Douglas MacQueen's blog

Storms continue to wreak havoc across many of the Celtic nations. Worst hit at this stage seems to be parts of Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man and North Wales. Many are without power in Ireland with roads closed due to fallen trees. Widespread flooding and landslides have been caused by Storm Desmond with 83 mph winds, heavy rain, with high tides increasing flood risks in coastal areas. Rising river levels continue to cause concern with people being evacuated from their homes. The storms are set to continue overnight.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The former First Minister of Scotland on a visit to Ireland has said he believes Irish Unity is as inevitable as Scottish Independence.

He told an Irish newspaper such political development could only happen in the future as long as it is done democratically, peacefully and with the consent of the people, particularly those in the north of the island.

Alex Salmond said of Irish unity:

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

Cracks have been found in graphite bricks which line the reactor core at the Hunterston B nuclear power station (picture) in Ayrshire.

EDF which operate the plant say the fault was detected during routine maintenance. They say:

"The level of cracking which is considered reasonable is far below anything which would affect the reactor's safe operation.

"It is accepted by our regulators and materials experts that cracks will occur in some of the bricks and that the core will lose some of its mass as part of the normal ageing process."

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The second largest trawler in the world the 143 metre Margaris which can catch and process 250 tonnes of fish a day is in waters to the North West of Donegal.

I have been tracking the vessel all day as it meanders back and forth obviously enjoying steady catches because it has stayed in the one area for many hours.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The pro Scottish Independence blog ‘Wings over Scotland’ is four years old today.

By its own admission ‘Wings’ which started out just intending to be an occasional observation on the unfolding scene in Scotland has turned into once of the most visited and authoritative web pages in the United Kingdom. Run by Stuart Campbell it repeatedly takes the main stream media on, analysis’s their (in many instances) lies and corrects them.

The blog has had an astonishing 118 million hits and has 5.5 million users.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The Celtic League has urged the Isle of Man government to make a further approach to the United Kingdom about returning ‘The Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles’ to the Island.

The Chronicles are currently held by the British Library and an attempt by the Isle of Man five years ago which was supported by a number of politicians and the local newspaper group proved abortive.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

Well Joint Warrior (JW 15/2) seemed to pass of without incident but this week a piece of ‘military kit’ drifted ashore in the Western Isles.

The large Mirach 100/5 military target drone which was found on a beach on North Uist may well have been associated with the exercise but is more likely connected to the ‘QuinteQ’ missile testing range on nearby South Uist.

Paisley (Scottish Gaelic: Pàislig) is the largest town in the Scottish county of Renfrewshire in the west central Lowlands. It is also home to Houston Kiltmakers, a fourth generation family-run business. The kilt makers have now created tartans for comic book superheroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, the Hulk, Batman and Superman. Next on their agenda is a tartan range for female characters including Supergirl and Catwoman.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The plans to establish a major centre for Gaelic music, culture and heritage in South Uist have suffered a major funding setback after a funding request to the Big Lottery Fund.

The arts group Ceolas were hoping to establish the £12m centre, in Daliburgh to provide year-round education and performances in music, song and dance, as well as other aspects of Gaelic culture and heritage.

Congratulations to Scotland, Wales and Ireland who have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2015. Scotland secured their qualification by beating Samoa 36-33 yesterday. Wales had already reached the quarter-final stage despite being beaten by Australia yesterday. Scotland now face Australia in the quarter-final on 18 October, with Wales against South Africa on 17 October. Ireland conclude the group stages of the tournament when they play France later today.