riverclyde

Between Jobs, (again.)

2007-11-21T16:14:00.000Z

The reason for my lack of blogging is that the POTC has been sold to Loch Katrine, whilst The Sir Walter Scott has a refit. They have to maintain the service to qualify for their grants.

We all knew that Alex had the boat up for sail but we had hoped that it would stay on the river, not so. Onwards and upwards. it may be a blessing for me as I am now going to try and focus on my TC+ utilities business. http://www.utilitywarehouse.co.uk/entrance/index.taf?exref=858626

Have been taking it easy since the end of October, but now I need to get my a*** in gear and see if this thing will work for me, it will if I get out and about and do what I was doing successfully with Everest. I have a few monsters to overcome first.

In September I had a sinus op. at the Suffering General day unit. I must say they were very good, unlike the horrible hole of a ward I was in last year for my hip op. I was not surprised to hear it was recently closed for an out break of MRSA or some other dirty disease. So joy oh joy I now have regained my smell and taste, and can enjoy food again. I am still having some headaches and nasal pain but I go back and see them next month.

My reason for starting this blog again is just to sound of and to moan about things that are bugging me. I am not promoting it, neither do I want lots of people looking at it. But I am going to send it to a few people. Watch this space.

First of all, I have sent an e-mail to Mr Stevenson, who is our transport minister at Holyrood. regarding the problems we faced on the river and why the boat was eventually sold. I received yesterday a letter from a Karen Conway in reply and it has so enraged me I cannot begin to explain so in the interest of keeping my hypertension in check, I am going to post my e-mail on here and the reply, and I am going to send it to her and Mr. Stevenson.

THIS IS THE E-MAIL I SENT. OK IT'S TO LONG.

I am e-mailing you because this is transport related and I believe you have been on the vessel recently. The picture in tonight’s Glasgow Evening Times, (25 Oct. 2007,) of the Kingston Bridge shot from the deck of The Pride of The Clyde has prompted me to write to you. As one of the ex. skippers of this service, it is with a heavy heart that I say to you that the service has been suspended, as The Pride of The Clyde has been sold to operate on Loch Katrine. Alex and Jennifer Gilmour started this service on the Clyde in 2001, and I am proud to say I was their first full time skipper then. Against all the odds and much shaking of heads they put their boat on the river and made the service viable, through sheer guts, determination, and good customer relations. Many times they came close to ruin, obstacles in their path were many. Breakdowns, legislation, lack of official support, bloody minded jobs worth’s, weather, personal tragedy, the list is endless. The agencies that we all pay vast sums of money to through our taxes are guilty of shoddy and indifferent neglect of a unique and visionary fledgling business, which employed four staff, but had the potential to employ so many more. Scottish Enterprise stand accused by me as one of the worst examples of all. Their contribution was £5000 of marketing money. Which was given straight to one of their pet companies who were as much use as an ash tray on a motorbike, and brought in the grand sum of nothing. Glasgow council are as bad. The landing area at Jamaica Quay Glasgow, is a scum ridden disgusting anarchic crime zone, permanently strewn with broken Buckie bottles, with Ned’s harassing passengers under the beady eye of a CCTV camera, the same Ned’s that defecate and urinate there in public, one of the most intimidating areas in the city centre. The Central Station rail bridge above the berth, is home to several homeless people, drunks and addicts alike, who have been heard and seen singing and throwing muck down into the river below. Graffiti is everywhere. Lines of washing are to be seen hanging out on the south side on a regular basis. We had a complaint from some residents on a Sunday morning for waking them up! A one legged drunk could gain access to the bridge, how secure is that in this terrorist age?
We have seen bridges built over the river that cuts of Glasgow to heavy shipping. Alec’s objections were met with accusations of preventing a job creation scheme at Pacific Quay. Rather ironic given the present state of play at BBC Scotland. Glasgow does not deserve this historic and unique river running though it’s centre. “Glasgow made the Clyde and the Clyde made Glasgow,” has a very hollow ring to it now.
The straw that broke the camels back, is the rumours that Scottish Enterprise are proposing a feasibility study, with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, with a view to putting a water bus service on the river.

PREVIOUS COMPLAINT:

* BELLS BRIDGE GLASGOW AND UPPER CLYDE NAVIGATION. Since 2001 we have been operating a water bus service on the River Clyde between Glasgow and Braehead, Renfrew shire, with the Pride o The Clyde water bus. http://www.clydewaterbusservices.co.uk/ We operate a regular schedule seven days a week, and the business has been built from nothing on goodwill and quality of service. That good will and quality is being compromised by the fact that The Bells Bridge is not fit for purpose. So causing considerable loss of revenue and damage to our business. There is also the question of the blight on navigation of the Upper Clyde. As we understand it the bridge now comes under the jurisdiction of Scottish Enterprise. It is severely in need of a refit and upgrade.
At the moment wind speeds above 17 knots renders the bridge inoperable and prevents our navigation at tides of 4.2 metres and above, which are now frequent. The bridge was constructed for the Garden Festival in 1988. It had a quoted life of 10 years. It was planned to remove it. Over time it has become a symbols of the upper river and won a place in the affection of the public. Removing it would now seem to be difficult. It has been quoted that the budget for maintaining and operating the bridge is £150,000. pa. The structure is in need of stronger rigging and bracing to allow it to function in all weather.
Since we began operation six years ago we have been told every year that the work is about to be done. Weather conditions now are becoming more volatile and high winds are not uncommon, on the upper Clyde. Clyde Water bus Services, are being prevented from going about their legitimate business. Which must be in breach of the law. The business is being prevented form expansion, and the employment of more staff. Yet we have to witness the spectacle of Scottish Enterprise hiring the vessel to show clients and dignitaries the regeneration work of the river. On one occasion we had on board dignitaries from abroad who were held up and inconvenienced because of the bridge, causing major embarrassment to us and Glasgow.
Much is rightly being made about the regeneration of the river side. Hardly a day goes by without an announcement of another multi million pound project. Very little of that is finding it’s way to infrastructure and assistance to actual users of the river. Many large cities around the world would be proud to have such a high way flowing through its centre. Many do and utilise it to the full. The lack of such facilities and infrastructure for ferries and water taxis is a disgrace, and does not seem to appear on the radar of those with their hands on the levers. _*In terms of public transport and inner city congestion, our water bus service is as environmentally friendly and green as we have right now. A clear un congested highway right from the heart of the city, except when the wind blows. Surely in light of all the talk about alternative transport links, carbon foot prints, and massive traffic jams, we should be promoting and supporting not hindering modes of transport like our water bus.*_ _* *_ http://www.clydewaterbusservices.co.uk/ Yours sincerely,

THE REPLY RECEIVED YESTERDAY IS AS FOLLOWS:

Than you for your e-mail to the Scottish Goverment on 25 October about the Pride of the Clyde. I have been asked to reply and apologise for the delay in doing so.
(3 WEEKS IS NOT TO BAD I HAVE NO COMPLAINT THERE.)

