News: A report into Scottish cultural and economic life suggests Scotland could become Europe's second richest country by 2015 if the some policy changes are made to make Scottish business and culture more outward-looking. In politics there is controversy when Donald Dewar, Scotland's First Minister, sacks his Chief of Staff. Opposition parties say that an inadequate explanation for the sacking has been given. The Cubie Report into Scottish Higher Education was published and will be debated in parliament in the new year.

Sport News: In the world of football, the World Cup Qualifying draw was made in Tokyo. Scotland's Qualifying group for the 2002 World Cup in Japan & Korea includes: Belgium, Croatia, Latvia & San Marino. December also saw Rangers playing another European match in the 2nd leg tie versus Borussia Dortmund of Germany. Rangers crashed out of the competition, losing 3-0 on penalties, after extra time.

News: The Westminster Parliamentry session is officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen. Peace talks continue in Northern Ireland aimed at devolving power from Westminster and creating a power-sharing Executive. The Queen opened the Great Hall in Stirling Castle after its £8.5 million refurbishment.

Sport News: The Scotland rugby team lost out to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi quarter final at Murryfield. November saw Scotland play two major Euro soccer qualifiers against England. England Qualified for Euro 2000 but Scotland did manage to record a 1-0 victory in the match in London. Rangers beat Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. Both of these teams also played in European games. Celtic were knocked out of the UEFA Cup and Rangers beat Dortmund in their first leg game in Glasgow.

News: News breaks that John Reid (MP, Scottish Secretary of State) is said to have clashed with Donald Dewar (MSP, Scottish First Minister) over an alleged cash for access scandal involving a lobbying firm that employs John Reid's son. A report will be made to the parliament's Standards committee to investigate any wrong doing. The Paddington rail crash occurred in October and it has prompted action into rail safety across the UK.

Sport News: Rangers FC climbed to the top of their Euro Champions League Group. In the UEFA Cup tournament Celtic progressed to the next round but St Johnstone and Kilmarnock were knocked out. The Scottish national football team won their two remaining Euro Championship group matches and now face England in a play-off to see who qualifies for Euro 2000. In the world of golf, Colin Montgomery won the World Matchplay Championship. David Coulthard's Formula One World Championship hopes were dashed after he failed to finish the Malaysian Grand Prix.

News: The by-election at the Hamilton South constituency in central Scotland took place on September 23rd. The Labour Party candidate managed to retain the seat but Annabelle Ewing of the Scottish National Party reduced the 16,000 majority to a mere 600 votes. September sees the beginning of the Party Conference season and the Scottish Parliament has reconvened after the summer recess.

Sport News: Three Scottish golfers were in the European team for the Ryder Cup - Colin Montgomerie, Paul Lawrie and Andrew Coltart. The Scottish National football team played in two successive away games with a win in Bosnia and a draw in Estonia. In motorsport, theer was success for Jackie Stewart's F1 team which took a first place and a third place in the European Grand Prix.

News: UK Defence Secretary George Robertson MP has been appointed as the the new Secretary General of NATO. In order to take up the post he must resign from his seat in Parliament. This means there will be a by-election at Robertson's Hamilton South constituency in Scotland. Liberal Democrats elected Charles Kennedy MP as their new leader. Kennedy, who represents a Scottish highland constituency, succeeds Paddy Ashdown.

Sport News: The Scottish football season kicked off - as usual it appears to be a two horse race between Rangers and Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title. The "old firm" also advanced into the next stage of their European competitions. D Coulthard finishes second in the Hungarian Grand Prix and wins in Belgium.

News: Scotland's First Minister was fined for speeding at 43mph in a 30mph zone in his Anniesland constituency. Shipbuilding seems set to continue on the River Clyde after a buyer was found for the Kaverner yard in Govan

Sport News: Scottish sporting success by F1 racing driver David Coulthard who won the British Grand Prix. In the world of golf, Colin Montgomerie won the World Invitational event at Loch Lomond and Paul Lawrie triumphed at the British Open Golf Championship at Carnoustie.