Teasing Posters Sent To The Dean

Posters seeking student models are to be displayed to the Dean of Aberdeen Business School to decide whether or not they are exploitative.

The seductive poster advertising for models for a “professional photography project” have been posted on notice boards throughout Aberdeen Business School.

The posters were put on display without the knowledge of the University by a photographer who goes by the moniker Tor.

The posters are to be taken to the University’s Dean and the decision to take the posters down will be discussed.

Students are offered a free printed portfolio, exposure across the UK and EU and career opportunities in print, commercial, beauty and fashion modeling.

The poster suggests that some expenses will have to be paid to Tor.

Communications lecturer, Dr Sarah Peterson, who specialises in feminist issues, defended the photographer saying that the posters were a completely acceptable way of advertising for student models.

“He is a legitimate photographer, he has given a link to his website where he claims to be a member of the Royal Photographic Society and approach his work with utmost ethic, I don’t see anything wrong with the posters. How else would he be able to get models?”


By Saskia Leighton

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Young People Blossom Under New Scheme

Young people are turning their lives around thanks to a scheme run by Aberdeen City Council and a North-East charity for youth homelessness and unemployment.

The local authority joined forces with Aberdeen Foyer to offer seasonal gardening placements to out-of-work people instead of hiring agency staff.

Steven Shaw, environment manager at the city council, said the programme helped a number of long-term job-seekers get back on their feet last year and would be repeated again this summer.

Between 10 and 12 workers will be taken on by council maintenance teams on a short-term basis, with the opportunity to secure a full-time post.

Mr Shaw said: “The majority of the guys have been absolutely excellent and some have been recruited full-time. We take them full circle – a lot of these guys come from difficult backgrounds and we are able to help them get into a working environment.”

Ryan Cardosi is originally from Wick, but moved to Aberdeen in search of employment after spending more than a year fruitlessly looking for work. The 25-year-old, who now lives at Hardgate, Aberdeen, signed on with the Foyer programme, agreeing to work without pay for the first three months to gain experience.

He said: “I have lived in Wick all my life, but there were no jobs up there, it was a nightmare.”

“The first three months I was not getting paid, which was difficult – you feel like you are doing it for nothing. But it paid off in the end. Now I have a full-time job, I have my own place and just bought a car.”

Aberdeen Foyer executive director Leona McDermid said the scheme had a positive impact even for those who did not end up with a full-time job.

She said: “We are working with individuals who are furthest from the job market, who may have drug or alcohol issues, or who have issues around homelessness.

“This kind of scheme helps people move into a world that they would have really struggled to get into otherwise.

“It is good experience and people can develop what we call soft skills – things like turning up on time and interacting with colleagues – which many people take for granted"

By Marta Imizcoz

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Refusal To Accept Bonus: A Matter Of Principal

A North East university principal leading a radical review of higher education claimed he would refuse a bonus payment.


Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, was in charge of a review called by Education Secretary Mike Russell last year to look at the way the country’s top education institutions were managed.


The review, which has now been published, included recommendations to review principals pay and include representatives like students on the panels who decide how much the leading figures at universities should be paid.


He told the Scottish Parliament’s education committee that the issue of pay was something that “we have got to get a fix on.”


Professor von Prondzynski told the committee any bonus payments needed to be transparent, but said the review had not said they should be scrapped altogether.


But, in answer to a question from Labour member Neil Findlay, he said he had never received any extras as part of his salary.


He said: “In my entire career I have never received a bonus for anything.If I was offered, I would have refused it.”


The education secretary set up the panel last year after growing concerns over principals’ soaring pay and worries there was a lack of accountability in the institutions.


The proposals, which include electing the chairs of university courts of, featuring staff and students on renumeration committees and ensuring 40% of court members were female, were dubbed “radical” by Tory education spokeswoman Liz Smith, but Professor von Prondzynski denied this.


By Marta Imizcoz

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Grampian Leads Way In Inspiring Olympics

An Aberdeenshire sports programme has been given the Olympic stamp of approval. 


