
Kate names Royal Navy warship by smashing bottle of whisky against hull
Kate pressed a button triggering an arm holding the single malt which crashed into the grey stealth-like vessel, the first of eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates to be built in Glasgow.
Wearing a navy blue outfit with white details and a matching hat, she announced the moment by saying: 'I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her.'
The princess, the official sponsor for HMS Glasgow, was joined by the Prince of Wales at the ceremony held at a berth on the River Clyde where the warship's design and build was led by BAE Systems.
Simon Lister, BAE Systems managing director, told those gathered for the ceremony: 'In a world that continues to be volatile, we cannot underestimate the importance of this ship and the work we are doing here.'
A contribution from each bottle sold will be donated to HMS Glasgow's chosen charity, Place2Be, supporting children's mental health in the Glasgow area, which Kate supports as patron.
The ceremony began with a royal salute from the ship's company for William and Kate, also known by their Scottish titles the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell thanked the royal couple for their support and all those involved in the Type 26 endeavour.
He said: 'From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17th century to the ship we see here in the 21st century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day.
'Each metamorphosis saw shipbuilders adapting materials and designs so that crews could operate each successive HMS Glasgow on operations and in conflict and war.
'The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow's pedigree is awe-inspiring.'
He also hailed the latest ship as 'a pure-bred anti-submarine warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare', ready to 'meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today'.
The Second Sea Lord added: 'HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK's interests and contributing to national prosperity.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The National
13 minutes ago
- The National
662-acre Scottish island with ferry and Highland cattle hits market for £2 million
Inchmarnock, located just off the west coast of the Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde, is being marketed as a 662-acre estate, including a working farm, historic buildings, and extensive coastal access. Property manager Strutt and Parker has said the island offers a rare opportunity to acquire a large tract of land with farming infrastructure, development potential and significant natural heritage. READ MORE: Historic Scottish castle with 800-year history goes on sale The island lies just five miles from Rothesay, 37 miles from Glasgow Airport and 46 miles from Glasgow. It is said when there, there are views to the southern Cowal Peninsula, Knapdale and the northern part of the Kintyre Peninsula, Goatfell and the mountains of Arran, and, on aclear day, the coast of Ayrshire. The listing includes The Port House, a four-bedroom home in Bute with views over to Inchmarnock and beyond to the Kintyre Peninsula. The estate also includes a private harbour, slipway, and a purpose-built ferry – The Marnock – designed to transport vehicles and livestock to and from the island. Scattered across Inchmarnock are several traditional stone farmhouses and redundant steadings which are currently uninhabited but described as having potential for residential or tourism-related redevelopment, subject to planning permission. A particular feature of Inchmarnock is its many metres of drystone dykes which date from the 18th century. Unusually high in places to provide protection from the prevailing wind, the previous owner undertook an extensive programme of repair and maintenance of these dykes and they are impressive. There is also an operational agricultural shed with cattle handling facilities, and the farm supports a fold of pedigree Highland cattle. The land comprises around 168 acres of pasture, 366 acres of rough grazing, and large areas of native woodland. READ MORE: 'First in Scotland': New 'free' store opens in Glasgow shopping centre The island has a coastline of nearly five miles, combining rocky outcrops with shingle beaches, and supports wildfowling, woodcock shooting and other sporting pursuits. Its waters offer opportunities for sea fishing, kayaking, lobster potting, and other marine activities. Inchmarnock is home to significant wildlife, including native plant species and a resident grey seal colony. The entire estate is being offered for sale as a single lot. The island is being marketed as a unique mix of 'history, heritage, and opportunity' – with strong appeal to private buyers interested in rural estates, sustainable development or leisure ventures. The buyer will also have the option to acquire a range of boats, farm machinery, and household contents.


