Tuesday 13th April 2010 Long-billed blue tit spotted in Renfrewshire
An unusual specimen from the bird world has been sighted at the RSPB
nature reserve in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire. The bird, a blue tit with
an overgrown upper-bill, has been spotted using the reserve's feeders.
Such a beak would normally prevent them from feeding and is not a
common sight in wild birds.

Kirsi Peck, from the RSPB's wildlife inquiries team, said: "A bird's
beak is rather like a human fingernail and grows at a slow rate
throughout its life.Normally, the two sections work against each other
while the bird feeds ensuring that they stay the correct shape and
size. But in this case, it looks like something has happened to the
upper mandible causing it to grow excessively. It's likely to continue
to grow, and unfortunately, it will eventually affect the blue tit's
ability to feed and preen. It's really quite amazing that it's doing
so well at the moment." Glasgow

Thursday 8th April 2010 Glasgow Boys exhibition opens this week
An exhibition of the works of a group of artists known as the ‘Glasgow
Boys’ opens this week at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Museum. More than 140
works by artists such as Sir James Guthrie, Edward Atkinson Hornel and
Sir John Lavery will be on display at the exhibition. The display of
the collection will then travel to London after it closes in Glasgow
on 27 September.

It will be the first showing of their works together for more than 40
years and organisers say that years of negotiation went into bringing
plans for the exhibition to fruition. The exhibition is the largest to
be held at Kelvingrove since it underwent a £35m refurbishment in
2006. Glasgow

Friday 2nd April 2010 Lottery fund boost for historic church
Renfrew Old parish Church is to receive a share of more than £1m that
has been earmarked to restore eight Scottish churches by the Heritage
Lottery Fund (HLF). The church, which dates back to the middle ages,
still has a pew dedicated to Queen Victoria who worshipped then while
visiting Lord Blythswood.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "These grants are important for
preserving buildings that are landmarks in their area that will have
real benefits for their communities. They maintain a vital link to the
past and are often key to telling the story of how a community has
grown and been shaped. By investing in them and making them wind and
water-tight we are ensuring that these buildings continue to have a
role in people's lives and supporting the many people across the
country who devote their time to keeping their churches in working
order." Glasgow

Tuesday 9th March 2010 Strathclyde Police pimp drug gang’s ride
An Audi AS7 TDI Quattro S-Line, once the property of a Glasgow drugs
gang, is now one of the forces’ own motors. Now fully liveried up as
an active police car, the Audi was formerly used by a gang from the
north of the city but was confiscated when the they were busted. It’s
the first time the police have used a confiscated vehicle for their
own operations.

Assistant Chief Constable John Neilson said: "I would say to the
criminals that what you have this week; your houses, your cars - you
might not have next week. The hard working, law abiding citizens need
to know that we are hurting those involved in serious and organised
crime where it matters - their pockets. These criminals are fast
realising that they are not above the law. They may think that they
are getting away with it, but we are determined to make a long-term
impact in this area." Glasgow

Thursday 4th February 2010 Tasers for Strathclyde beat officers
Anyone who has watched an episode of the popular TV detective drama
‘Taggart’ will know what a tough beat the officers of the Strathclyde
Police patrol. In recognition of the special challenges and dangers
they face, a pilot scheme is being launched that will issue Taser stun
guns to some beat officers. Currently, UK’s police forces only issue
Tasers to authorised firearms officers.

The pilot project will cost almost £50,000 and will involve beat
officers serving in Glasgow city centre and Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
The scheme is to concentrate on these sub divisions because they
experience a higher proportion of police assaults compared with other
beats. Officers nominated for the project will undertake a three day
training course before being issued with the weapons during
"operational duties". Glasgow

Tuesday 29th December 2009 Expansion plans at Glasgow airport
A £25m expansion plan has been announced by Glasgow airport to improve
facilities at the airport over the next two years. The new
developments include improvements to the airport road system, upgrades
to the airfield and runway lights. The main passenger lounge will also
be refurbished and the internal layout of the airport will be changed
to create “a more seamless passenger journey through the airport”.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: "These
improvements will deliver a better passenger experience, provide
enhanced terminal facilities, and improve the efficiency of our
taxiway and runway infrastructure, which are essential for the smooth
operation of the airport.” Glasgow

Friday 11th September 2009 Major works on bridge to cause delays
Work just started on the Erskine Bridge in Scotland is expected to lead to significant traffic delays. Three weeks of work are needed to renovate the bridge which links Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire with restrictions and lane closures an inevitable part of the £500,000 project.

Colin Mackenzie, unit manager for contractors Amey in south west Scotland said: "Delays are inevitable, especially during the September weekend. We are undertaking six different work schemes at the same time to minimise disruption to the bridge in years to come. This is a major river crossing in south west Scotland which is used by motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on a daily basis. The upgrade to the bridge will ensure the integrity of the network for years to come." Glasgow

Tuesday 7th July 2009 Harley-Davidson party planned for Glasgow
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Harley-Davidson at West Coast, the Glasgow dealership is hosting a huge party on Saturday 1 August. The fun starts with an open day at the North Street store, followed by a fancy-dress Fifties theme night at The Primary, on Woodlands Road.

The bar in Glasgow’s West End will be decked out in Fifties memorabilia and a team of professional dancers will be in attendance to show guests how to jive. Live music will be played by nine-piece soul act Big Vern n’ the Shootahs, and rock band AC Blackhead, so everyone can rock until they drop. Special guests for the ticket only event include headline DJs from Radio Rock. Glasgow

Friday 26th June 2009 Fast Scot given keys to Dumbartonshire
Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart will be made a Freeman of West Dumbartonshire today. The 70 year old Formula One racing legend is being honoured by his hometown of Dumbarton in recognition of his achievements in the sport.

Sir Jackie, who won three world Grand Prix titles, will unveil a plaque at his former home and also tour his old school. He will receive his honour at a ceremony due to take place at the Dumbarton Municipal Buildings.

Jackie Stewart was reported as saying: “I have always been very proud of my Dumbarton origins and I am delighted that West Dunbartonshire is proud of my achievements and is granting me with this wonderful honour.” Glasgow