I should first make clear that the sale of the Pride of The Clyde is a private business decision for the owners and therefore not a matter on which I can comment. Similarly details of business support provided by Scottish Enterprise Glasgow to the business, is also a confidential matter for the owners.
(DID YOU REALLY THINK THAT HAVING BEEN INVOLVED WITH THIS BUSINESS FOR 6 YEARS THAT I WOULD NO BE AWARE OF THAT? DID ROSS FINNEY WRITE THIS FOR YOU? DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO BE SO PATRONISING AND OFFENSIVE? THE POINT I AM MAKING IS THE LACK OF SUPPORT FROM THIS QUANGO AND THE OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE RIVER OR NAVIGATION THERE OF. YOU WERE NOT ASKED BY ME FOR A COMMENT.)

With regards to your objection about Glasgow City Council's decision to appoint the landing area at Jamaica Quay, local authorities are distinct corporate bodies which are entirely separate from the Scottish Government. Therefore the Scottish ministers have very limited powers to intervene in the Council's day to day business.
(PLEASE READ THE TEXT AGAIN. NO WHERE DID I OBJECT TO THEM "APPOINTING," THE QUAY WHAT EVER THAT MAY MEAN. I WAS HIGHLIGHTING THE FACT THAT THE AREA IS A DISGUSTING EMBARRASSMENT IN WHICH WE GOT NO SUPPORT FROM THEM IN ANY WAY WITH REGARDS TO CLEANING IT UP AND PROPER MAINTENANCE. THERE IS ALSO A SECURITY RISK THERE WHICH YOU APPEAR NOT TO HAVE UNDERSTOOD OR CHOOSE TO IGNORE FOR REASONS BEST KNOWN TO YOUR SELF. And then you go on to ignore the rest of the text, WHY DID YOU NOT JUST SAVE THE PRICE OF A STAMP AND E-MAIL ME WITH "NO COMMENT.".)

I understand that the Clyde Waterfront Partnership is currently examining opportunities for a river taxi service.
(THAT MUST BE A GREAT COMFORT TO THE GILMOURS AND THERE EX EMPLOYEES WHO WORKED SO HARD TO MAKE THE WATER BUS A SUCCESS DESPITE ALL THE INDIFFERENCE RANGED AGAINST THEM, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT FINAL KICK IN THE TESTICLES.)

I hope this is helpful

Yours sincerely,

Karen Conway.

(I have never read such patronising Teflon coated rubbish in my 58 years on this planet. OK I could only read for 53 of them. There must be a degree that aspiring politicians and apparatchiks can take in TEFLON SPEAK. Watch Alasdair Darling over the next few days as he back pedals and Teflon talks his way to his gold plated pension pot. Despite being surrounded by incompetence and madness. 25,000,000 families put at risk, and the good old tax payer shoring up duff banks, we are surely on the road to hell in a hurly.)

COULD THE BBC’S DAYS IN SCOTLAND BE NUMBERED?

2007-09-15T19:57:00.000+01:00

COULD THE BBC’S DAYS IN SCOTLAND BE NUMBERED?
A few days before Scotland’s First Minister launched an ambitious and far-reaching “national conversation” on whether Scots should remain part of Britain, a Scottish Broadcasting Commission was established which could challenge the BBC’s public monopoly in Scotland.
The BBC’s Six O’Clock News bulletin – the most influential source of news in the UK – has become central to this debate, with many influential Scots questioning its validity, its quality, its political role, and even its necessity.
Many Scots, including Alex Salmond himself, have declared that they want the Six O’Clock News scrapped and replaced by an hour long “Scottish Six”, produced in Scotland, by Scottish journalists. The remit for a “Scottish Six” would be to cover national and international news, but from a Scottish rather than a London-centric perspective.
Maybe it was in a fit of pique, maybe it was unintentional irony, or maybe it was just confirmation that the BBC’s Six O’Clock News bulletin is no longer fit for purpose, but on the same day (14/7/07) that Alex Salmond launched his White Paper on Scottish Independence, the BBC’s London-based news editors may have sealed their own fate.
No matter which way you look at it, the launch of the SNP’s White Paper on Independence was a big news story, not just here in Scotland, but internationally. If Alex Salmond’s ambitious project comes to fruition, then Great Britain will go the way of the Soviet Union, and simply cease to exist. To paraphrase that most quintessential of English comedy groups, Britain will become an ex-country. Deceased. No more.
That this was the biggest news story of the day in the UK is incontestable. Unless perhaps, you happened to be a dyed-in-the-wool British ostrich, with head stuck firmly up yer Daily Telegraph.
So how did the BBC’s Six O’Clock News team choose to report this important breaking story? Lead item? Second item? Not quite.
The lead story was a consumer piece about the recall of plastic toys. It was a precautionary decision by the company Mattel, which, perhaps, they should have announced through paid advertising in the national press. This was followed by another similar item on the recall of old phone batteries.
Next up was a lengthy feature on how bad weather and flooding were affecting the English tourist trade this summer. Two lengthy reports were filed from Weston-Super-Mare and the Yorkshire Dales. This particular item could have been carried any day this month, at any point, in any news bulletin. It was what could have been described as “a filler”.
Next was a purely regional story about the murder of a young child in London. It was reported that police were not searching for anyone in connection with tragedy. This was followed by another, again purely regional, murder story.
Next up, Scotland! At last. Except it was about an e-coli break-out in Paisley. You have to hand it to the BBC news editors, they love their Scottish health scare stories. Nobody could say the London BBC news rooms aren’t interested in such things as deep-fried Mars bars, or Glaswegians dying of lung cancer.
Would the Paisley food scare be a tenuous Scottish link to the story about the break-up of Britain? No. The next item was yet another murder story. This time about the death of a biker. In South London.
Finally, almost fourteen minutes into the early evening news bulletin, the BBC editors deigned to broadcast three full minutes on the biggest news story to hit Scotland in our lifetimes. It had been relegated to “News Item Number 8’. The low priority given to the piece was, we can only presume, to reassure Her Majesty and the rest of London/England, that it was all just a storm in a whisky jar.
The feature consisted of footage of Alex Salmond launching his White Paper. Followed by an oppositional response from Des Browne (an MP elected to Westminster, London). Followed by a vox pop on the streets of Edinburgh.
This vox pop was notable, only in that it consisted of just two interviews, each less than ten seconds long. The first was with a young guy wearing a Scotland football top - who was against Scottish Independence. The second was with an old woman - who was also against Scottish Independence. End of vox pop. Call me old fashioned but it wasn’t quite my idea of either impartiality or depth.
Only the BBC News editors can answer why they chose to respond in this manner. But I suspect that this travesty of reportage will not have gone unnoticed in the corridors of power at Holyrood, and may well turn out be one of the straws that break the British broadcaster’s back.
The new Scottish Broadcasting Commission’s remit is wide-ranging, and goes way beyond looking at a “Scottish Six”. What is now being considered is amending The Scotland Act to transfer all broadcasting powers, currently under the political control of Westminster, over to Holyrood. The ramifications of this should not be underestimated. The creation of a separate publicly-funded Scottish Broadcasting Corporation is one option being given serious consideration at the highest level.
And not before time. Many Scottish license payers feel they are being royally shafted by the current arrangement. Whilst 9% of the UK’s population lives in Scotland, only 3% of the programmes commissioned by the BBC are produced in this country. Hardly value for money.
When you add this to the widely perceived London-centric bias that dominates the BBC’s national agenda and output, you can see why the current set-up, just like that of the British state itself, has only itself to blame for hastening its own demise.http://www.scottishindependenceconvention.com/
http://kevinwilliamson.blogspot.com/
http://www.clydesite.co.uk/

