Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Perth FM news - 31st March 09

Perth Fire Brigade is to get a third fire engine

Proposals for the Perth branch of Tayside Fire and Rescue to get an additional fire engine were part of a joint motion put forward at yesterday's meeting of the Tayside Fire Board in Forfar. The vote was 12-5 in favour. The new apparatus will be state of the art and combine the technology of the two engines already in Perth.

Perthshire murder investigation continues

Detectives in Perthshire are continuing their enquiries into the murder of 17 year old Robbie Thomson. His body was found in Coupar Angus on Thursday by a police dog and handler. A team of divers from Central Scotland Police were helping yesterday with a search of the Coupar Burn. Police are still appealing for information on Robbie's last movements.

Perthshire village secures regeneration funding

Blair Atholl has succeeded in a bid for regeneration funding. Historic Scotland has confirmed a grant for over 300 thousand pounds to develop a Gateway Centre in the village. Perth and Kinross council has also allocated around 80 thousand pounds towards environmental and building improvements. The first stage of work will be to extend the existing Ranger facilities and add an information centre.

Monday, 30 March 2009

Perth FM news - 30th March 09

Teenager's death confirmed as murder

Police have now confirmed that a teenager found dead in Coupar Angus was murdered. The body of missing Robbie Thomson was found on Thursday afternoon near his Brodie's Yard home by a police search team. Forensic examination of the scene has been carried out, including a fingertip search of a nearby field. Police are conducting door-to-door interviews as they piece together Robbie's last known movements.

Body of missing man found in Perth

The body of a missing Aberdeenshire accountant was discovered in Perth over the weekend. A nationwide hunt had been launched for Trevor Adams after he was reported missing last week from his home town of Inverurie. His wife had previously made an emotional plea for his safe return. The death is not currently being treated as suspicious.

Black Watch soldiers head to Afghanistan

The Black Watch regiment are leaving for Afghanistan today. The Inverness based battalion, who have strong links with Perth, are beginning a six-month operational tour of duty in Southern Afghanistan. They have historic links with Perth including the headquarters based at Balhousie castle. Soldiers have been visiting family members over the last few weeks.

Friday, 27 March 2009

Perth FM News - 27th March 09

Murder enquiry in Coupar Angus

The death of a teenager in Coupar Angus is being treated as suspicious. Police have confirmed that the body found in a burn yesterday is that of teenager Robbie Thomson. The 17 year old was reported as missing from his home in Brodie's yard, Coupar Angus, yesterday morning. His body was found in the afternoon by a police dog handler and his dog. A murder enquiry is now underway. Police want to hear from anyone who had contact with Robbie in the last few days.

Fire blaze in Perth home

Firefighters have been battling a fire in Perth this morning. They were called to a house on Letham road at around half past six. A woman in her 90's was saved from the address. The hospital has confirmed she's fine. An ongoing investigation will continue into the cause of the fire, which has badly damaged the property. Tayside fire and rescue are reminding residents to check their smoke alarms are in working order.

Perth man to row his way into record books

A businessman from Perth is set to embark on a major challenge. John Mollison hopes to row his way into the record books by completing a thirty five thousand mile Atlantic crossing. The 49 year old ex-serviceman lost a leg in the Falklands war. He wants to raise awareness of Blesma, the British Limbless Ex servicemen's association.

Thursday, 26 March 2009

Perth FM News - 26th March 09

Local politicians respond to scale of alcohol and drug abuse

Local Tory politicians have branded the full scale of drug and alcohol problems in Scotland as appalling. It comes after a report was released by Audit Scotland today. It showed that in Tayside alone, over 12 million pounds is spent each year on drug and alcohol treatment. Over 4,700 people are known to be taking drugs in the area.

A teenager's gone missing from Coupar Angus

A 17 year olds gone missing from Coupar Angus. Police are concerned for teenager Robbie Thomson. He went missing from his home in Brodie's Yard in the early hours of this morning. He's described as 6 foot 1, medium build with shoulder length black hair and blonde highlights. Anyone who's seen him is asked to contact police.

Football hooligan jailed for four years

A Perth teenager who challenged Rangers fans to a fight during the Scottish cup final has been jailed for four years after refusing a curfew and tag. Aaron Mutethia faced a number of charges, including defrauding taxi drivers and stealing jewellery from his mother. The 17 year olds most serious crime was breaching the peace at Mcdiarmid Park in January. He previously admitted the offence was aggravated by racial prejudice.