The Grampian Leaders SportScotland programme has been awarded the Olympic Inspire Mark for Excellence. 


The programme runs coaching and enhanced training courses and volunteering opportunities across Aberdeenshire for 16 to 24 year olds.


There are currently 31 young people enrolled in the Grampian Leaders scheme. 


Active Schools co-ordinator for Aberdeenshire Susie McLarty said: “The programme aims to heavily invest time, effort and money into each participant. There is a clear expectation on each candidate that they commit to all elements of the Grampian Leaders programme. “ 


The Inspire scheme is run by the 2012 London Olympics organising committee and officially recognises accessible, inspiring and stimulating projects which engage young people using the values of the event. 


 By Adrian Lewis

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Sex Offender Jailed For 12 years

An Aberdeen man has been jailed for 12 years after admitting a string of sex offences against children.


Ewan McRae appeared at the High Court in Aberdeen where he pleaded guilty to prolonged abuse over several years.


The 41-year-old committed the offences against two children between 1997 and 2004.


Advocate Depute Andrew Stewart QC told the court one of McRae’s victims has been left feeling “suicidal” as a result of the abuse.


Defence Advocate David David Moggach QC told the court McRae had struggled to accept his guilt.


Mr Moggach said: “He has found it very difficult to acknowledge that he did these things and was capable of doing these things.“


But he accepts the significant impact this could have had on the victims.“He is under no misapprehension whatsoever that he has pleaded guilty to serious seriouscorr charges.”


Painter and decorator McRae was this afternoon jailed for 12 years by Lord Uist.


Lord Uist said: “You have pled guilty to a course of conduct over a period of years consisting of the most appalling and horrifying sexual abuse by instigating disgusting and depraved sexual conduct.


“When you committed these crimes, you obviously gave no thought to their well being and possible effect on them.


“Those who engage in sexual abuse of children or young people should note that when they are brought to justice at their day of reckoning, they will face lengthy prison sentences.”


By Adrian Lewis

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North-East Building Plans Should Extend Population

An Aberdeenshire councillor has welcomed Scottish Government backing of the blueprint for the future of the North-East.


Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay welcomed the decision by inspectors to pass Aberdeenshire Council’s local development plan – nearly a year after it was submitted for them to decide.


The Scottish Government's Directorate of Planning and Environment Appeals (DPEA) returned a 900-page report with recommendations on each area of the development.


Aberdeenshire Council is expected to formally adopt its new masterplan after the directorate for planning and environmental appeals agreed it, with only minor changes. 


It sets out plans for 20,000 homes across the region to be built over the next 20 years, including major developments for Inverurie, Ellon and Elsick, near Newtonhill.


A total of 25% of the homes would have to be classed as affordable, in a bid to help more people buy their own home. Employment land and schools also form part of the plan, including a £50 million new secondary school earmarked for Cromleybank, near Ellon. 


Ambitious Plans


Mr Mackay, who officially signed off Aberdeen City Council’s plan last month, said: “I am pleased that the examination into the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan is complete and I look forward to the council adopting this admirably concise plan. 


“The requirement for 25% affordable housing in new developments will help people who want to stay in or move to the area, while there are ambitious plans for new developments at Elsick and Cromleybank.






"This Plan sets out a vision for the area and is good for residents and businesses in Aberdeenshire.”


Reports from the DPEA, which held 10 local hearings into the proposals, considered a total of 161 issues, of which 60% required no changes and 25% needed minor modifications. 


The document now has to be signed off by a minister and formally adopted by the authority.

By James Johnstone

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Death Threats To Fast Food Owner Investigated

Death threats made against the owner of a fast-food outlet in Aberdeen are being investigated by the Police.



The boss of The Food Kingdom in George Street also reported that he had suffered racial abuse.



Chetan Aggarawal said he was terrified to discover “hate” messages on his website for his new business, which he launched this month.



Mr Aggarawal, 29, said a customer had informed him there was “rubbish” on the website, which he then checked on his mobile phone.

He said: “The message said ‘you’re going to die’.

“I was very scared of that.There were also hatred and anti-nationalism elements.

