Fringe benefit of visiting Edinburgh is talking rubbish
Diary correspondent Alan Boyd and his wife were in the queue for a show, and after enjoying a last mouthful of tangy beer, Alan found himself with an empty plastic beaker.
'You'd better find a bin to put that in,' advised his wife.
Glancing round, he couldn't spot one, so went over to the nearest brightly-dressed queue-wrangler. 'Rubbish bin?' he asked.
Without hesitation, iPad at the ready, she shot back: 'Sure. Do you know which venue it's in?'
Radio daze
A culinary confession.
Gordon Fisher from Stewarton was listening to The Food Programme on Radio 4, hosted by Dan Saladino, and was a little disappointed that Dan was talking about the merits of Welsh lamb, and was not telling the listeners about recipes for lettucino, tomatino and cucumberino.
Marvelous Mac
More from the world of munch.
Glasgow is a cosmopolitan city, packed with exciting places to scoff scrummy scran.
Reader Don Murdoch overheard two chaps talking on a south side bus.
They were clearly gourmands of high standing, because one pointed out the window, and said to the other: 'See that McDonald's o'er there? Best in toon.'
This clearly impressed his chum, who immediately replied: 'Zat right? So has it got pure hunners o' those Micheloon star hingmies?'
Phoney friendship
A tale of telephonic tittle-tattle.
Finlay Buchanan from Edinburgh had a good pal named Francis Lee. 'Every time I phoned him,' says Finlay, 'I hoped that I would receive the answer 'Frank Lee speaking', so that I could triumphantly reply, 'My dear, I don't give a damn!' Sadly he never fell into my trap.'
Egged on by Diary
A narrative in this column about eggs emboldened David Hay from Minard to visit his local shop and ask for a dozen of their 'range' eggs which are described as 'free'.
Adds our disappointed correspondent: 'All I got was shrift which could be described as short!'
Loopy lingo
The Diary has pointed out on numerous occasions that English is more of a trap than a language, constructed to ensnare the unwary within its grammatical mazes and spelling cages.
Oliver Green says: 'I hate when I read read as read and not read, so I have to re-read read as read so I can read read correctly.'
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Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Liam Gallagher in fresh foul-mouthed rant at Edinburgh Council during Oasis night two
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIAM Gallagher took ANOTHER swipe at Edinburgh Council officials in a fresh foul-mouthed rant during the second night of their Oasis comeback gig. The Cigarettes And Alcohol rocker, 52, has previously blasted council chiefs for calling Oasis fans 'drunk', 'lairy', 'fat' and 'old'. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Liam and Noel Gallagher kicked off the second of three massive gigs at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium Credit: Big Brother Recording 4 And Liam took another furious gig at a Scottish council while on stage tonight Credit: Getty 4 Edinburgh council chiefs previously called Oasis fans 'drunk', 'lairy', 'fat' and 'old'. Credit: Mark Ferguson 4 Around 70,000 descended on Murrayfield tonight for the second Oasis Scottish show Credit: Mark Ferguson Officials claimed the 210,000 revellers pose a risk to the capital's Fringe festival and will be mainly 'rowdy' 'middle-aged men' who 'take up more room' and will drink to 'medium to high intoxication'. Back in June, the singer said they should 'leave town' during the Britpop icons' hotly anticipated concerts. And last night in Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, he called out snooty council chiefs and branded them "f****** slags." He added: "The amount of money we're going to bring in, they'll split with their posh, ugly mates. "Still waiting for a f****** apology.' Tonight, the legendary rocker aimed another sweary rant at officials, this time saying they have "the cheek" to make comments about his fans. They've got the f*****g cheek to slag us lot off. Still waiting for our apology... bring it on down! Liam Gallagher Speaking to the sell-out crowd of 70,000 revellers, he said: "Two billion pounds we'll have brought into this city over the next few days - two f*****g billion - and you'll see none of it." Liam added: "And they've got the f*****g cheek to slag us lot off." As the band started to play their iconic song Bring It On Down, he continued: "Still waiting for our apology... bring it on down!" It comes as mad-for-it fans and star-struck celebs were wowed by the second sensational Oasis mega-gig at Murrayfield Stadium. Liam Gallagher shows support for rape charge brother Paul by moving him into £4m home & flying him to gig in private jet The Gallagher brothers and bandmates returned to the stage in Edinburgh to blow away the crowd. The superstars were hailed for delivering a performance at the home of Scottish rugby that was every bit as good as Friday night's show — which Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh hailed as 'immense'. The capital-born writer, 66, who is pals with the Gallaghers, said: 'The hairlines are thinner and the waistlines thicker than in the bygone days of old, but my buddies can still have it big time when the occasion demands. 