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Daily Record
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein trailer drops after filming at spooky Scottish estate
The first trailer for Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is out, with scenes filmed at a haunting estate in Aberdeenshire. The first trailer has landed for Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein, and Scottish horror fans may recognise a hauntingly familiar backdrop. Last year, film crews descended on Aberdeenshire to shoot scenes for the highly anticipated Netflix production. Among the key locations was the atmospheric Dunecht House, a grand 19th-century mansion nestled in the north-east countryside, and the perfect setting for a gothic tale of monsters and madness, Aberdeen Live reported. With its dramatic granite façade, Greek and Italian architectural flourishes, sweeping arches and Scottish baronial towers, the stately home looks as though it was plucked straight from the pages of Mary Shelley's original novel. Little wonder then that del Toro and his team chose it as one of the film's centrepieces. Dunecht House dates back hundreds of years and was originally built as a replacement for a nearby mansion. Over time, it grew in scale and grandeur, boasting 24 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a 120-foot library, and even an observatory. Once a social hub for Scotland's elite, the estate hosted an annual ball attended by high-ranking families from the likes of Cluny Castle and Drum Castle. Beyond its architectural splendour, the mansion sits within breathtaking grounds, which are listed on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, a designation reserved for spaces of historical and artistic significance. Among the highlights are two formal terraces and a variety of landscaped gardens. But what truly cements its horror credentials is the house's otherworldly reputation. Locals have long whispered about strange goings-on behind its heavy doors, lending it an eerie mystique that makes it tailor-made for a chilling film like Frankenstein. According to the official logline, the film tells the story of 'a brilliant but egotistical scientist [who] brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.' Oscar Isaac stars as Dr Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi portraying the infamous Monster. Mia Goth takes on the role of Elizabeth, joined by Ralph Ineson as Professor Krempe and Christoph Waltz as Harlander. 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. The supporting cast also features Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Felix Kammerer, Christian Covery and Charles Dance. Del Toro, known for transforming the monstrous into cinematic masterpieces, has long dreamed of adapting Frankenstein. In fact, he referenced Mary Shelley during his 2018 BAFTA acceptance speech for The Shape of Water, which went on to sweep the Oscars with four wins, including best picture and best director. His most recent collaboration with Netflix, Pinocchio, won the 2023 Academy Award for best animated feature. Now, with Frankenstein set for release in November 2025, the visionary director brings his gothic ambition full circle, and thanks to its starring turn in the film, Dunecht House may soon gain fame beyond Scotland's borders.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Aberdeen medic with family history of cardiac issues aims to equip city with defibrillators
Lee Findlay's Aberdeen Defibrillator Project aims to provide defibrillators to public spaces around the city. An Aberdeen medic with a family history of cardiac issues has made it his mission to equip the city with defibrillators. Lee Findlay has 24 years of experience working in healthcare and currently works as a senior auxiliary nurse in acute medicine at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The 40-year-old launched the Aberdeen Defibrillator Project in October 2024 - a cause that looks to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to public spaces around the city. He explained to Aberdeen Live that his passion for the project stems from his experience providing chest compressions during his job. He said: "I hurt my back doing CPR duing an incident I responded to and had to stop for a time. When there were AEDs available, I was still in a position to contribute to emergency incidents. "Defibrillators are the very top of any emergency equipment you can have. With the current strain on services, I want to put more AEDs out there so they're readily available to the public." As a result of Lee's tireless fundraising, he has been able to provide the defibrillators to areas where they are most needed, including outside bars and pubs. However, he is now looking to fund child-suitable AEDs to go outside areas where they would be most useful, including parks, the beach and the nearby Codona's amusement park. He said: "I distributed the money I raised for the bars, clubs, and other areas they'd be needed. "Codona's has chipped in for the heated box outside. With the amount of children on the beach, and the coming summer months, and the amount of people at parks, an AED with paediatric settings would be most beneficial. "Other defibrillators have been placed in areas that ambulances struggle to get to quickly because of roadworks or heavy traffic, like on Market Street." Explaining the physical challenges of doing manual labour, Lee said: " Recently, I was called to a cardiac arrest and I had to go into compressions, which are extremely taxing to do. After that, so much needed to be done. "And since starting in November, I have heard story after story after story of people who had lost loved ones, but if there had been AED, they would have survived." But the fundraiser is also personal for Lee, whose father suffered a cardiac arrest in 2015 and whose granny also received coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Recently, he was also diagnosed with a cardiac condition. He said: "Father had massive heart attack and I was recently diagnosed with a condition because of my family's cardiac history. It's something that is close to my heart." To donate to the Aberdeen Defibrillator Project, visit the GoFundMe page here - Current defibrillator locations include; The Snuggery, The Old King's Way, Paramount, Molly Malones, Siberia Bar, Old School House, Foundry, O'Donoghues, The Grey's Inn and Codona's. 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'.