“It said India was rubbish and Pakistan was really good.”



Mr Aggarawal said his website had been hacked. He said he feared he was being targeted because he was offering “authentic” Indian cuisine.



He said: “It’s the wrong tactic. I just want to live in peace and harmony.

“I started this venture to generate jobs for the city.”



Mr Aggarawal, who moved to Aberdeen six years ago, said he had moved his website to a more secure server after the abuse was posted on the home page.



He added: “I’m just going to concentrate on my business.”



A spokesman for Grampian Police said the complaint had been passed to the authorities in India because the website was hosted in that country.

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Memorial Service For The Cormorant Alpha Helicopter Crash

A prayer service today will mark the 20th anniversary of the Cormorant Alpha helicopter disaster. 


20 years ago eleven men died when a helicopter leaving the Cormorant Alpha platform crashed into the sea. 


The crash remains one of the worst disasters to effect the north sea oil industry, with only five passengers and one crew member surviving. 


Prayers were said for the men who died during the daily prayer service at the Oil and Gas Chaplaincy at the Kirk of St Nicholas. 


Reverend Stephen Taylor said they would be praying for “all the victims and their families.” 


The helicopter flew out in winds blowing at up to 55 knots with waves reaching 13 metres. The flight only lasted 55 seconds, and passengers had no warning of the impending crash. 


Ten passengers and two crew members were able to evacuate, but due to the extreme conditions of the water, only half the men we taken from the water alive in lifeboats, 40 minutes later. 


The pilot was criticised by the Ait Accident Investigation Branch, for performing a rushed and hazardous flight manoeuvre which resulted in the crash. 


A report said irritation and exhaustion may have been part of the reason for his error. 

By Rachel Coorey

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Shore Up The Beach

Aberdonians have been invited to help clean up the city’s beach and protect sea life.

The site has been selected as one of the first locations in the UK to hold a Big Beach Clean-up.


The event has been organised by supermarket giant Marks and Spencer and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).


Organisers are encouraging people from Aberdeenshire and beyond to sign up to become beach cleaners on Friday, May 11.


The aim is to reduce common items such as fishing nets, ropes and bottles tops polluting our beaches and seas.


MCS chief executive Samantha Fanshawe said: "MCS surveys have shown that beach litter levels are unacceptably high.”


Aberdeen City Council are also in agreement with the plans. Housing and Environment Councillor Martin Greig said: "We are delighted with the clean up. We all share a responsibility to look after our natural environment. It is vital to maintain a clean and healthy environment."

By Danielle O'Donnell

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Aberdeen Student's Perfect Blend For World Whisky Day

An Aberdeen student who created a global event to celebrate whisky has made his own blend for the special day.


Hispanic Studies student Blair Bowman has officially launched the whisky he distilled at his home in Aberdeen.


People from all over the world have bought bottles to toast World Whisky Day on March 27.


The 21-year-old, of Old Aberdeen, said: “I blended the whisky myself and it’s available to buy on www.masterofmalt.com.


“I decided to make it an all-rounder so that it would be a whisky that everyone would enjoy.”


Blair, who works part time in the St Machar Bar in Old Aberdeen, is hoping to have a whisky tasting – featuring his creation – at his workplace with his drink before the event.


Blair said he’s considering starting the celebrations in London before making his way to Aberdeen.


He said: “Although there are more than 100 events organised worldwide so far, I’ve made sure I'm not hosting any of them so that I can enjoy the day.


WORLD HANGOVER DAY


“The next day will not be World Hangover Day for me however as the day should be all about savouring the different whiskies rather than drinking as much as you can.”


Blair has also won the Arts and Culture award at the Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) New Ventures competition this week and bagged £1,000 for creating World Whisky Day.


Next week he will be pitted against four other winners from different categories to see if he can bag £5,000 worth of professional services through the institute.


 The overall winner will be announced in Glasgow on March 22.University of Aberdeen student Blair said: “The prize came about suddenly and I’m delighted that my effort has been recognised and, of course, to have some money to spend on my business.“


The £5,000 can be used for services that my business will need, for instance legal services, which would be great.“It would be fantastic to be crowned the overall winner but we’ll see what happens.”


