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Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Inside surprise friendship between Alex Ferguson and university boffin he quizzes for opinions on Rangers players
He also enjoys a swig of 'wreck the hoose juice'... the professor, that is! FERGIE TIME Inside surprise friendship between Alex Ferguson and university boffin he quizzes for opinions on Rangers players NOBEL-Prize winning scientist Professor Sir David MacMillan has revealed he gets nervous when his friend Sir Alex Ferguson asks for his opinion on football. The US-based Scot told how the football legend got in touch with him after he was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 2021 for his groundbreaking work on the development of catalysts. Advertisement 5 Sir David MacMillan with his Nobel Prize - and a Sweden top from Zlatan! 5 Sir David, a passionate Scotland fan, enjoying a swig of Buckfast during Euro 2024 5 And upon receiving his knighthood in February 2023 Credit: Getty 5 Sir Alex Ferguson recently at Ibrox for Rangers vs Panathinaikos Credit: Reuters The pair spoke on the phone and later met up for dinner when Professor MacMillan returned home to the UK for a visit. The Princeton University academic, a big Rangers supporter, said the 83-year-old former Manchester United manager regularly messages him when watching matches. He said he didn't know what to reply to 'the greatest manager in the history of football' when Ferguson asked him how he thought former Ibrox defender Leon Balogun was playing in a match. Speaking to the BBC, Professor MacMillan, 57, said: 'Every now and again he will text me something asking what I think. Advertisement Read more Football stories TOTAL VARCE Ex-Uefa referee calls out VAR 'shortfall' from Panathinaikos-Rangers flashpoint 'He texted me last year asking how did I think Balogun was playing in a game. 'I start panicking at that moment because I'm like 'This is the greatest football manager in the history of football and I have to somehow give an opinion to him'. 'So I crowdsource it to all of my pals. I'm like 'How's Balogun playing?' and it all comes back.' Professor MacMillan, originally from New Stevenston, Lanarkshire, said he and Ferguson bonded over their working class Scottish upbringings and their shared love of history. Advertisement He added: 'I will see him next month. I'm going down to see the Manchester United v Chelsea game with him at Old Trafford. 'That will be good, I'm looking forward to that.' Rangers transfer special as Russell Martin eyes THREE wingers, Coady latest and Dowell future Professor MacMillan jointly received the Nobel Prize for chemistry with German scientist Professor Benjamin List. They were honoured by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which organises the awards, after developing a new way of building molecules. Advertisement He has set up a charitable foundation in honour of his parents to help underprivileged children go into higher education. In 2022 he received a knighthood in the Queen's Overseas and International birthday honours list for his outstanding contribution to chemistry. Professor MacMillan was once gifted a signed Sweden jersey by superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic because the Scot mentioned him in his Nobel speech to thank him for scoring against England. 5 Advertisement Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Herald Scotland
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The only people who came to my Fringe show were drunks and sea cadets
Fringe veteran Lucy Porter flashes back on how traumatising the Fringe experience can be. 'My first gig turned out to be in a Sea Cadet hut,' she recalls. 'I was going through a Goth phase at the time, so I thought I was prepared to be miserable, but I wasn't. The only people who came to the gig were drunks and sea cadets, who thought the hall was still in use for sea cadet stuff. The other comedians in the hall and me all fell out. At one point I sat on the steps and sobbed and let out a primal scream.' Read more about the Fringe In 1986, Paul Merton played the Pleasance to 'around six people every day.' 'I can remember walking in the rain every day to the venue, but then one day I couldn't remember how to get there. I think my brain was saying 'I'm not taking you there.'' Many performers assumed (wrongly) that consuming sufficient amounts of alcohol could help them deal with the Fringe experience. In 2012 Chloe Petts was a hopeful actor who turned up with a cast of 13 to live in a five-bed flat. Not ideal, admittedly. 