Edinburgh Live
23-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Devoted son runs Edinburgh Marathon for mum whose GP misdiagnosed incurable tumour
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Scottish man is taking on the Edinburgh Half Marathon in honour of his mum who has been diagnosed with an incurable illness. After what appeared to be hot flushes and a 'mini stroke', it was later revealed they were the symptoms of an aggressive and incurable brain tumour. Jonny Charles, 29, is running 13.1 miles to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research, following his mum Fiona's shock diagnosis with glioblastoma in October 2024. The 61-year-old former primary school teacher had experienced a series of unexplained symptoms that gradually worsened, reports Aberdeen Live. Jonny said: "Mum would do anything for anyone. She gave up her teaching career to raise me, my brother Matthew and my sister Jennifer." "She was always active, playing golf, walking a lot, and taking part in agility competitions with our dog, Pippa. They've won so many rosettes that I don't think I could count them. (Image: Brain Tumour Research) "In mid-2024, mum started having these odd episodes where she'd suddenly feel hot and flustered, with her heart racing, and she would need to sip water to calm herself. "She also mentioned a strange smell in her nose, like burning food, but couldn't describe it properly. At first, we were worried her heart palpitations may be mini strokes that would lead to a major one, but we just weren't sure. "Eventually, my parents decided to go private for an MRI because we just weren't getting answers. That scan changed everything." Although a GP letter had initially reassured the family that the "small area of change at the front of the brain absolutely does not look like a brain tumour", they were not satisfied and pushed for further investigation, arranging a private MRI scan at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen. The results revealed a mass in Fiona's brain. Further testing, including a biopsy, confirmed it was a glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and fast-growing forms of brain tumour, with a prognosis of 12 to 18 months. Fiona received the news just before her 61st birthday. "I'll never forget when she called us to come over so she could give the news to us in person," Jonny said. "She didn't tell us why, which made the wait really difficult. We sat down in the living room, and she told us she had cancer. "She stayed calm, but I could see the effort it took. We were all trying to come to terms with it, thinking about what the future might look like. "It hit me that there were things she might never get to see – weddings, grandchildren, all the moments you take for granted." (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Since her diagnosis, Fiona has completed radiotherapy and is currently on round five of six chemotherapy sessions, with treatment going as well as could be hoped. She has experienced fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite, and has made significant changes to her diet after researching how sugar might fuel tumour growth. Initially on a mostly liquid diet, Fiona has now returned to eating more normally. She is also back to baking and cooking – activities she loves and that help lift her spirits. She often shares homemade food with Jonny and his sister when they visit. He has also taken over weekly agility classes with Pippa, helping maintain a routine that once brought his mum so much joy. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Jonny is now training for the Edinburgh Half Marathon in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity. The centre, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, is focusing on research into glioblastoma. Jonny said: "Before Mum's diagnosis, I had never even heard of glioblastoma. When I started reading about it, what shocked me most was how little funding it receives. "Just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research goes to brain tumours, even though they are one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer. "That feels completely out of step with the impact they have on families like mine. "This isn't about finishing with a fast time. I'm doing it to raise money, to raise awareness, and to help make sure more people understand how overlooked brain tumours still are." Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Jonny's story is incredibly powerful. His love for his mum and his commitment to doing something practical and positive are truly inspiring. "We are proud to have him supporting our work and wish him every success with the Edinburgh Half Marathon." To support Jonny's fundraising challenge, click here.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots mum told she has incurable brain cancer after GP said it didn't 'look like tumour'