RIVER CART INITIATIVE, RENFREWSHIRE.

2007-09-13T21:20:00.000+01:00

August 30 2007

Commercial traffic returned to a Scottish river for the first time in decades yesterday in a trial geared towards showing it can once again be used to transport cargo.
The £1.4m refurbishment of the A-listed Inchinnan bascule bridge crossing the River Cart in Renfrewshire meant it could be raised drawbridge-style for the first time in many years, paving the way for the historic moment.
Taking advantage of the development, two huge steel spools, with a combined weight of 80 tonnes, were taken on a 20m barge by Steel Engineering of Renfrew along the Cart on the first leg of a 600-mile sea journey to Newcastle to show-test the operation of the bridge.
advertisement
It was raised to its full 30m height yesterday to allow the barge to pass.
The 8.6m-wide spools were then taken to George V Dock on the Clyde before making the onward journey and will be used by oil industry operators in the laying of pipes.
Built in 1922, it is one of the last remaining fully operational drawbridge-style bridges in the country.
With the closure of Paisley harbour and much of the heavy industry upstream on the Cart from the 1960s onwards, use of the bridge opening facility has reduced greatly.
Renfrewshire Council took ownership 11 years ago and was immediately faced with an ongoing and expensive maintenance liability.
After it was granted Grade A-listed status in 1994 as the only bridge of its kind in Scotland, conservation legislation meant the unreliable opening facility had to be maintained under the watchful eye of Historic Scotland.
But the council has seized the opportunity to use its refurbishment to investigate the opening of the upper part of the Cart to the transportation of cargo once again.
It has already carried out a multi-beam sonar survey of the river bed in the upper reaches of the Cart to look into the possibility of dredging the area to allow more accessibility to waterborne craft.
Iain Nicolson, convener of Renfrewshire Council's Planning and Economic Development Board, said: "The strengthening and refurbishing of the historic bascule bridge means the Cart remains available as a working asset."
Peter Breslin, director of Steel Engineering, said: "We intend to use this facility for other contracts now that we have proved the principle. There are a number of companies we work for which will be interested in using the Cart to move fabrications which are too large for road transport."
The earliest attempts to improve navigation of the river were made in 1753 and 1834.
An engineering paper referring to the opening bridge said it would form "an important link in road communications between Glasgow and the lower reaches of the Clyde and also provide a gateway giving improved access from Paisley harbour to the Clyde and the sea".
The Inchinnan bascule bridge was built to the design of renowned engineer Sir William Arrol, one of Houston's most famous sons, who was also responsible for London's Tower Bridge. The Cart bridge was constructed in 1922 and formally opened in March the following year.
It allowed the width of the navigation channel to be increased from 50ft to 90ft improving access to Paisley Harbour and helping the town's aspirations to port status.
But silting was always a problem with the river, along with a reliance on favourable tidal conditions.

Add Comment
Posted by: Duncan Macniven, East Kilbride. on 10:26pm Wed 29 Aug 07
Great news there are still people with vision alive and well in Scotland. The other much overlooked option is to utilise the River Cart as a means of getting people swiftly from the centre of Glasgow to Glasgow Airport. A lot cheaper than the proposed rail link and a lot less disruptive. Alex Gilmour and family have been running the waterbus from Jamaica Quay to Brahead for 6 years now. They are keen to set up a commuter run into the city for 0830 each weekday morning, but the only landing stage they have is Braehead. And the Bells Bridge owned by Scottish Enterprise is so lacking in upgrading that it cannot open in high winds so causing further blight on the river. Not very enterprising is it. Arse's need a severe kicking.
.

Posted by: Archie, Argyll on 11:15pm Wed 29 Aug 07
There is most definitely a dire lack of facilities for the practical use of our rivers and lochs for transportation of goods and commuting, be it in your own boat or that of a commercial concern like the one mentioned in Duncan Macnivens post above, so any movement toward improvement, like this bridge being restored to its proper functionability, is to be welcomed. Jetties and small piers would be a guaranteed boost to the Scottish Infra-structure and are easily and cheaply constructable, so one has to ask the questions: Why are restrictions on this happening apparently in place, and in whose interests are these restrictions serving? Is it the Scottish Public?

