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Edinburgh Reporter
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Fringe 2025 – The Black Blues Brothers – Let's Twist Again!
The Black Blues Brothers debut their brand-new circus show at McEwan Hall after thrilling over 50,000 spectators. In a smoky train station, five performers listen to rock'n'roll on a vintage jukebox, unleashing acrobatic stunts, human pyramids and more. Featuring a soundtrack from Glenn Miller, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, this high-energy performance blends breathtaking tricks with physical comedy. It's a celebration of passion, laughter and the joy of letting go. Underbelly (McEwan Hall) from Thursday 31 July – Monday 25 August 2025 at 15:30. Tickets here. 29/7/2025 The Black Blues Brothers show 'Let's Twist Again' – photos taken at North Queensferrywith the Forth Rail Bridge as a backdrop. Picture Alan Simpson 29/7/2025 The Black Blues Brothers show 'Let's Twist Again' – photos taken at North Queensferrywith the Forth Rail Bridge as a backdrop. Picture Alan Simpson 29/7/2025 The Black Blues Brothers show 'Let's Twist Again' – photos taken at North Queensferrywith the Forth Rail Bridge as a backdrop. Picture Alan Simpson 29/7/2025 The Black Blues Brothers show 'Let's Twist Again' – photos taken at North Queensferrywith the Forth Rail Bridge as a backdrop. Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Rural Scots are right - it is time to halt onshore windfarms
Of course, the President's antipathy towards wind turbines is well known, which may or may not stem entirely from an offshore windfarm near to his Aberdeenshire golf course. But does he actually have a point – has Scotland become saturated with wind farms and is it time to pause? Certainly, many across rural Scotland would agree with the President. Now an unprecedented movement of 53 community councils are demanding a summit with energy ministers in a fight to pause infrastructure projects in some of Scotland's most picturesque areas. They claim there is a 'barrage' of major renewable energy proposals with more than 700 live applications in the Highland Council area alone, ranging from wind and hydro projects to energy storage and transmission grid plans. They add that they are being 'overwhelmed by multiple, complex major applications, from well-funded overseas developers'. According to the group, it has become 'David and Goliath' experience, with concerns raised that local democracy has been 'overridden'. The convention now wants the Scottish Government to undertake an inquiry to address the cumulative impact of all major renewable energy infrastructure developments on the communities and landscape fearing projects 'may hasten depopulation in some areas'. In June, 300 gathered in Beauly, near Inverness, in a public meeting to discuss concerns over feeling 'disregarded' over the wave of projects. There were delegates from over 50 community councils, collectively representing 72,000 people. Among the most controversial are plans for a so-called 'super-pylon' plan which was to run for over 100 miles across some of Highlands and Aberdeenshire's most picturesque areas to enable 'significant' growth of renewable energy and support transition away from fossil fuels. Nothing about the A9 dualling project suggests momentum Ms Hyslop I have walked amongst Scotland's largest seagulls - and they are a menace Alan Simpson: Build more houses for rural Scots, not tax second home owners Alan Simpson: Scotland's tourism sector needs to be heard before it's too late Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSEN), which owns, operates and develops the high voltage electricity transmission system unveiled the strategy three years ago which it says was a 'critical project of national significance' as it has been identified as 'essential' to deliver government targets for offshore wind. The project at that point was to involve building a new 400kV overhead line connection between Beauly and Peterhead to enable the transmission of renewable power into the network for onward transmission to 'areas of demand further south'. They would transmit the electricity on wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers and large substations. SSEN was asked how big the pylons would be after a previous plan involving 165ft 'super pylons' was mothballed five years ago in the wake of environmental concerns. The new pylons at that point were expected to be on average even taller – at 180ft. Now the convention is now planning a summit for [[Inverness]] and wants Scottish energy secretary Gillian Martin and UK energy minister Michael Shanks as well as deputy first minister Kate Forbes to attend. Highland councillor Helen Crawford, who was a key convention organiser, said communities felt 'powerless' over the projects. She said: 'This is a significant representation of thousands of people