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The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We live in ‘UK's most BORING seaside town' with barren, deck chair-less beaches & no arcade in site… but celebs love it
A HISTORIC seaside town has been voted the "most boring" in the UK because its pier is too short and it lacks classic beach attractions. Despite featuring in a host of BBC shows, the village's barren Victorian-era jetty finished bottom of a national seaside league table. Advertisement 8 Kilcreggan, Scotland, has been branded Britain's most boring pier Credit: Alamy 8 The 63-yard jetty has featured in a host of BBC shows and podcasts Credit: Getty 8 It placed last in a recent survey of 60 seaside piers Credit: Getty Kilcreggan, situated on the stunning Rosneath Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, was branded Britain's most boring pier. At the end of the town's pier, instead of arcades and ice cream, there lies a small collection of old photos. A recent Winning town Southend-on-Sea, which has previously been dubbed the "British Miami", scored 540 points. Advertisement Read more News But Kilcreggan, which is located on the "Costa del Dull", limped in last with just 78 points. The league table has caused fury among locals, including Bargain Hunt presenter Roo Irvine, who have come out swinging in defence of their home village. The Beeb star's antique shop sits across the road from the town's jetty, which is just 63 yards long. Roo defended the pier's crucial location, which acts as a vital transportation hub to access neighbouring villages, including Gourock. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive Blasting the pier's low score, she fumed: "Kilcreggan is good for the soul. "Ours is not your traditional seaside pier so no surprise it got a low score. The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails 'But there are no towels on deckchairs here, and even the seagulls are friendlier. 'It's a Victorian pier in full working order, which is credit to how well it's been maintained. Advertisement 'This beautiful village still has a pub, café, post office, butcher's and doctor's. 'Kilcreggan pier has its own place and reason for being. 'What other pier means you can get across for a day out in the town in just 13 minutes, saving you a three-hour round trip in the car? "It's keeping our peninsulas connected.' Advertisement The historic port town has featured on the BBC numerous times in antique shows such as Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip. 8 Locals have praised the historic port's crucial transport links Credit: Getty 8 There is a small collection of photos at the end of the pier Credit: Getty It is also the focus of an episode of the Scottish Island adventure podcast, which includes an interview with Roo. Advertisement The pier is also used as a backdrop for the movie Borges And Me, starring Bond baddie and X-Men actor Holidaymaker Jenny Park hailed the port for being "untainted". She added: 'It's a functioning pier that does its job. 'I don't know what else it's supposed to do, but maybe a refreshment kiosk would improve it. Advertisement "I grew up going to tacky piers like "Kilcreggan's brings you to a nice little place – it's got its charm and is untainted.' The winning pier, in Essex town Southend-on-Sea, stretches more than a mile into sea. Hotels in the area have opened their doors to some of the UK's most popular TV personalities. Advertisement Earlier this year, Fool Me Once star Michelle Keegan was spotted there with her husband Mark Wright and their baby, Palma. The Netflix actress spent her first Mother's Day as a mum at the It has also hosted Gary Barlow , Tyson Fury , and TOWIE stars including Frankie Essex. And locals have left glowing reviews of the idyllic beach town where VIPs are spotted on the regular. Advertisement 8 Southend-on-Sea's pier stretches more than a mile into sea Credit: Getty 8 Hotels in the area have opened their doors to some of the UK's most popular TV personalities Credit: Getty 8 VIPs are regularly spotted in the idyllic seaside town Credit: Getty They are no strangers to stardom as it's scenic landscape makes it a highly sought-after area for film sets. Advertisement From The Walking Dead to Wonder Woman, the hometown of Helen Mirren has almost made it on the big screen as much as those who hang out there. Recently was spotted filming an advert near the pier.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
We live in ‘UK's most BORING seaside town' with barren, deck chair-less beaches & no arcade in site… but celebs love it
