Rosie Walker: How Scotland's history inspired my psychological thrillers
I'd spent my first trip exploring Edinburgh's darker side: plunging underground into the creepy, dusty vaults under South Bridge; examining body parts in jars in the Surgeons' Hall Museums; and learning about body snatchers and public hangings at the National Museum of Scotland. For a wannabe novelist like me, this city was the best place to be.
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Daily Mail
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Love Islander Samie Elishi puts on a sizzling display in an olive green crochet bikini as she models for PrettyLittleThing
Samie Elishi put on a sizzling display in an olive green crochet bikini as she modelled for PrettyLittleThing. The Love Island star, 25, has recently signed a a deal with the clothing brand to model their pieces in her social media posts. Samie posed up a storm for a photoshoot by the pool on a scorching hot August afternoon. The reality star was glowing as she displayed her toned abs in a skimpy green crocheted two-piece. Samie paired the bikini with matching low-rise beachwear trousers with her brunette locks styled in voluminous waves. Elsewhere Samie also modelled PLT Label casual, sporting a navy satin co-ord consisting of a half-zip sweater and wide-leg trousers. It comes after Samie set pulses racing in a bright blue bikini as she jetted off to Mykonos for a trip with NARS last month. She took to Instagram to share a clip as she got ready for the sun by applying Kopari Rose Gold sunscreen. In the clip, Samie looked radiant as she showed off her sensational figure in the cobalt My Outfit Online two-piece, which featured low-rise briefs and a sporty halterneck bikini top. Samie's brunette locks were in tight curls ahead of her beach day as she smiled for the camera while applying her sunscreen. The reality star was joined by fellow former Love Islander Sophie Piper on the trip to Greece. Earlier this month, Samie showed ex Sam Thompson what he's missing as she posed for sultry bikini snaps while in Bali. She flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a colourful skimpy two-piece during her Bali getaway. Samie had a matching cover-up on her daybed while sunbathing and accessorised with stylish sunglasses. The influencer went make-up free for the Instagram pictures, which saw her sprawled out on all fours. In June, a source revealed the pair had ended their two-month romance after things 'fizzled out' between them. It comes after Samie confessed she 'loves Bali' just days after Molly-Mae's sister was mocked for leaving the island after just 48 hours due to being disappointed. Zoe, 28, has been slammed by her followers this last week after she confessed Bali did not meet her expectations and so fled to Dubai instead after just two days. The fitness enthusiast travelled to the Indonesian country to celebrate her one-year anniversary with her husband Danny. But despite staying in a huge sea view room at a 5-star Radisson Blu, 'something wasn't quite right' and so she fled her resort. And it appeared that Samie has taken a subtle swipe at the star as she showed her support for the developing region during her holiday. As her wine glass was being topped up, Samie posted a snap of herself to her Instagram Stories with the caption. 'Cheers bbys, I luv Bali'. When Zoe explained the reasoning behind her departure, she claimed that Bali looks better on social media than in real life, as influencers make it look luxurious, despite it being a developing country. In a new YouTube video, Zoe told the camera: 'Since landing in Bali, something for us wasn't quite right. 'We came here with high expectations because we had seen on social media that everyone was having such a lovely time. Lovely places to eat and beaches, and lovely gyms and coffee shops. 'But I don't think the reality of Bali is shown much at all, and I do think it is down to a lot of influencers posting the more luxury side of things.'
The Sun
10 minutes ago
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Coach-load of asylum seekers run into 4-star London migrant hotel under cover of darkness after protests erupt outside
FLOCKS of migrants were spotted running into the Britannia asylum seeker hotel in the early hours of this morning. They are the latest arrivals at the controversial four-star Canary Wharf hotel in London. 7 It was closed to paying customers and converted into taxpayer-funded 'surge' accommodation for illegal arrivals in the UK. Last night, new migrants arrived in a coach and were escorted inside by security. Young men were spotted arriving at around 5.45am this morning, running up the steps. Some wore masks and tried to hide their faces. The Sun previously reported how mattresses, drinks and bed frames were shipped into the luxury East London tourist hotspot which branded itself as the 'perfect' place for tourists to spend a weekend. The 500-room hotel – said to have 'superb views over London' – was designated for asylum seekers in a move that has angered anti-migrant protesters who staged peaceful demonstrations outside. Earlier this month, the first bunch arrivals so about 40 male asylum seekers getting off the coach, with most dressed in grey tracksuits. The first arrivals were taken off the coach at around 1.40am and led into the hotel to be given rooms. They were helped by masked security guards working as private contractors for the Home Office. The use of the flash financial district hotel, one of around 210 in use for asylum, was previously branded as farcical and an 'insult' to taxpayers. When open to the public, a standard room had cost as much as £425 a night – though it will cost the Home Office £81 a night. Amenities include a games room with a pool table and gym, though it is unclear if migrants will be allowed to use them. An indoor pool and sauna are thought to have been shut down. A Tower Hamlets Council spokesman told The Sun previously: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place." The Home Office previously said: 'We inherited a broken asylum system from the Tories with costs spiralling out of control. 