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Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Why hopes are high of Scottish success in Senior Open at Sunningdale
Seven-strong Caledonian contingent includes two rookies who have made promising starts in over-50s' ranks Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Whisper it but could this week be Scotland's best chance of producing a winner of the ISPS Handa Senior Open for close to 30 years? Not since Brian Barnes recorded back-to-back victories in 1995 and 1996 has a player flying the Saltire picked up the over-50s' Claret Jug. Barnes, in fact, is the only Scot to have won the event, which was first held in 1987, but the 'Class of 2025' definitely has potential. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Colin Montgomerie is making his 12th appearance in the ISPS HANDA Senior Open this week |By his own admission, Colin Montgomerie is finding it more and more difficult to stay competitive in the senior ranks and landing the title at the 12th attempt and having turned 63 last month would be one of his greatest achievements. The eight-time European No 1 and Ryder Cup legend is still as competitive as ever, though, and a home gig at Sunningdale is making him excited about this week's assignment. 'It's very rare that it comes around that you're playing at home but it's just a lovely place to be,' said Montgomerie, who has his son Cameron, a scratch player, caddying for him at the Berkshire venue. 'I think it's a course that suits me more than some. It's not the longest course, par 70 is quite strict, mind you. It's a tough 70 with only two par 5s, but at the same time, got to hit the fairways. And that's what I do; the best I've done in my career is hit fairways. So if I can do that, we can score. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'You never know. If a couple of putts go in we can get into some sort of contention, not just competing in the tournament but actually into contention. So we look forward to it.' Seven years younger than his compatriot, Paul Lawrie could also easily be a contender, having shown what he's still capable of when carding a 62 in a Legends Tour event in Greece earlier in the year. The Aberdonian would have been bitterly disappointed that he was unable to convert that winning opportunity, but he'll be driven in this event, of course, by a chance to join a select group of players to have won both The Open and Senior Open. For both Stephen Gallacher and David Drysdale, this week marks Senior Open debuts for both and don't be surprised if either of them - even both - get in the major mix. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This week's Senior Open has ISPS HANDA as the title sponsor for the first time |Former Ryder Cup player Gallacher has already produced two promising performances in big events, having tied for 28th in the Senior PGA Championship then finishing joint-18th in the US Senior Open. Drysdale, meanwhile, has hit the ground running on the Legends Tour since turning 50 in March, finishing second and third in his first few events. 'Yeah, it's been good,' said the Cockburnspath man of how he's started the new chapter in his career. I lost my card in Europe at the end of 2022 and always wanted to have a couple of years out here and Asia was my option to try and keep my game going for a couple of years. 'That was my plan and it worked out well. I enjoyed Asia and hoping to get in a couple of events out there later in the year, but I am looking forward to this one. Sunningdale - what a great spot for my first Senior Open. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I've got through Open Final Qualifying here and also lost in a play-off in Open Qualifying here. I played in that six years in a row, I'd imagine. My game has been decent this season, so looking for more of the same.' Also flying the Saltire at Sunningdale, where Korea's K.J. Choi defends the title after his impressive victory at Carnoustie 12 months ago, are former BMW PGA Championship winner Scott Drummond, Greig Hutcheon and Euan McIntosh. Hucheon will be aiming to reproduce the level of golf that enabled him to get into contention heading into the final round at Royal Porthcawl two years ago.


Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Scotsman
Drive hard bargain with 'van-tastic' Scottish road trip deals
You can take the high road at low cost with staycation tours on a budget in campervan, caravan or motorhome. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Camplify summer sale promo promises family-friendly school holiday savings on "bonnie banks and braes" adventures. Available until August-end, SCOTLAND50 code secures thrifty £50 off bookings over £200. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Outdoors was never greater, inspiring trips offering shortbread tin picturesque scenes amid impressive moors and majestic mountains. Camplify "King of the Road" all mod cons And life's a beach for those keen to explore picture postcard coastal routes, awash with quaint coves and Caledonian culture, notably North Coast 500 bucket list beauty. For more inspiration and to book visit site. Hamish, Edinburgh Purpose-built high-spec campervan perfect for trip starting in Edinburgh, fully equipped with automatic transmission, comfortable leather interior, memory foam mattresses and more for ultimate comfort on the go, touring Highlands, Glencoe, The Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond and Ness. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Camplify Highland low cost rentals beckon Sleeping four and pet friendly, price was £488.32, now £438.32 to save ten per cent, for three days' hire, departing August 23, available via site. Duckie, Dunkeld Embark on journey of playful charm in unique campervan promising no ordinary ride. Full of character, former horsebox has been transformed into ultimate escape for pet-friendly life on the road for two, complete with memory foam mattress, hot waterfall shower and own balcony, providing perfect views from sunrise to set. Initial £477.60 cost is cut by ten per cent to £427.60 for four days' hire from August 15, available via website. Camplify Caledonian adventures await Bee Camper, Dundee Perfect for jaunt around Scottish Highlands, camper has been professionally converted to offer comfortable accommodation. With all essentials needed for three-day tour, its perfect for four-strong family seeking adventure. Ten per cent saving sees £482.00 price reduced to£432.00, available via website.


Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Scotsman
Drive hard bargain with "van-tastic" Scottish road trip deals
You can take the high road at low cost with staycation tours on a budget in campervan, caravan or motorhome. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Camplify summer sale promo promises family-friendly school holiday savings on "bonnie banks and braes" adventures. Available until August-end, SCOTLAND50 code secures thrifty £50 off bookings over £200. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Outdoors was never greater, inspiring trips offering shortbread tin picturesque scenes amid impressive moors and majestic mountains. Camplify Highland low cost rentals beckon And life's a beach for those keen to explore picture postcard coastal routes, awash with quaint coves and Caledonian culture, notably North Coast 500 bucket list beauty. For more inspiration and to book visit site. Hamish, Edinburgh Purpose-built high-spec campervan perfect for trip starting in Edinburgh, fully equipped with automatic transmission, comfortable leather interior, memory foam mattresses and more for ultimate comfort on the go, touring Highlands, Glencoe, The Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond and Ness. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Camplify "King of the Road" all mod cons Sleeping four and pet friendly, price was £488.32, now £438.32 to save ten per cent, for three days' hire, departing August 23, available via site. Duckie, Dunkeld Embark on journey of playful charm in unique campervan promising no ordinary ride. Full of character, former horsebox has been transformed into ultimate escape for pet-friendly life on the road for two, complete with memory foam mattress, hot waterfall shower and own balcony, providing perfect views from sunrise to set. Initial £477.60 cost is cut by ten per cent to £427.60 for four days' hire from August 15, available via website. Camplify Caledonian adventures await Bee Camper, Dundee Perfect for jaunt around Scottish Highlands, camper has been professionally converted to offer comfortable accommodation. With all essentials needed for three-day tour, its perfect for four-strong family seeking adventure.


Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Moray spots where Matt Damon and Tom Holland have been filming The Odyssey
Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey stars Damon as Odysseus and Holland as his son Telemachus Hollywood actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland have been filming scenes for their upcoming movie The Odyssey in Scotland. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film is based on the ancient Greek poem about Odysseus and his journey home after years at war. Damon, 54, stars as Odysseus, with 29-year-old Holland playing his son, Telemachus. Filming locations include Morocco, Greece, Sicily, and notably the Moray Firth coast in Scotland. The Moray Firth is known for its resident population of around 130 bottlenose dolphins, often seen near the shore. Harbour seals are also common in the area. And there have also been occasional sightings of harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, pilot whales, and killer whales further out at sea. On the southern shore of the Moray Firth, Culbin Forest stands on one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain. Beyond the trees lies the 7-kilometre Culbin Bar, the UK's best example of a large natural shingle spit. The forest includes mature pine plantations supporting wildlife typical of native Caledonian forests, with species such as roe deer, red squirrels, badgers, and pine martens present. Culbin is a large area of sandy beaches, salt marsh, and forestry east of Burghead, with a duck pond and wide views across the Firth. Filming has taken place there over several days, with a local car park closed for the duration. The actors were seen filming in Burghead, a coastal town with a population of just under 2,000. The town has ancient origins, with a large Pictish fort dating back around 1,000 years. Burghead is known for the Boxing Day Swim, an annual charity event, and the Burning of the Clavie, a traditional fire festival celebrated on January 11, according to the old Julian calendar. From Burghead, Damon and Holland travelled by boat to Culbin Forest, where a car park was closed for filming. The forest is popular with cyclists and horse riders and is home to diverse wildlife, including roe deer, red squirrels, badgers, pine martens, and a duck pond. Additional filming took place in Buckie and near the ruins of Findlater Castle close to Cullen. Buckie is a small fishing town with a large harbour, marina, two golf courses, a leisure centre, and two outdoor bowling parks. The area is known for its coastal scenery, wildlife, and nearby attractions such as Bow Fiddle Rock near Portknockie. Findlater Castle, a well-known ruin overlooking the Moray Firth, sits on a rocky outcrop and is a notable historical site. 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'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. While in the area, the cast and crew dined at a local hotel, with Damon telling staff at The Seafield Arms in Cullen that their food was "the best [they'd] had on [their] journey around the world". The blockbuster star also praised the "remarkable" workers and posed for pictures with them. The town's culinary speciality is Cullen Skink, a fish and vegetable soup which is known around the world. In Inverness, filming included scenes involving the Draken Harald Hårfagre, described as the world's largest Viking ship built in modern times. The ship was moored in the Cromarty Firth. While in the capital of the Highlands, Holland's girlfriend and co-star Zendaya popped into a local gelateria for an ice cream, posing for a pic with staff and telling them she'd be back with Tom. Filming of The Odyssey has been ongoing for several weeks in the Moray Firth locations. The Odyssey is due to be released next July.


Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Daily Record
Neilston "serial domestic offender" warned to keep nose clean or face jail time
Kevin Gresham has previous convictions of domestic violence on his record. A 'serial domestic offender' has been warned to be of good behaviour or face up to five years in prison after calling his partner a 'stupid b***h'. Boozed-up Kevin Gresham repeatedly shouted and swore at her on December 29 last year after a night out in Glasgow. Gresham – who has previous domestic violence convictions from 2022 and 2023 – got angry when his partner couldn't find her house keys, and made a number of derogatory remarks towards her. A member of the public was so concerned about the thug's behaviour they called the police who arrived and arrested Gresham. The procurator fiscal depute told Paisley Sheriff Court: 'The accused and the woman returned home from Glasgow city centre in a taxi. Both were heavily intoxicated. 'While outside the property, the woman couldn't find her keys and the accused got louder and angrier and began shouting at her. He continued to shout stating, 'you're a f*****g a******e'. Police were contacted by a third party who overheard this disturbance. 'The accused continued to act in an aggressive manner stating, 'you're a stupid b***h, it's your fault again, it's your fault'. Officers attended, arrested the accused and took him to Helen Street police office where he made no reply to caution and charge.' Defence agent Gemma Elder told the court Gresham, of Glen Mark Road in Neilston, appeared in the town's court on December 30 from custody where he pleaded guilty to the offence. He was, at that time, placed on a structure deferred sentence ordering him to attend a social work appointment once per week. Ms Elder stated: 'He has been complying with this and attending a programme designed by East Renfrewshire Council that is akin to the Caledonian men's project. 'It's a programme for domestic offenders and he states to me he has found the initial stages of the programme very helpful.' The court heard the woman wasn't in favour of a non-harassment order being made but Sheriff Eoin McGinty stated he had to consider what the court would find appropriate. Sheriff McGinty also considered Gresham's list of previous offences which include convictions of sexual assault and road traffic matters. He stated: 'This is your third substantial domestic offence so I do feel it is necessary to impose a non-harassment order. 'Not to prevent you from seeing her, but to prevent you from causing her any alarm or distress and, if you breach that, you can be facing a maximum of five years imprisonment. 'This adds an extra layer of protection to your partner as you are a serial offender.' Gresham was ordered to be of good behaviour for six months and a non-harassment order in the terms outlined by Sheriff McGinty was imposed for three years. He will return to court for a hearing on December 15.