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Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I got hypnotised to get over my fear of spiders – I couldn't believe the results
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HYPNOTIST Fraser Penman is a man on a mission to bring out the superhero in every Scot using his psychological knowhow. The 30-year-old hypnotherapist, who hails from East Kilbride, is setting out to help people be the best version of themselves. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 15 Hypnotist Fraser Penman wants to unleash the inner superhero in everyone Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Our fearful five met with Fraser to see if he could cure their worst phobias Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Our jittery journo Harry Williamson wanted to be cured of his fear of spiders Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Fraser gets to work curing our man Harry and reader Wendy of their arachnophobia Credit: Andrew Barr He not only credits hypnosis for his life in the spotlight but also for saving his life after suffering years of vicious bullying after being born with oculocutaneous albinism. Under his persona as Penman the Imaginator, he says he can cure people of their worst fears and transform their lives and use his skills to help people the way he helped himself. He is set to bring his amazing skills to the Edinburgh Fringe this year. So the Psychological Influencer gathered a small group of Scottish Sun readers, including our reporter Harry Williamson, and put his skills to the test. Our fearful five gathered with Fraser inside the Alona Hotel at M&D's at Strathclyde Park. They had all signed up to see if we could get rid of being afraid of the things that scare them most. All five of us suffered being petrified of things like spiders and snakes to sharks and public speaking. Soon Penman the Imaginator had them all under his spell, and he set about curing the worst fears. I joined fellow arachnaphobe Wendy Gifford, 56, to have our fear of the eight-legged critters taken away for good. When Amazonia zoologist Amanda Gott produced Val, a Chile Rose Tarantula, Wendy wasted no time in leaping from her seat. Meanwhile I was so petrified, I was glued to my seat he only managed to say "no" while shuffling back in the chair. But soon the cobweb of fear was about to be dusted away for good. I thought Derren Brown was fake until I copied him and made someone pass out, says albino hypnotist Fraser Penman We had both confessed we hated spiders all of our lives and would run-a-mile if we spotted one in the house. While put to sleep, Penman the Imaginator used his skills to convince Wendy and I the sight of spiders would no longer have us quaking in our boots. At a click of his fingers - we both woke up to find animal-expert Amanda had returned with Val the tarantula. And much to the shock of all who knew us, the previous spine-chilling reactions we had a mere five minutes before had completely vanished! 15 They met with Fraser at The Alona Hotel to put his skills to the test Credit: Andrew Barr 15 The hypnotist managed to get our group over their fears Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Wendy Gifford went from hating spiders to wanting one as a pet Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Our man Harry does what he never thought he could and gave a tarantula a high five Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Lewis Thomson felt like Ace Ventura after getting over his fear of snakes Credit: Andrew Barr Then I did something I never thought I would ever do, giving a tarantula a high five! I felt an overwhelming sense of amazement that I was confidently holding a creature I had been afraid of for over 20 years. I had gone from being completely petrified to being completely fascinated and even enjoying watching the furry critter as each leg walked over my hand. Not only that but I was surprised when I found myself asking Amanda: "Can I hold the spider again?" It was safe to say my fear of spiders had been well and truly cured. What is it like being hypnotised? BY HARRY WILLIAMSON When I first met Fraser Penman he told me he would change the way I view hypnosis. Before meeting the Psychological Influencer my view of it was probably the same as anyone else's. It conjured up images of mind control and performing daft stunts on a stage for friends and relatives to laugh about for years to come. But I couldn't have been more wrong. I thought it would be like a blackout with no sense of where I was or what was going on, and that admittedly made me quite wary when agreeing to do it. But the entire time I was hypnotised I was fully aware of my surroundings, where I was, who I was with and most importantly, what I was doing. Fraser explained in great detail how the hypnotic language patterns would communicate and influence our subconscious minds. To bust arguably the biggest myth of them all, I was fully