Islay distillery becomes self-sufficient by generating electricity from waste

A SCOTTISH distillery will shortly become the first in the world to go completely green by creating its own electricity from the whisky-making process.

The plan to create volts from malts involves using waste products from distillation to generate power.

Bruichladdich distillery on Islay says the £300,000 project will create enough electricity to export to local homes, cut the cost of transporting waste, and benefit the environment.

The firm has teamed up with a company called BioWayste to turn the waste, called pot ale, into useful power.

The pot ale, rich in protein and carbohydrates, has previously been dumped into the sea.

Although the dumping is not in itself harmful, turning the pot ale into electricity to drive the distillery means less power has to be taken from the grid.

Mark Reynier, managing director of Bruichladdich distillery, said: “We are doing it for a practical and sensible reason and because it’s common sense.

Two thirds of Scots want “cruel” snares outlawed

By Michael MacLeod

A WOMAN whose dog was caught in a vicious snare has joined growing calls for Scotland to lead the way in banning the deadly traps.

Jill Flye’s seven year-old English Pointer Monty was “yelping in pain” when he got caught in a trap on a public path.

After helping her distressed pet out of the snare, she said she was even more shocked to find out they were entirely legal in Scotland.

Now she is teaming up with MSPs in a bid to gather support before the issue is debated in the Scottish Parliament later this year.

Firefighters hold emotional memorial for Ewan Williamson

Chief Fire Officer Jimmy Campbell and Convener Mike Bridgman place a wreath in memory of Ewan

By Cara Sulieman

FIRE-FIGHTERS paid tribute to fallen hero Ewan Williamson at an emotional service to mark the first anniversary of their colleague’s death in Edinburgh yesterday.

Lothian & Borders Fire & Rescue Service chief fire officer Jimmy Campbell – in his first day in the job – led tributes to the 35-year-old who died rescuing people from a blaze at the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road last July.

Joined in laying a wreath outside the brigade’s HQ by Convener of the Fire Board Mike Bridgman, Mr Campbell said:  “It’s been a difficult year for the service.

“This wreath is being laid in memory of Ewan – it’s to remember Ewan’s family, his friends and his work colleagues.

“This was a very emotional day for the service. It’s a year on since we lost Ewan Williamson and it was a time for us to come together.

Oldest activist in Scotland campaigns for change

By Rory Reynolds

SCOTLAND’S oldest political activist is back out chapping doors on the campaign trail – just a few months shy of his 100th birthday.

Leslie Spoor got his first taste of politics when he was caught up in the Battle of Cable Street in East London in 1936 when the local communities united to take violent action against Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists.

The 99-year-old, who retired in 1975, was the principle founder of the Scottish Ecology Party, which later became the Scottish Green Party.

The former Musselburgh Grammar School history teacher was previously a member of the Labour party and a close friend of the late foreign secretary Robin Cook.

Leslie, also a former Open University lecturer, lives with his wife Pat in the city’s Corstorphine area and still maintains a keen interest in politics and current affairs.

Ewan Williamson memorial unveiled

Linda Williamson in front of the plaque remembering her son Ewan

By Cara Sulieman

A LASTING tribute to remember tragic Scots firefighter Ewan Williamson was unveiled by his mother Linda yesterday (Mon).

The 35-year-old had been with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service for seven years when he died rescuing people from a blaze at the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh last July.

Although around 20 people were evacuated from the building, Ewan tragically lost his life – the first Edinburgh based firefighter to die whilst battling a blaze in living memory.

And now the service has dedicated a lasting tribute to a “wonderful individual” and “courageous firefighter”.

Scottish police to use spy planes

By Cara Sulieman

SCOTTISH police forces could soon be using unmanned spy planes to keep tabs on citizens in a bid to crack down on crime.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have already been trialled by Strathclyde Police who used one in rescue operations in rural Argyll.

And Scotland’s largest police force is keen to be at the forefront of the new technology, which is being looked at by all forces in the UK.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has joined forces with their English counterpart to form the Unmanned Aerial Systems Steering Group, who meets regularly to discuss the use of the planes, and report to the Home Office.

Cut-price electric cars in Scotland thanks to Chinese firms

By Rory Reynolds

CHINESE firms are planning to sell electric cars in Scotland for as little as £5,000.

Imports expected to arrive next year are set to slash the price of green cars, many of which are sold for around £20,000.

And currently many electric models have a range of just 60-70 miles, making them a luxury to all but the most eco-conscious drivers.

However, many of the new generation vehicles, made by firms like BYD, will top the 100-mile barrier, with some reaching a range of 200 miles.

Health and safety prevents donation

By Cara Sulieman

A PRIMARY school has been unable to display a hard-earned eco award outside their building because of health and safety fears.

Craigroyston Primary in Edinburgh won a Green Flag award for showing lasting commitment to environmental issues.

The skint school could not afford over £2,000 to install a flag pole and were forced to hang the flag on a wall.

But when a generous contractor offered free poles left from another job the city’s council put a stop to works until they carried out “checks” on the pole.

Salmond on crash course with voters over new Forth Road Bridge

By Michael MacLeod

ONLY a third of Scots support a £2billion project to build a new bridge over the River Forth, according to a new survey.

And more than half would rather a fraction of the cash was used to repair the existing bridge, which has long-term weakness issues.

The Scottish Greens said their poll proved the new bridge plan was “deeply unpopular.”

But the Scottish Government claimed it would be “positive for the environment.”

Alex Salmond’s Government is set to put plans for the replacement crossing – linking Edinburgh to Fife – before MSPs a week today (Monday).

But a poll commissioned by the Scottish Greens and environmental campaigners found most voters want the cash spent elsewhere.

Scottish Government’s plans for energy-saving loans slammed by Labour

By Oliver Farrimond

THE Scottish Government was accused of letting down OAPs over fuel yesterday – as they launched a radical new scheme aimed at improving energy consumption.

Scottish Finance Minister John Swinney unveiled a plan to lend cash to homeowners to help them install double-glazing, replace faulty boilers and fit eco-friendly wind turbines or solar panels.

The package would see interest-free loan of between £500 and £10,000, allowing householders to improve their carbon footprint and cut their fuel bills while reducing emissions.

But Scottish Labour’s Andy Kerr condemned the scheme, and said that the SNP government offers “cold comfort” to Scotland’s householders.

Mr Kerr, Shadow Finance Secretary and MSP for East Kilbride, said: “A pilot scheme to provide loans is cold comfort to many and not an adequate response to this Government’s failure.