Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Perth FM News - 30th June 2010

Local Roads 'most dangerous in Britain

Perthshire's roads have been labelled as some of the most dangerous in Britain. A report published by the Road Safety Foundation says Scotland has the highest risk highways, listing the A822 near Crieff and the A823 to Auchterarder as being 'high risk'. The report recommends that the information is used to target resources to the worst locations. Now Conservative MSP Liz Smith has called on the Scottish Government to address safety issues on these local roads.

Three schools praised in reports

Three Perthshire primary schools have been praised in follow up visits from Inspectors. Areas identified originally for improvements that were identified before now needed to be marked on their progress. Crieff Primary school is said to be well placed to keep improving. Inspection visits to Meigle and Tulloch Primary schools found good performances.

'Bookbug' programme launched today

A programme called Bookbug has been launched today in libraries around Perth and Kinross. Bookbug is the new face of the popular Bookstart gifting programme that has been running for over ten years. The core of the format will remain unchanged – with over 5000 free packs of books per year gifted to babies up to primary one age children in Perth and Kinross. Parental guides have been updates, the initiative will be greener and also include more Scottish authors.

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

Perth FM News - 29th June 2010

Hospital needs improvement in infection control

Patients at Perth Royal Infirmary told inspectors that they were happy with the standard of cleaning at the hospital – an observation matched by the inspectors themselves. A new report published from the Healthcare Environment Inspectors did however call for improvements to infection control. It included recommendations on linen procedures, a review of sinks and taps and the development of a single cleaning schedule.

Crime at lowest in a decade

Crime in Tayside is at its lowest level in a decade. Tayside Joint Police Board heard the report from Chief Constable Justine Curran yesterday in Perth. Figures have represented over 2500 fewer victims of crime in the region with reductions made in crimes such as housebreaking, vandalism as well as violent offences. Performance figures are said to be excellent according to Convenor Ian Mackintosh, with sickness levels at an all time low and morale high amongst the staff.

Children's Minister visits Loch Leven Campus

Children's Minister Adam Ingram visited the Loch leven Community Campus yesterday where he met with pupils and took on board their comments on school meals. New figures have shown a higher uptake in pupils taking school meals – Loch Leven has seen a marked increase from 27 percent to 68. Perth and Kinross is a leading area for the positive response and the Minister had high praise for those working in partnership in the area.

Perth FM News - 28th June 2010

Cyclist 'seriously unwell' after accident

A cyclist has been seriously hurt in a collision with a wall near Dunkeld. The incident happened yesterday, when the 62 year old from from his bicycle on the A822 near the railway bridge known locally as Ladywell Bridge at Incer. The cyclist was taking part in an organised run with 14 others which began in Dundee. He sustained serious injury and was taken by air ambulance to Glasgow Southern General Hospiral where his conditions is described as critically unwell.

Civic Heads in Perth together for first time

Civic heads from Perth's twin cities across the world are set to arrive in the next week ahead of the Perth Day celebrations. It is to be the first time the Mayor and heads from the four cities will be in Perth at the same time, and a delegation from Perth's sister city in Ontario will also be attending. The weekend events begin with a Thanksgiving service in St John's Kirk and will follow with a civic party in full regalia. They will also be introduced to HRH Prince Edward who will also be visiting for the event.

Orange March - no problems, but MP unhappy

Saturday's Orange March through Perth may have gone without a hitch but that doesn't mean everyone was pleased with the events. Crowds cheered as the parade moved through town and fears of a riot or disorder seemed to be in vain. Political debate before the march saw Perth's MP Pete Wishart speak out against the plans. Maintaining that such a march brings with it a division rather than unity, Mr Wishart was watching the march, and says he is relieved the weekend is over as it still brought with it an unpleasant mood.

Friday, 25 June 2010

Perth FM News - 25th June 2010

Justice Secretary launches Prison Protocols in Perth

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill was in Perth today to official launch new Short-term Prison Protocols. The Tayside Community Justice Authority are set to help and support prisoners to ensure they have the best chance possible of getting on with their lives after release in a bid to stop re-offending.

