Queen of Sports

16 July 2011 Last updated at 10:05 GMT By Gillian Marles BBC Scotland business reporter Vivien Kyles said all the profits from racing and other events at Hamilton go back into the business At Hamilton Park Racecourse, its chief executive, Vivien Kyles, is gearing up for one of the biggest events of the year.

However, it is not a major race meet but a concert by former boy band Westlife on 23 July. It is Hamilton's biggest signing to date and all part of the strategy of its chief executive Vivien Kyles.

She took over the running of the course in 2008 and her plans included making the course pay on the 140 or so days in a year when there wasn't a racing fixture.

Vivien has always been a bit of a trailblazer. She took over at Hamilton Park after a spell as chief executive of Livingston Football Club - one of the few women to head up a football club not just in this country but in the world.

She said: "I probably miss the joys and frustrations we used to have on a Saturday just before the game - standing on front of the white board and asking why they are not using a certain player on the wing because he's faster - that's just the frustrated football manager in me but I certainly don't miss driving home after being beaten 5-nil."

Surprisingly, she had never been to the races before her appointment, although she admits to having had a flutter on the Grand National.

Her priority has been to make the course pay during a time of great change in the world of racing.

"It is a changed model," she said. "The money used to be made solely on the race days and there was a lot of central funding which came from the levy - that's the government tax that takes place in the bookmakers.

"We used to get levy figures northwards of about ?750,000 six years ago and now we get about ?240,000, so that's a ?0.5m drop in our revenue streams."

The racecourse has had success in attracting other events. In 2008 there were eight weddings - this year there will be about 30.

Funeral teas

Vivien said there was a surprising diversity of functions booking the course: "We do a lot of private parties, exhibitions, dinners, funeral teas even - people are looking for something that's a wee bit different.

"So it is trying to make Hamilton Park a business and complement what's going on in the track."

Outside activities now contribute between 35 - 40% of the course's income so racing is still very much at the core of the business.

The average punter will spend ?40 during the day on a flutter and some food and drink. For the evening it's usually more than ?100 and in hospitality it can be much more than that.

Profits from all the activities are ploughed back in to the business and this year that is likely to be 50% more than the previous year.

"We are owned by a racing trust," Vivien said.

"So unlike some of the groups within the racing circuit we're not looking to pay dividends out to people - there's no shareholders cracking the whip (no pun intended) so what I have the luxury of doing is reinvesting the profits we make back into the racecourse and that predominately means putting the profits in the prize money."

The interview with Vivien Kyles can be heard on BBC Radio Scotland's 'Business Scotland' programme on Sunday 17 July at 1005 BST. Business Scotland is available by podcast.

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Queen opens new term at Holyrood

1 July 2011 Last updated at 12:57 GMT The Queen officially marked the fourth session of the Scottish Parliament

The Queen has performed the official opening of the fourth session of the Scottish Parliament, saying Holyrood had become integral to public life.

Her speech came as part of a day of events to celebrate the occasion.

It was the Queen's first visit to parliament since the SNP's landslide election win in May.

First Minister Alex Salmond said Scotland and the Queen would remain "firm friends", whatever the outcome of his planned independence referendum.

Delivering her speech to politicians and dignitaries in the parliament's main chamber, the Queen, who was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, said: "No-one would ever argue that Scottish politics is the business of the meek, the passive or the faint-hearted."

Continue reading the main story

As we arrived in glorious sunshine on the Royal Mile this morning, the crowds began to gather around the Scottish Parliament's main entrance.

The Queen - wearing a turquoise hat and suit - left the palace with the Duke of Edinburgh, making the short car ride to the Queensbury House entrance of the Scottish Parliament.

Among those outside were some excited, but extremely well behaved, pupils from Royal Mile Primary School.

Six-year-old Aaron Ritchie presented a beautiful posy of cream roses to the Queen.

He told me how he had practised what he would say: "Good morning your majesty."

I met Aaron afterwards and he told me the Queen had said "thank you" to him.

Then came "the riding", where about 2,000 people from all walks of Scottish life processed down the Royal Mile.

