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First stage of extensive UK walking and cycling routes to open

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The first stage of an extensive network of walking and cycling routes has been opened in Dumfries.

The multi-million pound system will establish more convenient routes into towns or cities nationwide and aims to reduce car travel in favour of walking and cycling.

The launch platform, the Queen of the South Viaduct pedestrian and cycle bridge, stretches across the River Nith in Dumfries. Construction work has transformed the disused railway viaduct into a crossing that links the east and west sides of the town.

Financed by the Big Lottery Fund and the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership, the scheme cost £480, 000.

Transport charity, Sustrans, said that the link would benefit the 25,000 people living within a mile of the route. The BBC reports that Sustrans' director, John Lauder, said: "Our ambition is that when you wake up in the morning, walking and cycling will be the obvious way to get around.

"Nearly half of all car journeys are under three miles, well within cycling distance, and with the Queen of the South Viaduct opening today, walking and cycling will be a natural choice for local travel in Dumfries."

Plans for the next five years involve nearly £30 million a year being invested into walking and cycling routes in areas ranging from Devon to Perthshire.

Other areas that will come receive new routes include Lanarkshire, Northumberland, Cardiff and Bristol.

Edinburgh Zoo to be part of Fringe act

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:48:00 GMT

Edinburgh Zoo is getting involved in this year's Fringe Festival with an unusual attraction - it will be adding humans to its collection of wild and exotic animals.

Five performers will spend 11 days living in an animal enclosure in a show that aims to display the behaviour of humans when being held as captive animals.

The attraction has been named Enclosure 44 and will involve the performers interacting with the public from August 5 - 16.

They will receive meals at specified times from actors dressed as zookeepers. Early visitors will see the human exhibits in their pyjamas being fed breakfast at 10am.

The BBC reports that the exhibit's choreographer, Janis Claxton, said: "My intention with this project is to show the deep connections of both movement and behaviour that we humans share with animals.

"Working within the space of an animal enclosure is a great challenge but also gives a unique interaction with the audience."

The habitat used for Enclosure 44 was originally designed for penguins.

The Edinburgh Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and attracts thousands of tourists to Scotland's capital every year. It runs for three weeks every August and has inspired several other Fringe shows in Adelaide, Brighton and Edmonton.

The Fringe also attracts many returning companies, who help to maintain a high standard of artistic quality. Over the years, they have included: the London Club Theatre Group, Glasgow-based 7:84 and Aberdeen's National Student Theatre Company.

Four new galleries dedicated to Welsh art launched

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:36:00 GMT

The National Museum of Wales has launched four galleries dedicated to Welsh art. The move has cost £350,000 and more galleries will open in 2009 and 2010.

The changes are part of plans to transform the museum into an establishment that focuses solely on art. The institution will then be renamed the National Museum of Art in Cardiff.

The four galleries have been divided by theme and period. The Welsh Landscape Gallery explores artistic impressions of the development of Wales over the last 300 years. Another is dedicated to the lives of 18th century Welsh artists John Downman, Thomas Jones, William Parry and Richard Wilson.

The third of the new galleries displays 18th century collections and the final contains oil sketches of Wales and Italy.

The BBC reports that the museum's keeper of art, Oliver Fairclough, called the collection "inspirational". He also spoke about activities that would allow younger people to interact with the exhibits.

"New wall texts and introductory graphics are complemented by learning points which provide sophisticated hands-on activity for younger people.

"This is a huge step forward for National Museum Cardiff in the way in which we interpret our collections."

In December, two extra galleries will open to exhibit Victorian painting and sculpture and images of 19th and 20th century Welsh societies.

If the plans to transform the National Museum of Wales into a National Art Gallery continue, the archeological exhibits will be moved to the St. Fagans National History Museum in.Cardiff.

The art gallery would also join other British National Art Galleries in London and Edinburgh.

British Museum sees its most successful year ever

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:24:00 GMT

The British Museum has been revealed as the most visited cultural attraction in the UK 2007-08 - touted to be its most successful year since it started counting visitors.

A record six million people visited the London museum, beating the Tate Modern and adding one million visitors onto its previous year's figures.

On Chinese New Year 2008, 35,000 people turned up at the museum's gates to take part in a special day of events and activities. Attendance was so great that the museum had to close its doors to any more people.

The Guardian reports that the museum's director, Neil MacGregor, said: "We had to shut the main gates on Great Russell Street to prevent more people from coming in.

"It was the first time we did that since the Chartist riots of 1848 - although on that occasion the staff were actually on the roof, armed with stones."

The First Emperor Chinese Terracotta Army exhibition proved to be the museum's main attraction, bringing in 850,000 visitors.

The exhibition, which showcased lifesize terracotta warriors that were rediscovered in 1974, brought the London museum its highest attendance levels since 1972's Tutankhamun display and has allowed it to overtake various other popular British attractions, such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Edinburgh Castle and York Minster.

It was so popular that the high demand for tickets caused the museum to extend its opening hours.

The box office was flooded with up to 180 phone calls an hour and hopeful visitors queued from 5:30am to ensure they would obtain one of the 500 day tickets to the exhibition.

Niall FitzGerald, chairman of the museum, admitted that the exhibition had witnessed a full capacity for its entire duration.

Public invited to comment on Stonehenge initiatives

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:13:00 GMT

The public have been invited to express their opinions on the future of ancient tourist attraction Stonehenge.

According to the BBC, a three-month consultation period will allow people to give feedback on the location of proposed visitor facilities and nearby roads. Renee Fok, the spokesman for English Heritage Corporate Communications, told the BBC that global interest in the site meant that the public deserved to have a say in its future.

A public inquiry was set up in 2004 to look at ways of improving traffic flow around Stonehenge in the south west of England, but government plans to build a tunnel were scrapped in December last year following spiralling costs. Now public approval is being sought on alternative options to improve the visitor experience of the world-famous attraction.

The consultation period will begin in mid-July. Ms Fok added that the consultation was crucial at this time as English Heritage expects that people travelling to England for 2012 Olympics in London will visit famous tourist sites like Stonehenge during their stay.

The Stonehenge plans in question will be on display at Antrobus House, Amesbury; the Society of Antiquaries, London and Wyndham House, Sailsbury for the public to peruse.

Thousands of revellers flocked to Stonehenge for the summer solstice in June - the one day of the year that tourists are allowed access throughout the night. The stone circle is one of Britian's most popular tourist attractions and draws more than 750,000 visitors a year.

Cash boost for popular Scottish Science centres

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT

£250,000 of extra funding will be shared between Scotland's four science centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, the BBC reports.

Popular Scottish science centres Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, Glasgow Science Centre, Sensation in Dundee and Aberdeen's Stratosphere will have access to funds intended to encourage more young people to explore the world of physics, engineering and technology.

The money has been awarded by the SNP-led Scottish Government, with the Scottish Labour Party intimating that public anger following claims of a 40% funding cut at the Glasgow centre was the reason behind the decision. Opposition politicians have claimed that government funding for the Glasgow Science Centre will be cut from £1.7 million last year to £1.4 million this year, and that more cuts should be expected in the next few years.

Speaking to the BBC, Labour's culture spokesman Malcolm Chisholm said: "This funding doesn`t cover what Glasgow Science Centre is losing in direct support from the Scottish Government."

However the future of the Glasgow attraction has been described as "bright" by ministers. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Nicol Stephen, told the BBC: "This centre has got international standing, hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, a mission to inspire children about science."

To receive a share of the fund, the centres will apply to the Scottish schools equipment research centre. The cutting edge science centres are a draw to locals and tourists alike - providing interactive learning experiences and entertainment attractions in central and north Scotland.

Controversial 'running' exhibition opens at Tate Britain

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:49:00 GMT

The latest exhibition at Tate Britain has caused a storm as Martin Creed's installation, Work No 850, involves paid amateur athletes running through the Duveen Galleries in the London museum.

For the next four months runners will sprint through the gallery at 30 second intervals, each journey taking around 15 seconds to complete. They will be paid £10 per hour and work four hour shifts, spending 30 minutes of each hour on and the rest off.

The Times reports that Creed found inspiration for the piece when running through the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo at closing time, an experience that allowed him only brief glimpses of the caves.