Locally based charity launches wild land petitions

Pitlochry based charity, the John Muir Trust, has launched two petitions to urge the Government to give greater protection the country's last remaining wild land. The petition in Scotland calls for land to be protected by a new environmental designation, and the UK one calls for National Park areas to be expanded. Their aim is to use the petitions to send a signal to government that people care about wild land and want to see it given greater protection. The John Muir Trust is the leading wild land charity in the UK.

No public inquiry into Incinorator

With there to be no public inquiry into the Perth incinorator proposals, Councillors are optimistic that the plans will be scrapped by the Scottish Government. Grundon have appealed to Scottish Ministers and the Government Reporter must now make a decision. They have received information from 4 different bodies more directly involved in the process.

Thursday, 24 June 2010

Perth FM News - 24th June 2010

PKC praised in audit

Perth and Kinross Council has been praised by external bodies for its preparedness in the current financial climate. Audit Scotland prepared the report in support by other scrutiny bodies. In an effort to reduce the burden on local authorities, each Scottish Council now has to undergo an audit and inspection to asses the level of scrutiny risk. This assessment, landing Perth and Kinrss as only needing a minimum level over the next three years has greatly pleased the authority.

BW museum features online

The museum of the Black Watch is to featuring in an online museum launched at Edinburgh Castle today. Remembering Scotland at War is pioneering social networking with an aim of capturing memories. The project, developed by Museums Galleries Scotland showcases personal accounts from civilians and currently servicing military and how conflict has affected them. The Black Watch Museum's contribution covers conflicts from the Second World War to the Korean War and the Kenyan insurgency.

Eyes on Loch of the Lowes as female osprey recovers

Wildlife lovers the world over have been keeping their eyes on Loch of the Lowes this past week on the nesting site of the world’s best known female Osprey. Lady, as she has come to be known, has been fighting illness since the weekend and experts feared she would succumb. But she has battled back, and though not out of the woods, is now feeding her chicks once again.

Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Perth FM News - 23rd June 2010

MP supports letter to window blind industry

MP for Ochil and South Perthshire Gordon Banks has spoken in support of an official letter sent to the window blind industry. Following the meet by US and Canadian Governments, as well as the European Commission, the letter was sent regarding the safety of blind cords. Mr Banks has been campaigning since the tragic death of a toddler in 2008 in his constituency. He believes it's a positive and powerful statement demanding immediate action. He will follow up with calls in the House of Commons to continue the work.

Falls Awareness in Perth today

NHS Tayside will be in the centre of Perth today promoting National Falls Awareness Week. Organised by Age UK, it draws attention to the risks of falling by older people and the possible causes. This year's focus is on 'Get up and Go', which promotes healthy living and exercise for strength and balance.


Osprey battles on as thousands watch online

A famous Perthshire resident is battling back from the brink of death despite experts fearing the worst for her health. Scotland's most famous osprey, who is nesting currently at Loch of the Lowes has been ailing since the weekend, with hundreds of thousands watching on live web feeds online. But the 25 year old continues to defy the odds to the delight of centre management. Although she is not yet out of the woods, it is hoped she will be able to continue to care for her new chicks.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Perth FM News - 22nd June 2010

Two injured in three way collision on Friarton Bridge

A three way collision on the Friarton Bridge early this morning has seen two people rushed to hospital. A 51 year old woman and a 32 year old man were involved in the crash between an articulated lorry, white transit van and silver Toyota. The accident happened before 8 o'clock this morning and involved the closure of the road for some time, though it has now re-opened. The woman was freed from the Toyota having suffered injuries to her head and back, while the man, who was in the transit van, having sustained leg injuries, with both being taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

HRH Prince Edward to visit Perth

It was announced yesterday that HRH Prince Edward is to visit Perth on Friday the 2nd of July as part of the Perth Day celebrations. The Earl of Wessex is to be welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant on his arrival. His day in the area will begin with a visit to Kincarthie House to meet staff and Duke of Edinburgh award winners, before being welcomed to a dais in Tay Street by the Provost and Dignitaries from Perth's twin cities where he will watch the Armed Forces Parade. Afterwards he will meet Armed Forces personnel on the North Inch, and visit the nearby War Memorial to 51 Highland Brigade Veterans.