By Danielle O'Donnell

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Fairy Ceilidh For Seriously Ill Children

A ceilildh has been organised by a Robert Gordon University student to help raise money for the ‘Fairy Box’ charity. 


Amy Paterson, who is in her second year of a Children’s Nursing Degree, is helping to co-ordinate a fundraising drive - with friends Sophie White of Banchory, and Rachael Keller of Bridge of Don - for ill children at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. 


They first came in contact with the ‘Fairy Box’ charity during their time working at Aberdeen’s Children’s Hospital as part of their degree. At the heart of the charity’s work is the Fairy Box itself, a themed gift box which sits on the children’s wards and is filled with small gifts of books, toys, and games. 


There are seven of the boxes across Scotland, with two in Aberdeen, giving presents to children undergoing treatment.


However plans to open another 11 boxes across Scotland have been halted due to a lack of funds. 


The boxes are an important part of a child’s treatment. 


Amy said: “When so many specialist services for seriously ill children are centralised in centres – sometimes many miles from home - it is not always possible for parents to have the means, time or access, to find a gift for their child to help them through a difficult period, especially when they may be on duty by their child’s bedside, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. 


“From first-hand experience, we know that getting through bad times only happens moment by moment. 


"How much lighter this task becomes when we are also blessed with the hopes and good wishes of folk who want to bring us much-needed comfort and cheer.


"We don’t have a specific target on money we’d like to raise - we just hope to sell all of our tickets and raise as much money as we can.” 


The Fairy Ceilidh will be held at the Douglas Hotel for over-18s on March 24. Tickets are £15, and the price includes stovies.


Tickets are available by contacting Amy at amyrosepaterson@hotmail.com.


By Danielle O'Donnell

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Meat The Trumps

The sons of Donald Trump have sparked outrage over pictures of them posing with animals they killed while hunting in Africa.

Eric and Donald Trump Jr have been slammed by animal rights groups for killing; an elephant, a crocodile, a civet cat, a kudu and a waterbuck.


Eric is shown holding a dead leopard as he stands next to his brother, while Donald Jr is shown holding a severed tail of an elephant.


He wrote on his twitter: "I have no shame. I HUNT and Eat game. I'm a hunter, for that I make no apologies."


He also added: They are not endangered animals. "As a hunter I love wildlife too. And btw I bet the money I spend on licence fees that goes back to the animals is a lot more than the antis give for sure.


The anger was caused by pictures posted on the website of the company Hunting Legends. The company ran a trip to zimbabwe last year called: "The Trumps Hunt Africa".


People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said: "If the young Trumps are looking for a thrill, perhaps they should consider skydiving, bungee jumping, or even following in their anti-hunting father's footsteps and taking down competing businesses, not wild animals.

"Like all animals, elephants, buffalo and crocodiles deserve better than to be killed and hacked apart for two young millionaires' grisly photo opportunity.


"If the Trumps want to help villages, they have plenty of resources at their disposal."


told showbiz news website TMZ: "Would any intelligent person feel moved to murder a magnificent elephant, then further insult and desecrate it by hacking off his or her tail as an additional gesture of dominance?


"Privilege has clearly not bought them the sensitivity or wisdom to view the world as anything but their personal playground, including the imagined entitlement to end the lives of sensitive and social animals for mere amusement."


Donald Trump, 65, told showbiz website TMZ: "My sons love hunting. They're hunters and they've become good at it. I am not a believer in hunting and I'm surprised they like it. "I know that anything they did was 100 per cent okay in terms of the hunting community."

The US tycoon has proven a controversial figure in the North-East of Scotland over his plans to build a huge golf complex at Balmedie estate. He has cause further anger residents by threatening to leave the project unfinished because of his objection to an offshore wind farm proposal.

By Katie Rattray

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Law Student Found Guilty For Making Firm More Lawful

A law student has been fined in court after the company she was a director of admitted illegally supplying workers.