Posted by: Stephen from Erskine, San Francisco on 1:24am Thu 30 Aug 07
I'm always pleased to see things like this. Water transport is particularly well suited to moving large heavy objects safely and cheaply. It is not however an alternative to an Airport Rail link. The reason that water transport (the canals) fell into disuse was competition from the railways in terms of speed. Before anyone writes to remind me of the high speed ferries currently running in the Irish Sea please remember that they can only run at high speed in open water. Once these ferries enter Belfast Loch or Loch Ryan they must slow down to the speed of a conventional vessel to prevent damage to the shore line and risk of injury or drowning to anyone on the shore line. Glasgow Airport to City Centre by boat - might be quicker walking.
Posted by: Archie, Argyll on 2:45am Thu 30 Aug 07

Archie, Argyll on 2:58am Thu 30 Aug 07
P.S Stephen. They do not have to be large ferries but 20 to 25ft. Power Boats. The SBS cut about at around 40 knots so 25 would be a skoosh quite literally.

Posted by: The Ghost of Dan Archer, Firhill in the sky on 10:17am Thu 30 Aug 07
Some yars ago the Paisley Daily Express ran a front page April Fool story abou cruise liners being able to sail up the White cart to disembark their passengers in the heart of Paisley. The barge leaving story is therefore a clear case of life imitating art. More seriously, Glasgow Airport rail access would have been better run through the disused Arkeston Spur which once went to Babcock's Renfrew Works - a viaduct from there to the airport would have been better than the proposal to obliterate some of the best and most-used public football pitches in Scotland, at Paisley Racecourse. By the way - can I have an English translation of Yok Finney's post please?

Posted by: BM, Glasgow on 10:50am Thu 30 Aug 07
You wouldn't be suggesting that there's an opportunity for an experienced waterbus driver, would you, Duncan?

Posted by: Duncan Macniven, East Kilbride. on 9:32pm Thu 30 Aug 07
No problem BM I am indeed an experienced water-bus skipper currently employed as such.. Since there is only one Water-bus on the Clyde, at the moment, then it is no secret who I work for. These views are my own and not that of any company who may employ me. It was such a great sight watching the progress of this barge to KG5. Not forgetting the seaplane service we now see every day. Archie in Argyle knows what he is talking about. An Airport service would be cost effective as the artery is there. All we need is the infrastructure at either end and the vessels. Oh and the political will.

The construction and disruption required for a rail link is massive, the river route could be utilised for a tiny fraction of the cost. Venice seems to do it just fine. The Clyde for some strange reason seems to be an embarrassment to some of our political masters with there hands on the levers of power. OK in places it is, but that is through lack of investment and vision. Semi submerged chunks of quay side up to 40ft. long are regular hazards now for us the Waverly and the Seaplane. St. Mungo takes a lot of flotsam out of the river but no one can spot every piece.

To me the greatest folly has been the Clyde Arc which has now made the river to the east of it unnavigable for craft with an air draft greater than small vessels such as the water-bus, the intention had been to make it even lower. So we have the Kingston Bridge which was built with an air draft that would allow passage for large sea going vessels, but only if they can navigate under the Clyde Arc to the West, what a total farce. The priority appears to be to build office towers, (The BBC shed,) and luxury housing and forget quays such as the Broomielaw etc. which are world famous and synonymous with Glasgow.

The danger to Glasgow from a silted up undredged Clyde and a surging winter tide is not one that anyone seems to recognise. Unless you work on the river and see the water lapping at Clyde Street as I have. Most large cities like Glasgow would be overjoyed to have a river such as the Clyde running through the centre. Look at what has been done with The Tyne, The Mersey, and the Liffey to name but a few. Would you not like to be able to get a boat from central Glasgow to Rothesay or Arran or the Airport. Platform 13 Glasgow central is only a few short steps from Jamaica Quay water-bus terminal, with a bit of imagination and innovation they could be even closer.

Which brings me back to where I started and how great it was to see the barge knowing it came from the Cart. And the innovative and courageous thinking behind it, is that not what Scotland has always been about. William Arroll, Alexander Kennedy Smith, Thomas Smith, Alan Stevenson, Charles Alexander Stevenson, David Stevenson,David Alan Stevenson, Robert Stevenson, Thomas Stevenson,Thomas Telford and many other great Scottish engineers and innovators must be birling in their graves, watching there legacy being ignored and undone. Steel Engineering of Renfrew, The Council and Historic Scotland are to be applauded for their vision and dedication. Lets see some more.

ARGONAUT AND SEA PLANE

2007-09-12T23:03:00.000+01:00

Not one to gloat, but I thought it was worth publishing a shot of the seaplane since Scotland are now flying.
And a shot of the Argonaut loading a submersible at KG5, as the French are now sunk :o)

THE BBC STEAMIE.

2007-09-12T22:44:00.000+01:00

This display outside BBC Scotlands new shed on Pacific Quay is ART. It took 3 years to plan and cost you and me £350,000. Well thankyou very much for what looks like a line of washing. What a bloody joke, what a farce, what a scandal this organisation is. Corporate madness has infected this organisation and it should be cauterised. I find this so utterly offensive. I am listening to the game online from France on Clyde 2 and cannot see it as I will not subscribe to Setanta, or Sky. I have £135.50 extorted legally from me every 12 months for this utterly corrupt and offensive crap and I am sick of it. BBC Scotland you are named and shamed. Hang your heads not your washing.

AUNTY BBC IS ANTI SCOTTISH.

2007-09-12T22:10:00.000+01:00

AUNTY BBC IS ANTI SCOTTISH.

Glenn Campbell
Based at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Glenn Campbell 'reports' politics for a wide range of BBC programmes from Reporting Scotland on television, to Scotland at Ten on Radio Scotland. Campbell, 28, was born and brought up in the Hebrides. He studied at Islay High School and Glasgow University. His career began in commercial radio. A former Head of News and Sport at Scot FM, he also presented the station's news magazine "Lunchtime Live" which won a silver Sony award in 1999. Campbell joined the BBC in 2001 as a news reporter. He occasionally presents Good Morning Scotland and Newsdrive on Radio Scotland. His accent reminds me of the scene in Jaws 1 when Robert Shaw (Quint) draws his nails down the blackboard. I like the Hebridean accent but not this one. It seems the Campbells are to retain their position in Scottish history of the black arts!

