A call for plain English from written submissions in an education committee inquiry into the schooling of deaf and blind children.

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, told the panel of visiting experts: "I start with a plea for plain English that applies to some of the submissions. I can barely say a sentence such as this one:

"Part of the solution is to transmogrify the educator from adhering to the sophisticated deficit model to one that generates empowerment of the pupil."

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THE SNP's Stewart Stevenson has become the first MSP to get his hands - well, wrist, to be precise - on a smart watch. A former director of technology with Bank of Scotland, he confidently uses the high tech gadget to run his office. He is now seen stalking the garden lobby barking "agenda!" and other commands into his sleeve. Unspun is not sure the gizmos will catch on with other MSPs.

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THE seat wars that have occupied SNP MPs for most of their first week at Westminster has not gone unnoticed by the bookmakers. One, Betway, reckons Labour's Dennis Skinner will see off Nats' attempts to oust him at least in the short term. He was a 1/2 shot to take his usual place on the green benches for Wednesday's State Opening of Parliament and 6/4 to be turfed out by the SNP. Spokesman Alan Alger said: "Skinner will not be moved from his seat easily, but as the SNP are buoyant with new members and power in the Commons, Labour may be forced to concede."

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