'I coped by going out and getting drunk every night, mostly ending up blacked out with my face in a bowl of plain pasta. But that night on stage, I felt the Buckfast wield its power, and I threw up. Unfortunately, I had to kiss the other lead, my best friend, who'd just seen me being sick in a bucket. As we leaned in, she viscerally communicated 'I hate you, you stink' with her eyes while I tried to communicate 'I'm so sorry!' with mine. She didn't talk to me for the rest of the run.' Cash, it seems – or the lack of it - is at the core of many performers' stress build up. (The average cost for an adult to stay at the festival for its duration this year is £2,471 on Airbnb and £5,198 on Then there is venue hire, marketing materials and PR, and fees for the producer and director. In fact, last year Mancunian comedian John Tothill decided to mitigate the costs by contracting malaria, signing up for a medical trial that would see him infected with the deadly disease. His £2,500 research fee helped covered his upfront costs. Hyperinflation in Edinburgh during Fringe time has seen Gail Porter axe her show. Even comedy giant Jason Manford said he can barely break even. London critic Holly McMahon was initially delighted to land accommodation in a 'private summerhouse' on the outskirts of the city's West End, a 40-minute walk from the major venues, for only £76 a night. But she was shocked to be berthed in a shed with a chamber pot. Each year, some 400,000 visitors descend upon the city to witness a kaleidoscope of colour and madness, such as the lady who lip-synced using her genitalia. We've witnessed the collection of knitted bible stories. A one-man Hamlet was performed 12 years ago featuring teddy bears and a karaoke machine. There was a Bouncy Castle Hamlet, featuring a blow-up sex doll as the ghost of Hamlet's Dad, with extra points added for using a miniature bouncy castle on the big bouncy castle - to perform the play within a play. Paul Merton, seen here with Ian Hislop, is best known for presenting Have I Got News for You (Image: BBC/Hat Trick/Ray Burmiston) There have been plays featuring every affliction known to man; you are virtually guaranteed plays featuring depression, death, grief, alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling addiction, and every obsessive compulsive disorder imaginable. You can see parody musicals and dramas, spoofs and satires. You can see shows in bunkers, tents, science labs and shipping containers. Or sometimes a theatre. Yet, why would performers wish to compete in such a world of contrived insanity, of often uncontrolled ego? Performer Juliet Myers's nemesis was her attention-seeking tech support. 'She often just chipped in and responded to things I said in the show,' says Myles. 'I had a bit where I pretended I didn't know where Zurich was. She would just shout out, 'It's in Switzerland. You asked that yesterday!' She constantly insisted on making the lighting red or green and when I insisted I didn't want that she'd exclaim, 'It's my show too!'' But hang on; is this compendium of colours part of the reason why performers wish to be part of the melee? Perhaps. Paul Merton maintains that very few achieve fame thanks to appearing at the Fringe. 'It's a myth you think an Edinburgh run can be a launch pad.' Of course, many will hope to emulate the experience of Richard Gadd's Baby Reindeer which began life as an Edinburgh Fringe show, or the success of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag. Some will cite the historical successes of the likes of Derek Jacobi who starred in a sixth form production of Hamlet, comics such as the Monty Python team, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Rowan Atkinson, Rory Bremner and Keiran Hodgson. And theatre colossus Six began life at the Fringe. However, the likes of The Chase's Paul Sinha, who fronted a show themed around Love, Actually, and cancelled two shows due to zero ticket sales, wallow in the challenge. And comic Adam Riches maintains the Fringe experience toughens the spirit. 'I've suffered so many shockers, from multiple walkouts and single-digit audiences to lame promoters and supposedly 'career-threatening' reviews. I was once told a 'one triangle of one star' review was coming out, but 'on the plus side, they were going to be printing a photo'. The fringe is like the shark in Jaws: a cold, brutal killing machine that sleeps badly, eats worse and makes little fringes.' It is indeed a test of grim endurance, and it just may be the (badly lit) place in which dreams may be realised. Yet, it's certainly a month-long examination of character, says writer James Cary. 'It's not just an endurance of physical stamina, ultimately, you will experience emotions and feel frustrations that only happen in this annual cauldron of dysfunctional ambition.' He adds; 'In the Bible, there is a wonderful proverb from King Solomon which runs thus: 'As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly'.' Is Lucy Porter one of those fools? She smiles as she says the Fringe experience may be tough, but it's transcendent. 'It's a constant carnival with things going on all day or night. It's like being in Vegas - but with mime and contemporary dance.' To purchase tickets for the Fringe, please click here
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I ballooned to 20st after mental breakdown at Glastonbury & I'm now on anti-psychotic medication, reveals Lewis Capaldi