National success for Perth school

Eleven schools in Scotland have been recognised at the 2010 Scottish Education Awards for innovative work and achievements. Selected from a pool of more than 650 nominations it has brought local success to Perth Grammar School. Announced at a ceremony in Glasgow, Perth Grammar won in the ‘Getting Scotland Active’ category.

Monday, 21 June 2010

Perth FM News - 21st June 2010

Callous assault in Bridge of Earn on elderly gentleman

An elderly man was assaulted in a robbery in Bridge of Earn last night in a busy street. The crime took place near to the railway bridge in the High Brae area by three males aged between 20 and 25. The area is busy with pedestrians and vehicles and its hoped a member of the public may have witnessed the crime or the offenders running off. The man assaulted suffered minor injuries from the attack.

World Record holder opens Cornhill Centre

World record cyclist Mark Beaumount was in the centre of Perth today to officially open the new Cornhill MacMillan Centre at Perth Royal Infirmary. Mark, who lives in Bridge of Cally, is well known for his television shows documenting his round the world trips. Today, he unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening of the centre.

Scone Ball Park opens

The opening of the new Scone Ball Park took place yesterday as MSP John Swinney performed the ribbon-cutting on the 120 thousand pound development. The project was seen to be controversial, as local opinion was split as to the most suitable location, with others favouring Recreation Park. But as the project came to completion, it has been labeled as a 'huge asset' with new all-weather pitches. The Scone Village Association has pledged to keep costs as low as possible.

Friday, 18 June 2010

Perth FM News - 18th June 2010

Luxury resort rejected by councillors

Plans for a billion pound millionaire's playground in Perthshire were rejected by councillors this week. Councillors were told that such a development could attract the world's top stars to stay in Perthshire, but they were unmoved. The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission had made objections clear that habit loss could have a major impact on local wildlife. Councillors were also concerned that staffing would not be sourced locally, and would not attract tourists.

Kirk plans go on public display through today

St John's Kirk was opened to the public this afternoon so they could see and comment on the regeneration plans for the building. It's hoped that the Kirk can become an artistic hub, with the changes designed to preserve the history of the building. Considering the future plans for the City Hall, MP Pete Wishart believes a civic space will only serve to enhance the kirk as well.

Provost pledges support to laid off workers

Provost John Hubert has pledged his support to the workers laid off when Woods of Perth went into administration last week. The Provost said the Council will do what it can to help those who have lost their jobs and spoke of his shock at the situation. Workers were left stunned when the 57 posts were axed by the firm in such a sudden development. Perth and Kinross Council's economic development department are to assist in minimising the effects for those who have been employed at Woods.

Thursday, 17 June 2010

Perth FM News - 17th June 2010

Councillors approve funding for Theatre and Rink

Investments were approved by councillors yesterday for Dewars Centre and Perth Theatre. Funding of 600 thousand pounds will be invested in the regeneration plans for Perth Theatre, with Perth and Kinross C0uncil now matching the sum donated by the Gannochy Trust. A sum of 90 thousand pounds has also been highlighted for Dewars Rinks with the venue needing heating and ice making equipment.

Glenisla development approved despite recommendations

Council planners may have recommended refusal for a 40 million pound housing and leisure development in Perthshire, but Councillors chose to ignore that advice yesterday as it granted permissions. The claim was that the plans would detract from the character of the area at Glenisla Golf Club. However, councillors expressed their admiration for the plans, which include the construction of a three star 40 bedroom hotel. The outline application was approved by 20 votes to three.