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

Perth FM News - 24th March 09

Convicted murderer sentenced after escape in Perth

A convicted murderer has had seven and a half years added to his sentence after escaping custody during a visit to Perth Royal Infirmary. George McGeoch admitted the charges at the High Court in Perth yesterday. He handcuffed two security men together in their van, robbed them and made his escape in February last year. The Dumfries prison inmate will serve the extra sentence after his current jail term for murder.

Young Perthshire people up for awards

Four young people from Perthshire have been selected as finalists for the Young Scot Awards. The annual awards celebrate the success of young people in Scotland who have made a positive difference in the community. Twins Guy and Jamie McKenzie run Scotland's first land yachting company in Perthshire, Kyle Beatson helped set up a rural information project in Strathmore, And Kimberley Tosh confronted her own anti-social behaviour and is now setting up a peer alcohol group. The winners will be announced on the 9th of April.

Council to improve the High Street

Perth and Kinross council have announced they'll spend over one million pounds improving shop fronts on the High Street. The money's been fast tracked so work can start this year, to attract more shoppers into the town centre. It's hoped the work will be completed by this Christmas.

Monday, 23 March 2009

Perth FM News - 23rd March 90

Lawson to be sentenced for killing Perthshire Pensioner

The former foreign legionnaire found guilty of killing and burying a Perthshire pensioner will learn his fate later. John Lawson will appear at the High Court in Edinburgh today, to be sentenced for the culpable homicide of Dolina Maclean. He's also been convicted of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by burying the 87 year old in a ditch.

Crash in Perthshire leaves man in hospital

A crash between a motorbike and a car in Perthshire has left a man in hospital. The incident happened near Errol Car Boot Sale yesterday morning. A 44-year-old man who was on the black bike is in Ninewells hospital in a stable condition. Officers want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident.

Perth Taxi driver dies after crash
A Perth taxi driver has died from the serious head injuries he suffered in a crash last Sunday. Gavin McCabe passed away on Saturday night at Ninewells hospital. The incident happened on Dundee's Kingsway last week. Mr McCabe and his passenger were injured following the crash between a taxi and a grey BMW. The 33 year old passenger suffered serious shoulder injuries. Police are looking for more information.

Elderly man dies in care home fire

An elderly man died at the weekend following a fire in a care home in Perth. 65-year-old Edward Waddle died in Ninewells hospital after suffering severe burns. The emergency services were called to the fire at Tayside Care home on Isla road early on Saturday morning. Mr Waddle died later that afternoon.

Friday, 20 March 2009

Perth FM news - 20th March 09

Increased opposition over Beauly to Denny power lines

A Pressure group has stepped up their opposition for the Beauly to Denny power lines. Scotland before Pylons say information has been overlooked since the initial inquiry. The plan is to replace current pylons with larger ones, transmitting renewable energy through the Perthshire countryside. Though campaigners say it'll ruin the countryside, and there's not enough need for them.

Sub-culture of drugs in Perth

A Perth sheriff claimed there's a sub-culture of drug users in the fair city. Sheriff Robert McCreadie made the comment at the case of Thomas McMahon, a 22 year old from Newhouse road, who breached a supervised attendant order. The court was told he has a heroin addiction. The sheriff says there are a group of people in Perth who are constantly appearing on drug charges. He's been a harsh critic of drug users in the past, saying it costs taxpayers millions.

Aberfeldy angry over town hall saga


People in Aberfeldy are angry after plans to open the town hall have been delayed. They expected to see the hall opened in April. But the council say extra work is needed to repair the building. Locals were angry when the hall shut last year due to health and safety. The local authority have since spent over 100,000 pounds on improvements.

Thursday, 19 March 2009

Perth FM news- 19th March 09

Body found in River Tay
The body of an elderly man has been recovered from the River Tay near Perth. Tayside police brought the body into Perth Harbour after a call yesterday afternoon. They launched the boat the blue bonnet at around quarter to four. Enquiries are ongoing to confirm the man's identity. There are no suspicious circumstances.

Marina complex in Perthshire given the go-ahead
A marina complex in Perth has been given the go ahead. Plans were approved yesterday for the 20 million pound complex at Croft Na Caber. The sailing school at Kenmore will now be transformed into a state of the art destination for water sports enthusiasts. Opossition from locals had been put forward, with residents claiming the plans were a white elephant. They say the roads are too narrow and the buildings don't fit in with the tranquillity of the area. Though it's hoped the new site will stimulate the economy.

