The Herald

A Family of Peace, Gathered Together in Praise Pope's Spirit Shines Through Crowds That Flocked to Rome

SOME had slept there all night. Slumbering fitfully in sleeping bags, camped out on the ancient cobblestones of St Peter's Square. They woke to find new arrivals stepping over them, attempting to secure a better vantage point from which to view the Mass.

'In the End It Was Celebratory, Rather Than a Mourning of His Passing'

Jack McConnell, the first minister: "It was an honour for Scotland to be represented at this most moving and fitting tribute to a great life. The international, yet simple, funeral service recognised the fact that Pope John Paul II was one of the world's most influential leaders. He was also a tireless champion of the ordinary people the world over."

Santo Subito: Make Him a Saint, Now Spontaneous Demands for Pontiff to Be Canonised

IF it were possible to canonise someone by popular acclaim, then Pope John Paul II would have achieved it effortlessly yesterday. The cries came from the hearts of thousands: "Santo subito" - make him a saint immediately.

Who Will Be Next to Lead Church?

FOLLOWING a nine-day period of mourning, Roman Catholic cardinals will open a conclave on April 18 to tackle the difficult task of electing a new Pope. There is no favourite candidate to take over. Karol Wojtyla was himself regarded as an outsider when he was elevated to the papacy on October 16, 1978 .

Scotland's First 'Food Town' Loses Battle of the Aisles Tesco Wins Year-Long Fight for Planning

THE status of Scotland's first branded "food town" is under threat after Tesco was granted planning permission to build a supermarket at its centre. The supermarket chain yesterday won a year-long battle to build an outlet in Castle Douglas, the market town celebrated for its thriving independent food producers.

Strong Response to Speed Limit Proposals On Loch

MORE than 800 people responded to a consultation on by-laws on Loch Lomond which could see new restrictions placed on speed boats later this year. Fears have been growing that Loch Lomond could soon become a magnet for power boats and jet-skis from the Lake District.

Prayers and Tears for Passing of a Pope

A STRONG morning breeze swept through St Peter's Square, rippling the bright red cassocks of the cardinals and, as if by a gentle act of God, turning the pages of the Gospels which lay as a comfort upon the coffin of the pontiff. From the poor to the powerful, they came to Rome in their millions. The windswept funeral of Pope John Paul II represented the largest gathering of Christian souls in the history of humanity.

Anger As Prince Shakes Mugabe's Hand

THE Prince of Wales was involved in controversy on the eve of his wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles, shaking the hand of Robert Mugabe at the Pope's funeral by mistake. Prince Charles was said to have been caught by surprise when the president of Zimbabwe, who sidestepped a European Union travel ban to attend the service, reached over to him.

World Returns Love of a Holy Father Ceremonies Around Globe Mark Pontiff 'S Passing

CHEERS, chanting and applause may have charged the emotional events in St Peter's Square yesterday, but across the world mourners quietly bowed their heads in prayer. In contrast to the pomp and ceremony in Rome, low-profile services took place everywhere - in cathedrals, city squares, fields and even at a cricket ground.

Police Chief Speaks Out Against Airguns As Teenager Is Charged

A SENIOR police officer has spoken out against airguns after the shooting of a six-yearold boy who narrowly escaped death on an Edinburgh street. Malcolm Dickson, deputy chief constable of the Lothian and Borders force, said he found it "completely inappropriate" for people to be in possession of such weapons in urban environments.

Bookmakers Expecting a Busy Day As Half the Population Have a Flutter On Grand National

BOOKMAKERS are bracing themselves for the biggest betting day of the year, with an unprecedented number of punters ready to have a flutter on the Grand National. Nearly half the UK adult population are expected to be cheering on at least one of the 40 horses in today's race, placing an average of nearly - pounds8 per bet.

Scotland Seen As Centre for Peace Talks

SCOTLAND would become one of the world's leading peacemakers under the SNP, the party's foreign affairs spokesman will claim today. Angus Robertson, MP for Moray, will advocate creating a Scottish Centre for Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution in a future independent Scotland.

Brown to Highlight Rise in Employment

THERE are 180,000 more Scots in work now than in 1997, Gordon Brown will say today when he joins the campaign trail in Edinburgh. In a keynote speech, the chancellor will claim that economic stability has made it possible to fund investment to help hard- working families in Scotland.

The Ship Was Named, and the People Cheered . . . But Nothing Happened Weather Conditions Leave the Cardigan Bay High and Dry

THOUSANDS of spectators were left disappointed yesterday after the launch of one of the largest ships to grace the Clyde in recent years was cancelled because of problems with the tides. Almost 8000 people and a host of dignitaries at Govan Shipyards had to make do with a naming ceremony for RFA Cardigan Bay performed by the ship's sponsor, Lady Jan Stanhope.

Wark in Fresh Merger Talks

Kirsty Wark's television production firm is in fresh talks over a merger deal. The Newsnight presenter could earn a substantial sum should her IWC firm link with Hat Trick, the producers of Have I Got News for You.

New Orchestra Chief Chosen

The new head of Scotland's national orchestra was revealed yesterday as Simon Woods, 41, president and chief executive of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra of New York. He told The Herald he wants to see the Royal Scottish National Orchestra fulfil its "huge potential" on the national and international stage.

Teenager Dies After Crash

A TEENAGE motorist died after being struck by a minibus while walking from a car crash. Craig Kelly, 17, from Cumnock, died at the scene of the accident on the A76 in Mauchline, Ayrshire, on Thursday night.

Labour Makes Eleventh-Hour Attempt to Save Mg Rover Ministers Offer - Pounds40m Support Package

TONY Blair and Gordon Brown yesterday made a united last-minute attempt to save the last British-owned mass car manufacturerwith an appeal to the Chinese government. The prime minister returned from Pope John Paul II's funeral in Rome and was joined by the chancellor in Birmingham for emergency talks with members of the MG Rover task force, as well as workers and union representatives.

Troops 'to Join Regiment Rally'

Hundreds of soldiers from north of the border are expected to join a London rally today to protest at the merger of Scotland's historic regiments. The Save the Regiments campaign and Save the Scottish Regiments will gather in Trafalgar Square in the afternoon to send a message to the government that the reconfiguration of the UK's regiments are "unwelcome and unwise".

Voice of Sir Sean Hits Wrong Note with Snp Opponents

THE Scottish National Party has been shaken but not stirred by a warning that its use of Sir Sean Connery's voice to appeal to a quarter million voters in the past week may have been breaking the law. The Liberal Democrats have called on the party to stop the automated, 35-second message, using a warning to parties from Richard Thomas, the information commissioner, who polices data protection laws He has said the party would be breaking telephone marketing rules if calls were made without the...