Creed said: "I thought, 'Why do you have to look at paintings for a long time? Why not look for a second?' Sometimes when you go around museums you feel it is quite a laborious task."

The installation has raised questions about whether the piece is actually art, with critics like David Lee claiming that it is a publicity stunt on the behalf of both Creed and the Tate. Lee is editor of the satirical magazine The Jackdaw which speaks out against what it deems unacceptable standards in the art world - boldly positing on its website that it is "unsuitable for Birmingham".

Not only has controversy arisen regarding the validity of the exhibition as a work of art, but criticism of the physical repercussions running on a hard marble surface will have on the participants has also been discussed. After barely an hour, of sprinting two of the participants struggled to hide their discomfort.

Andy Baddeley, contender for the 1500m at the Beijing Olympics was quoted by The Times to say:

"If it is polished, it will be slippery. It depends on how good their shoes are . . . If it is a significant distance, it would take on toll on their joints."

Exeter International Airport unveils expansion plans

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:25:00 GMT

A draft master plan has been released by Exeter International Airport that reveals its intention to expand over the coming decade.

The government-ordered move allows the plan to be available for public consultation for three months. More than 2,000 new jobs could be created at the Devon airport, which intends to undergo changes allowing it to reach more destinations as well as build a new runway and taxiways.

The changes could inject another £160 million into the South West economy, as annual passenger numbers are expected to rise from one million to three million by 2030.

However, environmental campaigners have spoken out against the move. According to the BBC, Friends of the Earth has claimed that the growth in passenger numbers would be environmentally hazardous and the effects on climate change would overshadow economic benefits.

A campaign called SEEA - Stop Expansion of Exeter Airport - has stated that in order to halt climate change, the UK must cut CO2 emissions by 90% by 2030 and suggests that Exeter International Airport reduces passengers from its current one million to 250,000.

Outlined in the draft master plan, however, are targets regarding the airport's environmental management, carbon management and control over noise and air quality resulting from the airport's use.

The release of the plan follows the recent protest against the number of domestic flights departing from Heathrow Airport.

Protestors are backing high speed rail links that would connect London to other major British cities as a replacement for domestic flights, deeming the proposed construction of a third runway unnecessary and "absurd".

Pro-rail campaigners urge reduction in Heathrow domestic flights

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:13:00 GMT

Plans to build a third runway at London's Heathrow airport have come under further criticism as it surfaced that 2.5 million passengers a year visit the airport through transfer flights from other British airports.

Challengers to the plans claim that many of the slots at Heathrow are being used for unnecessary domestic flights, the necessity for which could be eliminated if the high speed rail links proposed by Network Rail come to fruition.

The Guardian reports that Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrats' transport spokesman, said: "If the case for domestic flights diminishes then the case for a third runway is also weakened.

"It's absurd to have large numbers of people taking short-haul flights in this country when there is much more extensive use of high-speed rail in other European countries."

The five potential high-speed rail links would connect London to major cities in Britain, such as Edinburgh along the East Coast mainline and Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow along the West Coast mainline.

It is estimated that the 180mph trains would halve journey times, allowing for much quicker access to major cities than is possible at current rail speeds.

Arguments for Heathrow's third runway include lessening the pressure on runway capacity at the airport and the bolstering the importance of Heathrow's status as a hub airport, which is claimed to be vital for the country's economy.

Campaigners for rail travel have hit back that those problems could be solved by the new network as the reduction in transfer passengers would negate the necessity of a third runway.

Adam Smith statue to be unveiled in Edinburgh

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:01:00 GMT

A statue of the "father of economics", Adam Smith, is to be unveiled on Friday at 1215 BST in Edinburgh.

The sculpture will be placed beside St. Giles Cathedral, opposite Edinburgh's City Chambers, on the Royal Mile and is to be unveiled by Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith.

Adam Smith was born in 1723 in Kirkcaldy, Fife, and became a pioneering political economist. His great work, The Wealth of Nations, is considered to be one of the most influential books ever written.

An eminent figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, Smith attended Glasgow University but left to go to Oxford after being awarded the Snell Exhibition, a post-graduate scholarship.

However, he found his Oxford education inferior to that of Glasgow and left before his scholarship was over. Afterwards, he began lecturing in Edinburgh, which is when he began to focus on economics.

The statue, created by Paisley sculptor Sandy Stoddard, will also be positioned closely to another of the High Street's renowned monuments, the statue of philosopher David Hume. Hume and Smith were close friends in the 18th century, sharing many intellectual and moral opinions.

The BBC reports that the statue has been paid for by private subscription, which was arranged by the Director of the Adam Smith Institute, Dr. Eamonn Butler.

The construction of the landmark follows another tribute to Smith: the introduction of a new £20 note featuring his profile that was brought into circulation last year.

Famous names appearing at Edinburgh Art Festival

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:48:00 GMT

Prominent names in the art world, including Tracey Emin, Turner Prize-winner Mark Wallinger and Elizabeth Blackadder, are to appear at this year's Edinburgh Art Festival.

Edinburgh's celebration of visual arts was set up five years ago to increase the prominence of the medium in the festival calendar - the central Scotland event is now one of the best of its kind in the UK.

According to the BBC, the work of controversial English artist Tracy Emin, Essex-born Mark Wallinger and Edinburgh-educated painter and printmaker Elizabeth Blackadder will be on display as part of a 20-year retrospective at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

This exhibition will join 50 others taking place in public and private galleries across Edinburgh from 31 July. The Edinburgh Art Festival has inspired more than 120 associated events and will also feature work by celebrated Canadian artists Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, as well as London-born Richard Hamilton.

Galleries across the city will also host late-night events involving artists, DJs, poets and comedians following the success of last year's pilot programme.

Speaking to the BBC, Joanne Brown, the director of the Edinburgh Art Festival said:

"It is no secret that Edinburgh has a vibrant visual arts community. The EAF is a catalyst for the development of new and exciting work, showcasing the full range of the city's galleries and artists at a time when the eyes of the world are on the city. This year features new work by leading international artists, new galleries, some participating in the festival for the first time."

In related news, Mark Wallinger is currently seen to be the frontrunner in a competition to build a large public sculpture in Ebbsfleet. His proposal involves constructing an enormous White Horse, which - if successful - would be the largest piece of public art in Britain.

Thousands expected to congregate in Blackpool for National Veterans Day

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:36:00 GMT

The third National Veterans Day celebrations will take place in Blackpool today, Friday 27 June. where thousands of people are expected to pay their respects to the work of the UK's armed forces.

The town in the north west of England beat four other UK cities to be chosen as the host for the national event in 2008.

The announcement that Blackpool's bid had been successful was made by Derek Twigg, the minister for veterans, at the Imperial War Museum in London earlier this year. Speaking to the BBC, Robert Wynne, the Mayor of Blackpool, said:

"Blackpool is absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the host for National Veterans' Day 2008. It's a great honour for the town. Blackpool has many historical links with the Armed Forces and has a special place in the hearts of many veterans."

Blackpool has been holding its own annual Veteran's Week since 2005. Today's events are part of a nine day programme in the seaside town and will end on Sunday.

A service of celebration and thanksgiving led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, will take place at the resort's centopath. A Battle of Britain memorial flight will pass over those congregated for the service and a march to celebrate the right to Freedom of the Borough of Blackpool will be undertaken by the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery.

According to the BBC, organisers are hoping that the largest ever Veterans' Day parade will take place after an award ceremony where 50 veterans will be presented with lapel badges at the resort's tower ballroom,

The day's festivities will be capped off with a display from the Red Devils parachute team, who will drop onto Blackpool beach. Various celebrations of the UK's servicemen and women are taking place around the country this week, including a veteran-themed film festival in Stirling in Scotland.

Music revellers descend on a mud-free Glastonbury

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:24:00 GMT

The UK's most anticipated summer music festival, Glastonbury, yesterday threw its doors open to 20,000-30,000 revellers, who have begun pitching their tents in anticipation of the festivities.

The remaining 100,000 Glastonbury attendees are expected to descend on Worthy Farm in Somerset, the festival's traditional venue, over the course of the next two days.