After making a triumphant come back to the Glastonbury stage, the Scottish Singer lifts the lid on his journey to recovery LEW'S HEALTH BATTLE I ballooned to 20st after mental breakdown at Glastonbury & I'm now on anti-psychotic medication, reveals Lewis Capaldi Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEWIS Capaldi has revealed how he ballooned to 20 stone after his Glastonbury breakdown - but is battling back to health thanks to his fitness trainer brother and anti-psychotic pills. The Someone You Loved singer, 28, delighted fans at he returned to the festival's Pyramid Stage last month to play a surprise set, following a two-year break to focus on his mental health, Tourette's diagnosis and crippling anxiety. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Lewis spoke candidly about rebuilding himself since his 2023 Glastonbury performance Credit: Theo Von podcast 5 He's undergone extensive therapy, learned to better manage his Tourette's, reduced his alcohol intake, improved his physical health, and switched his medication Credit: Theo Von podcast 5 Lewis struggling through his 2023 Glasto set, which prompted him to take a prolonged hiatus from music Credit: Alamy Reflecting on that difficult period, Lewis revealed the extent of his panic attacks in the lead-up to the 2023 festival - admitting experiencing his worst episode during a gig in America just weeks before he took to the Glastonbury stage. Speaking candidly on This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Bathgate-born Lewis said: "A few weeks prior to that show we were playing in Chicago and I had a very similar episode - it was probably even worse." "I couldn't come back and finish a song. I was backstage convulsing and having this crazy panic attack and mental episode. Way worse than what happened at Glastonbury." But the performance, though painful, was a public wake-up call that led Lewis to finally seek the help he needed, with Lewis adding: "Because Glastonbury is such a big stage, it was the first time people outside my shows had seen it. "At Glastonbury, when I came off stage it was weird, I had this (feeling) 'everything's alright now, I can actually go and get help and fix myself for the next two years.'" "In a weird way, it's probably the best thing that's ever happened to me. I wouldn't have stopped otherwise. "Glastonbury 2023 was, for sure, really important - maybe the most important day in my life." Opening up on his mental and physical journey on his return to the global stage, the Bathgate-born hitmaker has made some serious lifestyle changes. The Buckfast lover - who admitted to being 'all or nothing' when it came to boozing - revealed he's cut his intake right back, as well as following a healthier diet. He also thanked his 'no nonsense' therapist and even lifted the lid on his daily medication. But a huge trigger in his deterioration was down to the way he coped with being famous. Oasis fans swoop on pop-up barber shop the 'Gallaghairs' ahead of reunion tour gig He said: 'Being famous, I find, is the most embarrassing thing of all time. I walk into every room and you're either not famous enough or too famous to be in a room. 'I feel like everyone thinks that I think I'm awesome or they think who does he think he is - I feel so cringed up all the time when it comes to that side of things. 'I assume everyone in this room doesn't like me because they seen something I said online once or they think I try too hard to be silly or funny or think my music is s**t. 'Even taking about being famous or referring to yourself as famous is embarrassing -it goes back to external validation.' And although this unhealthy quest, he admitted, is still there - he's doing his utmost to tackle it. 'I'm already looking through comments and getting excited when I see a nice comment and really down when I see an awful one. 5 Lewis delighted the crowds at this year's Glasto - by making a surprise appearance and nailing his performance Credit: Cover Images 5 An-all-round healthier and healthier Lewis Credit: Theo Von podcast 'I'm trying to stop myself. 'This is the stuff that got you where you were last time'', he said. Therapy has been a lifeline for the star, who is a client of London-based psychotherapist and Sunday Times bestseller Owen O'Kane. He said: 'I do therapy every week which has been beneficial for me and has been the biggest thing that switched everything around. 'When I came off stage at Glastonbury, a therapist was the first thing I needed. 'My current therapist can sense when I'm being avoidant - he pulls me back in and says there's a reason I'm being wishy washy here. 'I cancelled two sessions back to back and he was on it saying, 'we don't have to do this, but it feels like you're not engaging in a way that's beneficial for you, you're wasting my time'. 'I really responded to him not letting me away with s**te.' Lewis also took a look at his relationship with alcohol, which he previously had to cut out completely while on tour prior to 2023 because he liked 'going out and having a good time.' He said: 'I definitely drank too much initially. There's always an excuse to go have a drink and I'm a bit all or nothing with it. 'I'm not an alcoholic but when I'm going out, I'm going out.' And he's even been hitting the gym - even though he hates it - and is already noticing big changes. He added: 'I'm trying not to eat as much s***e. I've lost two stone since the start of the year and I want to lose more - I was 20 stone at the start of the year. 'My brother is training me. He's a qualified PT now so he's been helping. I hate exercising - people can probably tell by looking at me but I hate it.' Lewis also claimed that swapping antidepressants for the anti-psychotic medication Aripiprazole, has 'changed his life.' He added 'It was really scary when they said anti psychotic - I was like I'm not psychotic. My anxiety levels are so low these days.' Following his return to the Pyramid Stage - which saw him perform new track Survive - Lewis confirmed he is hitting the road on a brand new tour in September. Ends