The picturesque port town has been branded the "Costa del Dull" BEACH BORE We live in 'UK's most BORING seaside town' with barren, deck chair-less beaches & no arcade in site… but celebs love it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HISTORIC seaside town has been voted the "most boring" in the UK because its pier is too short and it lacks classic beach attractions. Despite featuring in a host of BBC shows, the village's barren Victorian-era jetty finished bottom of a national seaside league table. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Kilcreggan, Scotland, has been branded Britain's most boring pier Credit: Alamy 8 The 63-yard jetty has featured in a host of BBC shows and podcasts Credit: Getty 8 It placed last in a recent survey of 60 seaside piers Credit: Getty Kilcreggan, situated on the stunning Rosneath Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, was branded Britain's most boring pier. At the end of the town's pier, instead of arcades and ice cream, there lies a small collection of old photos. A recent Telegraph survey of 60 seaside piers across the country awarded points for attractions on offer and how far they stretch out into sea. Winning town Southend-on-Sea, which has previously been dubbed the "British Miami", scored 540 points. But Kilcreggan, which is located on the "Costa del Dull", limped in last with just 78 points. The league table has caused fury among locals, including Bargain Hunt presenter Roo Irvine, who have come out swinging in defence of their home village. The Beeb star's antique shop sits across the road from the town's jetty, which is just 63 yards long. Roo defended the pier's crucial location, which acts as a vital transportation hub to access neighbouring villages, including Gourock. Blasting the pier's low score, she fumed: "Kilcreggan is good for the soul. "Ours is not your traditional seaside pier so no surprise it got a low score. The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails 'But there are no towels on deckchairs here, and even the seagulls are friendlier. 'It's a Victorian pier in full working order, which is credit to how well it's been maintained. 'This beautiful village still has a pub, café, post office, butcher's and doctor's. 'Kilcreggan pier has its own place and reason for being. 'What other pier means you can get across for a day out in the town in just 13 minutes, saving you a three-hour round trip in the car? "It's keeping our peninsulas connected.' The historic port town has featured on the BBC numerous times in antique shows such as Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip. 8 Locals have praised the historic port's crucial transport links Credit: Getty 8 There is a small collection of photos at the end of the pier Credit: Getty It is also the focus of an episode of the Scottish Island adventure podcast, which includes an interview with Roo. The pier is also used as a backdrop for the movie Borges And Me, starring Bond baddie and X-Men actor Alan Cumming, which was released in December last year. Holidaymaker Jenny Park hailed the port for being "untainted". She added: 'It's a functioning pier that does its job. 'I don't know what else it's supposed to do, but maybe a refreshment kiosk would improve it. "I grew up going to tacky piers like Skegness, which I didn't like. "Kilcreggan's brings you to a nice little place – it's got its charm and is untainted.' The winning pier, in Essex town Southend-on-Sea, stretches more than a mile into sea. Hotels in the area have opened their doors to some of the UK's most popular TV personalities. Earlier this year, Fool Me Once star Michelle Keegan was spotted there with her husband Mark Wright and their baby, Palma. The Netflix actress spent her first Mother's Day as a mum at the Roslin Beach Hotel on Thorpe Bay. It has also hosted Gary Barlow, Tyson Fury, Denise van Outen, and TOWIE stars including Frankie Essex. And locals have left glowing reviews of the idyllic beach town where VIPs are spotted on the regular. 8 Southend-on-Sea's pier stretches more than a mile into sea Credit: Getty 8 Hotels in the area have opened their doors to some of the UK's most popular TV personalities Credit: Getty 8 VIPs are regularly spotted in the idyllic seaside town Credit: Getty They are no strangers to stardom as it's scenic landscape makes it a highly sought-after area for film sets. From The Walking Dead to Wonder Woman, the hometown of Helen Mirren has almost made it on the big screen as much as those who hang out there. Recently West Ham star Michail Antonio was spotted filming an advert near the pier.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Antiques Road Trip experts clash in tense scenes as 'fix' row erupts at auction
