Stirling Highland Games suffers in recession

Stirling Tourism Association has announced that the annual Stirling Highland Games will be cancelled this year.

They say the cancellation is the result of economic uncertainty and successive changes of the venue.

Each year the games attract thousands of visitors and hundreds or performers to the area to participate in dancing and piping competitions. 

Local MSP Bruce Crawford has said he will meet with the games’ committee to ensure the cancellation is a one-off, and that they will return next year. 

Mr Crawford said: “Tourism plays a vital part in the local economy of the Stirling area, and I am determined that despite the recession, Stirling must send out the message that it remains open for business and is a must-visit destination for visitors from across the world.”

Troops withdraw from Iraq

The UK has officially ended all combat operations in Iraq, after a ceremony today in Basra. A memorial service was held to remember the one hundred and seventy nine soldiers who have died while on duty, attended by Defence Secretary John Hutton.   

Many tears have been shed by the servicemen and women in Basra – tears of joy for the chance to leave Iraq once and for all, but also tears of sadness for those who’ve been lost in the past six years of conflict. Yet Brigadier Tom Beckett says the troops are confident they’ve left a lasting legacy.

Only time will tell how successful the operation here was, but for now the forces are just looking forward to spending time with their families.

Later today, the forces will officially handover control of the region to American soldiers, a month ahead of schedule.  The soldiers are expected to arrive back in Britain within the next few days.

See a video of the ceremony at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2009/apr/30/iraq-military

Swine flu epidemic continues

Ian and Dawn Askham

 

This afternoon a helpline and ad campaign were launched to tell the public how to avoid spreading the flu. 

 

 

People wearing protective masks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone who has concerns over swine flu should contact NHS 24 on their special hotline – 08454 24 24 24.