Jannicke Anderson brought the crime to light inadvertently after her own research showed it was breaking the law.


Her efforts to bring it in line with government legislation resulted in an investigation that saw the 22-year-old end up in the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court – where both she and the company were fined.

Anderson was the director of Peterhead-based PPS Scotland Ltd, which supplied workers to an Aberdeen fish factory. The company was started up in August 2010 after its predecessor Phoenix Property Scotland Ltd, a completely separate company which was owned by Miss Anderson’s mother, was hit with a large tax bill.

The company broke the law because it never obtained a gangmaster licence. Miss Anderson appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court where she and the company pleaded guilty to illegally providing workers to Nolan’s Seafoods, West Tullos Industrial Estate, Aberdeen, between August 2010 and June 2011.

EXPLOITED

Fiscal depute Alison Shaw told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that gangmaster licensing was established in 2005 to prevent the exploitation of workers. However, Ms Shaw did add that no workers supplied by PPS Scotland seemed to have been exploited, and the crime arose from not having the necessary licence.

Mr Gibb told the court how Anderson, a law and business management student at RGU, noticed the company was not legally sound while surfing the web. He said: “Miss Anderson happened to come across reference to gangmaster licences on the internet.

“At that point she checked with her mother and got together as quickly as she could the relevant application.

“Had Miss Anderson not taken some steps to retrieve the situation, it could possibly have continued for some time.” Mr Gibb emphasised that at no point in the history of either Phoenix Property Scotland Ltd or PPS Scotland Ltd has there been any issue raised by customers or workers against wither companies conduct.

He added: “This is not the classic situation the legislation as intended to protect workers from.”Sheriff Malcolm Garden fined PPS Scotland Ltd £1,000 and fined Anderson, of 6 Iona Avenue, Peterhead, £300.

By Adrian Lewis

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Moray Council Money Worry

The estimated cost of repairing a North-East hall has spiraled to £800,000 – prompting fears for the building’s future.

A confidential report to Moray councilors has revealed the extent of work required at Fochabers Institute.

Repair estimates for a crumbling Moray community hall have quadrupled to £800,000 – prompting fresh fears for the future of the 100-year-old landmark.

A confidential report to a meeting of Moray councilors next week has revealed the extent of upgrade work required to bring the Fochabers Institute back to a “satisfactory” condition.

The draft document also details projected replacement costs for the building, which could reach £1.3million.

Members of the local authority’s policy and resources committee will be told on Tuesday that the next stage of the process will be to consult with the public on options for the future of the council-owned site.

According to the report, these include the closure and “disposal” of the hall, partial replacement or transfer of ownership to the community.

Frances Duncan, chairwoman of the Fochabers Institute Management Committee, said last night she was surprised the costs had increased to such an extent. Earlier estimates had placed the cost of repairs at about £200,000.

She said: “Once we have the public consultation, we will have to make a decision, but hopefully we will get public support.

“The community will not want the hall to be lost, I think they would rally round and give us the support we need to keep it going.”

Among the “essential” repairs needed to bring the hall up to standard as part of the projected £800,000 upgrade are replacement of windows and doors and a complete overhaul of the interior of the building.

The report also suggests there is a “significant” risk work would uncover further underlying problems such as dry rot – and the refurbishment option is not considered the best way forward.

Councillors are expected to discuss the matter in private session at Tuesday’s meeting.

By Saskia Leighton

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Socially Deprived Turn A Blind Eye To Free Eye Tests

Experts at Aberdeen University say that more affluent Scots gain most from free eye tests.

Researchers who examined the impact of free eye tests for Scots say that there had been a rise in the number of people taking the test.

But the Aberdeen University team found that people in poorer households are less likely to go for an examination because of the high price of spectacles.

The experts said that more had to be done to educate the public about free eye tests and the importance of regular examinations and the early detection of potentially serious conditions.

The Royal National Institute for the Blind warn that without development on strategies such as free eye health checks sight loss within Scotland could double over the next two decades.

More to follow.

