Holyrood to debate strict liability for drivers – Do you have what it takes to be a radio presenter? – Scottish Poppy Appeal extends along the M8 – Fireworks
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian and co-convener of Holyrood’s group on cycling, has secured cross-party support for a debate in parliament this Tuesday 29 October 2013 on a popular European system designed to protect road users.
“Strict liability” presumes a motorist is liable in a civil claim against them by an injured cyclist or pedestrian, and that a cyclist is liable in a claim by a pedestrian. Campaigners say, as part of a package of measures, it can encourage respect, helping make roads safer for all.
The debate comes as figures are published showing a worrying trend in people injured and killed on Scotland’s roads while cycling and walking. Between 2011 and 2012 there was a nine per cent increase in cycle casualties and a 33 per cent increase in pedestrians killed. 2013 is on course to record an even higher number of cycle deaths than the 9 fatalities in 2012.
Alison said:-“The number of fatalities and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists on Scotland’s roads is unacceptably high. Versions of a strict liability rule exist in the civil law of many European countries and it could make a difference here as part of a package of measures. It is heartening to see MSPs from all parties agreeing that it deserves debate.
“A petition by Cycle Law Scotland has secured over 5,000 signatures and there are many walking and cycling campaigners who see the benefits. To date the Scottish Government has dismissed the suggestion of looking at the idea; hopefully Tuesday’s debate will persuade ministers to think again.”
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Do you have what it takes to be a radio presenter? Well if so Castle FM need you. They are looking for a mid-morning presenter…..
The full ad is here….. They are also looking for street team staff, engineering and also advertising sales staff. But because this is a community radio station there is no pay offered.
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M8 HEAVY HORSE WEARS POPPY IN SUPPORT OF 2013 SCOTTISH POPPY APPEAL
The famous Heavy Horse sculpture overlooking the M8 motorway at Baillieston, near Glasgow, is proudly wearing a striking red poppy to mark the 2013 Scottish Poppy Appeal, organised by veterans’ charity Poppyscotland.
This is now the third year in which the 4.5 metre-high sculpture of a Clydesdale horse, created by renowned sculptor Andy Scott, is displaying a specially designed poppy during the Appeal to raise awareness of the annual campaign to support Armed Forces veterans and their families living in Scotland. The Heavy Horse’s prominent position on Scotland’s busiest motorway means that thousands of people will see the iconic emblem every day over the next couple of weeks.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Poppyscotland’s largest fundraising event, running until 11th November, and money raised is used by the charity to provide direct financial assistance to veterans and their families and by funding specialist services in areas such as advice, employment, housing and health.
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The 8th Africa in Motion Film Festival is on at The Filmhouse in Edinburgh till 3 November 2013. The organisers say:-“We have brought to Scotland a fantastic showcase of awe-inspiring films from across the African continent. We’ll take you on a cinematic journey to discover how Africans see themselves in the world we all share. Following the spirit of Africa we will travel across forgotten Kingdoms, follow Islamic pilgrimages, see the life-changing effects of revolutions and reimagine notions of what it means to be African in the modern world.
Our festival theme for 2013 is Twende: Africa on the Move (“twende” is a Swahili word which translates as “let’s go!”), capturing Africa’s diverse richness and beauty through movement. Using this overarching theme we have devised a programme that encapsulates all types of movement.”
Full details of all films in Edinburgh and at the Film Theatre in Glasgow on the website.
Africa in Motion Trailer 2013 from Africa in Motion on Vimeo.
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Fireworks are best enjoyed at public displays according to the advice from Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. So where are all the displays?
Meadowbank Sports Centre the display organised by Edinburgh Leisure has a Superhero theme 5 November 2013 18:30 – 20:00
George Watson’s Rugby Club Fireworks Extravaganza 3 November 2013 one display at 4:00pm and one at 7:00pm
Hopetoun House is putting on their display despite £65,000 worth of fireworks being stolen from 21CC Fireworks. Saturday 2 November – Gates open at 4:00pm and you should be there by 6:00pm for display at 6:30pm.
These are the main ones that we know about. If you know of others then feel free to add the details below! And have a sparkler of a time!
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
