and iPod is to open its first Scottish store on the country's top shopping street. IT firm Apple has announced plans to open its eighth UK store on Glasgow's Buchanan Street.

Woman Wins Top Kirk Role

A FEMALE minister is to be the next moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Reverend Sheilagh Kesting, secretary of the Church Ecumenical Relations committee, started at St John's Renfield Church in Glasgow and was minister at Overtown, Wishaw.

Gay-Row Fireman Wins Appeal

A FIREFIGHTER demoted after refusing to hand out leaflets at a gay pride march will not lose his job. Nine officers were disciplined by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue after disobeying orders during the Pride Scotia rally this summer.