By Saskia Leighton

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Volunteers Help Keep Stonehaven Open Air Pool Afloat

Volunteers have been hard at work to ensure a major North-East tourist attraction will be open in time for summer.

The Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool team has been blessed with mild weather, which has spurred them on as they have been busy preparing the swimming pool for its annual seasonal opening.

The volunteers have already drained the main pool and power-washed it, and is now ready to freshen it up by giving it a lick of specialist paint.

The pool holds 290,000 gallons of water and although the seawater used is heated to 29C, the special coating should last many years.

The open-air pool is scheduled to open on May 26.

Organiser David Dobbie said: “There is still a lot of cleaning to be done, lockers to be put in and a replacement pool cover to be installed.

”Anyone interested in helping prepare the attraction can join the squads at the pool between 1pm and 4pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9am and noon on Saturdays.

The group will also hold a coffee morning on Saturday at St Bridget’s Hall, in Stonehaven, from 10am.

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Smooth Ride For RGU Students

Robert Gordon University students are being urged to get on their bikes to make smoothies while learning more about climate change.


The road show, which will run for three days at the university, aims to raise awareness of Climate Change Week.


Nestrans, First Bus and the University’s own sustainability office are a few of the companies involved which make up the scheme Get About.


Get About is an organisation which is involved in marketing sustainable and active travel by giving people information during various events.


Their main aim is to encourage everybody to use the best form of transport for each trip.They are working on introducing a new city centre car rental club in central Aberdeen.


Members pay £25 to join the club and can rent a car online. The cars use a smart card system to unlock and drivers can find the keys in the glove compartment.

Donald Kent, Transport Executive for Nestrans said: “The car rental scheme is particularly useful for students who have just passed their test.

“Usually you have to be over 25 to rent a car but we are offering the service to over 21s.”

RGU are also hosting an evening called ‘Cocktails by Candlelight’ in their student union which will highlight ‘Earth Hour’ on March 31st.

Earth Hour sees many organisations and individuals around the world switching off their lights for an hour. The event will start at 8:30pm.

For more information about Get About go to: www.get-about.com

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Under Par Lawrie Pulls Out

Paul Lawrie has pulled out of his Andalucian Open title defence this week because of illness and it could leave him sweating on a place in next month’s US Masters at Augusta.

The Aberdeen golfer is currently 45th in the world and at the end of next week the top 50 earn invitations to the opening major of the year.

Lawrie, who has not played at The Masters since 2004, almost withdrew from last week’s Cadillac Championship in Miami.

He said “I haven’t been feeling too well this week, and I was up coughing most of the night.

“I was going to pull out until I found out you have to complete four rounds for the money to count on the Order of Merit and Ryder Cup points, so I decided to cough and splutter my way round, eventually shooting 77.”

It dropped him to joint 60th in the 74-man field and meant he did not pick up any world ranking points in any case.

Lawrie won the Qatar Masters last month and is currently fifth in the race for places in Jose Maria Olazabal’s Ryder Cup side.

He last played in the match in 1999 – the year he won the Open Championship, of course, from an amazing 10 strokes behind with a round to play.

Olazabal, meanwhile, has also withdrawn from this week’s event at Aloha near Marbella. Plagued by rheumatic pains for the best part of two decades, he has a foot injury.

By Adrian Lewis

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Coke Man Fined For Being Out Of Line

An Aberdeen man caught with cocaine at a nightclub has been fined.

Matthew Lorenson was caught at the Pearl Lounge in Aberdeen city centre with a quarter of a gram of the Class A drug.

The 25-year-old appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court where he admitted being in possession of the drug on January 28 this year.

Fiscal depute Alison Shaw told the court Lorenson was caught after being seen with another man in the toilet area of the nightclub.

She said: “Witnesses saw them leaning over.”

Defence agent Stuart Beveridge said: “It was a drunken night out with friends.”

Lorenson was fined £200 by Sheriff Malcolm Garden.

By Rachel Coorey

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Cashmore Cashing In

CNN is in talks to buy Aberdeenshire technology news website Mashable.

Launched in 2005 by 19-year-old Pete Cashmore from his bedroom in Banchory, the site has proven to be hugely popular with an estimated value of £130 million.