City Hall takes step towards demolition

Another step was taken yesterday towards the demolition of Perth City Hall as Councillors unanimously approved a report recommending the building be brought down. At a meeting of the full council, the move was made to bring the saga to a close with the creation of a civic square in the heart of the city centre. Council Leader Ian Miller spoke of his desire to see St John's Kirk given prominence. He did warn that the process would not be smooth sailing, however, as permissions from Historic Scotland and Scottish Ministers must now be sought.

Wednesday, 16 June 2010

Perth FM News - 16th June 2010

Historic Scotland recognise Perth's architecture

Perth's architecture is being recognised by Historic Scotland as they carry out work identifying important buildings in the city. Areas in the south and west have already been examined and the team are now in the north part of town looking at buildings here. One area already earmarked for change of status is Greyfriar's Burial Ground. The cemetery has been reviewed and reclassified from B to A listed to reflect the national significance of the monuments, with stones dating to the 1500s.

Police appeal after jewellery theft on A90

Tayside Police are appealing for information after a driver had 200 pounds worth of jewellery stolen by a couple at the side of the A90 yesterday. The 56 year old man have pulled his van into the layby near Errol for a break when he was approached by a man asking for petrol money. When he refused, a woman got into the van and tried to sell him fake jewellery, and while she had them out she took gold from the driver. The suspects, who drove off in a black car, are said to be of eastern European or Asian appearance and in their fifties.

Veterans urged to apply for Badges

As Armed Forces Day approaches on the 26th of June, local MSP Miz Smith has stepped up her campaign to ensure Veterans Badges are given to all who have served. In recognition of their service, Veteran's Badges were launched to raise the profile of veterans to the wider public. The badge is a unifying symbol covering all aspects of British Forces. Ms Smith hopes that all eligible veterans in Perth will be seen wearing the badges, when Scotland's largest military parade of the year takes place on the 2nd of July.

Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Perth FM News - 15th June 2010

Wind Farms could harm tourist trade

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has showed concern for Scotland's Tourist Trade with the proliferation of wind farms. Speaking in a debate in the Scottish Parliament, the representative for Mid-Scotland and Fife spoke of the intrusion the masts have. As Scotland relies on a tourist trade in its Highland regions, worries were presented that they would no longer be able to view an unspoiled landscape.

Station Hotel to become 'care village'

The new owners of the Station Hotel hope to transform the old building into a 'care village'. The Hotel closed in February when then owners Real Hotel Group went into administration. It was quickly bought by Supportico Ltd, and plans were unveiled yesterday, which included housing and services for the elderly. The hotels ball room and conference rooms are to be retained for activites, as is the walled garden.

Rejection recommended for Millionaire's Playground

Council planners have failed to back the bid to create a millionaire's playground on the banks of Loch Rannoch. Over a thousand objections were submitted to the council over the plans, with local politicians also speaking out against the project. A full council meeting tomorrow will see a recommendation to reject the plan as contrary to local and national planning guidelines. Environmental bodies such as SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage have also criticised the proposals.

Monday, 14 June 2010

Perth FM News - 14th June 2010

Redundancy support event for former Woods employees

As a major local employer goes into administration, Perth and Kinross Council have set up a drop-in redundancy support event. Print business Woods - a fixture in Perth for 200 years - announced the loss of jobs in early June. The help event will bring together a number of support agencies offering benefits and financial advice along with career guidance. Any available information on alternative employment opportunities will also be offered. It will take place on Wednesday from 10 o'clock until 3 in the Salutation Hotel.

Committee asked to match funding for Theatre

The Council's Strategic policy and resources committee is to this week be asked to match funding for Perth Theatre's redevelopment plans. Already having committed 2.4 million to the project, they are being asked to add on 600 thousand pounds. The Gannochy Trust have pledged 3 million – with the condition that Perth and Kinross Council match that sum. The project includes the restoration and conservation of the listed building, as well as adding a new performance space.

