Latest news with #Barras
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's Hong Kong community thriving despite China fears
Chan (not his real name) is one of those involved in the running of the market. He tells The Herald: "Our community was established three years ago, a lot of Hong Kong people moved to Scotland and the UK because of the political situation. 'The oppression is still going on so there are still a lot of people moving here. Read More: 'Three or four years ago we had some volunteers who gave us the idea to set up a community for our own people and think about how we could contribute to the city and how to integrate into this country. 'We started from zero. One day I spoke to a manager at the Barras and we had the idea to do a Hong Kong market, and that's where it all started. This is the third year we've done. "We have lots of authentic street food, stuff you can't even imagine. Most of the traders make homemade food, it's not something you can find in the restaurant. "We also have traditional Hong Kong crafts, an exhibition on connections to Scotland, workshops where people can learn traditional Chinese calligraphy and also some cultural exchange workshops and a kung fu performance and Hong Kong music." As of the 2021 census the population of Scotland born in Hong Kong was just under 12,000 but the data was collected less than two months after a new visa scheme was introduced. Following the introduction of a new national security law by the Chinese government, British National (Overseas) residents and their dependents can apply for a renewable five-year visa. This year the first wave of Hong Kongers who arrived under the scheme will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. The Hong Kong market in Glasgow (Image: Gordon Terris) Lok Pui Lo tells The Herald: "When I first arrived here four-and-a-half years ago it was Covid times so there wasn't a lot of community. 'In the last one or two years there have been a lot of organisations set up by people from Hong Kong like the badminton club, events specifically for Hong Kong people, the New Year market "Before we get the permanent residency we're still immigrants who don't have a home. If we aren't granted the indefinite leave to remain that means we could be sent back to Hong Kong at any time. 'It's proof that I'm a UK citizen, finally, and I won't have to go back to Hong Kong if things don't work out.' The fear of going back to Hong Kong is a real one. In 2019 a proposed bill which would have allowed for the extradition of accused criminals to other territories, including mainland China. Its introduction came after a 19-year-old Hong Kong resident, Chan Tong-kai, murdered his pregnant girlfriend in Taiwan and flew back to Hong Kong. He admitted to the authorities that he had killed her, but he could not be tried for her murder as it happened in Taiwan, and could not be extradited due to Hong Kong's status as a 'special administrative region' of China since it was handed over by the British in 1997. Hong Kong had no extradition agreements with mainland China as a safeguard to its separate legal system, and could not do a treaty with Taiwan as Beijing does not recognise it. When the bill was proposed critics immediately raised fears it could be used to arrest political dissidents, with the largest in the history of Hong Kong erupting. Protests in Hong Kong The bill was eventually withdrawn on October 23, 2019 but in June the following year a new national security law was passed criminalising "separatism, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference", punishable up to life in prison, which many feared would lead to a crackdown on civil liberties. In response the British government offered the visa programme to those at risk. The reach of the Chinese Communist Party is long though, with Amnesty International reporting that students studying abroad are harassed and subject to surveillance to prevent them engaging with "sensitive" issues while overseas. In 2022 a human rights group alleged the CCP was running a secret police station at the Loon Fung restaurant in Glasgow, though Police Scotland found no evidence of any criminality. Safeguard Defenders said the Chinese government was using a network of such offices to intimidate dissidents and criminal suspects and try to pressure them into returning to China. The group's report said 'persuasion to return' involved techniques such as refusing to renew passports; surveillance or punishment of family back in China; or direct threats, surveillance and harassment by undercover agents, embassy and consulate staff, and secret police. Officially all the police stations were shut down in 2023, but the Hong Kong community feels the eyes of Beijing at all times. Chan says: "This is something very real for us, it's something we fear every day. "We see news from Hong Kong and we still see the government arresting people when they arrive there. Three months ago there was a girl who posted something on Facebook when she was living in Japan, she went back to Hong Kong to visit her family and the police arrested her at the airport. 'This tension is always there in our community, the tension hasn't left us even since we moved to this country. 'The long-armed repression is something very real, especially in Glasgow where we know secret police stations are being run in Chinese restaurants. Police Scotland have said they can't find any evidence but to run something like that you don't need any paperwork, all you need is a back room. 'Even when I'm speaking with you, I said going into the interview that I don't want to disclose my identity, and that's for the same reason. "It's a very broad law, and after it passed they did arrest a lot of people. 'That's why as an organisation we always keep a very low profile and are very careful about what we're doing, and a lot of organisations have been silenced. 'A lot of us have family who still live in Hong Kong, so even when we're just making a market like this we are very careful. 'There are a lot of Chinese students who study here and we are sure that not all of them are students. We're being monitored, that is something that is undeniable for us. 'This fear still exists even living in this country.' The Hong Kong market in Glasgow (Image: Gordon Terris) The Hong Konger community may be small but it's growing, and keen to become a firm part of Scotland's cultural milieu. Chan says: "When we started our community we started to research some of the links between Scotland and Hong Kong and we found there's a big historical relationship. 'Three governors of Hong Kong were Scottish and one of the most well-regarded governors of Hong Kong, David Wilson, has the longest footpath in the country named after him. 'We tried to dig out the history and we've made an exhibition that we'll show at the Hong Kong market. 'We want local people to understand that we are moving here but we're not coming to claim benefits we're coming to integrate in this country. The Hong Kong market is a chance to show that too. "We welcome everyone, and the most important thing is that we want to help local people understand why we're here and what we're doing. 'In the exhibition we have a small part where we interview some of the Hong Kong people about what they've been doing since they moved to this country: what have they contributed, what have they established? 'One of the interviewees started a bicycle charity, and that's the kind of thing we want to show especially since immigration has been such a hot topic recently. 'We want to break the bias against immigrants.'