*****On Reporting Scotland on Thursday this clown ripped up the SNP manifesto several times in front of camera at a peak viewing time.This was an act of bias so breathtaking as to be almost beyond belief.He is clearly a Lickspittle of the very first order. SNP politicians should refuse to take part in any programme led by him until (yet another) comprehensive apology is issued by the Biased Broadcasting Corporation. Meanwhile of course the BBC continues to dip deeply into our pockets for the privilege of viewing this junk.

*****The Biased Broadcasting Corporation Apologizes (yet again)
BBC apologises over fresh independence gaffe Reporter says sorry for
saying Scots voted against separatism in 1997

THE BBC has been forced to issue another apology for its coverage of Scottish politics after getting its facts wrong about the devolution referendum 10 years ago.

Senior BBC journalist Andrew Cassell said sorry for claiming Scots rejected independence in the 1997 poll - despite the fact that this constitutional option was not on the ballot paper.

It is the third time the corporation has apologised for its handling of SNP-related issues since the Holyrood election.

The latest gaffe occurred during a BBC 10 o'clock news bulletin last month. Cassell claimed Scots had rejected independence in a referendum 10 years ago. But the 1997 plebiscite offered only two options; the status quo and devolution.

A complaint was followed by Cassell apologising. He said: "I accept the report was not worded well and I apologise. I can assure you there was no deliberate attempt to misrepresent the situation, merely an attempt to explain it to a wider audience outside Scotland, which I concede I didn't do as well as I'd hoped." He added: "On the detailed point of the wording I accept it could have been scripted better, but I think the wider tone of the report was spot-on."

But Cassell's apology angered the SNP, as he claimed: "Support for independence in the polls has never exceeded the 30% mark - a fact readily acknowledged by Mr Salmond and many in his party."

An SNP spokesman said: "To add insult to injury, the apology itself compounds the problem by revealing a complete lack of knowledge about the level of support for Scottish independence."

*****The row comes after the BBC and Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark apologised to Alex Salmond in June after she cut him off during an interview. An interview which was conducted in the rudest most sneering arrogant tone, which betrayed Warks own hatred of the SNP and made a mockery of the word "impartial". Wark should not be allowed near Scottish affairs again. She seemed to be trying to prove she had more ball's than Paxman. One is as biased as the other.

*****Weeks later, it was revealed the BBC had also apologised for exaggerating business opposition to independence.

Relations were further strained after Salmond announced the creation of a "broadcasting commission" to look at the industry's future, described by one BBC insider as a "provocative gesture".

An SNP spokesman said: "This is the third time network BBC has had to issue an apology for its coverage of Scottish politics. It again raises serious questions about the accuracy of output produced in London."

BBC Scotland are a joke and are offensive to Scots. The latest scandal being the hiring of Sunset and Vine production company, from south of the border, to cover Scottish sport such as The Melrose 7s, Scottish Masters Bowls, Scottish Cup Football, Shinty, Curling and international football highlights, which is all BBC Scotland can afford. We saw that on Saturday the 9th. September, when the England Israel game was live on BBC Scotland, but the Scotland Lithuania match was highlights only late evening as Setanta has outbid poverty stricken BBC Scotland. Can you imagine the uproar and wailing and howling if this had been the other way round.

Since the early 1980s we have witnessed BBC Scotland slowly and systematically erode their core craft base. Paying of staff and making conditions so unbearable that many jumped into the freelance market, or took early retirement. Outside Broadcast equipment was allowed to become so old and obsolete that producers did not want it when they saw what the BBC in London or private companies offered. This was a deliberate policy of discrimination and sheer arrogant brutality towards staff who had served BBC Scotland loyally for years. A policy that was over seen by senior managers parachuted in from England mainly London. How do I know this? From 1976 to 2001 I was a Rigger and then a Rigger Supervisor on the TV Outside Broadcast Unit at BBC Scotland. I witnessed the carnage. The BBC has contracted inwards to it's London core, it is a Londoncentric organisation, that is institutionaly racist and discriminates against Scots, at all levels. Just listen to a football commentary or sports news programme. Or watch Salmond v Wark on Utube.

*****Remember the Newsnight stunt last year in Glasgow Gallowgate, where Timmy Samuels and his team of jokers left a car festooned in St.Georges flags, and then enticed the local youths to trash it. All on camera, all on cue, with their faces covered, and looking at the camera, not exactly covert was it. Imagine the uproar if BBC Scotland pulled that one in London or Manchester. A complaint to the BBC had this response. " We were conducting a legitimate social experiment," since when were Newsnight staff tasked with that brief. What they were doing in terms of the law was inciting racist hatred. Did we hear a word from the CRE or any Unionist politician? No chance. The unionist establishment and the BBC, same thing really.

Someone may read this, (like the greedy odious Lord Foulkes, and his anti Scottish agenda,) and start jumping up and down. So at this point let me say categoricaly, this is not anti English sentiment. I have English friends and relatives with whom I have the greatest rapor. This is anti UK establishment, which is overpopulated with Scots and most English people I know agree.

FRANCE 0 SCOTLAND 1 :o)

2007-09-12T21:58:00.000+01:00

We dared to dream, the dream is real, we have beaten France at Hampden and now we have done it to them again in Parc De France. What a beautiful stunning result. James McFadden you are a hero thankyou, Alex McCleish thankyou, Roy Aitken thankyou, all of you I love you.
Now then BBC Scotland you continue to be a disgrace, you are anti- Scottish, a complete waste of carbon.
Viewers in Scotland have had the humiliation of watching the England games live on BBC Scotland. And we cannot see our own games live, what a disgrace, what a humiliation, what a national scandal. This BLOG has just gone political. Watch this space.