aware of every single thing I was doing while hypnotised. Whether it was taking deep breaths, relaxing and going to sleep, raising my arms in the air, forgetting the number four existed or even the unthinkable like tackling my biggest fear and giving a spider a high-five. Everything I was doing just felt like instinct, like it was the right thing to do. I didn't feel out of control at any point. There is no mind control, no sinister energies, blackouts or dazed and confused looks after thinking you are the Prime Minister for the past five minutes. Fraser then removes all of the hypnotic instructions before you leave. On both occasions I was hypnotised, I ended up being wowed by the amazing feeling after it, almost a sense of disbelief, but once it sinks in the process gives you a real energy boost and puts a spring in your step. It is a totally relaxing and refreshing experience, which is probably why I was told the day you are hypnotised you are guaranteed to sleep like a baby that night. There is no real way to put into words if you never have experienced hypnosis, it truly is something that needs to be done to be understood. But what was even more amazing was Wendy, who was sent leaping from her chair at the sight of Val the spider now holding her and saying she wanted to get one as a PET and rather appropriately name it Webster. She said: "When I was holding the spider, I almost couldn't believe it was happening but I don't feel that scared of them now." Another miraculous moment came when Lewis Thomson, 32, went from rating his fear of snakes at a solid ten out of ten to loving one of the scaly reptiles. He was put under the spell during and soon met Ava, a Royal Python. His trembling fear of the creatured ended up slithering away as he proclaimed: "This is amazing. I feel like Ace Ventura!" Alrighty then. I thought Derren Brown was fake until I copied him and made someone pass out BY MATT BENDORIS FRASER Penman sat down with The Scottish Sun to discuss his journey to become the psychological influencer. He used Derren Brown was faking it - until he had a hairy moment when he copied the TV sensation's techniques and made someone pass out in a barber shop. The 30-year-old from East Kilbride, was training to be a primary school teacher when he became 'fascinated' with the Londoner's mind control techniques. He said: "I took a deep dive into the neuroscience behind it and I fell in love with it and taught myself about hypnosis through books and DVDs, which I watched a thousand times. 'Then one day I was in the barber shop getting a haircut and they were speaking about hypnosis and I piped up 'I'm a hypnotist' even though I'd never hypnotised a person in my life. 'I repeated what I'd learned from the DVD and this person dropped like a fly, unconscious, right in front of me. 'Inside my head, I'm thinking, 'oh my goodness, this crap works'. 'I quickly counted to three and woke that person straight back up. But that was the turning point for me.' But Penman's amazing skills can work the other way. Wendy Gifford, 56, came along to have her fear of sharks while wild swimming cured. But the self-confessed spider lover agreed to show how amazing Fraser Penman's power of the mind. In mere minutes he had her loving spiders to leaping from her seat and screaming "get it away". The amazing impact stunned her partner Michael Kiernan who said: "I can't believe that. She's never had a problem with spiders before, she actually loves them. That was just the first unbelievable moment of the day for Michael, who wanted his fear of public speaking to go away for good. 15 Our group of five all felt cured Credit: Andrew Barr 15 They were all left feeling amazed by the end Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Michael Kiernan got over his fear of public speaking and even addressed the room Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Fiona Chambers came to get over her fear of sharks and seals while in deep water Credit: Andrew Barr 15 Fraser was helped out by Amazonia zoologist Amanda Gott Credit: Andrew Barr Penman used his breathtaking skills to install a new confidence in the NHS nurse, so much so that he stood up and gave the goodbye speech to Fraser, the group, and the roomful of strangers working the event. He said: "I can really feel a difference and I'm not just saying that. "I would never have got up and spoken to a room before walking through that door today and I'll definitely be using this new confidence going forward." Even more Scots are set to discover the best version of themselves as Fraser takes his show to the Fringe this year. He told The Scottish Sun: "I am super excited ti change people's perception of what they believe to be true and bring out the inner superhero in everyone. "I'm putting a modern twist on an age old art and hopefully everyone who comes to the show will leave with some kind of connection." Penman – The Imaginator – YOU is on at The Gilded Balloon from July 30 to August 24.