To the surprise of many, Glastonbury looks to be largely devoid of the mud baths it has seen in previous years. In 2005, for example, 300 tents were washed away as storms hit the festival hard.

Weather forecasts predict the largely dry and sunny weather to continue over the weekend, though light showers and high winds are likely to make an appearance.

The outlook for Glastonbury 2008 isn't completely rosy, however. The festival has failed for the first time in years to sell-out, with critics blaming the surprise appearance of hip-hop artist Jay-Z as one of its headline acts.

Speaking to BBC Somerset, festival organiser Michael Eavis defended the choice, stating: "We're changing the style of the event all the time. We're improving it and looking for the next best thing all the time."

Other prominent acts that will appear at this year's Glastonbury include Kings of Leon, The Verve, Neil Diamond and Leonard Cohen.

In April, it was revealed that Glastonbury raised over £73 million in 2007, with the 177, 500 people who attended the festival spending a total over £52.1 million.

The research also found that the majority of Glastonbury goers came from London and the south east (46.8%), with 23.3% hailing from South West England.

Scottish town hopes to link public with international space station

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:12:00 GMT

A live video link-up between Glasgow and the international space station will allow pupils, students and members of the public to communicate with astronauts if plans for the unique event come to fruition.

It is hoped that on 16 September, two weeks before the Glasgow SECC hosts the world's largest space convention, the link-up will go ahead in the city's Old Fruitmarket, giving Glasgow residents and visitors the chance to speak to astronauts in real-time.

According to the BBC, approximately 2,000 delegates are expected to arrive in the central Scotland city for the 2008 International Astronautical Congress. The event runs between 29 September and 3 October and features a program of public events that includes lectures from top space scientists and an exhibition of space technologies.

Speaking to the BBC, Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell sad:

"Glasgow will become the space capital of the world for a week in what promises to be one of the most spectacular events the city has hosted in years.

"The conference itself, and the weeks running up to the event, are a tremendous opportunity for businesses to hold space-themed promotions and events.

"The live space link-up will be an extraordinary event for Glasgow and I know Glaswegians will respond enthusiastically to the chance to speak to astronauts."

In other space-age news, National Museums Scotland yesterday received a Saltire that was taken into space by NASA astronaut, Nick Patrick, whose mother was born on Syke, an island off the north of Scotland coast. The Independent reported that the flag, which usually hangs in the Scottish Parliament, spent a 12-day tour in space in 2006 but will now been added to the Edinburgh-based museum's collection.

4000-year-old settlement unearthed near Wrexham

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:01:00 GMT

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 4000-year-old Neolithic settlement at Borras Quarry in Wrexham.

The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) began digging after areas resembling cooking pits were revealed during an expansion of the quarry.

Tarmac, the owner of the quarry, has suspended work while the area is being excavated. The company's estates and geology manager, Richard Hulse, said: "It appears that these are cooking pits typically used to heat water in order to prepare food.

"As a result we have ceased topsoil removal in the immediate vicinity in order to retrieve any further artefacts which may be present."

According to the BBC, Nigel Jones, Project Manager of CPAT said: "This is an important discovery as we currently have very little evidence of Neolithic settlement in this part of Wales."

Other evidence exists in Abergele, a town in North Wales, where another quarry site containing Neolithic remains was discovered in 2004. It was also excavated by CPAT.

Mr Jones further stated: "There are probably Neolithic settlements right across the landscape but it is only when you get large-scale developments like this that you pick them up because there are no surface traces."

Remains from Neolithic settlements are spread across the UK, with some of the most famous including Skara Brae on the Orkney islands in the North of Scotland and Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

Cutty Sark receives £3.3 million gift

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:01:00 GMT

The Cutty Sark, a 140-year-old clipper ship, will be fully restored after a £3.3 million donation from shipping magnate and philanthropist Sammy Ofer.

The ship, currently based in Greenwich, London, was built in 1869 at Dumbarton, near Glasgow. The custom-built dry dock has been its home since 1954, where it is preserved as a museum and popular tourist attraction.

In May 2007, disaster struck when the ship caught fire and was badly damaged. It had already been undergoing an extensive renovation project when the blaze caused additional estimated £5-10 million damage, bringing the restoration cost up to £30-35 million.

Thanks to the £23 million donation by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Mr. Ofer's charitable contribution, the Cutty Sark Trust is now able to achieve the ship's restoration, which is expected to be completed by 2010.

The Times reports that Andy Burnham, the Culture Secretary, said: "Mr Ofer's donation towards the conservation of the Cutty Sark is both extremely generous and enormously appreciated."

The Cutty Sark was named after Ayrshire-born Robert Burns' poem, Tam O'Shanter, where a suggestive scene involving a woman dancing in the undersized garment inspired both the ship's title and the name of its figurehead - Nannie.

In March, Ofer also donated £20 million to the National Maritime Museum in London. He is reputed to be one of the 10 biggest art collectors in the world.

First veteran's themed festival to kick-off in Stirling

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Sunday will bring the opening of the UK's first veteran-themed film festival, which is taking place in Stirling. The festival will run until the sixth of July and is part of Stirling Council's fortnight of celebrations for Veteran's Day.

Special guests attending the festival include veteran paratrooper Richard Todd and ex-squadron leader Colin McGregor. Todd, the festival's patron, has recorded a special message that will be screened as the opening feature on Sunday.

Todd starred in The Longest Day, which was voted the best war film of all time by British veterans. He played Major John Howard while another actor played Todd himself. The film will be screened on Sunday evening.

McGregor, brother of Crieff-born actor Ewan McGregor, recently served in Iraq and will be speaking to an audience on Monday following a screening of The Dam Busters.

The BBC writes that Stirling Provost, Fergus Wood, said: "We're very proud to host Scotland's premier Veterans Day event, and have arranged a full programme of entertainment to appeal to all ages starting with the Film Festival.

"I hope people will join us this summer to salute all those who have served."

The festival follows the beginning of the Edinburgh Film Festival last week and several other arts festivals, such as the weekend's Dundee Literary Festival.

"Living artwork" to adorn Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:37:00 GMT

Turner Prize winner Antony Gormley has won the opportunity to exhibit his latest artistic initiative - a "living sculpture" that will be displayed in London's Trafalgar Square 24 hours a day for 100 days.

Each hour will showcase a member of the public, who will be elevated onto Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth to become a part of the sculpture, which Gormley has named The One and the Other.

The Telegraph reports that Gormley, known best for North East England's Angel of the North, said being raised onto the plinth means that "the body becomes a metaphor - a symbol - and allows us to reflect on the diversity, vulnerability and particularity of the individual in contemporary society".

A lottery system has been devised to see which members of the public will adorn the plinth, names will be selected and the winners invited to climb the plinth for an hour. The registration process will open as the project enters its development phase.

The project has invited some controversy, however - The Times contacted Scotland Yard who said that there was a possibility of exhibits, the human elements of the artwork, being arrested for inappropriate public behaviour.

Gormley stated that despite wanting the "widest range of human behaviour to be represented" he was certain "the law will still be the law on the plinth".

The project will likely begin next summer after Thomas Schutte's current sculpture, Model for a Hotel, is moved.

Other works by Gormley include Sound II in South East England's Winchester, Iron: Man in Birmingham, Quantum Cloud in Greenwich and Another Place, which is currently on display in Liverpool.

Nottingham erects UK's tallest freestanding public artwork

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:25:00 GMT

The tallest freestanding structure of public art in the UK was completed today, as cranes ceremoniously lifted the final piece into place.

The Nottingham University sculpture, named Aspire, towers over the university's campus and is the tallest independently-standing structure in Britain.

At 197ft (60m) high, the £800,000 structure is taller than the Statue of Liberty and is said to represent a combination of things: from Nottingham's heritage in the lace industry to the creation of bicycles and the colour of sandstone.

It also pays homage to the 60 years that have passed since the university received its Royal Charter, with each of its 60 metres representing one year.

The sculpture is three times taller than North East England's Angel of the North and beats the previous tallest piece, Manchester's B of the Bang, by 13ft (4m). It also exceeds London's Nelson's Column by 28ft (8.5m).

