Evening Times

Revellers to Get Refund

AROUND 25,000 revellers will be issued with refunds this week after organisers pulled the plug on Glasgow's Hogmanay party. The GBP10-a-head George Square bash was cancelled at 4pm after 70mph winds battered the arena.

Soldier Killed in New Year Street Brawl

A BRAVE soldier was attacked and killed as he tried to rescue a pal who had been caught up in a violent street brawl. Charles McBlain, 23, was home on leave when the thugs stabbed him as he tried to help his friend. The soldier died in hospital.

New Airline's 'Gbp43 Flight to Malaysia'

FLIGHTS to Malaysia could cost just GBP43 if a new link-up between Virgin, easyJet and AirAsia goes ahead. It was reported today that the airlines will join forces and start off with services between Manchester and Kuala Lumpur, and Amritsar in India, with prices from GBP43 up to GBP365, about half the price of a ticket on a regular airline.

Barry Packs His Bags After Axe

DEJECTED Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has cleared his locker and walked out on the club. The sensational move followed another bust-up with manager Paul Le Guen.

New Year Calm After the Storm Glasgow Begins Its Recovery After Severe Weather Causes Havoc for Homeowners

A MAJOR clear-up was under way today as the west of Scotland recovered from ferocious storms which left tens of thousands of homes without power. The severe weather also caused havoc across the country leaving roads flooded and masses of debris in their wake.

25,000 Hogmanay Ticket Holders to Get a Refund

ORGANISERS of Glasgow's biggest Hogmanay bash will start to issue 25,000 refunds this week after the party was cancelled amid 70mph winds. Officials pulled the plug on the event, which was due to be headlined by The Fratellis, The View, and Sandi Thom, at 4pm on Sunday, forcing thousands of revellers to make alternative plans.

More Rain Is On the Way . . .

YET more rain is forecast as Scotland continues to sweep up after the Hogmanay storms. Around two inches of rain fell in Glasgow over Hogmanay and New Year 's Day which was made worse with wind speeds of between 70 and 80mph.

Unveiled: Gbp60m Museum Vision Stunning Images of Transport Showcase

SPECTACULAR new images of what will become one of the most iconic buildings in Scotland are exclusively revealed in the Evening Times today. The stunning designs of the GBP60million Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde are shown here for the first time. The building will be the new home of Glasgow's popular Museum of Transport, which is currently based at Kelvinhall.

Amsterdam Top Choice for Flyaway Scots

AMSTERDAM was today named as the top holiday destination among jet-setting Scots. The Dutch city was last year 's most popular destination among holidaymakers who flew out of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Kibble Card Was a Real Xmas Cracker

HUNDREDS of cards to celebrate the newlyrestored Kibble Palace were sent out across Scotland this Christmas. Historic Scotland featured the dome of the dramatic glasshouse on its festive greeting, and almost 1000 of the cards were sold.

Gang Murder On-Leave Soldier in Street Brawl Up to a Dozen People Involved in Vicious Attack, Say Police

A HERO soldier has been murdered after rushing to help a friend being attacked by a gang. Lance Corporal Charles McBlain, 23, was home on leave for Christmas - having previously served in war-torn Iraq.

Countdown Begins to New Big Brother Auditions

THOUSANDS are expected to queue at Glasgow's SECC this weekend to audition for the latest series of cult TV reality show Big Brother. But organisers suggest only that extroverts need apply for the hugely popular fly-on-the-wall programme.

Man Shot by Masked Gunmen Outside Pub

A MAN is being treated for gunshot wounds after being targeted by two masked men. Detectives are continuing their hunt for the gunmen, who struck outside a pub in Springburn, Glasgow, where a birthday party was being held.

Snp's Gbp1m Election Fund

THE SNP says its war chest for May's Scottish parliament elections now stands at GBP767,917. And leader Alex Salmond says he is confident that it will meet its GBP1 million target.

Civil Servants' Strike Threat

THOUSANDS of civil servants across Scotland are expected to vote for a winter of discontent. They are set to stage a 24-hour strike on January 31 and today were being balloted for further industrial action.

Rail Passengers Go by Bus

TRAIN passengers in Ayrshire today had to take the bus to and from Glasgow due to ongoing repairs following vandalism. A signalling centre being set on fire on Christmas Day has led to chaos on the route between Kilmarnock and Central Station.

Oil Carrier Runs Aground

AN EMERGENCY coastguard team was scrambled after a ship carrying thousands of litres of oil ran aground this morning. The Norwegian vessel hit rocks in the Pentland Firth, near South Ronaldsay, on the Orkney Islands around 4.50am.

I've Got a New Lease of Life . . . Thanks to My Big Brother Transplant Helps Girl, 15, in Fight to Beat Rare Illness

KEEN athlete Amanda Conway is hoping to get her life back on track in 2007 - thanks to her big brother Kevin. The 15-year-old suffers from severe aplastic anaemia, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the body's ability to produce white and red cells, as well as platelets, in the blood.

Minister Backs Keeping of Sex Suspects' Dna

SCOTLAND'S police forces now have the power to retain the DNA of people accused of sexual or violent offences even if they are not convicted. The new measures were introduced yesterday and give police extra powers to assist in the investigation and detection of crime.

Deer Shot by Yobs and Ripped Apart in City Parks Thugs' Dogs Let Loose On Injured Animals

THUGS are shooting deer in Glasgow parks for fun and then allowing their dogs to tear the terrified animals to pieces. Badgers are also being persecuted despite being a protected species. They are being dug out of their setts for illegal fights with dogs.