local b magazine april 2015
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A COUNCIL depute leader has sparkedfury after describing a Renfrewshiretown as “deprived”.
Mike Holmes, depute leader of Labour-runRenfrewshire Council, recently made thecomment about Linwood when beinginterviewed by the BBC for the launch ofthe Tackling Poverty Commission atWoodlands Primary School,
Audrey Doig, one of the SNP’s councillorsfor the Linwood, Houston, and CrossleeWard, claims the people of Linwood are in“up in arms” about the portrayal of the area.His comments came as Citizens AdviceScotland repeated its call for changes todisability benefits to be postponed.
Renfrewshire does include pockets of themost deprived zones in Scotland — withone in five children living in poverty.
However, Cllr Doig has slammed thedepute council leader and called on him toapologise to the people of Linwood.
She said: “The Tackling PovertyCommission had its launch on Friday,March 13 in Woodlands Primary School inLinwood, so at the last meeting of LinwoodCommunity Council I reported on this.
“The reaction was very negative to thechoice of Linwood as a venue for this, andCC members were saying it was a disgraceto slur Linwood as a deprived community,which is exactly what the BBC Scotlandreport did when they interviewed CllrHolmes about the launch.
Call for apology over Linwood slur in BBC interview
‘Deprived’ area comment sparks political row
ANGRY: Cllr Doig hascalled for an apology
over town ‘slur’.
“No one at the CC, or myself, believesthat the Commission is not needed, butthe fact is that I myself questioned thechoice of venue as according to thedata in the Report, which used councilward boundaries in Renfrewshire,Linwood was at the lower end of thepoverty spectrum and was no wherenear the highest. My Linwoodconstituents are very angry as am I,and given I did not get an apology atthe special full council today whichconsidered the Tackling PovertyReport, I want one now.”
She added: “Now, I am not saying thatthere is no poverty in Linwood as thereare small pockets that still requireattention, but it just shows that Cllr MikeHolmes, in choosing Linwood as avenue to publicise the report, hassimply not done his homework here.
“Yes, when the car factory closed in1981 unemployment in Linwood wasvery high, and this lingered well into the90’s, but that was 20 years ago and wehave a new Linwood for a new century.
“A great many communitycampaigners, of all parties and none,fought to get a new Linwood shoppingcentre, and one of my proudestmoments was when this was initiatedwhen I had discussions with Tescowhen the SNP led administration wasin power.
“The SNP administration also deliveredthe £23 million On-x Leisure centre,and extensive social housing withsupport from the SNP Government inBrediland Road.”
Linwood has come under muchscrutiny in the past after twice beingnamed Scotland’s most dismal town. Inrecent years, the area has been givena £20m rejuvenation when a newTesco supermarket opened in Augustlast year.
However Mr Holmes defended hiscomments, saying: “Had Cllr Doigattended the launch of the report fromthe independent Tackling PovertyCommission, or indeed read the report,she would understand that the face ofpoverty is changing. It is not restrictedto any one geographic area and thereare now more households in povertywho are working, than not.
“The report was launched at theinnovative Families First team base inLinwood. We chose that location inrecognition of the fantastic workFamilies First does in Linwood andindeed in other areas of Renfrewshire.
“Councillor Doig asked why thecommission did not launch the report inFerguslie. By her own logic that wouldmean she should apologise to the goodpeople of Ferguslie.
“Surely Councillor Doig should be moreappalled at the growth in child povertyrates and the inadequate responsefrom her SNP colleagues inEdinburgh.”
The robber, who wore a balaclava to hidehis face, targeted the McGill's driver as hewaited at a terminal in Brediland Road.
Police said the 28-year-old driver spottedthe man approaching the bus and openedthe doors, believing it was a passenger.
He was then threatened with a knife by theman who demanded cash and ran off witha small amount of notes and change.
Inspector Steven Espie, of JohnstoneCommunity Police, said the young driverwas left "badly shaken" by the ordeal.
A spokesman for the bus firm said:"McGill's is working with police to catch theindividual involved.
"Incidents of this nature are extremely rare,however drivers and other customer-facingstaff should be able to do their job withoutthe threat or fear of intimidation or violence.
"The safety of our staff is paramount andwe will always push for prosecution and thehighest level of sentence in every case likethis."