The BBC reports that university spokesman Jonathan Ray said: "It represents limitless ambition, the power to change your life through education.

"It also says something positive about Nottingham and it reminds people there is a lot of good stuff about the city.

"A few years ago we had a hard time but this is about the future and a really positive vision for the city."

Plans for other large public sculptures are well underway across the country, one of which shows promise to be Britain's largest sculpture, to be situated on a hilltop in Kent.

The Scotland-England border will also see its own Angel of the North created in the future, as officials aim to mark Gretna's status as the gateway between the two countries.

Five new high-speed rail links considered

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:24:00 GMT

Five new high-speed rail lines may be built on chief railway routes linking London to major cities in Britain.

According to the BBC, Network Rail is expected to announce today that it will launch a commission to investigate what might be the most extensive railway track construction project since the 1800s.

The study is expected to consider laying down new lines for high-speed trains, similar to French TVG trains, on some of the UK's busiest passenger routes.

The routes in question include: the East Coast mainline to Edinburgh, the West Coast mainline to Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow and the Chiltern route to Birmingham.

Other busy routes under consideration are the Great Western mainline to Cardiff and Penzance, and the Midland mainline to Sheffield.

Over the last decade, railway passenger numbers have increased by around 40%, with numbers expected to rise by another 30% in the next ten years.

The impending study has been widely praised. The BBC quotes Richard Dyer, transport campaigner for Friends of the Earth, who said: "Expanding Britain's railways by building new high speed lines is potentially very exciting - and could play an important role in weaning Britain off fossil fuels and developing a new carbon economy."

In addition, Ashwin Kumar, the passenger director for independent watchdog Passenger Focus, said: "We welcome the study. It is extremely important the rail industry anticipates future growth."

Network Rail's plans come just a few weeks after the UK's Rail Minister, Tom Harris, questioned the environmentally-friendly aspect of high-speed rail travel, much to the consternation of several green advocates in parliament.

Lack of sheep could cause 'disappearance' of Cerne Abbas

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:12:00 GMT

The decline in sheep farming in South West England has endangered one of Dorset's proudest assets - the Cerne Abbas chalk giant.

The famous chalk figure has stood prominent on the hillside for hundreds of years, but a lack of sheep this year has meant that the wet start to the summer months encouraged rapid growth of vegetation, rendering the figure almost invisible.

Usually, local farmers lend a flock of 100 sheep to graze on the land in May to keep the grass around the giant cropped to maintain his visibility, but the degeneration of sheep-farming has meant that no such loan was made this year.

According to the BBC, Rob Rhodes, the National Trust's head warden for Dorset, stated: "Every year we have sheep on the hillside eating the grass to keep the giant visible.

"We rely on local farmers and the way agriculture is going at the moment, there's hardly any sheep left in that part of Dorset."

The National Trust, however, promises to have the Cerne Abbas giant re-chalked in September, bringing him back into full view for the many tourists that travel to visit the site.

The earliest records of the giant date back to 1694 and legends dictate that the outline exists because a real giant was slain in that spot and drawn around by locals to mark the site.

As the giant was such a prominent landmark, it was covered in brushwood during WWII in order to prevent it from being used as an aerial marker.

The Cerne Abbas giant is one of many chalk figures in the English countryside. Others include The Long Man of Wilmington, the Alton Barnes White Horse of Wiltshire, the Lenham Memorial Cross in Kent, Whipsnade Zoo's White Lion in Bedfordshire and The Whitehawk in Brighton.

Dundee Literary Festival to attract thousands this weekend

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Dundee is expecting book lovers to descend upon the city in their thousands this weekend for the Dundee Literary Festival.

In its second year, this year's festival features guests such as Ian Rankin, James Kelman and Rosamunde Pilcher and promises to demonstrate that Dundee is capable of enjoying culture as much as Scotland's more traditional festival cities, like Edinburgh.

The BBC reports that the festival's Director, Anna Day, stated: "People have this view of Dundee that we don't enjoy culture in maybe the same way as Edinburgh, but it's not true - Dundonians love reading.

"We've got the highest level of book buying in Scotland, so people do love books and I think it is shown because it's a really well supported event."

The Dundee Literary Festival will not limit itself to celebrating books and authors that have already gained success in publishing, but will also offer visitors the chance to attend workshops on creative writing, getting published and writing for television.

The festival will close with an event dedicated to the development of comic books and graphic novels - from their origins to what the future may have in store for them.

The Tayside festival is not the only literary celebration getting underway in Scotland this weekend, however. In the south of Scotland, the fifth annual Borders Book Festival in Melrose will enjoy similar events, including the addition of the new Scottish Book of the Year awards.

In fact, book festivals take place in major Scottish cities throughout the year. In August, the International Book Festival in Edinburgh will bring visitors from across the world to celebrate its 25th year, while in March, Glasgow's first book festival, Aye Write!, enjoyed a successful third run.

Officials to monitor effects of climate change in the Highlands

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:48:00 GMT

Scottish National Heritage (SNH) has launched the Snowbed Project, an attempt to discover how climate change is affecting fauna and flora traditionally native to Scottish mountains.

Through the scheme, 'corries' - large, hollow depressions found on mountainsides - will become lookout points for official observers.

Sites to be surveyed will be established in the Cairngorms and on Aonach Moor near Fort William, as well as in Ben Dearg, Wester Ross, Ben Alder and Ben Wyvis in the Highlands.

The project will explore the effects of less snowfall and warmer temperatures on selected plants, including moss and liverwort, and their impact on certain species of birds, particularly the arctic snow bunting.

The research will be based on valuable work undertaken by scientist and mountaineer Gordon Rothero, who began his studies of the area nearly 20 years ago.

According to the BBC, Mr. Rothero said: "Comparison of the photographs I took of various snowbed sites in 1989 with those taken during this project last summer show clear changes in the pattern of vegetation."

The SNH currently estimates that Scotland is home to 2470 acres of snowbed habitat. Dr David Genney, from SNH, commented: "... these areas of Scotland could be said to have more in common with the mountains of Scandinavia, the high arctic of Spitzbergen and parts of Greenland than they do with the Carse of Stirling for example."

The Highlands attract thousands of visitors every year, so preserving its biodiversity for future Scots and travellers is a priority for the Scottish Government.

Scottish National Heritage is based in Inverness. In addition to SNH, the University of Bergen in Norway and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh are also involved in the research.

Bristol: the UK's new 'cycling city'

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:36:00 GMT

Bristol has been named as the first city in the UK to partake in a £100 million government plan to encourage cycling across the country.

According to the BBC, the south west city aims to double the number of cyclists on its streets within the next three years.

Bristol will be awarded £11.4 million from the government's funds in order to design a bicycle rental network based on a Parisian model, as well creating dedicated cycling paths and providing more training for children.

The funding will be matched by Bristol authorities, bringing the total investment to £23 million.

Ruth Kelly, the Transport Secretary, stated: "I am delighted to appoint Bristol as the UK's first ever cycling city. I am sure Bristol's bold and ambitious plans will support cyclists and encourage more people to get on their bikes, get fit and beat the traffic...

"Bristol is leading the way. I hope that many more will follow its excellent example."

Other cities that will be involved in the nationwide cycling effort include: York, Blackpool, Chester, Leighton, Southport, Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Colchester, Southend and Woking.

These will join the six existing Cycling Demonstration Towns: Aylesbury, Brighton, Exeter, Lancaster, Darlington and Derby.

According to the Daily Mail, Phillip Darnton - the Chairman of Cycling England - said: "We have learnt from our European neighbours, such as the Netherlands, that increased and sustained investment is the key to getting more people enjoying the benefits of cycling.

"The funding that Bristol and the other 11 towns have been awarded is designed to create a real step change in levels of cycling, starting in 2008 and for years to come."

Iconic bridge to redefine Hull skyline

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:13:00 GMT

Plans for a new, iconic swing bridge to be built in Hull have been approved by the government.

The £6.6 million swing footbridge will connect Hull's Old Town to The Boom, a new residential and business development on the east bank of the River Humber.

The Boom, a £100 million complex, is home to new apartments, offices and a range of cafes and bars.