Art showcase at Resource Centre

Lewis Place Resource Centre in Perth will be showcasing a selection of art work created by participants of a Creative Arts and Dementia Project. This art project is part of Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust, which encourages people affected by demential to explore their creativity. On display at the centre will be a selection of memory books and printing designs created by participants who took part in an eight-week arts programme.

Friday, 11 June 2010

Perth FM News - 11th June 2010

Full demolition of City Hall a possibility

Full demolition on the City Hall is to be discussed at a meeting of the Council next week. Recommendation for consideration of the proposal, along with the creation of a civic square will be discussed at the special meeting. In a public poll held earlier this year the majority of respondents favoured some form of demolition. Consultants have said the creation of a public space would cost around 3 million pounds, but that it would give an economic benefit over time. Other options laid out in the consultation process did not gain as much support from the public.

MP hopeful of cord solution

MP for Ochil and South Perthshire Gordon Banks has been strongly involved in campaigning on the issue of loop corded blinds. A death in his constituency in 2008 and two recent deaths in England have proved to Mr Banks the dangers involved to children. During a Committee meeting in the European Parliament on Monday it was said that a joint statement between the EU, USA and Canada was due to be made on the issue of the safety of the cords. Mr Banks hopes this will put the movement on track to get to a solution.

Mod begins in Aberfeldy

The 79th Perthshire and Angus Provincial Mod opens in Aberfeldy today. 800 entrants are expected to take part in the celebration of the Gaelic language and culture. Competitions include song, piping, accordion and fiddle playing. Organisers have been pleased to see an increase in young performers taking part in the last few years, which has allayed fears for the future of the language. The events are mainly to be held in the Town Hall - which may need to change for future events as Perth and Kinross Council consider selling the building despite upgrades made recently.

Thursday, 10 June 2010

Perth FM News - 10th June 2010

Lord awarder highest Scottish Order

Lord Patel of Dunkeld has become the first Scottish Asian to be awarded the Order of the Thistle. The award honours Scottish men and women who have held public office or made a significant contribution to national life. It is the highest honour in Scotland and is second only to the Order of the Garter in the UK. Lord Patel, 71, was born in Tanzania and studied medicine. He was knighted in 1997 and was made a peer two years later. Currently he is the chairman of the UK stem cell oversight committee.

Kinross High School bidder selected

The preferred bidder for the former Kinross High school building has been selected but will not be revealed until matters are clarified. Yesterday's meeting of the Property sub-committee was held in private to select from the bidders for the site. The former High School now lies empty after pupils moved last autumn to the new Loch Leven Community Campus. Negotiations on terms of sale will now take place, but will be conditional on planning consent being given.

Litter Day of Action

It's possible that residents of Perth and Kinross might see themselves facing a fine today - if they litter in the streets. The Council and Tayside Police have joined forces today to take part in a national Litter Day of Action which will see a heightened presence on the streets of wardens.

Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Broadband funding welcomed in rural areas

New funding to deliver high speed broadband to rural communities has been welcomed locally. The Coalition Government has said this week that 300 million pounds is to be invested by the end of this Parliament. Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith has welcomed the news, and remarked on its importance to people in Perthshire. Three million households in the UK do not have decent broadband currently - figues that Ms Smith believes would not shock residents in Highland Perthshire, who experience the problems first hand.

Pitlochry plans not wanted

Plans for town centre regeneration in Pitlochry have met with resistance from the residents. An online poll filled out by 200 participants gave a resoundingly negative response to proposals that would see a 52 bedroom hotel built along with 18 flats and retail space. Given an opportunity to put their ideas forward, poll respondents said they'd prefer to see a new town square built.

Care home residents could be hit by CGT

Concerns have been raised by the Chairman of a local Care group, on proposed increases to the Capital Gains Tax. Tony Banks, Chairman of the Balhousie Care Group is worried that families with relatives in care homes could be unintended victims. A family home would be designated as a second property, with the care facility as a primary residence, which would hit hard when selling property. Mr Banks believes it would be grotesquely unfair of the government.