The Herald Scotland
19 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Bid to save eroded path on An Teallach reaches £250k target
The project is entering its final year and the groups are keen for others to help raise a final £50,000 to ensure the work on the site can be completed. They are hoping to restore 3.2 kilometres of eroded path on An Teallach in the Highlands, with a team of specialists at Cairngorm Wildernesss Contracts already completing 890 metres of new mountain path, including 237m of stone pitching, 503m of aggregate path and 150m of 'light touch' work through bedrock to define a clear line and allow nature to reclaim eroded areas. Walking tourism contributes an estimated £1.6 billion annually to the Scottish economy, and delivers clear physical and mental health benefits, but there is no government funding for essential path repairs on privately owned land outside national parks and NGO estates. Read More Previously, EU funding was available but that was lost following Brexit and it is yet to be replaced. More than 350 tonnes of stone and other material from the area around the site has been sourced by the contractors, with six tonnes of spoil repositioned to aid landscape restoration. Work has also been done to ensure future path erosion is kept to a minimum. CEO of the Outdoor Access Trust Scotland CEO, Dougie Baird, said: "We are now in the final year of fundraising and delivery, and the target is close, but we really need everyone to put their shoulders to the wheel in the final push to get it over the line. 'Our team of path contractors at Cairngorm Wilderness Contracts are itching to get back to An Teallach to finish the year three path work, and the whole project. However, we must hit the fundraising target before that can happen.' Mountaineering Scotland CEO, Stuart Younie, added: 'We are delighted to have hit the £250,000 mark in the first two years of the campaign and are well on our way to reaching our target. However, there is still a lot more to do to deliver our ambition of establishing a sustainable funding model to support the maintenance and upkeep of our mountain paths. "An Teallach is just one of many mountains in Scotland that needs path work and long-term maintenance, and it's up to all of us that enjoy the hills to do something about it.'


Daily Record
34 minutes ago
- Daily Record
New Council Tax missed payment rules for people in Scotland
Some councils can now seize benefits and take other actions to recover the owed payments. The UK Government recently announced a consultation on the Council Tax debt collection process in England will be launched following calls from consumer champion Martin Lewis and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute charity, which he founded. However, people in Scotland may not be aware that new rules introduced i April now allow councils to take more rapid enforcement action to recover non-payments. West Dunbartonshire Council has already implemented the new policy. Martin Lewis highlighted how missing just one monthly Council Tax payment can result in a demand for the full annual bill - this is also the case in Scotland. The financial guru called for change arguing that if someone can't afford the monthly payment, how can they possibly find the money to pay for the full year. Every local authority across Scotland has increased annual Council Tax bills for the 2025/26 financial year. Payments can be made online, over the phone or in-person - as long as they are made before the 15th of every month. That date is important for anyone not paying by Direct Debit, as it is the cut-off date to make the monthly instalment. People who pay by Direct Debit can select a preferred payment date, which can be handy for those keen to arrange to pay it close to the time their monthly wages go in. If you are struggling to make the payment this month, contact your local council as soon as possible and explain your circumstances as they may be able to help. New missed payment rules Under its new 2025/26 financial year rules, final Council Tax notices will no longer be issued to those who miss a payment, with only a single reminder notice sent, requiring action within 21 days. Anyone who fails to comply within the timeframe will lose their right to pay by instalments, meaning they will owe the full-year balance. The council will then make an application to the Sheriff Court to obtain a summary warrant, including a 10 per cent financial penalty, without any further notification. Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free service, said stricter recovery policies are likely to have the biggest impact on vulnerable people. The charity recently revealed how some households were already facing Council Tax debts of up to £15,000, before the April increase. Advice Direct Scotland are urging Scots struggling to pay their Council Tax bills to get help, before missing any payments or increasing existing debt. The charity is also aware of other Scottish councils moving more quickly to recover debt, with those who are already struggling with energy and living costs most likely to be affected. Advice Direct Scotland is able to support anyone affected by Council Tax recovery changes, and can guide worried households through the process if they miss a payment. Council Tax arrears are a 'priority debt', meaning they should be addressed before other debts to avoid harsher enforcement measures, such as bank or wage arrestment. Councils can seize benefits and take other actions to recover the owed payments, risking the loss of homes or tenancy agreements if left unresolved. Advice Direct Scotland urges anyone who has missed a payment to contact their council immediately and request to pay in smaller amounts, rather than waiting to be contacted. John Baird, head of debt services at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Any changes to the recovery process for missed Council Tax payments are most likely to affect people who are already struggling to pay their bills. The removal of final notices and the swift progression to summary warrants, including a 10 per cent penalty, could have serious implications for some. 