The hi-tech footbridge will be 60m (197ft) wide and is expected to become a visitor attraction in its own right.

According to the Hull Daily Mail, the bridge will be designed in a whale-like shape and will also feature its own restaurant.

Director of Hull Forward, John Haynes, stated: "Confirmation from the government was necessary because it is going to be a new physical structure over a navigable waterway.

"After being granted planning permission, it marks the last part of the administrative process behind securing formal approval...

"If everything goes to plan, we are looking at lifting the bridge into position at the back end of May next year."

The structure of bridge will be manufactured in South Yorkshire, but preparation for the bridge's arrival is expected to begin at the start of next year.

Mr Haynes further stated that the bridge will be lifted into place in May 2009, and is likely to be officially opened in September or October.

Once the bridge is unveiled, its unique design means that hundreds of people will be able 'ride' it when it opens to river traffic.

Edinburgh Film Festival to get underway tonight

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:01:00 GMT

The 62nd Edinburgh International Film Festival will be launched tonight, marking the first time that the festival will take place in a month other than August since its conception in 1947.

This evening's opening night gala will see the World premiere of The Edge of Love, a biopic about Dylan Thomas written by Glasgow-born playwright Sharman MacDonald.

The film, which stars MacDonald's daughter Kiera Knightley, has already attracted widespread attention, with a Swansea gallery displaying official memorabilia from the movie.

In total, the Edinburgh Film Festival will screen 142 feature films from 29 countries, including 15 World premieres and 72 UK premieres.

According to the BBC, the film festival's organisers have said that the event promises "the best the film world could offer".

The film festival's shift from August to June has attracted much praise and criticism. However, festival director Hannah McGill claimed that Edinburgh was "overburdened" by the "vast cultural offering in Edinburgh in August".

Traditionally, the month has seen the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Recent years have also seen the addition of the likes of the MediaGuardian International Television Festival, the Edinburgh Art Festival, the Edinburgh Mela and the Festival of Spirituality and Peace.

By moving the Edinburgh International Film Festival outside this crowded cultural space, it seems that the event is gathering a lot more attraction in its own right.

Stars expected to turn out on tonight's red carpet include Joely Richardson, Jaime Winstone and Sean Connery, who recently announced that he would unveil his memoirs at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this year.

Six more historic sites to be protected by English Heritage

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

English Heritage has added six more historic sites to its "at risk" register, in order to protect the landmarks now and in the future.

The six sites include: Uxbridge Lido in west London, Newbury Battlefield in Berkshire, the Salcombe Cannon site in Devon, a seventeenth century lead mine in Derbyshire, Lowther Castle and Birkrigg Stone Circle, both in Cumbria.

Until now, only Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings have been included on English Heritage's "at risk" list.

However, according to the BBC, the new Heritage at Risk Register will also incorporate buildings, monuments, landscapes, archaeology, places of worship and maritime wrecks.

Uxbridge Lido is one of the highest profile additions to English Heritage's watch list, as it is the last remaining example of a 12-sided 'star' swimming pool in England and the second longest open air pool in London, measuring 220ft (67m).

Plans could soon be put in motion to refurbish the lido and clean its graffiti-strewed walls, as part of a £22 million sports development in Uxbridge.

Lowther Castle near Penrith in the Lake District, on the other hand, dates back to the early nineteenth century, while Birkrigg Stone Circle near Morecambe Bay places its origins from between 1700 and 1400 BC.

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, stated: "Heritage at Risk is not a name and shame exercise.

"The new register will focus everyone's attention on the neediest cases, bringing the owners, councils and others together and harnessing the nation's huge enthusiasm for its rich, varied but sometimes fragile past."

The six sites announced this week are said to have been chosen because of their "special interest", while the full list will be revealed in July.

Scotland plans 10-month festival of 'all things Scottish'

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:36:00 GMT

Homecoming Scotland 2009, a 10-month long festival of all things Scottish, has been unveiled by the Scottish government.

The landmark event, announced by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond at Edinburgh Castle yesterday, will coincide with the 250th anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns and will feature more than 100 events across the country.

According to the BBC, the events will revolve around five themes: Robert Burns, whisky, golf, great Scottish minds and cultural innovations in Scotland's heritage.

One of the highlights of Homecoming Scotland is expected to be The Gathering, the biggest clan gathering for 200 years, to be held in Edinburgh in July. A flotilla of boats will also travel from Fort William to Inverness, along the Caledonian Canal.

Glasgow will showcase the best of Burns, with a special celebration of his songs to be held at the Clyde Auditorium and an exhibition of the Scottish bard's artwork at the Mitchell Library.

May, on the other hand, will be 'whisky month', with distilleries across Scotland opening up their doors to the public.

Mr Salmond said: "With so many exciting events taking place across the country, 2009 will be a fantastic year to invite people around the world, with either an ancestral link or affinity to Scotland, to come home...

"I urge everyone in Scotland to play their part in what will be the biggest ever celebration of Scotland's achievements and culture and our ties of family and friendship around the world."

The festival will start on Burns Night - January 25 - and last until St Andrew's Day on November 30 next year.

Sean Connery, perhaps the world's most famous living Scot, recently announced that he would launch his memoirs at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this year.

South Scotland gallery to host Bob Dylan artworks

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:24:00 GMT

A rare collection of paintings by legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is to be showcased by a small gallery in the south of Scotland.

The Breeze Art Gallery in Peebles is one of only two Scottish establishments hosting an exclusive collection of artwork created by Dylan between 1989 and 1992, the BBC reported. The collection, entitled The Drawn Blank Series, features paintings based on sketches and drawings created while the musician was touring, and will be displayed in the Peebles gallery for a week. It will also be on show at Glasgow's Princes Square Gallery.

Signed prints of 29 of Dylan's watercolours will be available for fans to buy, with prices ranging from £1,000 to £35,000 for the entire set. Each has a limited run of 295 editions making them desirable to collectors, especially as each will have been signed by the artist himself.

The director of the Breeze Gallery, Bob Corsie, anticipates a large turnout for the show and said that a great deal of interest has already been shown by the public. Speaking to the BBC, he added:

"Breeze has been brave enough to feature his work and I think there will be a lot of other galleries kicking themselves when they see just how successful his art is because this isn't just another singer releasing artwork.

"You can see just how truly special the works are when they are hung in a quality way."

The Drawn Blank Series is currently on show at the Halcyon Gallery in London, where it will run until July 13 before coming to Scotland.

Bournemouth seaside to be revamped

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:00:00 GMT

An extensive makeover for Bournemouth will move a step further when plans are discussed by the council this week.

It is hoped that the so-called Vision project will regenerate the Dorset seaside town, with completion pencilled in for 2035, according to the BBC. Plans include the creation of numerous new features and the project sees the Bournemouth of the future boasting outside performance areas, all-weather attractions, al-fresco dining opportunities and a selection of big and small retailers.

The plans will be discussed by the council on Wednesday and a consultation with the public is planned for July. Ideas posited for new attractions include a children's playground, a tree-top walkway and botanic garden, which will complement other local tourist attractions such as the Bournemouth Eye.

Traffic congestion is something the scheme also hopes to tackle. The results of a formal study will be instrumental in formalising a plan.

Speaking to the BBC, Councillor John Beesley, deputy leader of Bournemouth Council, said: "The Vision gives a clear direction for Bournemouth's future.

"There are a number of exciting plans within the Vision - they're all realistic and they meet our aim to enhance the town's status as a premier destination."

Bournemouth's well-known beaches are a popular tourist draw and this year's Good Beach Guide awarded the south west of England its highest commendations, revealing that the region had the highest number of recommended beaches in the country.

Fellow seaside town Devon also announced a recent alteration to its coastal landscape, heralding the return of the iconic British beach hut to its promenade.

Sean Connery to unveil memoirs at Edinburgh Book Festival

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:49:00 GMT

The world exclusive launch of Sir Sean Connery's memories will take place at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

According to the BBC, the unveiling of Sir Sean's long-awaited memories will mark the end of the two-week literary event which takes a prominent place among many popular Edinburgh festivals. Born in Fountainbridge, the veteran actor is now a familiar face across the land and his book, entitled Being a Scot, is expected to shed light on his views about Scotland.

