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Plummeting Pensioner marks centenary

A Scottish woman has marked her 100th birthday by paragliding off a 2,500 foot peak in northern Cyprus. Peggy McAlpine, a great-grandmother from Stirling, became the world’s oldest extreme sportswoman on 1 November when she completed her tandem jump, serenaded by bagpipers playing ‘Scotland the Brave’ upon landing. “I wasn’t scared at all. I love heights, I love getting up in the air. I hope to do this again when I’m 105,” said Ms. McAlpine.

Ulterior motives, perhaps?

SNP First Minister Alex Salmond has been warned by the Vice-President of one the world’s leading technology companies that Scottish universities risk losing out by failing to forge closer links to business. Microsoft’s Bob McDowell, a patron of the University of the Highlands and Islands, questioned the SNP policy of funding higher education entirely with public money, asking, “Why would all the citizens contribute to something that only a small percentage get the value out of?”

Hovercraft to link Edinburgh and Fife

Regular hovercraft links between Edinburgh and Fife have come a step closer to reality after the consulting body responsible for regional transport pledged to re-examine the results of a July trial service. The South East of Scotland Transport Partnership said that a Stagecoach-operated service between Leith and Kirkcaldy, which drew 32,000 users in July this year, would most likely be accompanied by an additional ferry service in order to reduce congestion on the Forth Road Bridge.

Kasabian to headline Hogmanay Party

Kasabian have been unveiled as the headline act at this year’s Hogmanay street party. Local boys Idlewild will be the supporting act to perform in front of the 8,500 revellers expected to gather in Princes Street Gardens on New Year’s Eve. “This year we want to give it a bit more of a harder edge, so there's no question the gardens will rock,” said Peter Irvine, director of event producers Unique Events. Tickets are being sold from November 3.

BAFTA Scotland: no contest, really

The Scottish television industry has been called upon to create more roles for young actresses, after the English star of Edinburgh film Hallam Foe, Sophie Myles, won BAFTA Scotland’s Best Film Actress award as the only nominee. Presenter and host of the awards, Lorraine Kelly, called for more female parts, saying that it was “really hard” for women to find roles. “We’re a small country, there are ups and down, some years fat, some years leaner.”

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