Tuesday, 8 June 2010

Perth FM News - 8th June 2010

Tributes laid for crash victim

Tributes have been left at the site of a crash where Perthshire teenage Daniel McAra died on Sunday night. The 19 year old student's Corsa was involved in the collision with a Landrover and he died at the scene on the A85, while the two passengers of the Landrover were taken to Ninewell's Hospital.
One former primary school teacher of Daniel's remembered him as a bright boy with a promising future. Local Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Liz Smith has offered her condolences.
She has also spoken as to how such an incident underlines the need for action on a road that Transport Scotland has stated has a death rate above the norm. She plans to ask Tayside Police to carry out a road review, which would include the stretch of the A85 between Perth and Methven.

New Minorties project holds official launch

A new project has been launched to help Ethnic Minorities around Perthshire. The Minority Ethnic Access Development project hopes to help immigrants play an active role in the community and integrate successfully. Provost of Perth Dr John Hulbert was on hand for the officially opening today at their new offices on Rose Terrace, where he was welcomed in with a Chinese Dance.

New funding for Rural Projects announced

Rural Tayside is set for a 4.7 million pound boost in a new round of funding from Rural Priorities. This is the seventh round of the Scottish Government scheme. Red Squirrel conservation in Blairgowre and a footpath upgrade in Comrie are amongst the latest approvals. Both have been awarded over 20 thousand pounds each for their projects.

Monday, 7 June 2010

Perth FM News - 7th June 2010

Man dies on A85 in traffic collision

A young man died last night in a road accident on the A85 between Perth and Crieff. The accident happened just after 9 o'clock and involved a Landrover and a Vauxhall Corsa. The 19 year olf driver of the Corsa died at the scene, and 2 passangers from the Landrover were taken to Ninewell's with minor injuries. Tayside Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for witnesses.

MSP worried about Prison drugs

Local Scottish Conservative Liz Smith has showed concern over the supply of drugs into Scottish Prisons. The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP has called on the Scottish Government to develop a zero telerance policy on the issue. The call comes after it was revealed that since 1999, three prison officers have been suspected of supplying to prisoners.

Muthill takes on zero waste aims

The Perthshire village of Muthill has launched a Zero Waste Fortnight today aimed at reducing and recycling as much waste as possible so hardly any goes to landfill. It follows on from last year's successful project in Comrie, which saw the council donating money to the local primary school. For the equivalent of one tonne of waste not going to landfill, Perth and Kinross Council will give 70 pounds to the community. A number of events are planned and families have been signing up for the challenge to see how well they reduce their waste.

Friday, 4 June 2010

Perth FM News - 4th June 2010

NHS Tayside to lose 500 jobs

NHS Scotland is forecasting losses of full time staff over the next year, mainly in nursing and administrative posts. The workforce projections have been published following pressure from opposition parties at Holyrood. One Health Authority has already confirmed cuts, with opposition parties claiming others will soon follow - with NHS Tayside expected to cut around 500 jobs. The Scottish Government insist the NHS is still a top priority, despite cuts of 500 million to the Scottish Budget.

A9 dualling - fresh calls from Tory MSP

Once more the issue over the dualling of the A9 has reared its head in the Scottish Parliament. After viewing the figures on what upgrades have been made to the road, it has drawn fresh calls from Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser for a timetable on action. Mr Fraser insists that the SNP Government need to be transparent in their plans for the road known as the most dangerous in Scotland.

Perthshire estate plans hydro scheme

A Perthshire estate is hoping to head off a cash crisis by creating a money generating hydro scheme. Atholl Estates sees the scheme at the centre of a new development strategy, by selling energy to the national grid or using it for its own operation. A planning application for the first proposal near Dunkeld, has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council. A report indicates that the Estate, which employs 200 staff, needs to squeeze every penny from its natural assets.