'Oasis at Murrayfield was certainly that. The boys stepped up their game. Never in doubt when you look at who was on that stage. 'Oasis? It was more than a gig. More a big collective celebration of joy that we've been so short on. 'Liam's voice was amazing, powerful, dynamic, supposedly effortlessly bossing the high notes. The sound was absolutely immense.' What about Edinburgh council, the f****** slags. The amount of money we're going to bring in, they'll split with their posh, ugly mates Liam Gallagher A young couple were spotted getting engaged during Slide Away during Friday's gig. Gigs in Scotland posted a snap on Instagram and said: 'We caught a very special moment during Slide Away… 'Huge congrats to the happy couple!' A Place in the Sun host Danni Menzies, 37, faced a race against time to make it to Saturday's gig. The TV host, from Kenmore, Perthshire, booked flights for August 16 and was forced to hit the road to drive north from the Midlands in a bid to catch the gig. Hundreds of fans who missed out on the briefs for the shows could be seen soaking up the atmosphere, and the songs, on streets surrounding the stadium on Friday. 'NASTY, SNEERING STEREOTYPE' OASIS die-hards blasted the 'sneering' comments from the council, which came after claims of booze-fuelled parties in the city chambers. David Walker, 44, of the Oasis Collectors Group, said: 'To call fans drunk, middle-aged, and fat is a nasty, sneering stereotype — it's a jaundiced view. 'People want to have a great time. If reports of councillors' drunken parties are anything to go by, they'd be better keeping their opinions to themselves. "The fanbase has changed a lot - there's a new generation of young fans for a start, and parents are wanting to introduce their kids to Oasis for the first time. "If reports of Edinburgh councillors' drunken parties are anything to go by, then they'd be better keeping their opinions to themselves. "The return of Oasis will be hugely exciting for the city - everyone just needs to roll with it." Gig-goer Sian Downes, 36, of Hawick, Roxburghshire, agreed: 'As a lifelong Oasis superfan who happens to be female and not planning to be riotously intoxicated, I have to laugh. "Some might say that's pretty outdated thinking from the council. I'm absolutely buzzing for the gig. "It's a huge moment for fans and the city, and if that's genuinely how the fanbase is being viewed, I'd be curious to know what the plan is for looking after local people and infrastructure. "Also, I highly doubt a single Fringe act will actually steer clear of Edinburgh because of the gigs — and let's face it, they're probably just a bit jealous. "There's not a Fringe performer alive who could draw a crowd like that or create a movement like they have." On Saturday morning, a major clean-up was underway around the stadium with an army of council staff clearing the streets ahead of the second night. With the rubbish cleared, the scene was set for the Gallaghers' triumphant second night. Bars around the stadium were packed ahead of the show with many fans enjoying a carry-out as they headed to the gig. And fans heading towards the stadium were treated to a piper serenading them with classics, including Don't Look Back in Anger. Gabriel Iannwe, 27, an engineer from Milan, Italy, paid for himself and his brother to come to Edinburgh to see the Gallaghers back together. He said: 'We have been waiting for this moment for our entire life. We have been Oasis fans from our childhood. Our mother loves them and we started listening with her. Now we are here. We didn't expect they would be back together.' Brother Nicola, 23, who is unemployed, said: 'I'm more excited than him. I am younger. He paid for me to get here. 'My favourite song is Live Forever.' Gabriel added: 'For my brother I would do anything.' Laura McDonadh, 48, from Stirling got a free ticket for Friday's gig after she volunteered to assist fans at Saturday's show. The voluntary worker rated the gig 10 out of 10. She added: 'It didn't disappoint. Wonderwall was emotional. 'It was just Oasis being back. It didn't seem real.' Alan Foster, 52, a train engineer from Hamilton, said: 'We had tickets for Tuesday, but then managed to get hospitality tickets for today. 'VERY PROUD' COUNCIL Edinburgh chiefs told the Scottish Sun that the council are 'very proud' to host the Oasis gigs in the city. Edinburgh culture convener, Margaret Graham said: "We're very proud to host the biggest and best events in Edinburgh throughout the year, which bring in hundreds of millions of pounds to the local economy and provide unparalleled entertainment for our residents and visitors. 