Today's News: 27 June 2016

Referendum

Nicola hopes to stop Scotland from leaving the EU.

The UK voted on Thursday to leave the EU with only 62% of Scots voting to stay. Nicola Sturgeon tries to find a way to halt Scotland from being made to leave the EU against it's wishes. She has said that a second Scottish independence referendum is likely to help to secure Scotland’s EU status.

She told the Andrew Marr Show: “The UK that Scotland voted to remain within in 2014 doesn’t exist anymore. This is a case of how we best protect stability and the interests of Scotland.” The chairman of the European affairs committee in the German parliament, Gunther Krichbaum, said that an independent Scotland would be welcome to join the European Union.

Nicola faces strong criticism for seeking to exploit Brexit for another referendum that will create more division and uncertainty. David Mundell, the only Conservative MP in Scotland, said that there is no surprise that the SNP is “seeking to exploit this very difficult situation to further the cause of independence”.

M&D’s Rollercoaster Crash

A rollercoaster crash yesterday at M&D’s funfair has left 10 people injured. The Tsunami ride detached and fell 20ft from its track at 40mph. Two children remain in a serious condition in hospital. A third child who had been in a serious condition is now stable. An 11-year-old boy Liam Boyle underwent emergency surgery to save his arm. His grandfather, Thomas Campbell, said: “The good news is Liam’s operation has been a success - they have saved his arm and hand. Recovery will take a while but at least we know that he is going to be alright.” Emergency services, including six ambulances and six fire engines were sent to the scene. A full health and safety probe has been launched at the park and it remains shut.

Cycle Hoy

Dundee Michelin’s factory employees and their families completed charity cycles. The cyclists had a choice of routes of varying difficulty named after cycling legends, Hoy, Wiggins and Contador.

Cyclehack helps to reduce barriers to cycling.

In the meantime, a convention by the worldwide group Cyclehack took place this weekend at Abertay University. Cyclehack hopes to inspire more people to consider riding a bike as a more sustainable means of transport.

Their event organiser, Conor Judge, said: “There are loads of barriers to cycling for people in Dundee, such as confidence on the roads, getting noticed by other road users, or what happens after you have been cycling. At the event we considered how to break down the barriers.”

Team GB

A total of 12 Scots will join Team GB to head to Rio having secured Olympic berths at the British Championships at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. Laura Muir, Eilidh Doyle, Andrew Butchart, Steph Twell, Eilish McColgan, Lynsey Sharp, Lennie Waite and Chris O’Hare will join four Scots already penned on the team-sheet.

The top-two athletes in each event were guaranteed a place on the plane, provided they had twice achieved the qualifying standard. Battling it out in the women’s 5,000m, Steph Twell won in 15:53, with Eilish McColgan (Dundee Hawkhill) coming second in 15:54 after she closed down another Scot, Laura Whittle, (time: 15:56) in the final bend. Eilish said: “I cannot explain how happy I am today. You’d think coming second I’d be disappointed, but after all of my injuries, I am over the moon.” Laura Whittle hopes to be given a discretionary selection after finishing 3^rd so the number of Scots joining, which has already reached a 40-year high, might total 13 athletes.

Football

Iceland's 2:1 Victory.

England exit Euro 2016 after 2:1 defeat against Iceland. Iceland celebrate as England players slump to their knees in despair. In response England Manager Roy Hodgson quits following his team’s disappointing performance. He said: “Now is the time for somebody else to oversee this young group. The players didn’t turn up tonight for their country”.

Sea of Blue Icelandic supporters.

Iceland, with a population of 330,000, are the smallest team to reach the quarter-finals. They are said to be very big on hard work in the sporting sphere. Former Raith Rovers player Iain Williamson, 28, is currently on loan from parent club Vikingur and Akranes. He said: “Players at semi-pro clubs in Iceland train six days a week. When I tell them that back home the players at part-time clubs train on Tuesday and Thursday nights, they just laugh and say that’s not being dedicated to your sport.”

He speaks about the fantastic experience of seeing first-hand the excitement that has enveloped Iceland at the Euros. “There is a great atmosphere in the country with everyone talking about the tournament. The whole country is behind the team.”

Local Dundee

Already seen all of the Oor Wullie statues around Dundee? Scarecrows designed by school children will be visible throughout Broughty Ferry for the week.

They were made by pupils from Claypotts Primary, Forthill Primary and Grove Academy. Their launch will coincide with Broughty Ferry Gala Week.

A similar scarecrow event has recently finished at Longforgan where school children were given the theme of sweets to build there straw-filled creations.