across the Highlands and it is fair to expect our leaders to advocate for them at [[Scottish Government]] and UK Government level.' In response, Morag Watson, director of onshore at the industry body Scottish Renewables, said: 'Scotland's renewable energy industry is committed to delivering a lasting legacy for local communities and we will work with all stakeholders to achieve the right outcomes for the country as we build a fairer, cleaner and more secure energy system.' Of course there is a degree of Nimbyism at play here as many people love the idea of renewable energy schemes until they pop up and spoil the view out of their kitchen window. However, you just have to look at the UNESCO world heritage site of the Flow Country in Sutherland and Caithness to see the damage that can be done by onshore windfarms. Many small projects have been approved on the peatlands which will cause incalculable damage to the environment as a whole. Onshore wind farms are not as environmentally friendly as some will lead us to believe, they are made of plastic after all. They are also normally sited in peatlands which will release goodness know how many tonnes of carbon dioxide when they are disturbed to drill holds for the cement to keep the turbines in place. Wind farms have their place in the energy mix and are undoubtedly here to stay – they are also far better than coal and gas fired power stations. However, with the number of offshore arrays currently operational with many more planned, maybe it is time to pause new onshore ones. It is arguable now to see how vital they would be for the UK's electricity supply. Some large wind farms, such as Whitelee in East Renfrewshire, are now hugely popular places for recreation such as walking and cycling, whereas before there was just bleak moorland. Thousands of local communities have also benefitted hugely from wind farm proceeds, but that shouldn't be used as a sweetener to get locals onside in future. Wind farms can already provide more than 100% of electricity supply on certain days, so it is hard to argue that we need any more. Offshore wind will provide even more in the future along with the other more conventional sources such as nuclear and hydro. There have been great strides made in recent decades away from fossil fuel to renewables and that should be warmly welcomed by everyone. Sadly, this has come at a cost to some, though the overall benefits far outweigh the downsides. But maybe it is time to halt onshore wind farms before the downsides outweigh the benefits.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Huge blaze breaks out in Scots city centre causing road chaos amid anti-Trump protests
Locals have been urged to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed CITY CENTRE FIRE Huge blaze breaks out in Scots city centre causing road chaos amid anti-Trump protests Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HUGE blaze has broken out in a Scottish city centre, sparking road chaos as hundreds of protesters gather for anti-Trump protests. Emergency crews raced to a property on Jeffrey Street in Edinburgh this morning. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Crews raced to Jeffrey Street in Edinburgh this morning Credit: Alan Simpson 6 A fire broke out inside a property on the street at 11am Credit: Alan Simpson 6 The fire sparked road chaos as anti-Trump protestors gathered in Edinburgh Credit: Getty The alarm was raised after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received reports of a dwelling fire shortly after 11am. Three fire engines and a high-reach appliance scrambled to tackle the blaze in the Holyrood area. Firefighters are currently at the scene as they work to extinguish the flames, and police have shut down surrounding roads. Luckily, no one has been killed or injured as a result of the blaze. However, fire chiefs have urged nearby locals to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke billows into the sky. Everyone has been urged to avoid the area as crews deal with the incident. The fire has caused road chaos across the city centre as hundreds of protesters gather for a mass anti-Trump rally during the president's visit. Many have taken to the streets in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen to voice their opposition to Donald Trump's visit to Scotland. Angry campaigners are listening to speeches and waving creative signs as the American leader enjoys a round of golf at his luxury Turnberry resort. The group that gathered in the citywere seen waving banners with anti-Trump slogans. Donald Trump tees off at luxury Turnberry course during Scots visit One demonstrator even photoshopped a photo of the president's face onto a cartoon devil with horns. A SFRS spokesperson told STV News: 'We were alerted at 11.09am on Saturday, July 26, to reports of a dwelling fire at Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh. 'Operations Control immediately mobilised three appliances and a high reach appliance to the scene, and crews remain on scene as they work to make the area safe. "No casualties have been reported. 'Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area and residents to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke inhalation.' Police Scotland confirmed they are assisting fire crews in the area. 6 Luckily, no one was injured as a result of the blaze Credit: Alan Simpson 6 One demonstrated photoshopped the US President's head onto a cartoon devil Credit: Reuters