Fiona Charles found out her symptoms were actually from an aggressive and incurable brain tumour. A Scots mum was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour after medics said a mass on her brain "doesn't look like tumour." After what experiencing hot flushes and a 'mini stroke', Fiona Charles from Aberdeen found out the symptoms were actually from an aggressive and incurable brain tumour. Now son, Jonny Charles, 29, is running 13.1 miles to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research, following his mum Fiona's shock diagnosis with glioblastoma in October 2024. Jonny told Aberdeen Live:"Mum would do anything for anyone. She gave up her teaching career to raise me, my brother Matthew and my sister Jennifer. "She was always active, playing golf, walking a lot, and taking part in agility competitions with our dog, Pippa. They've won so many rosettes that I don't think I could count them. "In mid-2024, mum started having these odd episodes where she'd suddenly feel hot and flustered, with her heart racing, and she would need to sip water to calm herself. "She also mentioned a strange smell in her nose, like burning food, but couldn't describe it properly. At first, we were worried her heart palpitations may be mini strokes that would lead to a major one, but we just weren't sure. "Eventually, my parents decided to go private for an MRI because we just weren't getting answers. That scan changed everything." Although a GP letter had initially reassured the family that the "small area of change at the front of the brain absolutely does not look like a brain tumour", they were not satisfied and pushed for further investigation, arranging a private MRI scan at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen. The results revealed a mass in Fiona's brain. Further testing, including a biopsy, confirmed it was a glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and fast-growing forms of brain tumour, with a prognosis of 12 to 18 months. Fiona received the news just before her 61st birthday. "I'll never forget when she called us to come over so she could give the news to us in person," Jonny said. "She didn't tell us why, which made the wait really difficult. We sat down in the living room, and she told us she had cancer. "She stayed calm, but I could see the effort it took. We were all trying to come to terms with it, thinking about what the future might look like. "It hit me that there were things she might never get to see – weddings, grandchildren, all the moments you take for granted." Since her diagnosis, Fiona has completed radiotherapy and is currently on round five of six chemotherapy sessions, with treatment going as well as could be hoped. She has experienced fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite, and has made significant changes to her diet after researching how sugar might fuel tumour growth. Initially on a mostly liquid diet, Fiona has now returned to eating more normally. She is also back to baking and cooking – activities she loves and that help lift her spirits. Jonny is now training for the Edinburgh Half Marathon in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity. 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. The centre, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, is focusing on research into glioblastoma . Jonny said: "Before Mum's diagnosis, I had never even heard of glioblastoma. When I started reading about it, what shocked me most was how little funding it receives. "Just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research goes to brain tumours, even though they are one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer. "That feels completely out of step with the impact they have on families like mine. This isn't about finishing with a fast time. I'm doing it to raise money, to raise awareness, and to help make sure more people understand how overlooked brain tumours still are." Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Jonny's story is incredibly powerful. His love for his mum and his commitment to doing something practical and positive are truly inspiring. "We are proud to have him supporting our work and wish him every success with the Edinburgh Half Marathon." To support Jonny's fundraising challenge, click here.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots dad left in back of ambulance outside hospital for eight hours after heart attack
"I was panicking the whole time because I knew it was a heart attack and I knew I could have another one at any time." A Scots dad was left in the back of an ambulance for over eight hours after he suffered a heart attack. Gary Dow, from Dyce, Aberdeen, called 999 after feeling chest pain and pins and needles in his arm at around 3am on April 30. The 54-year-old told our sister title Aberdeen Live that he was informed no ambulances were available, and was told to ask someone else to drive him to the hospital. "I had been out most of the day taking photos. When I got home that night, my usual routine is I take my medicine and go to bed. When I was in bed, I started getting pains right across my chest. "I was having pins and needles down my arm and ended up phoning for an ambulance. When