They marched under the banners wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity - the words inscribed on the Scottish Parliament mace.

It was colourful and very noisy.

Five-year-old Sarah from Windygates, in Fife, was waiting to see her granddad who had been nominated as a local hero.

She told me how proud she was of him.

And after the riding, everyone headed off for a party in the park outside the parliament.

It was a fun, family atmosphere - a lovely day in the sunshine.

She told the chamber: "Now, in its second decade, the Scottish Parliament is firmly established as an integral part of Scottish public life.

"The maturity of the legislation passed in this chamber and the well-tested processes giving rise to it are evidence of the Scottish Parliament having truly come of age. This is an achievement of which all members, past and present, should be proud."

In a message to MSPs, she added: "To the new and returning members of the Scottish Parliament, I offer the observation that, in return for the authority placed upon you, a very great deal is asked of Scotland's elected politicians, perhaps as much now as ever before.

"As a close observer of every stage of this parliament's life, I remain confident that you will manage to discharge your duty diligently and competently, and serve the interests of the people of Scotland to the best of your ability."

In his address, Mr Salmond praised the Queen's role as "the firmest of friends" to the Scottish Parliament, while expressing his aspiration for Scotland to grow further as a nation.

"This is a country increasingly comfortable in its own skin," said the first minister.

"There is much we share, that is a given, but the nations of these islands are also distinctive, with our own unique history and culture, our own economic challenges and opportunities.

"Some of us believe the best way to articulate that uniqueness and tackle those challenges lies within ourselves - and should be fully expressed through the work of this parliament."

Mr Salmond quoted back to the Queen words she used in her recent state visit to Ireland, describing links between "firm friends and equal partners".

In a reference to the forthcoming referendum on Scottish independence, the first minister added: "However, whatever constitutional path the people of Scotland choose - and it is their choice to make - we will aspire to be, in your words, 'firm friends and equal partners'."

From Democracy Live: Full Holyrood chamber coverage of the Royal opening

The first minister also noted that, during the previous Scottish parliament before the Act of Union in 1707, the Queen's predecessors had "reigned over two sovereign nations - though there was nothing particularly unusual in that arrangement".

As well as speeches in the main chamber, guests and MSPs heard a performance of Robert Burns' "Now Westlin Winds" by award-winning folk singer Karine Polwart, and the reading of a specially-written poem by Scots Makar Liz Lochhead, entitled "Opening the Doors Again!".

Also making a speech, the Scottish Parliament's new presiding officer, Tricia Marwick, welcomed the Queen, while warning that the years ahead would not be easy.

"The people of Scotland are experiencing a time where their incomes and lifestyles have felt the full effects of the difficult economic period through which we have all been living," she said.

"And, during the times ahead, people will, quite rightly look to this parliament for leadership."

Events inside the parliament were followed by the traditional Riding event - a procession down the Royal Mile to the parliament intended to symbolise the parliament's connection with the people of Scotland - featuring 1,500 politicians, performers, members of the public and "local heroes" nominated by MSPs.

There was also an afternoon of free entertainment at Holyrood, featuring choirs, orchestras, and contemporary bands, including Crayons and French Wives.

The Scottish Parliament has now gone into recess until September.

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Queen visits horsebreeding centre

19 May 2011 Last updated at 13:20 GMT The Queen's love of horses and racing is well known

The Queen has been shown around the Irish National Stud horsebreeding centre on the third day of her historic visit to the Republic of Ireland.

She unveiled a statue marking her visit, met jockeys and others involved in racing, and was shown stud horses at the centre in Kildare, west of Dublin.

Irish agriculture minister Simon Coveney said the Queen's trip had now entered a "more relaxing" phase.

She has expressed "deep sympathy" for victims of past British-Irish conflict.

The Queen is making the first trip to the country by a reigning UK monarch for 100 years and the first since it gained independence.

At a state dinner at Dublin Castle on Wednesday, she offered "sincere thoughts and deep sympathy" to people who had suffered during the two countries' "troubled past".

An apology had not been expected, BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said, but the Queen came "pretty close".

