The Scotsman

Fab Four Footage Reveals the Genius of the Brothers Who Revolutionised Documentary Making

As his historic Beatles footage is re-released, filmmaker Albert Maysles talks to Paul Whitelaw ALONG with his late brother, David, Albert Maysles (think "measles" with an "a") has been responsible for some of the most unforgettable documentaries ever made. Although Albert - described by Jean Luc Godard as "the best American cameraman" - has been working solidly since David passed away in 1987, it is the films the Maysles directed together which have secured his lasting legacy.

Guest Houses Advised to B&B Accessible to Touring Bikers

AS THEY roar through the glens, leather-clad bikers can be the envy of fellow road users stuck behind slow-moving caravans and tractors. But while they often arrive first at their chosen bed and breakfasts, bikers often find there is no room at the inn for them and their prized machines because of their wild image.

Farmer Says You Can't Get Better Than a Yts Training Programme

KWIK-FIT founder and multi-millionaire Sir Tom Farmer yesterday called for businesses to get involved with local communities to address social problems and youth unemployment - but also demanded government subsidies to help create jobs for young people. Speaking at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting, Farmer criticised the government, claiming that a "few million pounds" would be sufficient to revive the former Youth Training Scheme (YTS ). If this happened he said he wou...

Call to Justify Board Appointments and Skills

A SCOTTISH business heavyweight is calling on companies to use their annual reports to justify why directors were appointed and which skills they bring to the board. David Watt, executive director of the Institute of Directors (IOD) Scotland, said firms needed to take the training of directors seriously and the role should be seen as a profession.

Strong Sales in Scandinavia Lift Dsg Shares Despite Slump in Uk Stores

A BETTER-than-expected performance in Scandinavia posted by electricals giant DSG International yesterday took the sting out of continuing tough trading in the UK. DSG revealed that UK electricals like-for-like sales slumped 14 per cent in the 16 weeks to 22 August as the recession continued to bite. UK computing sales slid 15 per cent.

Analysis: Search Is On for Successor to Rose

IF THERE was an award in the City for the most protracted debate of all time then surely the question over who will succeed Sir Stuart Rose at the helm of Marks & Spencer would be a shoo-in for the top prize. Almost as soon as he joined the middle classes' retailer of choice in 2004, City tongues were wagging over who could dethrone the so-called "King of Gowns and Blouses".

Scots Leather Firm in Chinese Joint Venture

AN OPPORTUNITY to tap the growing car market in China has prompted Bridge of Weir Leather, part of Scottish Leather Group, to launch a joint venture in the country. The Renfrewshire company has teamed up with Zibo Polygrace Dahuanjiu Tannery Group, a manufacturer and exporter of upholstery leathers.

Eef Split Follows London's Demand for Control

PETER Hughes, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, has for the first time revealed details of an acrimonious split with its London-based counterpart. Scottish Engineering is now a stand-alone organisation after deciding to sever its ties with the EEF, formerly the Engineering Employers Federation, that go back to 1896.

Scottish Enterprise Hopeful of Securing European Funds

SCOTTISH Enterprise is "cautiously optimistic" of securing up to GBP 150 million of European funds for Scots businesses next year. The economic development agency has applied for funds from the European Investment Bank through the Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises (Jeremie) scheme.

Growth Fund to Target London

SPECIALIST property investment company Walls & Futures has launched a fund targeting London, but backed by Scottish asset management and law firms. The Walls & Futures London Growth Fund, focusing on the centre and south-west of the city, aims to raise up to GBP 10 million of equity to create a GBP 20m fund.

Degree of Team Work for Gsk Staff Chemists

STRATHCLYDE University and drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) yesterday teamed up to launch a degree specifically for GSK's chemists. Research carried out during GSK staff's day-to-day work will count towards the masters degree in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, as will studies carried out alongside researchers at Strathclyde University.

No Crumb of Comfort for Lloyds As Analysts Balk at Fundraising Plan

INVESTORS in the City have little appetite to support a potential GBP 10 billion fundraising by Lloyds Banking Group, as the bank seeks ways to reduce its reliance on the government's Asset Protection Scheme (APS). Rumours detailing how the bank will raise cash to boost its balance sheet have been circulating in the City as the group tries to undertake secret negotiations with the Treasury and the European Commission on the terms of its participation in the APS.

Oil Find in Gulf of Mexico Boosts Bp by Gbp 4bn

BP HAILED a new "giant" discovery in the Gulf of Mexico yesterday, which helped add more than GBP 4 billion to the value of the company. Europe's second-largest oil company did not put an estimate on how much it could extract from the well, but claimed it was "material" to its overall value.

One in Every 15 Deaths in Surgery Is Linked to Patient Alcohol Abuse

ALCOHOL abuse was linked to one in 15 surgical deaths reported in Scotland last year, a report has revealed. The Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality (SASM) found that alcohol was a factor in the deaths of 194 patients in 2008.

Music Review: Brian Wilson: Good Vibrations As Fans Have Fun, Fun, Fun Music

BRIAN WILSON *** ROYAL CONCERT HALL, GLASGOW

Jonathan's Up the Creek As Bbc Cuts Star Salaries

AS A creator of magic tricks, Jonathan Creek is adept at making things disappear. But the latest vanishing act won't impress the actor who plays the TV sleuth, Alan Davies - it involves a chunk of his wages. The actor and comic has revealed that the BBC has cut his fee for a 90-minute TV special by 25 per cent. The Judas Tree is to be broadcast next Easter. On the Twitter website, Davies, 43, said: "Just had a 25 per cent pay cut on Jonathan Creek. The BBC are 'driving down talent costs'!"

Critic's Choice: Until 5 September

Gate/Friel King's Theatre, Edinburgh, until 5 September

Gbp 350,000 Hogmanay Spectacle Set to Send the Capital Off Kilter

A GBP 350,000 DANCE extravaganza fusing Scottish traditions with the work of contemporary choreographers is a highlight of Edinburgh's Hogmanay line-up. The Off Kilter show at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, running for five days over the turn of the year, ranges from Highland dance to hip-hop and Indian classical styles. It will tour to Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Taxpayers May Subsidise Diageo

DIAGEO appeared to be in line for a major injection of public funds last night after John Swinney revealed the closure of its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock would cost the local economy GBP 15.5 million each year. The prospect of the Scottish Government offering a substantial amount of taxpayers' money to the drinks giant in an attempt to save hundreds of Diageo jobs came closer on the eve of a crucial meeting between the company and the finance secretary.

Case Study: 'I Can't Stress Enough Just How Important It Is'

FIVE-year-old Ella Chambers was diagnosed with spina bifida when she was born. She cannot walk and has hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. Her mother, Melanie, did not take folic acid until she found out she was pregnant, as the pregnancy was not planned.