The Herald

Usplans Army Kit Allowance

AMERICAN congressmen are trying to introduce legislation that would allow US soldiers to customise some of their basic combat kit instead of wearing standard issue gear. The move, part of a bill that could force the Pentagon to provide the most complete personal body-armour available for troops in war zones, calls for an equipment allowance on items such as boots, torches and extreme weather clothing.

A Prime-Time Example of How Not to Send Up the Government

The Thick of It BBC2, 10.00pm Life on Mars BBC1, 9.00pm

Scots Soldier Shot Dead in Iraq Becomes 99th British Victim

A SCOTTISH soldier was killed yesterday in southern Iraq, bringing the British death toll to 99 since the 2003 invasion. The soldier, from the 7th Armoured Brigade, serving with the 1st Battalion The Highlanders, came under fire while on a multi- national patrol in the Maysan province.

Nhs Patients in Hospital After Private Clinic Surgery Infections Develop Following Contract Eye Care

PATIENTS have been admitted to hospital with serious infections after eye surgery to remove cataracts at a private clinic, in work contracted out by the NHS. An investigation is under way, and all health service operations at the centre have been cancelled.

Scientist Killed Defending His Girlfriend

Mcconnell to Ban Bigots Who Cause Trouble From Parades

SECTARIAN troublemakers will be barred from marches and parades with new banning orders. The measure will be modelled on those used to keep hooligans from entering football grounds.

Boy, 12, Arrested Over Alleged Rape of Girl

A boy of 12 was arrested yesterday in connection with the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl in Lanarkshire. Strathclyde Police said the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the subject of a report to the procurator-fiscal. He has been released meantime. The incident happened on Saturday night soon after the girl became separated from friends at the rear of the Townhead Community Centre, in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, a favourite night-time spot for young people.

Justice, Clarity and Consent: The New Plans for Rape Laws Changes Would Redefine 'Vague' Statutes

RAPE prosecutions would be made easier by scrapping the need for corroboration and redefining the crime to include attacks on males under proposals unveiled yesterday. The Scottish Law Commission recognises that ending the need for corroborating evidence would weaken the rights of the accused and go against a fundamental principle of Scots law, and its discussion paper on rape and other sexual offences calls only for a public debate on a difficult issue.

Police Will Force Bad Drivers to Watch Their Mistakes

DANGEROUS drivers are to be filmed by traffic patrols and shown footage of their erratic behaviour as part of a new police safety campaign. The attempt to reduce casualties on the roads will last four weeks and involve an increase in police cars in the Lothian and Borders area fitted with monitoring equipment.

Health Aside . . . Pizza and Chips Still Top Choice for Young Pupils Favourite Foods Stay the Same Despite Two Year Drive

TWO years after the launch of an unprecedented drive to make school meals healthier, pizza and chips is still the favourite lunch of the nation's primary school pupils. In the most comprehensive survey of their culinary likes and dislikes, children were asked to name their favourite lunchtime foods.

Whistle Blower Is Sacked in Row Over Bullying

A SENIOR official who tried to blow the whistle on mismanagement and bullying in a health board has been sacked. The Scottish Executive has refused to hold an inquiry into allegations about NHS Western Isles. It insisted issues be dealt with locally, despite being sent a 90-page dossier with statements from 12 witnesses.

Scottish Actor Is Nominated for Golden Raspberry

HE has taken home Laurence Olivier and Tony awards in a career which includes a stint with the Royal Shakespeare Company. However Alan Cumming, the Scottish actor from Aberfeldy, Perthshire, is now in the running for one of the film industry's most undesirable prizes.

Phil Gallie's Wife Dies in Hospital

THE wife of Phil Gallie, the Conservative MSP and former MP, has died. Marion Gallie died peacefully after a long illness at Biggart Hospital, Prestwick, on Sunday. She is survived by her husband, the couple's two children, Kirsteen and Craig, and four grandchildren.

Hayman Back for Play, Pie and Pint

New York Auction for Scot's Painting

Victorian Baths in the Swim Again

20,000 Planning Delays by Councils Missed Targets As Some Areas Take Months On Applications

THOUSANDS of householders have suffered delays in getting planning permission for home improvements, with almost all of Scotland's local authorities failing to meet strict targets. Around 20,000 applications from across Scotland were held up, according to a survey by the Scottish Executive.

Social Workers Escape Scrutiny Over Heroin Girl

SOCIAL workers will not be investigated after revelations that an 11-year-old girl had been abusing heroin, despite the fact she and her family were known to the authorities. Glasgow City Council yesterday rejected the possibility of launching an internal inquiry into the case, which has thrown the threat of drug use among young children into the spotlight.

Lawyer Launches Fight for Disabled

OLIVIA Giles, the Scots lawyer who lost her hands and feet to meningitis, said yesterday that disabled people have more to contribute to society than they are given credit for. Launching a major campaign to highlight discrimination against Scotland's one million disabled, Ms Giles rejected any idea that they were a drain on society.

Ex-Roller: 'I Did Not Supply Cocaine'

THE Former Bay City Rollers' singer accused of conspiring to supply cocaine yesterday told jurors that he was a user of the drug, but not a dealer. Les McKeown, 50, of Hackney, east London, told Basildon Crown Court he had not been involved in any agreement to supply or deal in cocaine.