Continue reading the main story

The Queen's among horses. She'll be happy. They don't bow, curtsey or fawn”

End Quote Peter Hunt Royal correspondent, BBC News Earlier on Wednesday, her engagements had included a visit to Croke Park sports stadium in the capital, where 14 people were killed by British forces 91 years ago, and the earlier laying of a wreath at a service honouring Ireland's World War I dead.

BBC Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson said that having reached "half-time" in the Queen's four-day trip, there was now "no more politics - just horses and showbiz today".

The Queen is due to attend a variety show at Dublin's National Convention Centre on Thursday evening.

Mr Coveney said: "The first two days were very much about the emotive history of the two islands, reconciliation and moving forward and respecting the history. I think the Queen did that in an extraordinarily generous way.

"I think the second half of this visit is, I hope, more relaxing - and she's very interested in racing and horse breeding."

He said: "Horse racing is part of what it means to be Irish and an important industry for us here."

'Reconciliation'

Addressing guests at the state dinner on Wednesday, the Queen opened her only public speech of the trip in Irish.

"A hUachtarain agus a chairde (President and friends)," she said.

The Queen opened her speech in Irish

She went on: "It is a sad and regrettable reality that through history our islands have experienced more than their fair share of heartache, turbulence and loss.

"These events have touched us all, many of us personally, and are a painful legacy. We can never forget those who have died or been injured, and their families.

"To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy."

She added: "With the benefit of historical hindsight we can all see things which we would wish had been done differently or not at all."

Continue reading the main story

I think people were very taken by the extent of her words and the clarity and ringing tone in which she said them”

End Quote Enda Kenny Irish prime minister The Queen praised her host, President Mary McAleese, who had "done a great deal to promote this understanding and reconciliation" and "set out to build bridges".

Mrs McAleese, in her address to guests, said a new chapter had been opened between Ireland and Britain.

"The harsh facts cannot be altered nor loss nor grief erased but with time and generosity, interpretations and perspectives can soften and open up space for new accommodations," she said.

'Remarkable contribution'

UK Prime Minister David Cameron was present at the state dinner, after earlier flying in and holding talks with Ireland's prime minister, Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

"As so often, her majesty has been able to put things and say things and do things in a way that massively strengthens the relationship," Mr Cameron said.

Mr Kenny said: "I think it was a remarkable contribution in what is a remarkable state visit.

"I think people were very taken by the extent of her words and the clarity and ringing tone in which she said them."

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, whose party did not attend the dinner, said he believed that the Queen's expression of sympathy was genuine.

But he added: "Queen Elizabeth's acknowledgement that the relationship between Britain and Ireland has not been entirely benign is a gross understatement.

"This will be forgiven if the future policy of her government is about building an entirely new future based on genuine equality, and mutual respect."

The Queen and Prince Philip's signatures on the visitors' book at the official residence of the Irish president

Wreath-laying at the Garden of Remembrance, the Queen (left) with President Mary McAleese (right)

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The Queen inspects the Book of Kells at Trinity College

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The Queen signs the visitors' book at Government Buildings, while meeting the Irish prime minister, on right

Irish veterans meet the Queen and the Irish president at the Irish War Memorial Gardens

The Queen is offered a pint at the Guinness Storehouse

The Queen and Prince Philip receive a hurley stick, at Croke Park stadium

The Queen wore a diamond harp brooch for her speech at Dublin Castle

The Queen views the stallions at the Irish National Stud

Thursday 19 May: Visit to National Stud at Kildare.

Friday 20 May: Tour of St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel and the English Market and Tyndall Institute, Cork.

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Why are there rules for meeting the Queen?

26 May 2011 Last updated at 16:41 GMT By Dan Bell BBC News President Barack Obama raised eyebrows when he continued speaking during the national anthem with commentators suggesting protocol had been breached. But what is royal protocol and is it necessary?

Barack Obama was probably not aware that he was doing anything unusual when making a toast "to the Queen" and then continuing with a short speech. According to protocol, however, he should have stopped after the toast.