Catherine Lockerbie, the director of the book festival, told the BBC that the event will "illuminate what Fountainbridge's most famous former milkman thinks of many aspects of Scottish culture and life, including sport, architecture and of course the gothic tendency in Scots literature."

She added: "In this special year it was obviously essential to bring Sir Sean back to the city of his birth, on the day of his birthday, for a world exclusive launch of his first book."

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and the August event is expected to be the biggest in the festival's history. What's more, Sir Sean's appearance at the culmination of the celebration coincides with the star's 78th birthday.

The 100th anniversary of the birth of James Bond creator, Ian Fleming, will also be celebrated with a number of other 007-related events.

A record 800 authors participating in over 750 events will be gracing Charlotte Square this year - with major literary names, such as Sir Salman Rushdie, Louis de Bernieres, Margaret Atwood, Alan Silitoe and Hanif Kureishi on the bill.

Sir Sean Connery is also expected to attend the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which will open on 18 June with the Edge of Love, a new film about Dylan Thomas that was partly shot on location in south Wales.

Proposals to restore south Wales town 'jewel' revealed to public

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:37:00 GMT

Restoration proposals for a popular Pontypridd park will be made available for public viewing this week.

According to the BBC, an exhibition featuring plans for Ynysangharad Park, can be seen at Market Street in Pontypridd, south Wales, on Friday 13 June, at the park itself on Saturday 14 and at the local library from Monday.

Restoration proposals include reopening a Grade II listed lido that closed to the public in 1991, as well as additions such as new riverside gardens, a new play area and civic square and horticulture area. Improved links to the town centre have also been proposed.

Several plans to rejuvenate the town, about twelve miles from Welsh capital Cardiff, have been put forward recently and the restoration of Ynysangharad Park has been cited as a key project in transforming the town centre. However, the proposals are dependent on the attraction of external funding.

Speaking to the BBC, cabinet member for economic development and housing, Councillor Paul Cannon, said:

"We hope that plenty of people visit the exhibition and share their views and opinions on the proposals for the restoration of this jewel in Pontypridd's crown."

Attracting around 800, 000 visitors a year the park plays host to numerous special events, including music festivals such as the Full Ponty and gigs by homegrown hero Tom Jones.

The park was opened by Field Marshal Viscount Allenby as a war memorial park on August 6, 1923. The UK has seen several new war memorial developments in recent months, including two separate plans for central Scotland: a WW2 memorial garden in Glasgow and a competition to design a new war memorial in central Edinburgh.

Scotland-England border to get its own Angel of the North

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:25:00 GMT

The Scotland-England border looks likely to get its own Angel of the North in the future, as funds are agreed to support a landmark artwork in Gretna.

According to officials, the aim of the project is to recognise Gretna's role as the "gateway" between Scotland and England, as well as creating a piece of public art to rival Newcastle/Gateshead's Angel of the North.

The cost of the construction is expected to fall into the region of £2-3 million. The BBC states that £50, 000 will be put forward by Dumfries and Galloway Council for the first stage of the artwork.

The rest of the money will be put forward by Scottish Enterprise and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, as part of a strategy to encourage regeneration in the south Scotland area following the closure of the Chapelcross power plant near Annan in Dumfries and Galloway.

The Angel of the North, designed by sculptor Anthony Gormley, is one of the most viewed pieces of art in the world, with more 33 million paying homage annually.

Over 10 million vehicles pass the A74(M) motorway near Gretna every year, so officials are hopeful that this success can be repeated in Scotland.

Planning committee chairman, Roger Grant, said: "The project would offer a fantastic opportunity to put the area on the map and raise our profile.

"It would be landmark icon that would be identified with the region and, like the Angel of the North, become a destination in its own right."

Ebbsfleet in Kent is also in the process of constructing its own rival to the Angel of the North.

The five proposals for the public artwork are currently on display at the Bluewater shopping centre, and will be announced in autumn this year.

Beach huts return to Devon after 20 years

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:12:00 GMT

The iconic British beach hut has returned to the Devon coast after an absence of 20 years.

The BBC states that 15 new and improved beach huts have been revealed by Teignbridge Council in the south west England region along the promenade at Dawlish Warren.

Out of the 15 huts, 11 will be offered up by the council on three-year leases, while three will be available for daily or weekly hire. The last hut will be used for storage purposes.

With great views over Lyme Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a result of its Jurassic age geological features, the brightly coloured huts are expected to appeal to tourists from all over Britain and beyond.

According to the BBC, Councillor David Corney-Walker, executive member for Economic Development and Tourism, stated: "The humble beach hut is an iconic part of the British seaside tradition.

"These beach huts are the icing on the Dawlish Warren cake, and it's fantastic to see them open in time for the peak summer season."

The old beach huts in Dawlish Warren were removed 20 years ago after falling into disrepair.

With the south of England enjoying excellent temperatures in these early summer months, the outlook for Britain's beaches in 2008 looks bright.

This weekend, for instance, Bournemouth in the south west experienced high temperatures of 23.5C.

What's more, this year's Good Beach Guide, released last month, awarded the south west's beaches its highest accolades, giving it the highest number of recommended beaches in the country.

Stirling Castle to see £12m makeover of its royal lodgings

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:48:00 GMT

The Royal Lodgings of Stirling Castle will be rejuvenated in a £12 million restoration project.

The scheme hopes to return the Royal Lodgings to their 16th century glory with the help of Sally Rush, an art historian at Glasgow University. Dr Rush has conducted in-depth research into the furniture, fittings and fashions that were popular during the period to recreate the renaissance appearance of the royal chambers.

Additionally, the priceless Stirling Heads, a collection of hand-carved oak medallions depicting king, queens imps and other mythological creatures, will go on permanent public display.

Speaking to the BBC, Chris Watkins, who will head up the team, said the project would "mark the culmination of many years of research and skilled conservation and craft work".

"We have so far completed the refurbishment of the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal. This phase will help emphasise the grandeur of the palace, the royal lodgings and James V's aspiration to create a Scottish court of European importance."

Historic Scotland stated that the scheme was the most ambitious phase of its restoration plans for the castle, which was considered one of the finest palaces in Europe in its heyday. The organisation has contributed £9 million to the cost of the project, with the other £3 million provided by the Scottish Government. According to the Evening Times, Scottish Culture minister Linda Fabiani said:

"This is a bold and imaginative project that the Scottish Government is delighted to support."

While Edinburgh Castle remains the most visited paid-for Scottish attraction, Stirling Castle draws around 386,000 visitors a year. It is hoped that the makeover will draw an extra 100,000 to the attraction, which will be closed to the public from August 2008 until 2011.

West Midlands light show will ‘go ahead’ this year

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

The West Midlands will host Britain's biggest inland light show again this year, despite a drastic drop in visitor numbers in 2007.

According to the BBC, event organisers have announced that the Walsall Illuminations will go ahead in their customary slot, from late September to early November, following a steep decline in figures when the event was moved closer to Christmas last year.

In 2007 121,000 people visited the light show over a six week period, down 40,000 on 2006 figures and the lowest visitor numbers the display has ever seen.

Walsall Aboretum consultants were brought in to modernise the event following the 2006 illuminations but Walsall Council still found itself facing losses of £200,000.

At the time council bosses expressed concerns that the event in Walsall, which is located to the north-east of Birmingham, may have become outdated. However, the show will go ahead with new displays in September.

This year, the events will feature laser shows and popular children's characters, such as Harry Potter, Bob the Builder and Dora the Explorer.

In-house designers have choreographed the light show in recent years, but in the 1960s and 1970s lights were bought second hand from the organisers of the Blackpool Illuminations.

Speaking to the BBC, Walsall Council leisure spokeswoman Louise Harrison said: "People are going to feel a real buzz at this year's event.

"They cannot fail to have a good time because there is so much to see and do."

Council chiefs hope that the light show will attract 150,000 visitors to enjoy the revamped show. Tickets will be available from August.

Trump wants to build "world's greatest golf course"

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:36:00 GMT

US tycoon Donald Trump, who claimed he wanted to build the "world's greatest golf course" in Aberdeenshire, has rejected accusations that he did so in order to justify building it on environmentally susceptible land in an inquiry today.