Scoop
14 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Wellington Celebrates Sister City Canberra
Press Release – Wellington City Council HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navys flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ships company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against … Wellington will be buzzing with activity this week as Pōneke celebrates its sister city partnership with Canberra. Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr will be leading a delegation to Wellington, to celebrate the partnership and cooperation between the two capital cities. 'This week's celebration reflects the strength and significance of our city's relationship with Canberra, further deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between us,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'Our partnership is a source of great pride and a key element in Wellington's international engagements, fostering a continued exchange of ideas, culture, and goodwill.' Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the visit was an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and growing ties between Canberra and Wellington. 'Our sister city relationship with Wellington is one of genuine friendship and mutual respect. It's built on a shared commitment to sustainability, creativity, and inclusive growth,' says Mr Barr. 'From climate action and urban planning to arts and innovation, our two capital cities face many of the same challenges and opportunities. This visit allows us to share knowledge, deepen collaboration, and celebrate what we've already achieved together. 'It's also a chance to showcase the very best of Canberra – from our defence ties and creative industries to our thriving business and education sectors.' HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy's flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ship's company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against their New Zealand counterparts. Apart from these engagements, an agreement will be signed to foster closer cooperation between capital cities in the Pacific region, and a business mission from Canberra will meet with their New Zealand counterparts. The programme of activities aiming to further strengthen ties between the two capital cities includes: 5-9 June: Visit by the amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra. 5 June: A business delegation, including representatives from the Canberra Chamber of Commerce and the Canberra Convention Bureau (responsible for attracting business events to the Canberra region), will attend an economic briefing organised by the Wellington City Council. 6 June: Signing of a tripartite agreement on regional cooperation between Wellington, Canberra, and the Fijian capital, Suva. 6 June: Ship's company from HMAS Canberra will volunteer at the Compassion Soup Kitchen from 10am to 12:30pm and participate in clean-ups from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Wellington Botanic Garden, Otari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington Zoo, Wellington Harbour (near the tugboat), and Owhiro Bay. 6 June, 9:00am-12:00pm: AFL match between the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy at Rugby League Park, Newtown. 7 June, 10:00am-10:30am: Freedom of Entry parade through Wellington by around 250 Ship's company of HMAS Canberra. The parade begins at Queens Wharf Square, proceeds onto Jervois Quay, then turns onto Brandon Street. It continues down Lambton Quay, turning right and proceeding along Lambton Quay towards Parliament. Just before Bowen Street, the parade will be 'challenged' by the Wellington District Commander of the New Zealand Police (a symbolic exchange where they will ask for identification and confirmation of permission, which will be provided via the Mayor's charter). Following this, the parade will continue, with participants saluting VIPs on the dais at the Cenotaph. The route then continues along Bunny Street and Thorndon Quay, concluding near Pipitea Marae. 7 June, 1:30pm-3:00pm: Royal Australian Navy band concert at Pukeahu National War Memorial. Under the sister city partnership agreement signed in 2016, Wellington and Canberra committed to promote business collaboration, tourism, educational and cultural exchanges, and the sharing of research and knowledge. Regular visits and the signing of agreements between their business chambers, screen industry organisations, zoos, conservation eco-sanctuaries, indigenous artist exchange programmes, and botanic gardens have enhanced city-to-city relations since then.