The band, taking its cue from the word Queen, struck up with the national anthem leaving the president struggling to make himself heard.

What happens when the Queen is toasted is all part of protocol, an elaborate set of customs and rules that govern interactions with the British royal family.

Some fuss was also made during a previous visit by the Obamas, when Michelle put her arm around the Queen, another protocol breach.

Mrs Obama's action echoed similar slip-ups by Australian prime ministers. In 2000, John Howard appeared to have put his arm around the Queen, but that was as nothing compared to the furore caused by Paul Keating when he put his arm around the Queen during her 1992 tour of Australia, and was dubbed "the Lizard of Oz".

Michelle Obama took the unusual step of hugging the Queen during the First Lady's previous UK visit

When meeting a royal, there are rules about who can speak first, where to look, what to call them, how you should stand and when you should sit. It is a mysterious business to the uninitiated.

But it stems from a time when monarchs were accorded an almost divine status and had to be treated accordingly.

"From medieval times, monarchs were divinely appointed to rule by God, so they were kind of seen as gods, so they demanded to be treated as gods," says Dr Kate Williams, a historian at London's Royal Holloway university.

"They are treated as people set apart from the rest of us, so primarily what it is creating is distance and grandeur."

In short, says Dr Williams, "you don't kiss them, you don't touch them, you bow - over and over again."

But in an era when a woman with ancestors who worked in the coal mines can become a princess, does royal etiquette really matter?

The reaction to Mrs Obama touching the Queen in 2009 would suggest it does to some people.

"Meeting the Queen may never be the same again after an extraordinary show of affection with Michelle Obama," wrote Andrew Pierce in the Daily Telegraph in 2009.

For David Miller, director of Debrett's, royal etiquette is a helpful set of instructions to show people how to behave in an unfamiliar social setting.

"It's a code of conduct in terms of the way in which people behave at occasions and eventualities that they do not encounter on an everyday basis," he says.

"Yes, it's wrapped up in history and tradition, but it's also practical, universal and there to avoid embarrassment."

Royal protocol can be viewed as an expression of respect for the Queen.

William Hanson, a protocol expert who trained staff for the luxury liner Queen Mary II, says the Queen, with all she has been through, her unique perspective and position in the nation's history, deserves the respect she is afforded.

"It's because we respect her and what she stands for - she stands for all that is great in British society," he says.

But there is evidence that things are becoming more relaxed.

George Bush was reported to have received advice on protocol when the Queen visited the US

Jennie Bond spent 14 years negotiating royal protocol as a part of her job as royal correspondent for the BBC.

"I don't think that they are as hot on etiquette as most people think they are," she says.

"They like people to curtsy, but you're always told at royal briefings that it's up to you. As a journalist, I never did.

"All this thing about not speaking to the Queen unless you're spoken to, I don't believe that, I always used to tell her jokes."

Dr Williams says royal etiquette has adapted to reflect the shift in what we expect from our royal family.

"I think it is changing, I think in the earlier period people wanted their monarch to be set apart from them, that's what they wanted, they wanted someone more powerful [to protect them]," she says.

"We're less and less engaged with the idea of a monarch being distant. For example, Princess Diana gained popularity because she was so much less formal."

But Mr Hanson believes etiquette still has a role to play, beyond royal circles as much as within them.

"These things matter, especially when you're doing business with eastern countries such as China, where they take it even more seriously than Britain," he says.

"The Japanese, the Chinese, the Middle Eastern countries, are more concerned with protocol day-to-day."

Mr Hanson sees a deeper importance behind the principles of etiquette.

"If you get the little things right, all the other things fall into place. It's about respect and deference in society, and that is what we're lacking."

As for the recent faux pas by Mr Obama, Mr Hanson says: "It's not going to spell the end of cordial relations between America and Britain, but it's always nice to get these things right."

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Queen greets Obama on state visit

24 May 2011 Last updated at 16:20 GMT The Queen welcomes President Obama to Buckingham Palace

The Queen has greeted US President Barack Obama, and his wife Michelle, at the start of his first UK state visit.