Antiques Road Trip experts Catherine Southon and Charles Hanson were seen bickering at a heated auction when one of them was accused of fixing the sale. Antique Road Trip viewers saw some tense scenes unfold on the BBC show as Catherine Southon went head-to-head with Charles Hanson at a stressful auction in Paddock Wood, Kent. A previous episode of the programme saw the duo set off on a treasure hunt across Sussex, which took them from Storrington to Peacehaven. However, it was Charles, 46, who caused some controversy after Catherine, 52, cheekily suggested he'd rigged the auction by paying people to bid on his antiques. Tim Wonnacott's narration captured the unfolding drama as he joked: "Here comes Charles' final lot. The black forest desk stand." The auctioneer started the bidding at £100 for the item which Bargain Hunt star Charles purchased for £75, leaving the antiques guru ecstatically shouting: "Hello! Hello! Come on, come on." This reaction resulted in a sarcastic remark from Catherine, who declared: "I think you should take that and run!". The bids continued to soar as Catherine fumed: "What?' Charles could not contain his excitement as he proclaimed: "Hold tight baby. Sorry." Resentfully watching her co-star's success, Catherine questioned: 'Are you paying these guys?' Ignoring Catherine's jibes, the antiques expert continued: 'Hold tight baby. Hello internet. America's calling. It's the American dream. Hello America. Come on America." Catherine added: "How do you? Charlie! I'm amazed," after the bidding price hit £190. A gleeful Charles responded: "Baby hold tight. It's a funny old game. Sorry Catherine. Keep going! "Come on America. Go on! Sold £250. Thank you very much. I can't believe it." Having sat through the entire auction, Catherine playfully told her co-star: "I think I need a kiss for that!" The 46-year-old recently made his return to Bargain Hunt after being off air since his arrest for domestic violence against his spouse last year. He had been accused of being violent towards his wife over a 10-year period, including pushing, scratching and grabbing her. However, he appeared in a segment just weeks after being unanimously cleared of coercive control and assault allegations relating to his wife Rebecca Ludlam. Charles denied all allegations and insisted that he had actually been the one suffering behind closed doors. 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'. Charles and Rebecca, who married in 2010, made these allegations to the police in June 2023 at the very same time that she decided to bring divorce proceedings. The couple share their two children together. Outside of the courtroom, the Flog It! star told reporters: "I'm delighted that after a year and a half the truth has finally come out. I can finally live my life again. "I feel this burden has finally been lifted. It has been a tormentous time and all I want now is to readjust to what has been such an ordeal. I am so relieved that this is all over.'
Press and Journal
17-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
How Merchant Antiques in Inverness has become unlikely venue for countless wedding proposals
Entering the Merchant Antiques shop in Inverness is like stepping through a portal into the past. Located on Greig Street, it opened 12 years ago and is now the only antique shop left in the Highland capital. Owner Moira Meldrum told The P&J she and husband Colin 'have always been interested in antiques.' Mrs Meldrum was running a cafe and working 'far too many hours' when she decided it was time to fulfil her dream. She explained: 'We were soon to have grandchildren and wanted a little bit more time with them. 'We kept coming past here and seeing the building was still empty, so we just went ahead and decided to open the shop because that's our passion.' Now the couple's lives consist of going to auctions, people's homes and doing house clearances to find lost 'treasures.' She said the best thing about her job is 'going and finding items every day.' Both floors at the Inverness store are packed with thousands of antiques, while the couple also keeps three containers full of stock. 'You don't know what you're going to find. As my husband says, it's like Christmas every day,' she said with a smile. There is something rather magical about the Merchant that leaves you fascinated as soon as you enter the store. The shop even seems to cast a particularly strong spell on some couples. Mrs Meldrum told us she sees between four and five proposals a year. 'I just have some nice rings. I'm always buying, always, always buying lots of rings,' she said. The owner explained that although it is not often possible to do so, she likes to find out about their history and who used to wear them. The 59-year-old said she has already had three proposals this year. She said: A few months ago, an American couple came in and he just got an engagement ring, went down on one knee and proposed straight away. 'Another Dutch couple came in, picked their ring, and then I said 'congratulations'. 'He then said, 'Oh, not yet, I have to go and ask for her father's permission.' 'I had an English couple in last week. It was slightly different because she bought the engagement ring, she's going to propose to him, but she'll be wearing the ring herself. 'She didn't buy him a ring. She bought herself a ring.' Haggling is not an uncommon practice in antique shops. However, Mrs Meldrum has a reputation for being quite tough. She explained: 'I'm quite firm, because I've been on the Antiques Road Trip three times and I find that ever since I was on that, people have been quite cheeky. 