Scoop
18 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Wellington Celebrates Sister City Canberra
Wellington will be buzzing with activity this week as Pōneke celebrates its sister city partnership with Canberra. Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr will be leading a delegation to Wellington, to celebrate the partnership and cooperation between the two capital cities. 'This week's celebration reflects the strength and significance of our city's relationship with Canberra, further deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between us,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'Our partnership is a source of great pride and a key element in Wellington's international engagements, fostering a continued exchange of ideas, culture, and goodwill.' Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the visit was an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and growing ties between Canberra and Wellington. 'Our sister city relationship with Wellington is one of genuine friendship and mutual respect. It's built on a shared commitment to sustainability, creativity, and inclusive growth,' says Mr Barr. 'From climate action and urban planning to arts and innovation, our two capital cities face many of the same challenges and opportunities. This visit allows us to share knowledge, deepen collaboration, and celebrate what we've already achieved together. 'It's also a chance to showcase the very best of Canberra – from our defence ties and creative industries to our thriving business and education sectors.' HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy's flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ship's company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against their New Zealand counterparts. Apart from these engagements, an agreement will be signed to foster closer cooperation between capital cities in the Pacific region, and a business mission from Canberra will meet with their New Zealand counterparts. The programme of activities aiming to further strengthen ties between the two capital cities includes: 5-9 June: Visit by the amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra. 5 June: A business delegation, including representatives from the Canberra Chamber of Commerce and the Canberra Convention Bureau (responsible for attracting business events to the Canberra region), will attend an economic briefing organised by the Wellington City Council. 6 June: Signing of a tripartite agreement on regional cooperation between Wellington, Canberra, and the Fijian capital, Suva. 6 June: Ship's company from HMAS Canberra will volunteer at the Compassion Soup Kitchen from 10am to 12:30pm and participate in clean-ups from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Wellington Botanic Garden, Otari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington Zoo, Wellington Harbour (near the tugboat), and Owhiro Bay. 6 June, 9:00am-12:00pm: AFL match between the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy at Rugby League Park, Newtown. 7 June, 10:00am-10:30am: Freedom of Entry parade through Wellington by around 250 Ship's company of HMAS Canberra. The parade begins at Queens Wharf Square, proceeds onto Jervois Quay, then turns onto Brandon Street. It continues down Lambton Quay, turning right and proceeding along Lambton Quay towards Parliament. Just before Bowen Street, the parade will be 'challenged' by the Wellington District Commander of the New Zealand Police (a symbolic exchange where they will ask for identification and confirmation of permission, which will be provided via the Mayor's charter). Following this, the parade will continue, with participants saluting VIPs on the dais at the Cenotaph. The route then continues along Bunny Street and Thorndon Quay, concluding near Pipitea Marae. 7 June, 1:30pm-3:00pm: Royal Australian Navy band concert at Pukeahu National War Memorial. Under the sister city partnership agreement signed in 2016, Wellington and Canberra committed to promote business collaboration, tourism, educational and cultural exchanges, and the sharing of research and knowledge. Regular visits and the signing of agreements between their business chambers, screen industry organisations, zoos, conservation eco-sanctuaries, indigenous artist exchange programmes, and botanic gardens have enhanced city-to-city relations since then.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Man, 20, arrested after 15-year-old girl ‘raped' in Scottish city
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAN has been arrested after a 15-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly raped. The young teen was allegedly targeted at a bus stop in Edinburgh at around 5am on Sunday, May 25. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The woman was allegedly targeted at a bus stop on Princes Street in Edinburgh Credit: Andrew Barr The alleged sexual assault was reported to police, and officers quickly launched an investigation. Cops began conducting door-to-door enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from the New Town area. At the time, the force said the suspect was wearing a balaclava and fled the scene in the direction of Dublin Street. Police have now confirmed that a 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged serious sexual offence. They added that enquiries are still ongoing. Police Scotland released a statement which read: " A 20-year-old man has been arrested following a report of a serious sexual offence of a 15-year-old girl in Edinburgh. "The incident took place in the York Place area on Sunday, 25 May, 2025. Enquiries are ongoing." Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper from the Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh previously urged anyone with any information to come forward. 'Despite the early morning, there was daylight in this busy commercial area. "I am asking people who were within the area at the time and could have seen the suspect alone or with the victim, to come forward. Britain's Got Talent finalist 'pinned down & raped 2 women while studying opera' 'CCTV from the New Town area is being gathered and checked – I would ask anyone with private systems to check these and submit anything of relevance to us as soon as possible. 'We continue to carry out door-to-door enquiries and I'd appeal to local residents and businesses in New Town who may have premises off street level to check any storage areas or lock-ups and report any suspicious items or behaviour to us.' Chief Inspector Brian Manchester, Local Area Commander, added: 'We understand an incident such as this is concerning for the local community, and we have a dedicated enquiry team working on this investigation. 'Anyone with concerns should speak to officers without hesitation.'