'As part of the plan to restore order and close all asylum hotels by the end of the parliament, we are boosting border security, substantially increasing removals of those with no right to be here. 'We are also tackling the Tories' wasteful contracts by ending the use of more expensive accommodation and moving to cheaper options.' This month has seen an outpouring of fury from people near to hotels being used to house asylum seekers. 7 7 Earlier this month, migrant hotel residents were spotted laughing while they filmed protesters and counter-demonstrators clashing. People staying at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel, in Islington, waved and blew kisses at protesters in the street below. Yesterday, a migrant was charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a man at the Bell Hotel - just weeks after fierce protests erupted outside. Mohammed Sharwarq, 32, lives at the hotel in Epping, Essex. Syrian national Sharwarq was arrested and questioned after allegedly attacking another man. He has been charged with two counts of common assault, four counts of assault by beating and one count of sexual assault. The Bell Hotel hit headlines last month when chaos erupted outside following an asylum seeker appearing in court charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Protests were sparked after Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who had been living at the hotel, was arrested and charged with three counts of sexual assault. The 38-year-old Ethiopian was also charged with one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence. He appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on July 10, where he denied all charges. The unrest saw yobs launching themselves on riot vans, smashing windshields and ripping off wingmirrors in senseless displays of "hooliganism". One thug was even run over while attempting to stop a police van gaining access to the hotel. Another man had his teeth knocked out after riot cops smashed a shield into his face in a brutal clash. Since tensions reached boiling point, violent demonstrations have cost the force £100,000. Last month, a new migrant protest erupted after the Home Office changed plans for an asylum seeker hotel. Locals descended onto the Stanwell Hotel, near Heathrow airport, to make their voices heard on the issue. The London hotel recently announced that it was changing from being a mixed accommodation hotel to one only for male asylum seekers. And last week, a Labour MP for Bournemouth demanded three seaside migrant hotels be shut to help save his town's tourist trade after The Sun revealed they were used by asylum seekers. Tom Hayes said he understood the frustrations of locals and businesses at having to live with the taxpayer-funded residences yards from one of Britain's best beaches. 7 7
The Sun
40 minutes ago
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Holidaymakers urged to stick to strict packing rule that'll make prep a breeze & save you KGs on your weight allowance
WE'VE all experienced the last-minute holiday packing panic, squeezing our suitcases shut, knowing full well we've packed far too much for a week's holiday. Then comes the dreaded shuffle of shame as you try and distribute the weight between you and travel companion whilst other holiday goers watch on. 5 Standing at the check-in counter, praying the scales will be merciful, even though we sneaked in another pair of sandals at the last minute, 'just in case.' Then comes the words we don't want to hear: 'Sorry, but your suitcase is overweight.' We all want to avoid the extortionate excess baggage fees. EasyJet currently charges £12 per kg at the airport, while Ryanair charges £11 per kg if your suitcase exceeds the strict allowance. Ouch. 5 This overpacking punishment from airlines is not to be taken lightly, with both your wallet and your mood taking a hit pre-holiday. But what if we told you all of this stress can be avoided with one simple shoe rule that will prevent you from overpacking? As a fashion and celebrity stylist I have a trick that will make it oh so much easier. You actually only need to take three pairs of shoes with you. Since shoes are often the heaviest culprits in your case, this is bound to have a serious impact on your luggage weight and stress levels. I tested the viral £17.99 Amazon underseat cabin bag to see how many outfits I could fit in The' three-shoe packing rule' will not only save you space in your suitcase, allowing more room for souvenirs or a few cheeky duty-free items, but money too, as you'll avoid facing hefty baggage fees at the airport. In fact, you might find yourself traveling so light, you can take a smaller carry-on instead. Here are the best styles for all your holiday needs. 1. THE COMFY YET CHIC SNEAKER Pack a pair of comfy sneakers for getting your steps in and for sightseeing days. Choose a sleek design in neutral shades that will mix and match with countless items in your suitcase. Brown suede has a summery appeal and works well with light fabrics like linen or denim, if you prefer. This pair from Primark looks more high-end than high-street, so we predict a scramble to buy them. £15, Primark - BUY NOW 2. THE SUN-DRENCHED SANDAL Pack one pair of sandals or sliders for warmer days that look smart enough for swish alfresco lunches and beachfront strolls. A tan sandal will be the only style you reach for time and again, not to mention it will look super chic with your holiday whites - or even bold brights. M&S's designer-esque dupe, not too dissimilar to Hermes £610 pair features a wider strap across the front for a more secure fit and comfy padded soles. £35, M&S - BUY NOW 3. THE PRACTICAL EVENING HEEL Evening shoes tend to be the trickiest to pack. You could wear your sandals, of course, but for dressier evenings, it's essential to choose a style you can actually walk in, considering wobbling on hazardous cobbled streets in stilettos is a broken ankle waiting to happen. A wedge or block-heeled mule is recommended, while metallics add a touch of glam to any holiday look. Head to Next for happy holiday feet. Their selection of wedges are practical in height and features the brand's signature 'Forever Comfort' cushioned footbed.