'They come in and take something up to the counter at £60 and say, I'll give you 20 for it. 'So, I got really fed up with it. I just decided my prices are good anyway, I don't overprice just to give a discount, which a lot of antique dealers do. 'I would rather just offer people a fair price.' Mrs Meldrum said she has had 'so many' great items over the year. However, she believes the 'most interesting and valuable' was a ceramic ice bucket from the 19th Century. She and her husband got it as part of a container they bought in Inverness. She said: 'It was absolutely stunning. It was a huge, big ice bucket. 'It was all intricately carved and had a separate ceramic piece inside. 'I sold it for £2,000.' Mrs Meldrum explained she has 'a mix' of clients, both older and younger as well as locals and tourists. 'It has to be mixed because if I just relied on tourists, I wouldn't be here after 12 years,' she said. Born and bred in Inverness, the businesswoman insists the Highland capital has been 'a good city' to run a business. She describes the majority of people in the city as 'nice and friendly.' When asked what the worst thing about Inverness is, she replied: 'The internet. It has ruined all the shops that are closing in the town.' 'I don't go into town anymore because there's nothing to go in for.' Mrs Meldrum added she would like to 'go back to traditional ways.' She concluded: 'Have lots more small shops. Get rid of the majority of the big supermarkets. 'Go back to the butcher, the baker, the fishmonger. 'We have a choice of one of each whereas when I was growing up, in the Victorian Market, there were three butchers and two or three fish shops. 'There's just not enough choice anymore.'
New York Post
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
BBC star Oghenochuko Ojiri pleads guilty to financing Hezbollah
Oghenochuko Ojiri, who regularly appeared as an art expert on the popular BBC series 'Bargain Hunt,' pleaded guilty to helping finance the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Ojiri made the stunning admission on Friday during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, according to BBC News. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to disclose potential terrorist financing. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, is designated as a terrorist group by both the US and the UK. 5 Oghenochuko Ojiri walking outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on May 9, 2025. AP 5 Ojiri on the popular BBC show 'Bargain Hunt.' BBC The embattled 'Bargain Hunt' star reportedly admitted that he had helped fund the group by selling artwork to Nazem Ahmad, a suspected terrorist financier sanctioned by the US and UK due to his alleged links to Hezbollah. Prosecutors in the case claimed that Ojiri submitted paperwork for the sales of certain pieces of art to Ahmad by naming 'other individuals suggested by Mr. Ahmad's associates' in what was 'alleged to be an attempt to disguise the true owner of the works of art.' The deals took place between October 2020 and January 2022, the court was told, and the art was valued to be worth a whopping $186K. 5 Ojiri arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on May 9, 2025. Jordan Peck|Getty Images 'At the time of the transactions, Mr. Ojiri knew that Nazem Ahmad had been sanctioned in the U.S. as a suspected terrorist financier,' the prosecutor, Lyndon Harris, told the court. 'Mr. Ojiri accessed news reports about Mr. Ahmad's designation and engaged in discussions with others about it,' he added, 'indicating his knowledge or suspicions.' Ojiri was ultimately arrested by counterterrorism police on April 18, 2023, following a lengthy investigation. The US Justice Department soon announced charges against Ojiri, Ahmad and eight others for allegedly evading terrorism-related sanctions, per the New York Times. 5 The 'Bargain Hunt' star pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to disclose potential terrorist financing. PA Images via Getty Images Before his arrest, the art gallery owner appeared on several episodes of 'Bargain Hunt' as a freelance expert. The show, which launched on BBC One in 2000, features two pairs of contestants who are challenged to purchase antiques from shops or fairs and sell them at an auction for more than they initially paid. BBC pulled Ojiri from the official 'Bargain Hunt' website following his conviction. According to Deadline, he had been listed as an expert whose best 'Bargain Hunt' find was a 'box of tiny Victorian china dolls.' 5 Ojiri standing outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offenses. PA Images via Getty Images Ojiri also appeared in similar capacities on BBC shows like 'Antiques Road Trip' and 'Storage: Flog the Lot!' 'It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings,' a spokesperson for the network said after Ojiri's conviction. District Judge Briony Clarke reportedly granted Ojiri bail, but ordered the former BBC star to hand over his passport. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6.