Waverly

2007-08-12T23:06:00.000+01:00

The last sea going paddle steamer in the world, always a welcome sight when she returns to the Clyde. http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/ Waverley Flagship of our fleet is the famous WAVERLEY - the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. It is thought that this famous ship is probably the most photographed ship in the world!Built on the Clyde in 1947 - to replace the original Waverley that sunk off Dunkirk in 1940, the Waverley was originally built to sail only between Craigendorran & Arrochar in West Scotland. It is amazing to think that she now sails right round Britain offering regular trips on the Clyde, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel with other calls at various ports & piers throughout the UK.£1 doesn't get you much these days, but in 1974 it bought a 693-tonne paddle steamer! Mounting running costs left the then operators no choice but to withdraw Waverley from service with the idea of preserving this unique ship. The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) http://www.psps.freeserve.co.uk/ stepped in and took over the helm - for the princely sum of £1. It is a credit to the Society and supporters that the Waverley became more than a museum and now operates a full programme of cruises from Easter to October. 2003 saw the completion of a major restoration project, which returned Waverley to the original 1940s style with which she was built. This has only been possible with major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund totalling over £6m and the PSPS. Contributions have also come from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities. WAVERLEY has been supported by the PSPS with a vibrant membership of over 4,000 for 30 years but only the excellent partnership with the HLF has provided WAVERLEY with a viable long-term future.There are many books & videos on Waverley for those who wish a more in-depth look at her long & varied history, or log on to our supporters website at www.pswaverley.org for more information on both Waverley & Balmoral. Owned by a registered Charity and British Registered to carry up to 800 passengers, Waverley's on-board facilities include a self-service restaurant, two fully licensed bars, heated observation lounge, 'Jeanie Deans' tearoom and a souvenir shop. A visit to the engine room is a must on any trip to see the magnificent engines at work. Waverley also has a disabled toilet on the main deck and the crew are trained & happy to give every assistance to allow less-agile passengers to enjoy their day with us.

STACY MATHESONS BOAT.

2007-08-12T22:41:00.000+01:00

The shots of the Gaff Rigged Ketch above have been a source of great enjoyment to me, especially since I discovered that the builder is none other than Peter Matheson who is a Sutherland man from Bettyhill. I was born in Portmahomack, Easter Ross, but lived my early years in Sutherland at Forsinard. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forsinard Not only that but he went to the Tech in Golspie a couple of years before me. http://www.golspie.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=120 What a fantastic boat, I look forward to getting to know the boat and Peter a bit better, as he has now moored at the pontoon at Braehead. His daughter Stacey now owns the boat and will be operating a charter business. Good luck and well done Stacey.
http://www.clydesideboatbuilders.co.uk/index.html

Hopi Candles

2007-08-07T22:37:00.001+01:00

Not posted for a while due to pea sea gremlins and sometimes i just cannot be buggered as the choir boy said to the Bishop.
Will take my camera out next week and get going again.
The sinus problems have kicked in again so i am not up to the mark with things right now. Am seeing the ENT people tomorrow for a pre assesment for my op, so it must be iminent.
Maureen was talking to someone today and they mentioned Hopi Ear Candles as being a good treatment for sinus and tinnitus problems. Both of which I suffer from. So she is going to get me some tomorrow and will give them a try. Probably set my fecking heid on fire. Oh well if thats what it takes.

2007-07-14T00:11:00.000+01:00

MORE STEAM MACPHAIL.......VITAL SPARK OF PARAHANDY FAME.

VIC 32 passing POTC. Later on Fyne Spirit (Ex. RNAS Cockchafer, A cockshaker more like,) went plowing upriver on full throttle and nearly threw us on to the shore, we had 26 passengers on board. I expressed my disappointment to him on channel 10, as this is the Festival channel, he apologised, not good enough mate, what you did was dangerous, stupid and ignorant. There are some morons driving boats. That is what this BLOG is for, I will sound of, and if someone has an issue they can leave a comment, or get me on channel 12. Or come on board and talk. We had someone from Festival control moaning that we went past the Zap Cats to fast, even although we were doing only 1000 revs. If we had been going any slower we would have stopped. There is another character who rings from the Tall Ship making spurious complaints about us going to fast past the berth and basically most of it is down to vindictive jealousy. He has even gone as far as accusing us of damaging a boat but has failed to provide the evidence. Wee wifies. The Gilmours have set this Waterbus business up on sheer guts and determination, with very little outside help, and in doing so has attracted petty sniping from some quarters which is down to pure envy.

Pictured bellow is the Wee Spark. You need a real sense of humour to be seen in that, must go and have a look at it tomorrow, as it is the first of my four days of. Will give Fyne Spirit my regards. :o)

2007-07-14T00:09:00.000+01:00

Pure dead brillaint, so glad I saw this.

2007-07-14T00:02:00.000+01:00

VIC32 and Vital Spark passing Braehead and Yarrows, magic.

Build up to river festival.

2007-07-11T18:57:00.000+01:00

The Fair at Braehead, this whirlymagigthingy broke with two lassies stuck on it and these firemen saved them, exciting stuff. Firemen, what are they like, anything for a free ride!
Tall ship, Finneston Crane.

Some more river shots.

2007-07-02T23:05:00.000+01:00

HMS Diamond, Type 45 frigate being born at BAE,Fairfields. Park Lane apartments opposite Fairfields.

Barclay Curles crane. Pex loading at the Diesel Warf, no steel industry left in Scotland so all our scrap goes to China, thanks Maggie and Black Bob. The Union Dividend!
HMS Diamond at Fairfields. Apparently this is a Union Dividend. No word about the new Carriers, which are rumoured to have gone to a French yard.

River shots today.

2007-07-02T22:59:00.000+01:00

St. Mungo cleaning the debris from the river, thanks guys.
Bells Bridge opening for POTC.

Partick Pier getting a make over, site of new transport museum.

Baaa

2007-06-30T23:44:00.000+01:00

Some page 3 shots, from the Highlands.
Youlookinatme?
Trees n heather n that.

Edit pencil.

2007-06-30T23:13:00.000+01:00

The edit pencil has come back and all I did was clear the cache and temp. folders, I don't know.

2007-06-30T22:47:00.000+01:00

Re. the photies. the wigwam shot was from the camp site at the Aviemore music festival, called Outsider.