The Obamas also met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and spent 20 minutes with newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

They have laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey and will attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

It came after David Cameron and Mr Obama spoke of "essential" UK-US ties.

'Common interests'

In a joint article in the Times, Mr Obama and Mr Cameron said of their countries' relationship: "Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship - for us and for the world.

Continue reading the main story James Landale Deputy political editor, BBC News

Whenever a US president comes here there is always a slightly tortuous debate on whether or not the relationship is still special or not.

Both sides have decided the best way of avoiding that debate is to come up with a new wording entirely. They have a new adjective. It is now an essential relationship.

In a joint article for the Times newspaper, the prime minister and the president say the relationship between their countries was based originally on what they called emotional connections, sentiment and the ties of people and culture but now it thrives on common interests and shared values.

So what they are trying to focus on here now is more business-like pragmatism rather than any idea of appealing to the mythology of past historic links.

"When the United States and Britain stand together, our people and people around the world can become more secure and more prosperous.

"The reason it thrives is because it advances our common interests and shared values. It is a perfect alignment of what we both need and what we both believe."

The presidential pair's visit to Westminster Abbey included an impromptu meeting with choirboys, when Mr Obama was teased by his wife for his lack of singing talent.

"He insisted on speaking to each one of them and shaking their hands," the Dean, Dr John Hall said.

"He said that he liked to think he could sing and Mrs Obama said 'Well, he can't really, he can dance'."

Mr Obama briefly met the prime minister in Downing Street ahead of talks on Wednesday. They then left together for a surprise visit to the Globe Academy in Southwark, south London.

The leaders' talks are likely to focus on the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Libya.

David and Samantha Cameron greet Barack and Michelle Obama

In their article, they also vowed not to abandon the protesters fighting for democracy in Arab countries, writing that they would "stand with those who want to bring light into dark, support those who seek freedom in place of repression, aid those laying the building blocks of democracy.

"We will not stand by as their aspirations get crushed in a hail of bombs, bullets and mortar fire.

"We are reluctant to use force, but when our interests and values come together, we know we have a responsibility to act."

BBC diplomatic correspondent Bridget Kendall said the two countries were anxious to play up their closeness.

"Security is the secret glue at the core of the special relationship, and that bond is being strengthened," our correspondent said.

"Behind the flags and formalities, be sure there are tensions, but in this era of tightened budgets and sudden crises, there's a new eagerness to work together."

Mr Obama arrived in the UK from the Republic of Ireland a day ahead of schedule on Monday, to avoid any disruption from a volcanic ash cloud.

After the president was welcomed by Prince Charles and his wife at the US ambassador's residence Winfield House in Regent's Park, his cavalcade made its way to Buckingham Palace where he joined the Queen.

They briefly met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before moving to the palace gardens where there was a ceremonial welcome, including a 41-gun salute.

There was an exchange of gifts, with the Obamas presenting the Queen with a collection of memorabilia and photographs from her parents' 1939 visit to the US.

They also received a selection of letters from the royal achives, between past US presidents and English monarchs.

When President Obama was shown letters and artefacts charting Britain's loss of the American colonies, he joked: "That was only a temporary blip in the relationship."

The royal newlyweds spent 20 minutes with the Obamas, but will not attend the state banquet

Michelle Obama was also given an antique brooch made of gold and red coral in the form of roses.

Number 10 barbecue

The Obamas have now returned to Buckingham Palace, where they are due to meet Labour leader Ed Miliband.

In the evening there will be a state banquet at the palace, where they will stay overnight.

Charles Anson, former press secretary to the Queen, told the BBC the banquet would be a "glittering" affair and one that was "full of warmth" as well as formality.

Wednesday's itinerary will include talks with the prime minister before Mr Obama is joined by his wife and British and American military veterans for a barbecue at Number 10.

They will visit the Houses of Parliament and give a speech about US foreign policy to MPs in Westminster Hall, before a return banquet at Winfield House, where the Queen will formally say farewell.

The state visit to the UK is the 101st to be hosted by the Queen but only the third involving a US president in 100 years. The last US president to visit officially was George Bush in 2003.

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