'As with any major event which takes place in the city, we prepare extensively alongside our partners to ensure the safety and best possible experience of everyone involved – and Oasis are no different. "No two events are the same in terms of requirements or planning and our multi-agency approach reflects this appropriately. 'We're also working closely with residents in the local area to make sure these concerts pass off as smoothly as possible. "We're looking forward to seeing Oasis take to the stage.' 'It's been a long time coming. I've been so excited. I saw them here in 2009. I had major fear about missing out.' His son, electrician Jordan Kyle, 32, who is also from Hamilton, said: 'I've seen a lot of tribute acts. To see the real thing is good. I'm looking forward to Acquiesce. It makes everybody feel good - we all need each other.' Friday's show passed without major incident with cops helping to steward thousands of fans onto packed-out rail services at Haymarket without delays. Police said three people in their 40s were arrested for offences including abusive behaviour, assault and possession of illegal drugs. A force spokesman said: 'A 49-year-old man was charged in connection with assault, drug offences and abusive behaviour. He is due to appear in court at a later date. 'A 46-year-old woman was arrested in connection with abusive behaviour and issued with a recorded police warning. 'A 45-year-old woman was arrested and charged in connection with assault and drug offences. She is due to appear in court at a later date.' On Tuesday, the band are set to take to the stage for their final show in Scotland before heading to Dublin for shows next Saturday and Sunday. The band will then head to Canada to begin the North American leg of the tour.
North Wales Live
6 hours ago
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National Eisteddfod 2025: Cheers and groans as Wrexham AFC fans follow big screen football
Cheers rang out across the Eisteddfod Maes when Wrexham AFC took the lead in their opening match of the new football season. Devoted fans of the newly-promoted club were able to enjoy the National Eisteddfod while watching the match on a big screen after arrangements were made to show the game live. And they were treated to an extra-special commentary – the English language track was turned down and substituted by commentary from Nic Parry and former Wales international striker Malcolm Allen. Hugely experienced commentators with a ready wit and turn of phrase, Nic and Malcolm were as enthusiastic as any Wrexham fan. Excitement reached fever pitch after just 20 minutes when Kieffer Moore was fouled in the penalty box and the referee awarded Wrexham a spot kick. Successfully converted by Josh Windass, the cheers were as loud as any Eisteddfod winning choir. At half time, Wrexham AFC superfan Cledwyn Ashford, the Eisteddfod's chief steward, couldn't hide his delight. 'It's a good start and there's a fantastic atmosphere here in the sunshine. Hopefully the lads can keep it up in the second half,' he said. Rumours were rife during the Eisteddfod that the club's owners, Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, would be visiting the Maes at least once. But Maxine Hughes, who played a key role in the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, said last weekend the duo were fully focussed on the football season and unlikely to find time for a visit. During the second half Wrexham had chances to extend their lead and loud appeals for another penalty were brushed aside by the referee. Anxious fans feared Southampton might just steal a goal and so it proved with Ryan Manning scoring with a superb free-kick. There was still time to score again, and during added time Jack Stephens scored for Southampton to make the final score 2–1 to the home team.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The huge TUI Turkey resort where kids are NEVER bored from chocolate parties and live shows to swim classes and discos
The resort felt like a little town in itself, complete with a shopping arcade selling everything from Burberry bikinis to Nike workout clothes SANDS GOOD The huge TUI Turkey resort where kids are NEVER bored from chocolate parties and live shows to swim classes and discos Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WELL, so much for those fly-and-flop holidays. On my family's first trip to one of TUI's flagship Holiday Village hotels in Turkey last month, our days were so busy I had to schedule everything: Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The resort offers so much to keep kids amused 5 Have fun in the pool, which has inflatable obstacles 10am: Aerial Adventure — TUI's own Go Ape-style high-ropes course, where my son and I sweated beads of terror as we navigated our way around various climbing challenges far above the ground. 11am: Dip in one of the seven pools. 