The National
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
TRNSMT act Sigrid takes unwell on main stage amid Glasgow heatwave
Sigrid said she was also 'not feeling well' after playing the main stage on Saturday afternoon. The Norwegian singer described the performance as 'really fun', but said the heat had taken its toll. (Image: Newsquest) Festival-goers faced temperatures of up to 30C at Glasgow Green, made worse by dancing and jumping. But despite the high temperatures, which are set to continue into Sunday, Sigrid gave TRNSMT a thumbs up. She told PA news agency: 'It was really fun. 'It was incredibly hot. I'm still a bit like, honestly, I gotta admit, I'm not feeling very well. 'I'm okay, but it's I'm not used to the heat. But it was great. The crowd was really, really lovely. 'I was very impressed by how they braved the heat. This is probably one of the hottest shows we've ever done.' The Strangers singer added: 'It was really tough. This is one of the few shows where I've not been moving that much. 'It felt a bit like I should have given more, but I just wasn't able to. But it was really really fun and it was really nice to see Glasgow again.' The pop star spoke as The Kooks played their set on the main stage in the background. (Image: Newsquest) She said the band was fundamental to her learning music from a young age. She said as the indie band played Sofa Song: 'That was my whole childhood, or my whole youth. 'Seaside, I remember I covered that song. And She Moves In Her Own Way is one of the first songs I learned on guitar.' She added: 'The Kooks were so integral to me learning instruments.' She said TRNSMT was one of her favourite festivals, adding that it was 'amazing' and getting 'better and better' every year. She described Scottish crowds as 'amazing, and very loud, rowdy'. She said: 'I feel like in Scotland people are rooting for me. 'Today, I honestly was wondering 'am I going to faint soon?'. If it's not me, surely someone in the audience must faint. Earlier today, I just felt they were rooting for everyone to do well.' The Norwegian artist said she went to a farm near Glasgow before the festival to try some Scottish food. The singer said she had tried haggis before in Scotland, which she described as 'weird'. She had also tried Buckfast, which she said was 'intense'. She said: 'I just got handed Buckfast once when we were playing Usher Hall. It was quite nice.'
Glasgow Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow: Sigrid takes unwell on TRNSMT main stage amid heat
Sigrid said she was 'not feeling well' after playing the main stage of TRNSMT on Saturday afternoon. The Norwegian singer described the performance as 'really fun', but said the heat had taken its toll. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Sigrid asked security for this request during TRNSMT set Festival-goers faced temperatures of up to 30C at Glasgow Green, made all the hotter by dancing and jumping. But despite the high temperatures, which are set to continue into Sunday, Sigrid gave TRNSMT a thumbs up. She told PA news agency: 'It was really fun. 'It was incredibly hot. I'm still a bit like, honestly, I gotta admit, I'm not feeling very well. 'I'm okay, but it's I'm not used to the heat. But it was great. The crowd was really, really lovely. 'I was very impressed by how they braved the heat. This is probably one of the hottest shows we've ever done.' The Strangers singer added: 'It was really tough. This is one of the few shows where I've not been moving that much. 'It felt a bit like I should have given more, but I just wasn't able to. But it was really really fun and it was really nice to see Glasgow again.' The pop star spoke as The Kooks played their set on the main stage in the background. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: I saw Twin Atlantic at TRNSMT - my verdict She said the band was fundamental to her learning music from a young age. She said as the indie band played Sofa Song: 'That was my whole childhood, or my whole youth. 'Seaside, I remember I covered that song. And She Moves In Her Own Way is one of the first songs I learned on guitar.' She added: 'The Kooks were so integral to me learning instruments.' She said TRNSMT was one of her favourite festivals, adding that it was 'amazing' and getting 'better and better' every year. She described Scottish crowds as 'amazing, and very loud, rowdy'. She said: 'I feel like in Scotland people are rooting for me. 'Today, I honestly was wondering am I gonna faint soon. 'If it's not me, surely someone in the audience must faint. Earlier today, I just felt they were rooting for everyone to do well.' READ MORE: TRNSMT food prices REVEALED including £15.50 pizza The Norwegian artist said she went to a farm near Glasgow before the festival to try some Scottish food. The singer said she had tried haggis before in Scotland, which she described as 'weird'. She had also tried Buckfast, which she said was 'intense'. She said: 'I just got handed Buckfast once when we were playing Usher Hall. 'It was quite nice.' Crowds will hear Fontaines DC perform on Saturday night before Biffy Clyro closes out the show. Fans will hear Gracie Abrams on tonight before Snow Patrol performs the final set.
