Evening Times

Rail Chaos - Hours After Repairs End More Misery for Glasgow Rail Commuters More Misery for Glasgow Rail Commuters Breaking News

HUNDREDS of commuters were stranded at Glasgow Central Station today after rail signals failed. The chaos came hours after work was completed on a new, state-of- the-art safety system.

Glasgow Escapes Axe in Usc Sale City Fashion Store Saved City Fashion Store Saved Only One Scottish Usc Outlet to Close Only One Scottish Usc Outlet to Close Breaking News

HUNDREDS of Scots staff have dodged the axe at troubled retail chain USC. It emerged today that the only store in Scotland being put up for sale was the one in Edinburgh's Princes Mall.

Truck Driver Caught Four Times Over Drink Limit

A MAN was caught driving a 40-tonne truck during rush hour while four times over the drink-drive limit. The 45-year-old failed a roadside breath test at 5.30pm on the A80 at Moodiesburn after being flagged down by police.

Hunt Launched for Taxi Raiders

POLICE are hunting robbers who stole more than pounds-10,000 from two city centre workers - in the back of a taxi. The victims were on their way to the bank with festive takings from a Glasgow business when the raiders struck.

Two Drug Users Are Hit by Flesh-Eating Bug

TWO drug users are seriously ill after being hit by the flesh- eating disease necrotising fasciitis, health officials have revealed. They issued a public health alert as a result of the cases, both from Lanarkshire.

Police Report 41-Per Cent Rise in Cases of Domestic Abuse

THE number of incidents of domestic abuse reported to police has jumped 41-per cent in eight years. It was revealed today there were 49,655 incidents recorded last year - almost 15,000 more than the 2000/01 figure of 35,126.

Arthur Joins Stv Icons in Viewers' Roll of Honour Newsbrief

TV CLIPS featuring football show legend Arthur Montford will help take STV viewers down memory lane in an all-time favourites show this weekend. He will feature in the Scottish programme maker s back catalogue - 30 Best-Loved shows - to be screened on Saturday.

Arnie One-Liner Is Back for Good in Film Library

ONE of Arnold Schwarzenegger 's most famous one-liners is back now that The Terminator has been added to the US national fi lm archive. The low-budget 1984 film directed by James Cameron is one of 25 films being added to the National Film Registry, which aims to preserve America's film heritage.

Drug Shame Johnston Dodged 3 Years in Jail

SCOTLAND footballer Willie Johnston faced the prospect of three years in an Argentinian jail after being caught taking banned drugs during the 1978 World Cup, official papers reveal today. The possibility of the former Rangers player Johnston, who was sent home from Argentina in disgrace, being extradited to face criminal charges in the South American dictatorship was a real concern to the British government.

Callaghan 'Delayed Devolution'

SECRET papers out today revealed how the late Prime Minister Jim Callaghan vetoed a demand from Scottish Labour Party colleagues for a referendum on independence. Documents released under the 30-year rule tell of a 1978 meeting between the PM and George Robertson, Helen Liddell and Donald Dewar .

Brand New Bridge Closes, Farewell to Football Hero, Tb Fears Hit School. . . And City Rated Uk's Most Friendly and City Rated Uk's Most Friendly What Happened in 2008: We Look Back at the Stor Ies That Made the Head L Ines at Home and Abroad

JANUARY 2/3: Around 200,000 rail passengers travelling between Scotland and London faced disruption on the West Coast main line, caused by delayed cabling works. Network Rail was later fined a record pounds- 14million.

Murder Bid Charge Over Boot Ordeal Nurse Recovers in Hospital After 10-Day Car Terror

A MAN has appeared in court accused of attempting to murder a nurse who was found locked in the boot of her own car. Justice Ngema, 35, appeared in private at Linlithgow Sheriff Court charged with attempting to murder Magdeline Makola.

Bid for New Law On Sex Fiends

A LOOPHOLE allowing sex offenders to slip off the police radar by declaring themselves homeless is to be closed, the justice secretary announced today. Kenny MacAskill said new laws will make sure registered offenders have to report to authorities weekly, daily, or even hourly, if the Bill is supported by the Scottish Parliament.

Charities Call for Tax Change

SCOTTISH charities want immediate government assistance, including a change in tax law, to help them survive the economic downturn. A spokesman for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations said charities were under "severe pressure" due to a drop in income from donors as demand for their services increased.

Scotlandtoday

Probe launched after flats blaze INVESTIGATORS are today examining the scene of a fire which hit a Greenock block of fl ats.

Scotlandtoday

Flesh-eating bug hits Scots addicts TWO drug users are seriously ill after being hit by the flesh- eating disease necrotising fasciitis.

Fury at Chain Over 'Worthless' Vouchers

ZAVVI customers have been left furious after being told gift vouchers bought from the stricken chain are worthless. Louise O'Connell and her husband bought pounds-210 worth of vouchers for their seven nieces and nephews from the Zavvi store at Glasgow's Silverburn.

Royal Role for Scots Artist

A TOP Scots artist has been honoured by the Queen for his "outstanding" contribution to the nation's culture. Paisley-based Alexander Stoddart has been awarded the title of Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland The post, which carries no responsibilities and no pay, is a lifetime appointment in recognition of the sculptor's public work, which includes monuments to Scots philosopher and economist David Hume, and the heroes of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped, in Edinburgh.

Byres Road Gets Cctv New Pounds-30,000 Camera to Protect Revellers in Busy West End Street

ONE of the busiest areas in the West End of Glasgow is now protected by a new pounds-30,000 CCTV camera. Festive revellers in Byres Road, which was previously covered only by mobile CCTV vans, will be monitored by the device, which watches the entire length of the street.

Time Called On Booze Queue Plan

PLANS for alcohol-only checkouts in Scots supermarkets have been criticised by a Glasgow MSP. Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken dubbed the proposal - first raised in a Scottish Government consultation document on tackling alcohol misuse - "utterly unacceptable".