'It is understandable that councils want to streamline the recovery process, but it is crucial that they also consider the potential consequences for individuals facing financial hardship. These new systems may lead to increased stress and worry, particularly for those who are unable to pay within the 21-day window or negotiate alternative payment arrangements.' He added: 'We urge local authorities to ensure adequate support and clear communication is provided to residents, especially those in poverty, to help them navigate these changes and avoid severe penalties. Our team is here to help anyone who is struggling, regardless of their personal circumstances, so please reach out and contact us.' Experts are available at or on 0808 196 2316. The charity is also reminding people on low incomes to check if they qualify for a reduction on their Council Tax bill. The latest figures from the Scottish Government show 458,470 recipients were eligible for Council Tax Reduction in December 2024, saving an average of over £850 a year. The data indicates one-in-five households are being supported through the scheme, which is not available anywhere else in the UK. Only people on a low income and resident in Scotland may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction, which also provides successful claimants with up to 35 per cent off their water and waste charges. While the Council Tax Reduction scheme mostly supports households on a lower income, help is also available for middle-earners or people finding it difficult to keep up with payments - especially those on a higher band. To find out about getting help with your Council Tax, contact your local authority and explain your financial situation, they may be able to put your account on 'hold' and agree the next payment date, giving you a bit of breathing room to get back on track. Below is a quick guide on how to check your Council Tax bill and a list of circumstances which could see you paying less each month. Check if you could be exempt from paying Council Tax You will not pay Council Tax if: You are a full-time student You are in the Armed Forces in Forces accommodation You live in a care home or hospital Your home is unoccupied and empty (up to six months) - for example, if you've gone into hospital You have a severe mental impairment (e.g. dementia) - if you only live with someone who has dementia, then you'll be treated as a sole occupant as they will be disregarded, but you won't both be exempt Could you be eligible for a discount on your Council Tax bill? There are some circumstances where you may get a reduction on your Council Tax and the amount of discount varies depending on your circumstances. If you live alone The full Council Tax is calculated assuming there are two or more people living in each home – if you live alone, you should apply to your local council for a discount - you could get a 25 per cent reduction, regardless of your financial circumstances. If you live with someone under 18 or a student Council Tax is not calculated for anyone aged under 18, full-time students, student nurses and some apprentices or trainees. If you are a carer Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours per week and who meet additional criteria may be disregarded for Council Tax purposes, contact your local authority for their eligibility criteria. Just be aware, this doesn't apply if the person receiving care is the partner of the carer, or is the carer's child aged under 18. If there are major changes to the value of your home You may be able to get your home moved to a lower band if it has decreased in value. For example, if you have made home adaptations for a disabled person, or if a motorway has been built nearby. You may also get the band lowered if a room in the house is dedicated to equipment used by a disabled person on a daily basis. If you change the way you pay Although the total year's amount will stay the same, you can request your bill be split over 12 months instead of 10, so you can spread the cost and reduce your monthly outgoings. Alternatively, if you can afford to pay the whole bill in one lump sum, check with your local council if you can get a discount. Apply for Council Tax Reduction You may be eligible to claim a Council Tax Reduction if you're on a low income or claiming certain benefits. You can also claim Council Tax support regardless of whether you own your own home or rent, or whether you're working or unemployed. Each local council is responsible for operating their own Council Tax support scheme, so the amount of support given across the country may vary. The amount you will get depends on many factors, including: Which benefits you receive Your age Your income Your savings Who you live with How much council tax you pay You may get more Council Tax support if you receive a disability or carers benefit. If you receive the Guarantee Credit Part of Pension Credit you may even get your Council Tax paid in full. If you don't have it, but are on a low income and have less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help. Local councils Contact your local council from the list below to apply for a Council Tax Reduction or discount. Inverclyde Renfrewshire West Dunbartonshire East Dunbartonshire Glasgow East Renfrewshire North Lanarkshire Falkirk West Lothian Edinburgh Midlothian East Lothian Clackmannanshire Fife Dundee Angus Aberdeenshire Aberdeen Moray Highland Na h-Eileanan Siar Argyll and Bute Perth and Kinross Stirling North Ayrshire East Ayrshire South Ayrshire Dumfries and Galloway South Lanarkshire Scottish Borders Orkney Shetland