Controversial bookmakers to open in Letham
Controversial plans for a bookmakers in Letham have been approved, despite local opposition. Councillors have granted permission for the bookies on Rannoch Road. The Welcome Inn pub will be extended to house the betting shop and a bigger beer garden. But 160 locals opposed the plans, saying it'll attract anti-social behaviour in the area.

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

PerthFMnews - 18th March 09

Bookmakers for Letham gets the go-ahead

Letham will be getting its own bookies, despite local opposition. Councillors have granted permission for the bookmakers on Rannoch Road by 9 votes to 2. The Welcome Inn pub will house the bookmakers, along with an extension to the pub to make way for a beer garden. But 160 locals opposed the plans, saying it'll attract anti-social behaviour in the area.

Perth man arrested for taking part in riots

A Perth man's been arrested and taken to Manchester in connection with the UEFA cup final riots. The 22 year old has been taken the Chadderton police station on suspicion of violent disorder. Police have now arrested 18 people in connection with the riots, which broke out before kick off of the the match between Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg in May.

Houses for heroes in Scone

Scone will see ten new houses built as part of the houses for heroes project. Disabled ex servicemen will benefit from the decision made by councillors today. The specialist affordable properties will be built on Abby road in Scone. They'll be kept available for people who served in any forces, including the army, navy and police. The project is part of a national appeal founded shortly after the First World War. 28 houses have already been built in Perth and Kinross.

Tuesday, 17 March 2009

Perth FM News - 17th March 09

Perth schools have highest exclusion rates
A Perth councillor says schools have already started addressing the problem of exclusions in schools. It comes after figures show two Perth primary schools feature in the nations top ten for exclusions made. Goodlyburn primary, which has had discipline problems in the past, excluded 20 pupils between 2007 and 2008. Letham primary school also featured, with 16 children excluded in the same time.

Low jobseeking rate in Perthshire
Whilst figures revealed there's only one job for every ten applicants nationwide, Perthshire's job seeking rate is much lower. With only four applicants per job it's one of the least subscribed places to find a job in Scotland. The Scottish Trades Union Congress recently released the figures for January. The Western Isles is the hardest place to get a job with forty-four applicants for each job.

Youth workers honoured at awards ceremony
Perth Youth workers have been recognized for their work in a national awards ceremony. Perth Firefighter Dave black was named as the winner for Partner Organisation Youth Worker of the Year category, for his work in the community. Perth and Kinross Council's Youth service team also took away two awards. Brian Hutton was named runner up of the Innovator of the year category and Youth service manager James Allan was awarded bronze for manager of the year.

Monday, 16 March 2009

Perth FM News - 16th March 09

Sports facilities in Perth bring in over 7 million pounds
Two of Perth's leading leisure facilities are bringing in over 7 million pounds a year. Perth Leisure Pool and Bells Sports Centre are popular facilities in the area. An economic impact study revealed the amount they contribute to the economy.


Perth bar staff are trained in first aid
Bar staff from fourteen Perth pubs and clubs are being trained in emergency first aid skills today. It's part of the Best Bar None Awards for Scotland, which focus on public safety and customer care. The training sessions have been developed by the Red Cross to deal with first aid in pubs and bars.


Plans for a Perthshire wind farm meet with opposition

Plans for another wind farm in Perthshire will meet with opposition this week. The fourteen-turbine farm is planned for Scone estate, in the Strathbraan and Logiealmond area. But campaigners say it'll blight the popular Little Glenshee area.

Thursday, 12 March 2009

Perth FM News - 12 Mar 09

Government plans could damage whisky industry
Perthshire's whisky industry could take a hit under the Scottish governments plans for a minimum price per unit of alcohol. Local conservative politicians are calling for the government to re-think the plans. They say it'll make whisky more expensive but wont affect drinks such as Buckfast or cheap cider.

Scotland's worst teacher banned from driving
A Perthshire woman branded as Scotland's worst teacher has been banned from driving for two years. Sarah Barnard failed to provide breath specimens to police when they believed her to be driving whilst drunk.

Figures show a drop in youth crime figures in P&K
Police figures show that youth crime in Perth and Kinross has dropped by 15% on the last year. 50% of juvenile crime is committed in Perth itself. Vandalism has also reduced in the area.