logo
Tributes to extreme travel vlogger after death at home

Tributes to extreme travel vlogger after death at home

STV News6 hours ago
A Scottish travel vlogger who amassed tens of thousands of followers with her trips to extreme destinations has died at home in Hawick.
Emma Witters, who posted videos of her travels to Ukraine, Afghanistan and the West Bank, died at home on Friday.
Originally from the Scottish Borders, the mother of two moved to the US around two decades ago, according to her YouTube account.
She has over 140,000 subscribers on YouTube and nearly 50,000 followers on Instagram.
Police Scotland confirmed officers were called to attend a property on Renwick Terrace in Hawick at 10am on Friday.
The 57-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and her next of kin were made aware.
Police say enquiries are ongoing, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'At 10am on Friday, July 11, 2025, officers were called to attend a property on Renwick Terrace, Hawick.
'A 57-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin are aware.
'Enquiries are ongoing, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.'
Following news of her death, some social media posts suggested Mrs Witters had been killed while in the West Bank.
Mrs Witters visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory of the West Bank for several months earlier this year. She has been uploading vlogs from her time there in the months following her return.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How ‘heartbroken' & ‘blindsided' MasterChef star John Torode learned BBC had sacked him over ‘racism at work' revealed
How ‘heartbroken' & ‘blindsided' MasterChef star John Torode learned BBC had sacked him over ‘racism at work' revealed

Scottish Sun

time36 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

How ‘heartbroken' & ‘blindsided' MasterChef star John Torode learned BBC had sacked him over ‘racism at work' revealed

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MASTERCHEF presenter John Torode learned yesterday that he had been sacked by reading about it on the BBC News website. The star, 59, was said to be heartbroken after the BBC and production firm Banijay confirmed his dismissal for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal. 6 John Torode was said to be heartbroken after his dismissal from Masterchef was confirmed Credit: Alamy 6 John was dismissed for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal Credit: BBC 6 John pictured with his wife Lisa Faulkner Credit: PA 6 John Torode's statement in full Credit: instagram A source said: 'John had no idea. 'He was blindsided.' His axing came after Beeb chief Tim Davie said no presenter was bigger than the show. BBC's MasterChef meltdown The Corporation said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language. 'This allegation — which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace — was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by law firm Lewis Silkin. John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. Source 'John Torode denies the allegation. 'We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract will not be renewed.' A source said: 'John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. 'He read about it on the BBC News website. What did the report find? FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of "unwelcome physical contact", were found to have been substantiated. An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace. The report substantiated: - Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo; - Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments; - Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone; - Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments; - Three claims that he was in a state of undress; - Seven allegations of bullying; - One allegation of unwanted touching. The allegations span from 2005 to 2024. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments 'Obviously he's heartbroken. 'He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Another source told The Sun the Australian chef planned to quit at the end of this week. In an Instagram post John said: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay — I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. 'I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else.' The report into the behaviour of MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace, 60, upheld 45 of 83 complaints from 2005 to 2024, leading to his sacking. Mental health issues Torode was cited in the rep­ort — but not named — over a racist remark allegedly made during a private conversation. We revealed yesterday that BBC bosses had asked Torode to resign at the weekend and claim he had mental health issues. He refused to do so. No decision has been made as to whether the next MasterChef series will be aired. Mr Davie insisted the show 'absolutely' had a future and was 'much bigger than individuals'. 6 Torode learned that he had been sacked by reading about it on the BBC News website Credit: Getty 6 John 'feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report' Credit: PA

Person may have 'suffered injuries to hands' after cars torched on Scots road
Person may have 'suffered injuries to hands' after cars torched on Scots road