The inquiry, requested by Scottish ministers in Holyrood, Edinburgh, was launched in reaction to an Aberdeenshire Council's refusal of Trump's plans on the grounds that the land for his proposed golf course included sand dunes, which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Trump attended the start of the inquiry, where he was questioned by environmental groups at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

According to the BBC, David Tyldesley, of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, stated that Mr Trump's claim was only released in order to justify building it on SSSI. He said that the intention to build the best golf course in the world was merely "a recent aspiration" so that Trump could access the land.

Mr Trump's response was to dismiss Mr. Tyldesley's claims as false, stating "the moment I saw the site I thought it had the potential to be the greatest golf course in the world" and that the intention was not a new one.

The American business giant's appearance in the north of Scotland was announced last week, when he made assurances that he was "totally committed to appearing", in order to defend his development plans after they were rejected at the end of 2007.

This morning, he briefly visited his mother's birthplace in Tong, on the Isle of Lewis, before travelling to Aberdeen.

Aberdeenshire is an increasingly popular hotspot for golf courses in Scotland. Earlier this year, a council in Aberdeenshire accepted proposals for a golf course designed by Scottish golf pro Paul Lawrie, the last British golfer to win a major tournament - the 1999 Open, which was held in Carnoustie in Angus.

Train services between London and Norwich see disruption

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:01:00 GMT

Train services between London and Norwich are being cancelled or delayed after cables fell on the rail tracks near Chelmsford.

Travellers in Norfolk and Suffolk have been advised by National Express East Anglia to use services from Cambridge, due to the disruption the incident has caused.

While Network Rail engineers have been working to move the cables, officials say that have no idea when the rail services on these lines will return to full capacity.

According to the BBC, Jonathan Denby from National Express stated: "We still have one line blocked just south of Chelmsford as a result of the major damage to overhead lines at teatime on Monday.

"That means only one track is open, so for travellers from Norwich we can only operate at a reduced level.

"This is a half hour train shuttle service during the peak to Ipswich to connect with other forward services to London."

The rail disruptions are likely to affect thousands of commuters travelling to London, as well as travellers hoping to access East Anglia's finest attractions, like the Broads.

While many trains in Essex are affected, shuttle services will function between Harwich and Colchester, as well as Braintree and Witham.

In addition, services to Lowestoft and Peterborough will begin and cease at Ipswich.

It is, however, hoped that repairs will be completed in order to resume normal services from Wednesday 11 June.

Weekend temperatures in Britain 'hotter than the Cote D'Azur'

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:49:00 GMT

The weather in Britain was hotter than the Cote D'Azur this weekend, as temperatures rose above 26C in many locations in the south of England.

According to the Telegraph, temperatures in central London equalled those in Palermo in Sicily and far exceeded those in the South of France.

The south certainly saw the most of the heat, with the Isle of Wight hitting 26.3C yesterday afternoon.

Popular beaches, like Bournemouth, were lined with crowds intent on making the most of the weather, while further north, Blackpool saw its Golden Mile packed with beachgoers.

Scotland, renowned for its unpredictable weather, also saw its temperatures rise over the weekend.

On Sunday, Aboyne in Aberdeenshire was the hottest place in Scotland, reaching 23C, while Edinburgh and Glasgow both enjoyed temperatures of 21C.

Temperatures are set to continue the upward trend throughout the week, though BBC Weather has forecast a substantial cooling-down. A spokesman for the Met Office also said:

"For much of England and Wales, Monday will be just as warm, if not a degree or two warmer, before cool air from the North West cools things down as the week goes on."

Manchester and Newcastle could see temperatures drop to 13C over the next few days, although the heat is expected to build up once more following the lull.

May 11 has been the hottest day of the year so far, when Great Malvern in Worcestershire recorded a temperature of 27.5C.

Swansea to host exclusive Dylan Thomas memorabilia display

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:36:00 GMT

An exclusive display of memorabilia from the upcoming Dylan Thomas film, The Edge of Love, will open in the Welsh town of Swansea.

According to the BBC, the Dylan Thomas Centre - already home to the largest collection of work associated with the poet in the world - will benefit from the inclusion of costumes, storyboards, and graphics from the making of the film.

Matthew Ryhs stars as the poet, with Keira Knightly playing his childhood sweetheart and Sienna Miller as his wife. Dresses worn by Keira Knightly and a host of other memorabilia will join the centre's permanent multi-media display in south Wales - which includes digital film, letters, books and photographs.

Shot in part in London and at Newquay in Ceredigion, The Edge of Love will be the first cinema portrayal of the Swansea-born poet. The screenplay was written by Knightley's mother Sharman Macdonald and the film directed by award winning John Maybury.

The Edge of Love will premier as the opening film of the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 18 June before opening in London on 20 June, and is set for nationwide release on 27 June. The Swansea exhibition will be open to the public until September.

Speaking to the BBC, Swansea Council's head of culture and tourism, Iwan Davies, said: "Swansea's synonymous with Dylan Thomas and we're delighted to be able to host this exclusive exhibition in his home city.

"The movie stars some of the biggest hitters in Hollywood and will attract even more interest in the poet's life and in Swansea as a place.

"This is another exciting opportunity for Swansea and will further prolong Dylan Thomas's enduring legacy."

Green element of high speed rail travel is questioned by government

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:13:00 GMT

A new government decision means that high speed trains are unlikely to make an appearance on British railways in the future, due to concerns that they are not energy efficient.

Tom Harris, the UK's Rail Minister, has put the green credentials of a high speed railway line linking London to Scotland in less than three hours in doubt. In a letter to The Times, Mr. Harris stated: "The argument that high-speed rail travel is a 'green option' does not necessarily stand up to close inspection.

"Increasing the maximum speed of a train from 200kph [125mph - the current maximum speed of trains] to 350kph leads to a 90 per cent increase in energy consumption."

According to The Times, Atkins, an engineering consultancy, published a study of the feasibility and costs of constructing two high speed lines between London and Scotland, one along the east coast and one on the west, in March this year.

Its findings were that the lines would cost £31 billion to build, but provide around £63 billion in economic benefits.

Currently, the west coast line between London and Glasgow takes a journey time of around 4.5 hours. The east coast line, on the other hand, takes travellers from London to Edinburgh in up to 5 hours, while it takes over 7 hours to travel from the capital to Aberdeen in the north of Scotland.

Chris Davies, a Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West of England and fervent supporter of high speed rail links, said the government's conclusions were "disappointing".

Other high speed rail network advocates have highlighted that, while high speed rail might lead to an increase in energy consumption, producing 90g of carbon per passenger-kilometre, they are still a more energy efficient alternative to domestic flights, which creates 225g/km.

Prince Charles to unveil 'unique' historic Scottish mansion

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:01:00 GMT

rinces Charles will visit Ayrshire to open a unique stately home that he helped save to the public.

Dumfries House, near Cumnock in Ayrshire, sits in nearly 2,000 acres and was designed 250 years ago. The former home of the Marquises of Bute, it was last occupied in 1993.

The Prince helped to arrange a deal to save the house and preserve its collection of Chippendale furniture after the 7th Marquess of Bute put it up for sale early last year. It was on the market for around £25 million and a consortium of charities and the Scottish Government, based in Edinburgh, purchased it last summer. The Prince's Charities Foundation contributed £20 million to the fund.

It was a last minute reprieve for the furniture collection, made especially for the house by Thomas Chippendale, which was close to being auctioned separately and spread across the globe.

Restoration work to make the A-listed property suitable for the public began in January this year. Renovation tasks included building a new access road, ensuring the house was able to meet Health and Safety regulations and cleaning furniture. The chief executive of the Great Steward of Scotland's Dumfries House Trust, Mike Schafer, told the BBC:

"The building was in good condition and the collections are in relatively good condition.

"But taking the property from a private residence to a visitor attraction is a 180 degree turn and it is a massive task."

It is now hoped that the Georgian mansion will encourage tourists to visit Ayrshire, central Scotland, and help regenerate the local economy. Mr Schafer said:

"We already have Culzean Castle and the Burns attractions in Alloway and this will be another destination nearby. I am looking forward to developing the estate and contributing to the social regeneration of the area."