I phoned, they said there wasn't one available any time soon and could I possibly get one of my friends to take me to A&E. I told them 'it's 3am I'm not going to go round knocking on people's doors'." The single father-of-six, who also had a stroke last November, was eventually attended to by paramedics, but when the ambulance arrived at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, no beds were available in A&E. Gary explained his ordeal: "I ended up telling the phone operator I didn't think I could make it to a taxi to get someone to take me up to the hospital. In the end, she said there would be an ambulance as soon as possible. Five minutes later, one turned up. "They took me to A&E and did the usual routine and tried to book me in but there were no beds. In the end, I stayed in the ambulance for over eight hours, waiting. "I was panicking the whole time because I knew it was a heart attack and I knew I could have another one at any time. I was so scared but the ambulance crew were really good. "They were annoyed about it as well. It's what they were saying - in a whole shift, they're picking up two people in a shift nowadays because of the queues getting into the hospital. "There were six ambulances when we got there, one went and that left five. That's five ambulances with people in the back of them." He was finally admitted at 11.30am, and was quickly moved from the emergency department to a cardiac ward, before being taken for an operation on Friday, May 2. He continued: "It was 11.30am that morning that I got into the hospital. Things then moved very quickly and I was rushed from A&E to another ward, which they called a stacking ward for when they're trying to get people a bed. I was left there for five minutes and then was taken to another part of the hospital. "From there, I was transferred to cardiac ward. I had blood tests taken and it was confirmed I had a heart attack." His condition worsened after his surgery, and he was kept in hospital for an extra day before being discharged on Saturday. He was quick to praise the staff who looked after him, adding: "They saved my life and that's a fact. I don't know what would have happened. "I feel like it's strange because the ambulance crews were fantastic; they're banging their heads against the wall as well. There was the driver of the ambulance, the paramedic and a trainee doctor in back of ambulance. "That's three people taken off shift from doing work, but they said this is happening all the time." Gary is now focusing on recovering and getting his health back, but is worried about any further complications. He said: "I don't feel safe because I've got a long way to go before I'm 100%. You're scared in case this happens again. "I'm a single dad, I can't afford to be ill. I'm not allowed to drive after my stroke in November last year." 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. A spokesperson for NHS Grampian said: "While we cannot comment on the care of individual patients, we would always encourage anyone who is experiencing symptoms of acute illness to get in touch so that they can be assessed. "We welcome all feedback and would encourage anyone with a concern about the care they received to raise this with us directly so it can be appropriately reviewed. "We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service to reduce ambulance turnaround times to help increase ambulance availability. "Our clinical staff are now providing support to assess patients while in ambulances, and our Call Before Convey and Flow Navigation Centre are examples of work being undertaken to help address the challenges with having the lowest number of beds per head of population in Scotland. "The safety of patients, our staff, and those working for SAS has the highest priority. It is important to note that the longest ambulance turnaround times are not indicative of the time taken for emergency cases to be seen and everyone is seen based on the urgency of their clinical need. "The median turnaround time for ambulances in Grampian is just over one hour which we will continue to work hard to reduce. When asked by SAS we can rapidly release an ambulance from a queue to respond to the most urgent community calls. "We are always happy to hear about your experiences of the NHS, good or bad, and you can find all the details of how to get in touch by visiting A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We are limited in what we can say due to patient confidentiality, but we can confirm we received a call at 02.35am on 30 April. "Due to the lengthy hospital turnaround times that we were experiencing at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) and the impact these were having on available crews in the community, we had evoked escalation procedures and the patient was asked if he could make his own way to hospital. "Following his response, an ambulance was dispatched and arrived at 02.52am. The ambulance arrived at ARI at 03.32am and our crew cleared from the hospital at 11.33am. We hope the patient is recovering well.'