Knife thug robs bus driver in Linwood
A BUS driver was left terrified after being robbed at knifepoint by amasked thug in Linwood.
Bainy has put together a four track EP forthe launch of ‘Years From Now’ which hewill perform at Bungalow Bar in Paisley.
The track, which will be released onSaturday 18 April coincides with RecordStore Day — a celebration of the UK’sunique independent record shops.
Up for grabs both online and on CD, the EPwill be available to buy in the Apollo Musicstore in Paisley where Bainy will also beperforming.
The EP brings together songs that drawfrom personal experience and mix a hardhitting guitar sound with thoughful lyricsand melodic choruses.
The Johnstone man sent the tracks to XFMhowever he admitted he was surprisedwhen they were played.
He said: “I didnt expect to hear it on theradio. It was great to hear something I hadmade myself. It was very humbling.”
The 27-year-old has also been invited toperform a live session on Celtic MusicRadio the night before the release (Friday,April 17).
Playing in bands since high school, Bainywas inspired to become a musician by hisneighbour who worked as a roadie andtaught him how to play the guitar.
After spending a month in Sweden withhis band, One Good Reason, Bainycontinued a partnership he had built byteaming up with up and comingSwedish Label ‘Gefle Rec’ to overseethe new release.
If you have band you would like us tofeature or an event to promote pleaselet us know and we will happily spreadthe word with our readers.
Simply pick up the phone and dial 0141280 0037
Alternativley you can send an email [email protected]
Brilliant Bainy’s new EP hits the airwaves
Johnstone musician’s tracks get radio exposure
A TALENTED singer/ songwriter is hitting all the right notes as his debutrelease is featured on XFM’s ‘Voice of New Music’.
Scotland's first ice bar unveiled in Renfrew
RENFREW has joined the likes of New York, Tokyo, Stockholmand Moscow with the launch of Scotland’s first ever ice bar.
Aptly named Baltic Ice Bar Glasgow is thelatest addition to the £32 million SnowFactor development and is predicted tobring a cool new experience to puntersacross the town.
Constructed entirely of solid and sculptedice, the 20-person capacity drinking spot atSnow Factor Braehead is inspired byfrozen bars across the world and issponsored by Coors Light.
The venue, built in just three months bySnow Factor’s own team, is also Scotland’sonly indoor real snow facility already offersalpine skiing, snowboarding, ice-climbing,sledging and even an ice-luge run forsnow-sport enthusiasts.
Serving cocktails with names such asYellow Snow, Anti-Freeze and BalticBramble, the novelty bar is already causinga stir with local revellers who are fastbooking slots at the venue.
Speaking at its official opening (April 2)Scott McLauchlan, group finance managerof Snow Factor, said “We used our ownin-house team, we bought about 100 iceblocks at around 100 kilos each — which isabout ten tonnes of ice.
“The snow walls were also built from theground up and it took about three monthsfrom start to finish. I think the place looksfantastic, I’m very impressed.
“It’s one of these all-year roundexperiences, it will be open every dayexcept Christmas day. We can also doany kind of packages people want todo.
Snug in cosy jackets provided by thebar, patrons will be able to book slots toexperience the interior of Baltic wherethe temperature is minus 5C and thewalls, bar top and even the cube-shaped glasses are made of ice.
However revellers won’t be able to gettoo drunk as the venue only hoststimescales of 45 minutes per session toensure appropriate health and safetymeasures are followed.
“As for people getting drunk andslipping on the ice, we try to discourageindulgence and since each visit is withina 45 minute time frame it might be quitedifficult to get drunk,” Scott said.
Open 7 days and with entry prices startingfrom £13, patrons can choose from theBaltic Basic and Baltic VIP drinkspackages, enjoying a Coors Light, a shot oreven a beer cocktail — all chilled to icecold temperatures.
Scott continued: “It is a massive freezerand it’s real snow as well is our ice wallwhich is a similar structure, there is ascience to it staying frozen but we makesure we provide capes and gloves to staywarm while they’re in enjoying a drink.We’ve had a great response already, we’vehad people interested in booking all theway up to July. There’s still spaces but it’svery popular so far. Our site attracts peoplefrom all over the world anyway so I fullanticipate that people will come to us anduse the Ice Bar as well.