The Outsider is unlike any other festival. So says promoter Pete Irvine of Unique Events, who hopes it will take the idea of the music festival forward.
It has certainly made an excellent start. There might have been top-class headliners such as K T Tunstall and Crowded House over the weekend, but music was just one part of the festivities.
The setting of the Rothiemurchus Estate near Aviemore, always popular for outdoor activities, was used over the weekend for organised walks, bike runs and events to highlight environmental issues. The festival's green credentials were good, with revellers given easy options to choose public transport and recycle every part of their organic and Fairtrade food and drink intake. Not one scrap of litter could be seen. There were also environmental debates and cinema presentations on green issues. Like any wet festival, however, the land was churned into a sea of mud, and it's only once the last truck has left that the potential to make this an annual event can be decided.

The music was undoubtedly the main attraction for most. As impressive as each night's headliners were, the weekend's stand-outs were Americana wunderkind Willy Mason on Saturday; and on Sunday the return of Justin Currie, with a watertight band (handy here) and a set of promising new material as well as Del Amitri favourites.
For those who would rather have a laugh after a hard day's mountain-biking, Karen Dunbar, Craig Hill and James Campbell, with his comedy for kids, were among the stand-ups in The Bothy.
The festival had capacity for just 10,000 a day, and 9000 braved each, despite the mud bath. The feeling was of being at the beginning of something. Keeping it this size may be difficult.
The Herald.

Me.
You would not know about this festival if you are a BBC fan as the BBC was swamped with Glastonbury coverage, http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theeditors/2007/06/today_at_glastonbury.html
after all if you have over two hundred staff there you have to justify it, ( all those claims for green wellies,) but did we see Aviemore on the telly in Scotland, not much. So much for the BBC charter, reflecting the cultural diversity of the UK. London centric and irrelevant to Scotland. We will soon be getting Wimbeldon rammed down our throats on BBC 1 and 2. BBC Scotland have no budget for sport in Scotland and by God it shows. Shinty is one of the oldest team sports in the world, but it is on the wrong side of the border. Cricket makes the national news headlines on BBC News when ever the England team play as if it was the first and last thing on the planet. I am going to start a petition to scrap the licence fee in Scotland. I pass the new BBC shed on Pacific Quay every day, it is the ugliest building in Glasgow, out of proportion to all around it and sticks out like a boil on the end of your nose. For all the programme output we now get from BBC Scotland they could run it from a Portakabin.

On the BBC again, I was shocked to see the attack at Glasgow Airport today. BBC had an endless loop of some dodgy mobile phone video running, with really amateur reporting, whilst CNN had a camera across the road in the Hotel with almost live footage and comment from a Herald journalist, smart slick and professional. The BBC were left looking cheap and nasty which they are. We do live in very dangerous times, thanks Tony and George, be careful and vigilante people. I'm so relieved that our eldest son Duncan is out of the RAF, he has just passed his CPL and is about to become and Airline Pilot, good luck son.

More Aviemore.
Harley Davidson -Thunder in the Glen.
Thunder in the Glens returns to Aviemore for 2007, bigger and better than ever. Throw on your leathers and jump on your Harley for Scotland's favourite Harley Davidson festival. Superb scenery, the fabulous ride here, excellent hospitality and lots to do and see. Don't miss the mass ride out on the Saturday when over 2,000 Harleys take to the street and head for the picturesque Strathspey town, Grantown-on-Spey. Bike show, Chapter games, trade stalls and all the usual fun and frolics will be going on.Start Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2007End Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007Town: Aviemore & Grantown-on-SpeyPrice: n/a

2007-06-30T22:43:00.000+01:00

A wee But n Ben, Glen Feshie. That would do me fine.

Loch an Eilen.
Wigwams at the festival.

2007-06-30T22:39:00.000+01:00

The trailer on my bike is for Kipper, when we are on the main road, she was not impressed, but had her picture taken by lots of people. She preferred fetching sticks from Loch an Eilen.

Maureen and Kipper on the Strathspey steam train at Aviemore waiting to go to Boat of Garten. Maureen is not wearing a red hat, that is the no smoking sign, some photographer me.
The sign outside the Hostel in Glen Feshie says "free porridge," see what happens when we have an SNP government, all the hills will be doon the way.

Problems

2007-06-30T22:33:00.000+01:00

I am having trouble editing this as can be seen by the spelling mistakes. There was a quick edit pencil icon on the page which has gone and despite my many attempts it will not come back, I have asked a question on the google blog help group, and I see others have had the same issue but no sensible reply as yet. If any one knows how to resolve this please do get in touch. In the meantime here are some photies.

Back from a wee break.

2007-06-30T21:46:00.000+01:00

Been away for a week in Aviemore, got back last Sunday, and then got back to work Wedensaday. I know it's Saturday! Here goes any way with an update, the weather has been grim, flooding in S. Yorkshire, it seems the best job to have these days is on a boat. It is rumoured that Alec has been seen with plans for an Ark.

I have not taken any river shots since I came back but will take my camera tomorrow and get going again. The Waverly is back up river so should get a few of her.

In the meantime I will post a few from our break.

WISNAE ME :o)

2007-06-15T22:35:00.000+01:00

Something big passed this way, Shieldhall Quay got such a fright it collapsed! About time this rotting stinking mess was cleared up anyway, just a pity the whole thing didn't collapse. The painters work was all in vain!

RNAS Lyme Bay from Fairfields.

2007-06-15T22:30:00.000+01:00

Sometimes it can be breezy in Scotland! Or to use a Glasgow expression, "aye, there's a wee nip in the air." These hardy souls just turned up their collars and sat it out, despite the smell of coffee and fine wines and spirits wafting up from the saloon below.

RNAS Lyme Bay on the move.

2007-06-15T22:25:00.000+01:00

Snug and warm in the POTC saloon enjoying a wee dram or a cuppa, and listening to the dulcet tones of The Mighty Quinn.

Random River shots from last few days.

2007-06-15T22:19:00.000+01:00

Boarding the POTC at Braehead. The Pride o The Clyde is a private enterprise run by Alex and Jennifer Gilmour and their son Ryan. Many people are surprised to learn that it is private and not part of the SPT network. It is a successful enterprise purely because of the dedication and hard work and courage of the Gilmours. And of course their dedicated and motivated crew :o) The boat is immaculate, and the service second to none. Regular customers turn up again and again and they love the service. Iain Quinn who is MC on The Waverly has recorded a commentary which is played during the journey. Ian is a well known figure on the Clyde and a very knowledgeable historian. A most enjoyable experience.