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Ryanair adds new flight from Scotland after axing five popular European routes
Plus, the full list of new Ryanair routes this summer revealed FLIGHT NEWS Ryanair adds new flight from Scotland after axing five popular European routes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RYANAIR has added a new route to its Scottish flight plan in time for a winter getaway - after it axed five routes to popular European destinations. Many holidaygoers will be planning to jet off for a holiday during the colder months for a nice break away. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The new route will fly from Edinburgh Airport Credit: Andrew Barr So the budget airline's news that direct flights will take off from Edinburgh to Rzeszów, in Poland, couldn't come at a better time. The new twice-weekly flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays, giving passengers the ideal excuse to travel before Christmas. The new service is set to launch on October 27, 2025, and experts say it will provide direct access to a region with a strong Polish community presence in the UK. Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert and Founder of AirAdvisor, said the new route is "giving communities exactly what they need", adding that this is something that Ryanair is "quietly mastering". However, he warned that "passengers need to be cautious" because "seasonal or niche routes are the first to disappear if bookings fall short." The warning comes after the budget airline axed five routes from its Maastricht base, which is popular among British holidaymakers. Bosses at Ryanair said it came after the airport substantially increased costs, making it one of the most expensive airports in Europe. All flights to and from the airport, including routes to Alicante, Bari, Girona, Porto, and Zadar, are cancelled from October 26. Anton said: "Ryanair's route reshuffle sends two clear signals: regional airports in the UK are getting more love, while underperforming bases like Maastricht are being cut loose. "For UK passengers, this creates more direct options from places like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Norwich, but also leaves them exposed to short-notice route cancellations. 'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine "The launch of Edinburgh–Rzeszów may not make headlines like Rome or Barcelona, but it offers something Ryanair is quietly mastering: giving communities exactly what they need. "The VFR traffic here is strong, and the airline knows it. However, passengers need to be cautious because seasonal or niche routes are the first to disappear if bookings fall short. "What's important to remember is that when routes are cancelled more than 14 days in advance, passengers aren't eligible for compensation under EU261. "Only refunds or rerouting are guaranteed. And with other airlines like easyJet or Wizz Air already operating near capacity on similar routes, UK passengers could face price hikes and availability issues. "My top advice is to book early on new routes, watch for red flags on unpopular ones, and don't wait too long to rebook if your flight gets axed. "And always keep track of your rights: free meals, hotel accommodation, and airport transport are still owed for delays over two–four hours, depending on the flight length, even if compensation isn't.' Full list of new Ryanair routes this summer HERE is a full list of all the new Ryanair routes flying from the UK this summer: Aberdeen - Alicante (April) Aberdeen - Krakow (April 2) Bournemouth – Chania (June 1) Bournemouth – Fuerteventura (April 1) Bournemouth – Rhodes (June 4) Bristol – Toulouse (May 3) Edinburgh – Funchal (March 30) Glasgow – Malta (April 1) London Stansted – Bodrum (March 19) London Stansted – Clermont-Ferrand (April 20) London Stansted – Dalaman (June 2) London Stansted – Linz (March 24) London Stansted – Munster (May 20) London Stansted – Reggio Calabria (March 19) Manchester – Rabat (March) Manchester – Toulouse (March 31) Ryanair's CCO Jason McGuinness said: 'Ryanair is disappointed to announce the removal of all our flights to Maastricht Airport from 26 October 2025, which comes as a result of the Airport's excessive cost increases and the Dutch Govt's soaring aviation taxes of almost €30 per passenger, which have increased by +275% since 2021. "These significant cost increases make Maastricht Airport one of the most expensive airports in Europe and completely uncompetitive compared to other countries and low-cost airports elsewhere in Europe, who are reducing airport costs and abolishing aviation taxes to stimulate traffic recovery and growth. "Ryanair continues to grow traffic (this year from 200m to 206m) by offering unbeatable low fares to customers across Europe at airports that have low access costs. "Maastricht's sky-high costs are damaging its connectivity, as evidenced by the Airport's failure to recover its traffic post-Covid, lagging far behind the rest of Europe at just 50% of pre-Covid traffic in 2024 – a figure set to fall even further following Ryanair's exit.'