Daily Record

timean hour ago

  • Daily Record

Person may have 'suffered injuries to hands' after cars torched on Scots road

Emergency services were called to Morrison Drive in Aberdeen after the alarm was raised at around 4.55pm on Tuesday. Police have launched a probe after a car was set alight in broad-daylight in Aberdeen. Emergency services were called to Morrison Drive in the city after the alarm was raised at around 4.55pm on Tuesday. Officers were responding to reports of two cars on fire on the residential street. Pictures taken from the scene showed one vehicle engulfed in flames. A line of fire could be seen on the road with a plume of black smoke billowing up into the sky. According to reports the vehicle was set on fire with an accelerant that spread to a second car and down the road following the blaze. Detectives quickly launched a probe at the scene and officers have since confirmed that they are treating the fire as wilful. It's believed the man responsible suffered injuries to his hands during the incident and police are appealing for witnesses. Detective Inspector Kate Coyle said: ' Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with any information, particularly anyone who saw a man running in the direction of the old railway line around that time, to contact us. "The man is described as in his late teens to early 20s and of slim build. He was wearing a grey hooded top and purple shorts. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "It is believed he may have suffered injuries to his hands during the incident and I would urge anyone who recognises this description to get in touch. We are also keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam, doorbell or private CCTV footage from the area around the time of the fire." There were no serious injuries as a result of the blaze. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 2567 of Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Three Scots cities named among UK's top ten staycation spots
Three Scots cities named among UK's top ten staycation spots

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Three Scots cities named among UK's top ten staycation spots

Read on for the full list of all 20 best staycation spots in the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THREE Scottish cities have been named among the best ten staycation spots across the UK. With abroad holidays becoming increasingly more expensive year after year, it's no wonder that families across Britain are choosing to go on staycations instead. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 More and more families are choosing to go on staycations over abroad trips Credit: Getty So, in a bid to help, experts have compiled a list of the best places in the UK for those who don't want to go abroad for their summer holiday destination. And the best bit is they are perfect for people who are looking to avoid the crowds this summer. The new research, conducted by experts at Chicks Gold, scored UK locations out of 100 based on several factors. This included the cost of eating out, the average price of a local Airbnb, and transport costs in and around each town or city. The number of attractions in each area and the number of restaurants per 10,000 people were also taken into account. They then used this data to compile a list of the best ten locations, and three Scottish cities ranked high in the list. Staycations provide a stress-free alternative for those looking to simply relax on their summer holidays Al Alof Scotland is home to a number of wonderful places with gorgeous landscapes that are steeped in history - so it's no surprise that many receive nationwide attention. The top three staycation spots were all awarded to English cities, with Oxford coming in first with a score of 93.60. Coming in at a close second was York, which ended up with a score of 92.80. Rounding out the top three locations is Cambridge, which received a score of 91.40. I found the best staycation in Ireland with private pod, our own hot tub and alpacas and deer on site The first Scottish entry on the list is Aberdeen, and it comes in seventh place with an impressive score of 87.50. Dundee followed very closely behind in the eighth spot in the rankings after receiving a score of 87.40. Edinburgh came in last in the top ten staycation spots with a score of 85.70. Al Alof, the CEO of Chicks Gold, said: 'Thanks to the recent protests across Europe, some Brits may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of navigating through the crowds of certain European hotspots this summer. "With Europe bracing for an unprecedented tourism boom this summer, it's likely that staycations will become a popular alternative over the next few months. 'While Brits aren't advised to cancel any holiday plans amid growing anti-tourism protests, it's important for travellers to consider whether there are any more viable options available rather than rushing to tourist hotspots. Full list of 20 best staycation spots in the UK Rank. Area - Staycation Score /100 Oxford - 93.60 York - 92.80 Cambridge - 91.40 Guildford - 90.10 Nottingham - 88.30 Brighton - 87.60 Aberdeen - 87.50 Dundee - 87.40 Newcastle upon Tyne - 87.10 Edinburgh - 85.70 Bournemouth - 85.30 Reading - 85.10 Exeter - 84 Kingston upon Hull - 83.79 Norwich - 83.64 Glasgow - 83.08 Derby - 82.98 Liverpool - 82.48 Milton Keynes - 82.22 Leicester - 81.46 "This is why staycations provide a stress-free alternative for those looking to simply relax on their summer holidays. 'This study highlights that the UK certainly isn't short of top staycation destinations. "And they offer both affordability and endless attractions. "Staycations are rapidly becoming one of the most appealing options for UK travellers, because of both cost and convenience. "So, if you're looking to escape from the crowds and travel stress this summer, then don't underestimate the benefits of staying local.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store