Thursday, 3 June 2010

Perth FM News - 3rd June 2010

Resident of Kinloch Rannoch petitions Court of Session

Kinloch Rannoch resident Mervyn Shaw has petitioned the Court of Session in Edinburgh over GP out-of-hours coverage. With the saga rolling on for over 4 years, Mr Shaw, aged 72 has now taken the matter into his own hands after seeking legal advice. Mr Shaw acted when Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon, failed to use her ministerial powers to overrule the Health Board and reinstate out-of-hours GP service.
A petition to the Scottish Government last year sparked an inquiry which concluded that confidence had been lost in healthcare provisions for rural Scotland.

2.4 million for Perthshire Primary School

Announced yesterday was the earmarking of 2.4 million pounds to go towards the building of a Perthshire Primary school. The Scottish Government's Schools for the future programme, worth 1.25 billion, announced a new wave of funding that will deliver a further 35 schools across Scotland. Invergowrie Primary is to benefit locally and the move has been welcomed by Perth’s MP Pete Wishart. He is delighted at the commitment of funds, despite the expected cuts from Westminster.

Criminal assets recovered - Tayside Police continue to fight organised crime

5.5 million pounds of criminal assets have been recovered in Scotland in the past year according to newly released figures. Funds are seized under proceeds of crime legislation and then used to pay for community initiatives, one of which is a campaign to encourage informing against gangsters. Tayside Police say they will continue to work to destroy groups and individuals involved in organised crime.

Wednesday, 2 June 2010

Perth FM News - 2nd June 2010

Jobs blow as printers go into administration

Perth will lose 57 jobs in a devastating blow as a major printing firm in the town goes into administration. Woods of Perth has been in the community for 200 years and was considered to be a family firm. Administrators Price-waterhousecoopers said 57 of the 71 staff had been let go, leaving 14 in place to run the firm while a buyer is sought.

HRH presents Blackwatch medals

Prince Charles showed his admiration for soldiers of the Black Watch yesterday as he presented Campaign medals yesterday at Balhousie Castle. During a hectic day of touring around Perth, His Royal Highness met with serving soldiers and cadets at the spiritual home of the regiment in Perth. The Prince was also update on the Heritage Appeal - a fund that he is the patron of.

Police increases are welcomed

Newly released figures have shown that an increase in Police numbers across Scotland. An increase of over 1000 police officers has been shown across the country, with an additional 56 officers added to Tayside Police. Perth's MSP Roseanna Cunningham has expressed her delight at the increase. She believes the increase is due to funding for recruitment and that extra officers have helped crime rates hit a 30 year low.

Tuesday, 1 June 2010

Perth FM News - 1st June 2010

HRH visit to Perth a success

Perth welcomed a royal visitor today as Prince Charles toured some of Perth's major attractions during the Perth 800 year. Knowledgeable on the area, The Duke of Rothesay spoke to a crowd of over 200 at Scone Palace and wished Perth well on it's bid for city status in 2012. Seeing the crowds in the centre of town at the Farmer's Market today, he took the time to speak to many individuals.

Welcomed to the town this morning by the Provost and Lord Leftenant of Perth, the Prince then visited Stanley Mills and Balhousie Castle. His final stop on the tour was at Scone Palace, where he planted a tree to commemorate his visit. After a hectic day that struggled to keep to time, Lord Leftenant, Brigadier Melville Jameson spoke of his delight at how the day unfolded, and the success of the event.

Hospitals leave objects in patients

Across Scotland's hospitals, all manner of items have been left inside patients during operations. The Press Association has found record of forceps, needle fragments and swabs left inside, and accidental punctures of organs while in operating theatres. NHS Tayside said 8 objects, including the tip of a guide wire and the tip of a needle, were left inside patients during surgery. The patients were at Ninewells Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary but none became ill, were injured or died as a result.

PKC survey over election

Perth and Kinross Council are seeking feedback from locals on the 2010 Uk Parliamentary General Election. The online survey is asking how people living in the Perth and North Perthshire Constituency found out about the election. The information they gather will help the council plan advertising and marketing for next year's Scottish Elections and the Local Government Elections in 2012. The survey can be accessed at the Perth and Kinross Council website.