Edinburgh Reporter
4 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Rosyth
HMS Queen Elizabeth returned to Babcock at Rosyth on Thursday after sailing from Portsmouth. The £3.2 billion aircraft carrier – part of the Queen Elizabeth class along with HMS Prince of Wales – sailed under the three bridges on the Forth yesterday evening heading for the dry dock. Although HMS Queen Elizabeth was always due for some maintenance there appear to have been some mechanical issues which now require attention. On social media the ship announced: 'A beautiful evening to sail past our affiliated city of Edinburgh. Hundreds of our sailors came onto the flight deck to witness the transit under the iconic Forth Bridges.' 24/7/2025 HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to Babcock Rosyth on the River Forth Picture Alan Simpson 24/7/2025 HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to Babcock Rosyth on the River Forth Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related
ITV News
22-07-2025
- Business
- ITV News
'A resounding success': 153rd Open at Royal Portrush bigger and better than 2019 golf major
Empty grandstands signal the end of the 2025 Open Championship, but as the clean up effort begins in Portrush, the golf has performed a lot of heavy lifting for the town. Tourism Northern Ireland has hailed the return of The Open to Northern Ireland as "a resounding success". Around 278,000 golf fans descended on the North Coast for the week-long event. Tracy McAllister is a shop owner in Portrush who "never seen crowds like it" in the town. She said: "We had some of the families of the professional golfers that were in Portrush from the States and from South America. "We had some people here from Australia and New Zealand. "We are so delighted that we had a really good week of trade. "I think The Open was about 25% bigger this time than it was in 2019 so it would be brilliant to have it back." There were concerns following the last tournament that Portrush did not see the trade it should have. The ability for fans to leave the course during the day this time has helped. Alan Simpson from Portmagic said: "There is little doubt that there was a lot more people in Portrush this time around." "The ticketing ballot scheme gave people more freedom." he said. It wasn't just spectators enjoying the town, with Jon Rahm being one of many golfing superstars decompressing in Portrush. "Scottie Scheffler's wife and young Bennett, who stole the show on Sunday evening, spent a lot of time in West Strand and the beach making sandcastles." "The golfers come into town and mingled with the locals. They were happy to take selfies and photographs. "Everywhere you looked there was a famous golfer. Xander Schauffele went to the local spa." The home of Rory McIlroy was the Dunluce Lodge last week, which overlooks the fourth hole at Royal Portrush. The success of the 2019 tournament prompted the resort to be built. Sinead McNicholl from Dunluce Lodge described the economic benefits to come over the next number of years as "very exciting". "Over the last 48 hours we've seen a phenomenal increase in inquiries not just from golf enthusiasts, but from people looking for day spa activities, and wellness retreats." Tourism NI has said the region should feel 'incredibly proud' of its seamless and highly successful delivery of The Open. It is estimated that the economic and media benefit from hosting the major will exceed £213million. John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said the opportunities and impact associated with hosting such a global sporting event 'cannot be underestimated'. 'The exposure created during this incredible week of golf is invaluable for the entire region. 'From the thousands of people who visited Royal Portrush to see the action first-hand to the millions who watched the television coverage, Northern Ireland has without doubt been showcased as a must-see golf and tourism destination.", he said.'Opportunities to stage major events such as this cannot be under-estimated and the chance to host The Open, not just once, but twice in the past six years is a remarkable achievement. 'The warm welcome people from around the world received means it will not be the last time they visit Northern Ireland.' Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