12.30pm: Three-course lunch at poolside restaurant. 2pm: My six-year-old joins his two-hour Stage Academy drama class, rehearsing for a show in the hotel's amphitheatre. 5pm: Another pool dip, this time to race each other on the Twin Tracker — an overwater, inflatable obstacle course. 6.30pm: Dinner in the buffet restaurant. 7.30pm: Tots disco. 8pm: Gameshow challenge. And so it continued — from kids' clubs to football and swimming lessons, chocolate parties to video arcades and bowling, it was easy to fill each minute of every day at the sun-drenched AQI Turkiye. The resort felt like a little town in itself, complete with a shopping arcade selling everything from Burberry bikinis to Nike workout clothes. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival Given the action-packed schedule of activities, the beach remained pretty much empty, in the laidback neighbourhood of Sarigerme on Turkey's western coast. But it was where my mum, son and I positioned ourselves on the hottest afternoon, when the breeze and some lengthy sea swims helped to cool us. Despite scorching temperatures, the staff were amazing. The entertainment team were always on form, the food at breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious, the poolside was immaculate and the rooms were spotless. The resort has a TUI score (essentially TUI's version of a star rating) of 4Ts, but I've been to five-star hotels with far poorer service and fewer food choices. Breakfast was enormous, with every taste catered for — Turkish pastries, English favourites, about six types of eggs, continental, and a huge fruit selection. Lunch by the pool was equally impressive, with a huge mezze selection consisting of about 40 different dishes. But the best meal was dinner, with an even more expansive mezze selection, soups, salads and several hot food stations serving everything from pizza to gourmet to-order dishes. The pudding buffet was simply the stuff of dreams. Turtle rescue centre They also had themed nights, when the entire menu was changed — our favourites being the Turkish and Asian evenings. And they had a separate kitchen for kids' food at all meals, with everything from fruit and vegetable kebabs, to cute appetisers and hot mains, alongside a pudding station. There were three a-la-carte restaurants too, serving American, European and Asian dishes. 5 Tuck in as the choice of food is huge 5 Have aerial fun on the rope course 5 The entertaining shows get the crowd involved We went for the latter and had a lovely meal of tempura prawns, udon noodles, crispy beef, sea bass and vegetable curry, followed by battered bananas and battered ice cream that now has my son hooked on Chinese food. For those looking to venture out of the restaurant, the village of Sarigerme is a five-minute taxi ride away. There are a few Brit-favourite bars and steak restaurants, and a quaint little Turkish restaurant called the Meyhanesi Fisherman's House Tavern. We listened to live Turkish music while we dined on Turkish mezze and fish, and drank some lovely Turkish wine. 'Never a dull moment' extends to all times of the day, with a full-on range of activities taking place by the pool during the afternoon The area has plenty to see and do. Through TUI Musement's activities site, you can book riverboat tours along the Dalyan Delta, visit the Lycian rock tombs, check out the turtle rescue centre near their home at Iztuzu Beach or visit the Ortaca Market and Peloid mud baths in Dalyan, which were once rumoured to be a haunt of Cleopatra. Also nearby is the Blue Thermal Lagoon in the village of Fevziye — stunningly bright turquoise sulphur pools that you can bathe in, which are naturally heated to temperatures up to 39C. At night, most of the hotel decamped to the 500-seat amphitheatre to watch the entertainment. After his three-day Stage Academy workshop, my son joined ten other kids putting on a half-hour show to kick off the schedule one evening. It was a seriously impressive performance after just six hours of rehearsals and a credit to the drama coaches in charge, as well as the kids aged five to 11 who took part. The stage got more raucous after that, with the performers egging on the crowd for a disco, as well as gameshows and a musical. There was plenty of audience participation, with guests on stage for quizzes, certificates given out for best dances and even a crowdsurfing race between inflatable dolls. Admittedly, you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy this hotel. 'Never a dull moment' extends to all times of the day, with a full-on range of activities taking place by the pool during the afternoon. But even the sulkiest of wallflowers would struggle to stifle a grin at the efforts of the Holiday Village team — and I shocked myself by cheering at the top of my lungs during the inflatable doll race, for our side to win. We came second, unfortunately, but we were all winners in the end after such a great trip.
