JOHN Muir, the “father of the National Parks” who “saved the American soul from total surrender to materialism”, died a century ago this year. 2014 will be marked by Muir celebrations in the US and his native Scotland. April 21 has been designated John Muir day.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, originally from Ballycastle, Co Antrim, is to leave Scotland for several months after admitting inappropriate sexual conduct during his church career, the Vatican has said.