“We have our own engineering team onsite and we have to manage the site, it’s afairly complicated site to run. But we alsohave guys that have building skills, joineryskills and electricians so it was a natural fitfor our whole team to design and build thething for themselves.”
Michael McManus, Group F&B Manager forSnow Factor International, added: “BalticIce Bar Glasgow, sponsored by Coors Lightis a terrific and unique addition to our groupF&B offering that already includes BarVaria at Snow Factor and Bothan Bar at IceFactor Kinlochleven.”
Julie McGraw, customer marketingmanager for Coors Light, alsocommented: “Coors Light is one ofScotland’s fastest growing beers andwe are delighted to be supporting thecountry’s first ice bar. We’ll be offeringScottish drinkers the chance to enjoy arefreshing Coors Light, as we bring acold, fresh experience of our RockyMountain home straight to the heart ofGlasgow.”
Baltic Ice Bar Glasgow is now open forbusiness and is already takingbookings. For full details and pricing ofthe Baltic Basic and Baltic VIPpackages, visit:www.snowfactor.com/ice-bar-glasgow/
Murder attempt probe as boy is ‘left for dead’
A TEENAGE boy was left for dead during a large scaledisturbance in Port Glasgow
Another two teens were injured in theattack, which happened on the cycle pathbetween Greenock and the Port, near toBridgend Avenue and Clydeview Road onSaturday night.
The 17-year-old attempted murder victimwas rushed to hospital and was initiallydescribed as being in a critical condition.
He is now serious but stable at the GoldenJubilee Hospital in Clydebank.
Detective Sergeant Alex Allardyce ofGreenock CID said: “There was a largescale disturbance on the cycle path nearBridgend Avenue.
“All those involved were in their teens.
“We are appealing for any witnesses whowere in the area at around 10.30pm.”
Another 17-year-old and a 16-year-oldwere also injured in the attacks.
The 16-year-old sustained a head injuryand was treated at Inverclyde RoyalHospital, where he was detained onSaturday night for observation.
A 17-year-old sustained a hand injury andwas treated and released from the IRH.
A cordon was thrown around the crimescene by police, who closed BoglestoneAvenue as they carried outinvestigations. An incident unit was alsodrafted in to the scene.
Detectives say they are following apositive line of inquiry.
Anyone with information regarding theattacks can contact Greenock CID on101 or alternatively phoneCrimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Charity gig raises hundreds for Ardgowan Hospice
A CHARITY gig has raised £405 for Ardgowan Hospice.
The band called a Second Coming performed at Cruden Hall in Greenock and wantedto help a good cause.
Kirsty Beckett, general manager of Cruden Hall and the Exchange Restaurant, said:“The band chooses a charity every year and they know that Ardgowan Hospice is a bigpart of people’s lives in Inverclyde and thought it was the right organisation to choose.”
Cruden Hall waived the hall hire fee for the concert as the business is also a bigsupporter of the hospice.
Kirsty said: “The hospice is our chosen charity and we’re happy to support it.”
Georgia Barr, hospice fundraising assistant, said: “It’s really great.
“The Exchange has been a supporter of the hospice for a long time.”
Police today appealed for the two victimsto come forward after other motorists, whosaw the incident, reported it to officers.
They also want to speak to motorists whosaw both vehicles near Braehead shoppingcentre on Saturday evening.
Police said the two victims, who weredriving a Volkswagen, were approachedon-foot by the driver of a white Land Roverwho shouted racist abuse.
The culprit got back into his vehicle andfollowed the Volkswagen along the M8.
It happened at around 7pm in Old GovanRoad, near to where the road turns ontothe M8 eastbound.
Sergeant Edington said: "There is no roomin our society for racial abuse and it is notacceptable to treat people in such amanner.
"I have no doubt that this incident causedindividuals considerable distress, but Iwould like to reassure them that this matteris under investigation.
"I am urging them to get in touch with usso that we can continue to progress ourinvestigation.
"I would like to thank the members of thepublic who contacted police to report thematter, indicating clearly that people inScotland will not tolerate racism.
Cops hunt city road rage racist
A THUG terrorised two men in a racist road rage attack.
"If anyone has any additionalinformation or knowledge, please do getin touch with us."
Anyone with information is asked tocontact Johnstone Police Office on 101.