The site claims to have 20 million unique users per month making its creator one of the most influential people in the technology world.

Pete Cashmore's official biography on Mashable.com says he started the site to focus on "up-to-the-minute news on social networks and digital trends."

He has been likened as a British Zuckerberg and often described as the internet’s Brad Pitt.

The Principal Teacher of Guidance at Banchory Academy, Niall Ritchie said: “Peter was a quiet, unassuming and self contained student.He had real interest in computing at school and developed a business sense in IT from home.

"He could obviously see the great potential of the internet from a young age.

“It has been interesting following his progress and watching him from a distance achieve something exceptional. His success should be an inspiration to other students at Banchory Academy.”

The company is now headquartered in New York and Mr Cashmore separates his time between there and California.

By Danielle O'Donnell

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Police Called To Classroom Stramash

Police were called to an Aberdeen school to break up a classroom fight between two school children.


The Northfield Academy pupils, thought to be under 16 years old, were involved in a classroom scuffle in which no teachers were assaulted.

Councillor for Kincorth and Loirston, Neil Cooney, a former teacher, said a handful of disruptive pupils should not be allowed to “tarnish” the reputation of the school.

He said: “The majority of kids are good kids.

“It’s a very supportive community that are proud of their school”

By Rachel Coorey

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Body "May Take Weeks to Identify"

A body found in Aberdeenshire harbour could take several weeks to identify.

A man’s body was recovered from Fraserburgh harbour on Sunday at around 2.40pm.

The emergency services were called and the local lifeboat team was able to pull it from the Balaclava Basin and take it to shore.

Authorities are now attempting to identify the body and it is understood that police are investigating the possibility that the body could be that of Viktors Asitkovs who was reported missing in the town in January.

When the Latvian national failed to turn up for work on the Willing Lad fishing vessel, docked in Fraserburgh harbour the alarm was raised.

Mr Astikovs has short grey hair and was wearing a black leather jacket, blue/grey jeans, brown shoes and a black T-shirt with a white pattern on the front when he was last seen.

Anyone with information about where Mr Asitkovs is can contact Grampian Police on 0845 6005700 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

By Saskia Leighton

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Casino Racists Plead Guilty

Two men who racially abused a casino doorman have been fined.

Graham Fyfe and Alan Moir appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court where they both pleaded guilty to racially abusing door staff at the city’s Grosvenor Casino.

Fyfe, 51, and Moir, 53, both admitted shouting, swearing and uttering racial remarks in the early hours of February 19 this year.

Fiscal depute Alison Shaw told the court the pair became abusive after they were refused entry to the casino.

Following this the two men reportedly shouted "Go back to Poland" at the doorman.

Defence agent Stuart Beveridge told the court Fyfe and Moir are work colleagues who were ashamed of their actions.

The solicitor said: “They are embarrassed to be in court.

“They have never been in trouble before and do very much regret their actions on the night.”

Both were fined £350 by Sheriff Malcolm Garden.

By Marta Imizcoz

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Offshore Pilots May Refuse To Fly

Offshore pilots could refuse to fly in severe weather conditions after warnings from the union.

 Pilots said they have concerns over a new net safety device designed to rescue casualties from water.

 The Dacoon Scoop system is to be used as a last resort where fast flying rescue copters cannot reach the location in time. 

The system includes a hydraulic arm which is used to scoop victims out of the freezing water. However, the union said all flying should be suspended if conditions become so extreme.

Robert Paterson, health and safety director at Oil & Gas UK, said: “Both the Health and Safety Executive and Oil & Gas UK support the use of dacoon scoops as an effective and safe means of rescuing people from the sea as part of an offshore emergency response.

"The industry’s priority is ensuring the safety of its workforce and Oil & Gas UK helps in that endeavour by disseminating best practice in a range of emergency response methods offshore to stakeholders.”

This warning comes from the British Air Line Pilots’ Association following the 20th anniversary of the Cormorant Alpha helicopter crash.

By Danielle O'Donnell

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