Kipper.

2007-06-15T22:14:00.000+01:00

Kipper on her trampoline. You can see from her colour why we called her Kipper. We think she is mostly a Patterdale Terrier, maybe someone else knows different.

Holiday tomorrow.

2007-06-15T21:54:00.000+01:00

Finished this evening early due to bad weather and no custom. Interesting day with Lyme Bay leaving Fairfield's and making her maiden voyage down river for testing. Much drama with the strong N/E wind gusting!
Tomorrow Maureen, Kipper and I are of to sunny Aviemore for a week in my sisters time share, (thanks Cathy,) so even if the weather is grim we are just going to chill for a week, (not literally we hope,) and maybe do some cycling.
As can be seen I am not very adept at editing this blog thing yet, but I will get there.
If anyone has any advice please feel free to leave constructive comments. What I am doing now is doing the text and pictures as separate entries. I would put text on the pictures but it take a while and they are self explanatory.
Must go now, and upload some pictures and get my gear ready for the of tomorrow, no more for a week.

Busy river.

2007-06-11T23:20:00.000+01:00

The Finneston Crane.
Two of three gunboats for The Sultan of Brunei, built here at Yarrows Scotstoun, and waiting for the cheque! The type 45 for the Royal Navy is in the background. 192150July07. Update on the Brunei gunboats is that they have paid the bill and immediately put the boats up for sale. The twist on that is the headroom on the boats will only accomodate persons of 5'6" or less, as they were made to measure for the Brunaians who are quite petite in stature. The other story is that the boats are to sophisticated for there sailors. Although I would take that with a pinch of salt.

A wee laddie thought they were trying to empty thr river using this bucket, who am I to spoil an illusion.
Cruiser pulls into the channel without as much as a call, forcing the POTC to a halt, as he goes down river through the Millennium bridge. Thanks Bob.

Monday evening. Day of today to attend ENT clinic. Been busy over week end, will need to keep a written Log as it is difficult to remember what took place. Took a few shots so will post the best of them from Friday to Sunday, the river has been busy. Had a charter on Saturday evening which went well. (50 for a birthday party.)

Bridge warf being upgraded, presumably more housing and office space. I just wish that they would put some river users infrastructure in as there is very little. We need more pontoons, and we need a slipway in the city centre. how about a marina facility and some light marine engineering facilities. I started on the river in 2000 with a company called Glasgow Ducks, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?grid=T6&xml=/travel/2001/04/19/etwkd18.xml which sadly folded. Mainly because we had to travel down to Renfrew to access the river on the only slipway we could get, and even that has now been gobbled up by Braehead. Glasgow Ducks was based on a WW2 amphibious troop carrier, which was converted to a bus, and took people on a tour of the city and then into the river. Colin and Laura Graham were very courageous and brave starting this business, but the maintenance costs brought on by the running down to Renfrew, crippled the company before it got going. We were all angry and gutted as they had put together a good team, who worked hard to make it work. These tours are going strong in London. http://www.londonducktours.co.uk/

Glasgow needs a slipway. Glasgow made the Clyde, and the Clyde made Glasgow, lets bring the river to life again, and start using it, not being ashamed of it and trying to ignore it.

This evening on the river.

2007-06-07T00:25:00.000+01:00

Today started of badly as we had an alternator failure. Whether it was the alternator bearing failing or the belt failing is hard to say. We finally got going for the evening charter starting at 1900 from Glasgow. A group of Canadians who are from the company involved in the St. Enochs centre. Someone told me that we were having a group of Finish people, when they arrived I thought "these Fins speak excellent English," :o)
We had a pleasant uneventfull sail down to the Jubilee Hospital Clydebank and back to Glasgow against the tide.
Tomorrow we hope to get a full day of service, and if the weather is like today, we should get good trade.
Took some shots this evening. The chap at the helm is Irvine who is a Paisley Buddy and a very good boatmaster. He loves his job and working on the Clyde. As we all do. Must get of to bed, medical tomorrow to get my Boatmasters licence revalidated.

2007-06-07T00:14:00.000+01:00

2007-06-05T20:17:00.000+01:00

We can all dream can't we? Some day.

Tuesday 5th. June. PM

2007-06-05T20:03:00.000+01:00

Keep getting lost with this stuff, forgot my user name, password etc. Last day of untill next week, in at work 0830 tomorrow to take POTC to King George, (KG5) dock to refuel and get the jobby weecher to empty the toilet. We have an onboard chemical toilet, which we have to have a holding tank for, and it one of my least favourite tasks putting the suction hose down the tank and listening to all the jobbies weeching up the pipe. I have a sinus problem right now so no sense of smell, but it makes no odds as you can see the smell. If the tide is low, the smell in the dock is bad enough as it seems to hold onto stuff and it is just down stream from Shieldhall sewage works, who of course never pump any nasties into the river, aye right.
Enough about jobbies.
The weather forecast tomorrow seems pretty good so here's hoping for a good days trading, full boat every trip! Must remember to take the camera and try and get some shots for the blog.
Must go and make my grub for tomorrow.

2007-06-04T18:17:00.000+01:00

Just finding my way around this Blog thing how to use it etc. I become really annoyed when I cannot post my country as Scotland, and have to click the generic United Kingdom option. I am a Scottish nationalist. Always have been always will be :o)

back again

2007-06-04T17:47:00.000+01:00

Here goes with a blog which I have meant to start for some time. Monday is supposed to be a good day to start new projects so it's Monday.

Last week I began full time again as a skipper on the Pride o The Clyde. http://www.clydewaterbusservices.co.uk/ So the plan is to use this blog as a kind of daily log, and also to sound of about anything that takes my fancy.

My other project is to develope a utility business that I have been involved with for a while but have not got it going properly.http://www.utilitywarehouse.co.uk/entrance/index.taf?exref=858626 This will in time take me to the point where we have our own boat http://www.electriccatamaran.com/ and sail to the Mediterranean sun. It is an ambition or a target. I visualise that every day, and setting a target means you are more likely to achieve it, than if you had not.