Situated in central Glasgow, the family-run Sandyford Lodge offersfree Wi-Fi throughout and a 24-hour front desk. On Glasgow’sfamous Sauchiehall Street, it is just 10 minutes’ walk from theExhibition Centre Railway Station.
The spacious rooms include a flat-screen digital TV, a direct-dialtelephone, and tea and coffee making facilities. Each modern roombenefits from an en-suite bath or shower room with a hairdryer.In the mornings, Sandyford Lodge serves a famous cooked Scottishbreakfast. Continental options are also available. Glasgow’s mainshopping district is just 1 mile away and offers a wide range ofrestaurants.
Glasgow offers a lively nightlife, with many pubs and bars within a10-minute walk of the Sandyford Lodge. Glasgow Science Centre is1 mile away and George Street is 30 minutes’ stroll from theproperty. The HYDRO is a 10-minute walk away and GlasgowInternational Airport is within 7 miles.North West is a great choice for travellers interested in Parks,Ancient Landmarks and Cafes.
Sandyford Lodge Very good 8.4
Guest house
Glasgow
In the heart of Inverness, Dunhallin House provides excellent bed andbreakfast accommodation, just 1 mile (1.6 km) from Inverness citycentre. Guests will receive a warm Scottish welcome.
Dunhallin House provides well furnished rooms, with en suite facilitiesand comfortable beds. Room features include a TV, DVD player andfree loan of DVDs.
A regular bus service to the town centre is a short walk from the guesthouse.An inclusive full Scottish breakfast is provided. Relax in thecomfortable lounge area, with a selection of books and games.
Free parking, free Wi-Fi internet access and complimentary use of aninternet laptop are available to guests.
Dunhallin House Superb 9.4
Guest house
Inverness
With beautiful Loch Fyne less than a 1-minute walk away, Bramblesprovides luxurious rooms alongside its bistro and bakery in Inveraray.Traditional Scottish food and barista-made coffee is served atBrambles, and free Wi-Fi is provided.Each room is elegantly furnished, with a king-size bed, seating area,flat-screen TV and tea and coffee facilities. There is a full en suitebathroom with roll-top bath, shower, hairdryer and complimentary luxurytoiletries.
Full Scottish breakfast is provided, and the bakery offers high-qualitycoffee and tempting homemade cakes including lemon sponge,chocolate sponge and the very popular carrot cake. Modern andtraditional dishes are served in the bistro, with daily specials to discover.
To the west of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park,Brambles is a 10-minute walk from 15th-century Inveraray Castle, asseen in the award-winning TV drama ‘Downton Abbey’. InverarayMaritime Museum is just 5 minutes away, and the town is around 1hour’s drive from Oban, with ferries to the Isle of Mull.
Brambles Superb 9.3
Guest house
Inveraray
Located close on the waterfront, with fantastic views of StonehavenHarbour, Shorehead Guest House offers bed and breakfastaccommodation. Free WiFi is available at the property.
Rooms at Shorehead Guest House are en suite with complimentarytoiletries. Bedrooms have a bespoke interior, inspired by a local designer,as well as silk duvets. Each room comes complete with a TV and tea/coffeemaking facilities.
Breakfast is included in the room rate. Bars and restaurants can be foundwithin 1 mile of the property.Aberdeen Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Shorehead Exceptional 9.6
Guest house
Stonehaven
Invernairne has a great position overlooking the Moray Firth, andfrom the garden you can stroll down a path to the beach.
This historic mansion has one of the best positions in Nairn, andmany of its rooms overlook the sea. Try and spot dolphins, seals,yachts or a beautiful sunset.
Invernairne has free Wi-Fi and excellent breakfasts are available. Abaronial lounge bar is open until the early evening and hosts a logfire in cooler months.
Aberdeen Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Invernairne Superb 9.0
Guest house
Nairn
Woodston Fishing Station is located in Saint Cyrus. Free WiFiaccess is available. Each room here will provide you with a seatingarea. There is also an electric kettle. Featuring a bath or shower,private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.Extras include bed linen and ironing facilities.
At Woodston Fishing Station you will find a garden. Other facilitiesoffered at the property include a shared lounge, luggage storage andlaundry facilities. The property offers free parking.
Aberdeen Airport is 49 km away.
Woodston Fishing Station
Exceptional 9.5
Guest house
Saint Cyrus
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