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Barras Hong Kong street market - what you need to know
Following the first-ever event of its kind at the East End venue in 2023, the market is hosting the special event once again for the third time this year. The Hong Kong market will return to the Barras on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025. The 'family-friendly event', which is free to enter, is set to be a 'vibrant weekend full of flavour, culture, and celebration'. READ MORE: Global beauty brand opens 'first-ever' Scots store in Glasgow READ MORE: Popular Glasgow restaurant named one of 'Scotland's best' Here's exactly what you need to know about the market: When is it taking place? The market will open at 10am on Saturday, May 31, and close at 7pm that night. It will reopen at 10am on Sunday, June 1, before coming to a close at 4pm. Where is it taking place? The event will take place at the iconic Barras Market in the city's East End, which is located right next to the Barrowland Ballroom and close to Glasgow Green. What can market-goers expect? Market-goers can expect a range of stalls selling various items, including authentic Hong Kong cuisine and handcrafted goods. There will also be live entertainment for visitors to enjoy. Does it cost to enter the market? Those keen to attend won't have to fork out anything to enter the markets. The organisers described it as being a 'free entry and family-friendly' event. What have the event organisers said? Announcing the news, the Barras said: "The Hong Kong Market is back at Barras Market - for its third exciting year. "Saturday, May 31, between 10am and 7pm, and on Sunday, June 1 from 10am to 4pm. "Free entry and family friendly. "Get ready for a vibrant weekend full of flavour, culture, and celebration as we transform the iconic Barras Market into a buzzing Hong Kong street scene! "Feast on authentic Hong Kong cuisine, discover handcrafted goods from local makers, and soak in live entertainment – including the always spectacular Lion Dance and more cultural performances throughout the weekend. "Whether you're a foodie, a culture lover, or just looking for a fun day out, this is one event you won't want to miss. "Come and experience a taste of Hong Kong right here in Glasgow!"
Otago Daily Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Cut in ACC funding 'devastating' for mother
By Paula Hulburt A distraught mother is battling to keep her home and care for her son after the Accident Compensation Corporation slashed funding. Sasha Barras' son Ethan, 11, needs 24-hour care. The fed-up former hairdresser's lawyer has now lodged papers in the district court seeking a judicial review, challenging the legitimacy of the ACC needs assessment. Barras is focusing on ACC's obligations under The Human Rights Act 1993 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of The Child. It guarantees dignity and equity for children with disabilities. New Zealand was a signatory. Barras believes stonewalling by ACC means Ethan's rights under this provision are not being met. The court action comes as she nears 18 months of asking for an urgent review. The last review failed to focus on Ethan's physical problems caused by a botched surgery, she said. 'The cut in funding is devastating,' she said. 'The latest review was conducted differently from the prior two in that they focused almost exclusively on Ethan's autism and behaviour and spent almost no time reviewing his physical needs.' The cut leaves them just $519 a week to live on and Barras has drained the savings she set aside for a house deposit. It is not possible to pay both the rent and the associated costs of caring for Ethan, she said. The Ilam resident has appealed for ACC to urgently review their decision which she said makes no sense and contradicts their earlier findings. Specialists, including Ethan's paediatric surgeon, as well as the outcomes of two prior ACC reviews, show Ethan's medical needs have increased. 'I just want Ethan to have a normal childhood, he deserves to be a child,' Barras said. Born on October 13, 2013 in Nelson Hospital, Ethan was four weeks premature. He has undergone countless surgeries for bowel problems. A special tube was inserted into his abdomen in 2020, but he suffered a bowel perforation when the tube was damaged while being changed. A stoma bag was fitted but has never worked properly, Barras said. Ethan is covered in faecal matter several times a day and suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. 'A stoma is involuntarily activated 24hrs per day, 365 days a year, not between 10am to 2pm daily like the ACC assessor indicated,' Barras said. 'Nathan was an amazing, very placid, happy little boy that has known nothing but pain and discomfort over the last few years. 'Ethan has never had a friend or been to a birthday party. He has never been able to start school.' The initial needs assessment by ACC found Ethan needed the highest level of care. Medical supplies such as dressings were funded and a carer from Nurse Maude came in regularly to help. Barras and Ethan were getting help from a psychologist but that has been stopped too. She will not stop fighting on her son's behalf. 'I won't give up, Ethan's why I get up and fight for what's right.' ACC deputy chief executive service delivery Michael Frampton said it is happy to work with Ethan's family to consider any new information. 'I'm very sorry to hear about Ethan's situation and the impact this is having on him and his family,' he said. 'A 2023 reassessment found that while his overall needs remained high, his injury-related needs had reduced. 'They asked for this decision to be independently reviewed, and the reviewer considered that the decision was correct. The matter has been appealed to the district court. 'ACC cannot provide support for pre-existing and underlying health conditions, but we do take this into account because it can impact the type of support the client needs for their injury. 'In Ethan's case, this meant funding additional behavioural support services.'