Edinburgh Fringe Festival to unveil its 2008 line-up

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:48:00 GMT

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is announcing its new programme today - featuring more shows than ever.

In an advance preview, the Scotsman reports that this year's line up features a number of innovative new productions, including a one-man recreation of the Glastonbury festival experience and a drama based on "black box" transcripts of aircraft emergencies.

Irvine Welsh's novel Ecstasy will also be gracing the stage and the US circus performer Jim Rose will return to the central Scotland event for the first time in ten years.

A much debated new comedy event - the Edinburgh Comedy Festival - is another of this year's additions. There have been complaints that the separate comedy entity - featuring big names like Bill Bailey, Ed Byrne and Ruby Wax - would impact the Edinburgh Fringe Festival negatively as a whole, as it is billed as part of the Fringe but has its own brochure.

A new venue in a former bomb shelter will make its debut while the Ocean Terminal site that hosted Fuerzebruta last year will not be utilised.

The controversy that surrounded Ricky Gervais' show at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in 2007, however, means that the venue will not be used for comedy shows this year, although a number of concerts will be staged there in the run-up to the Fringe.

Additionally, there are no big outdoor shows on the cards, according to the Scotsman. It is expected that DF Concerts will announce that all of their gigs will be held indoors, following their failure to secure sponsorship after being dropped by Tennents.

The Fringe draws tourists and performers from all around the world and is known for its innovative shows. In March, a new fund to boost native talent at Edinburgh's festivals was announced.

National Gallery announces Renaissance exhibition for autumn

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:36:00 GMT

The Renaissance is coming to the National Gallery in London. According to the Guardian, its autumn exhibition will be devoted to Renaissance portraits.

The exhibition, titled Renaissance Faces: Van Eyck to Titian, will feature over 70 masterpieces from a range of European countries, from England and Italy to Finland and Germany. It will include paintings from masters such as Botticelli, Belini and Memling, as well as featuring some sculpture, notably Tullio Lombardo's marble bust of a young couple in the guise of Bacchus and Ariadne.

The curator of the exhibition, Susan Foister, told the Guardian that the 15th and 16th centuries represented a period of great artistic vibrancy, where painters burst upon the scene with a fascination for human likeness. She added:

"They not only acquired the techniques to do it, but also the intellectual liberation required to think about what it meant to be an individual."

The motivations and inspiration responsible for the portraits of the Renaissance - which typically document key life moments such as courtship, marriage and death - will be examined by the exhibition. A particular highlight of the programme will be the reunion of Van Eyck's renowned 1433 self portrait with his portrait of his wife for the first time since the 18th century.

Opening to the public on October 15, the show is expected to attract large crowds. Last month the Hayward Gallery marked its 40th anniversary with a new exhibition, Psycho Buildings: Artists take on Architecture.

Wales could benefit from new tourist Ferry from Anglesey to Caernarfon

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:24:00 GMT

A new tourist ferry service across the Menai Strait, separating Caernarfon and Anglesey, has been proposed.

According to the Welsh Daily Post, Gwynedd's High Sheriff, former North Wales AM Peter Rogers, suggested that a ferry service could improve the local economy and provide a boon to tourists and locals alike.

He added that a passenger ferry between the island and Caernarfon, eight miles from Snowdonia, operated in the past but the service ceased around 40 years ago.
"There was a time when people who lived at Brynsiencyn (on Anglesey) all shopped and banked in Caernarfon, and many still do... There's plenty to do each side."

Anglesey Sea Zoo, a popular Welsh tourist attraction, is planning to investigate the viability of such a crossing. The owner, Dylan Evans, told the BBC that it could be a real community project resulting in mutual benefits for the people involved.

The proposal has been met by enthusiasm from some local business people. According to the BBC, Amy Robison, who runs the Draig Goch café bar in Caernarfon said:

"It sounds a fantastic idea, even if it's just for a day trip. When tourists come to the town on holiday they could walk to the ferry and wouldn't have to use their cars."

Plans to restore the link in previous years have failed to come to fruition, but Mr Roger believes that despite obstacles like logistical difficulties, the idea is worth considering - and that it might be a service that existing operators would be interested in introducing.

Last month saw the beginnings of a Network Rail project to improve rail services south and north Wales, while a recent review of the country's heritage tourism recommended that Wales should maximise its cultural icons to tempt tourists.

New South London railway station begins services

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:48:00 GMT

South London saw the inaugural trains arrive at the new Mitcham Eastfields station yesterday - the first suburban railway station to open in the area since World War Two.

According to the BBC, the first Southern Train from Mitcham Eastfields in Mitcham was bound for Epsom in Surrey, and arrived at the station at 1609 on Monday to be greeted by local councillors with a welcome placard.

It is estimated that Network Rail invested £6 million in Mitcham Eastfields and the station is located considerably closer to Mitcham town centre than its predecessor, Mitcham Junction, which is more than a mile away.

Andrew Judge, a local councillor, said: "This is a great event for Mitcham.

"The train was on time, after 70 years of waiting. We're all trainspotters today. Big thanks go to Network Rail and Southern Railway and the wonderful crew, who built the station."

Furthermore, the Epsom Guardian quotes Mitcham and Morden MP, Siobhain McDonagh, saying: "The campaign to get a station here began in the 1930s and I've been part of it for a quarter of a century.

"The community in Mitcham has done a great job and getting this station has been one of our greatest achievements since I became an MP."

The ticket office and waiting area at Mitcham Eastfields' station is made out of recycled materials and were specifically created to minimise electricity usage.

Transportbriefing.com reports that a similar building also exists at Greenhithe station, close to the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent.

Trump will fly to Scotland for golf resort hearing

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:12:00 GMT

The public hearing of Donald Trump's planned Aberdeenshire golf resort will be attended by the US tycoon himself.

According to the BBC, the billionaire will fly to Scotland next week and visit the former home of his late mother in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis before appearing to give evidence at the inquiry in Aberdeen on Tuesday.

Scottish ministers in Edinburgh ordered a public inquiry after Aberdeenshire Council rejected Trump's plans to build a £1 billion development on Meine Estate in the north of Scotland.

Trump's intentions to build the development were first unveiled in November 2006 but the application has suffered several setbacks. Many leading business figures support the scheme but it has been criticised by various environmental groups and local campaigners. Trump will speak at a media conference in Stornoway on Monday morning before travelling to Aberdeen. He said:

"I respect the need for an inquiry and am totally committed to appearing as I really want to see this development come to fruition.

"I want the public to hear my plans and share my enthusiasm for them.

"I am confident I will be able to demonstrate my passion for this site on which we want to create a world class development that works in harmony with the natural environment."

The Trump Organisation recently revealed amendments to its plans for the resort in the hope it will make them more palatable to campaigners. A rival plan for a £115 million golf course at Blairs Seminary was approved by Aberdeenshire council in April.

Perthshire Archaeology Month gets underway

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:36:00 GMT

The hidden secrets of Perthshire's past will be revealed in the next few weeks, as June sees the start of the Perthshire Archaeology Month.

The event first took place in 2003 when it lasted only a week, but the popularity of the Perthshire, event has resulted in its expansion to a full month. Participants will be able to enjoy guided walks, exhibitions and talks as well as get their hands dirty at excavations and surveys.

David Strachan, from the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, explained to the BBC why such a wealth of archaeological treasures are located in the central Scotland area. He said:

"Perth and Kinross really straddles the southern Highlands and the midland valley, so we have very diverse natural environments from the Tay estuary, part of the midland valley and also including mountainous areas as well.

"These varieties of landscapes and topography mean there are lots of different types of very well preserved archaeology."

Among the archaeological highlights to be found in Perthshire are a range of prehistoric monuments, Roman remains and the medieval village of Scone. The region is also littered with 'shielings' - upland summer houses that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

People taking part in the event will be able to discover the secrets of notable buildings such as old mills, historic churches, castles and Perth prison.

In related news, a new Family History Center recently opened in Perth offering people access to a range of old records and the chance to discover more about their ancestors.