Otago Daily Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Mum challenges ACC review: 'I just want Ethan to have a normal childhood'
By Paula Hulburt A distraught mother is battling to keep her home and care for her son after the Accident Compensation Corporation slashed funding. Sasha Barras' son Ethan, 11, needs 24-hour care. The fed-up former hairdresser's lawyer has now lodged papers in the district court seeking a judicial review, challenging the legitimacy of the ACC needs assessment. Barras is focusing on ACC's obligations under The Human Rights Act 1993 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of The Child. It guarantees dignity and equity for children with disabilities. New Zealand was a signatory. Barras believes stonewalling by ACC means Ethan's rights under this provision are not being met. The court action comes as she nears 18 months of asking for an urgent review. The last review failed to focus on Ethan's physical problems caused by a botched surgery, she said. 'The cut in funding is devastating,' she said. 'The latest review was conducted differently from the prior two in that they focused almost exclusively on Ethan's autism and behaviour and spent almost no time reviewing his physical needs.' The cut leaves them just $519 a week to live on and Barras has drained the savings she set aside for a house deposit. It is not possible to pay both the rent and the associated costs of caring for Ethan, she said. The Ilam resident has appealed for ACC to urgently review their decision which she said makes no sense and contradicts their earlier findings. Specialists, including Ethan's paediatric surgeon, as well as the outcomes of two prior ACC reviews, show Ethan's medical needs have increased. 'I just want Ethan to have a normal childhood, he deserves to be a child,' Barras said. Born on October 13, 2013 in Nelson Hospital, Ethan was four weeks premature. He has undergone countless surgeries for bowel problems. A special tube was inserted into his abdomen in 2020, but he suffered a bowel perforation when the tube was damaged while being changed. A stoma bag was fitted but has never worked properly, Barras said. Ethan is covered in faecal matter several times a day and suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. 'A stoma is involuntarily activated 24hrs per day, 365 days a year, not between 10am to 2pm daily like the ACC assessor indicated,' Barras said. 'Nathan was an amazing, very placid, happy little boy that has known nothing but pain and discomfort over the last few years. 'Ethan has never had a friend or been to a birthday party. He has never been able to start school.' The initial needs assessment by ACC found Ethan needed the highest level of care. Medical supplies such as dressings were funded and a carer from Nurse Maude came in regularly to help. Barras and Ethan were getting help from a psychologist but that has been stopped too. She will not stop fighting on her son's behalf. 'I won't give up, Ethan's why I get up and fight for what's right.' ACC deputy chief executive service delivery Michael Frampton said it is happy to work with Ethan's family to consider any new information. 'I'm very sorry to hear about Ethan's situation and the impact this is having on him and his family,' he said. 'A 2023 reassessment found that while his overall needs remained high, his injury-related needs had reduced. 'They asked for this decision to be independently reviewed, and the reviewer considered that the decision was correct. The matter has been appealed to the district court. 'ACC cannot provide support for pre-existing and underlying health conditions, but we do take this into account because it can impact the type of support the client needs for their injury. 'In Ethan's case, this meant funding additional behavioural support services.'
Glasgow Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Award-winning pizzeria in 'affluent' Bothwell for sale
La Piccola in Bothwell has hit the market, waiting for leasehold offers of over £120,000. At 55 Main Street in the South Lanarkshire village, the restaurant was completely refurbished in 2023 and is in "prime trading position". READ NEXT: 'We will always be grateful': Barras stall announces closure - and new plans The listing, by Smith and Clough Business Associates, also states the eatery has strong levels of turnover and profitability, as well as further growth potential. La Piccola opened in December of 2023 and served "the most delicious pizzas, sides and soft drinks to the people of Bothwell". The establishment won Best Newcomer, Best Pizza and Best Pizzeria at the Scottish Italian Awards last year.
