Latest news with #CallumBeattie


Glasgow Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow portaloo at SWG3 brings IBD into the spotlight
But not for the usual reasons—this one has been transformed into a powerful awareness campaign for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Launched by the Catherine McEwan Foundation in partnership with creative agency MadeBrave, the installation marks World IBD Day on May 19 and aims to spotlight what life is really like for the thousands of Scots living with IBD. READ MORE: Disco diva stuns fans with surprise appearance at huge Hydro gig From the outside, it looks like your average portaloo. But step inside, and you're met with an entirely different experience: a cinema-style seat, walls covered in eye-opening facts, and a short film featuring heartfelt messages from DJ George Bowie, Callum Beattie, Robyn Red, and Starsailor. Callum Beattie puts it plainly in the video, saying: 'Do you know what really sucks? There are people who want to be at the festival but they're stuck inside yet again. "Not because they didn't want to be at the festival, but because of Crohn's and Colitis — their body just says no.' (Image: Supplied) IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, affects more than 1 in 100 people in Scotland, with symptoms ranging from chronic pain and fatigue to anxiety and the need for long-term treatment or surgery. Despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood. Charity founder Derek McEwan, who set up the Foundation in memory of his mum Catherine, said the installation is designed to get people thinking differently. READ MORE: 'Wildly excited': Date revealed for award-winning musical's Glasgow premiere He said: 'IBD is a battle for those who live with it, as their families. 'My mum lived with severe Crohn's for most of her life. I grew up in waiting rooms. She never once complained, but I saw how hard it was. 'Even things that are meant to be fun, like going to a music festival, can become a source of stress. Many people with IBD just don't go. "The fear of flare-ups, access to toilets, and the planning is exhausting. 'We created this space to help people stop, think, and understand. For some, a festival loo is something to avoid. "For others, it's the reason they miss out entirely.' The campaign follows last year's headline-grabbing giant toilet roll billboard in Glasgow and continues the Foundation's mission to challenge stigma, fund research, and support those affected across Scotland. Want to help? Visit or text IBD to 70085 to donate £5.

Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Callum Beattie charity nominated for prestigious award
Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie has hailed Hamilton-based Ups And Downs Theatre Group as 'superstars' after its nomination for this year's Pride of Scotland Awards. 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... Beattie is patron of the parent-led charity dedicated to young people with Down Syndrome and their families, which takes its members from all backgrounds, ages and abilities. The group performed a memorable week-long show at the Hamilton Town House to mark its 30th anniversary, performances which lead to them being shortlisted in a new category at the prestigious awards - the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It honours a remarkable individual or group who inspires everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome, adversity – and Beattie, who was a guest performer on each of the five nights, insists the nomination is well deserved. Help: S3 Hamilton College pupil Daniel Ford was among the helpers at the show. 'Being a patron of Ups And Downs (along with my manager Dave) is one of the greatest honours of my life,' he said. 'Spending time with the cast is the best thing we do every year. They are all absolute superstars. I'm delighted to hear of their nomination. It's well deserved as they really are an inspiration to so many.' The Ups And Downs annual performance is always memorable but this year's week-long showcase was extra-special as the significant milestone was marked, with pupils from nearby Hamilton College playing a role in making the event a success. Ably assisted by singers from the school on three of the five nights, the theatre group performed a selection of No. 1 hits from the past 30 years before the cast wowed the audience with their production of a Teeny Shop of Terrors, based on the musical Little Shop of Horrors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hamilton College has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the local charity, doing whatever it can to help over the years. Former Head of Science Shelda Pirie is currently a board member and said: 'Following the success of our 30th anniversary show, we are extremely proud to have been nominated for the Pride of Scotland Inspiration award this year. Support: Ups and Downs patron Callum Beattie on stage at Hamilton College's 40th anniversary concert. 'Hamilton College has generously supported the Ups and Downs Theatre Group for over 15 years and we truly believe the support we received this year played an important part in our recognition. 'The involvement of the singers from Hamilton College added significant value to the overall sound on the night, enhancing both the volume and clarity on stage. Their contribution was key in helping us deliver such a memorable and professional show. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Hamilton College pupils who volunteered their time during show week to sell programmes and raffle tickets. Their assistance was a great help and contributed to the welcoming and supportive atmosphere throughout the week.'


Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots singer-songwriter Callum Beattie hails Ups And Downs Theatre Group
The charity group have been nominated this year's Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards. Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie has hailed Hamilton-based Ups And Downs Theatre Group as 'superstars' after their nomination for this year's Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards. Beattie is patron of the parent-led charity dedicated to young people with Down's syndrome and their families, which takes its members from all backgrounds, ages and abilities. The group performed a memorable week-long show at Hamilton Town House to mark their 30th anniversary, performances which led to them being shortlisted in a new category at the prestigious awards - the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award. It honours a remarkable individual or group who inspires everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome, adversity – and Beattie, who was a guest performer on each of the five nights, insists the nomination is well deserved. 'Being a patron of Ups And Downs (along with my manager Dave) is one of the greatest honours of my life,' he said. 'Spending time with the cast is the best thing we do every year. They are all absolute superstars. 'I'm delighted to hear of their nomination. It's well deserved as they really are an inspiration to so many.' The Ups And Downs annual performance is always memorable but this year's week-long showcase was extra-special as the significant milestone was marked, with pupils from nearby Hamilton College playing a role in making the event a success. Ably assisted by singers from the school on three of the five nights, the theatre group performed a selection of No. 1 hits from the past 30 years before the cast wowed the audience with their production of a Teeny Shop of Terrors, based on the musical Little Shop of Horrors. Hamilton College has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the local charity, doing whatever it can to help over the years. Former head of science Shelda Pirie is currently a board member and said: 'Following the success of our 30th anniversary show, we are extremely proud to have been nominated for the Pride of Scotland Inspiration award this year. 'Hamilton College has generously supported the Ups and Downs Theatre Group for over 15 years and we truly believe the support we received this year played an important part in our recognition. 'The involvement of the singers from Hamilton College added significant value to the overall sound on the night, enhancing both the volume and clarity on stage. Their contribution was key in helping us deliver such a memorable and professional show. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Hamilton College pupils who volunteered their time during show week to sell programmes and raffle tickets. Their assistance was a great help and contributed to the welcoming and supportive atmosphere throughout the week.' The awards, which have been running since 2019, celebrate Scots who are transforming the lives of the people around them, and will again be hosted in Glasgow next month by Sanjeev Kohli and Elaine C Smith, with Sanjeev saying: 'When I get asked to sum up the Pride of Scotland winners each year, the first word that always springs to mind is 'inspirational' and I just know this year will be no exception.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.


Glasgow Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Callum Beattie surprises shocked walkers taking part in Airdrie event
Callum Beattie surprised walkers at the Wear Yellow Walk in aid of St Andrew's Hospice. The sponsored event, which took place on May 7, saw more than 2,200 primary school pupils walk around Strathclyde Park to raise money for the hospice. Read more: Fundraising day to honour legacy of former Glasgow Times sports reporter (Image: Supplied) (Image: Supplied) 'What do you call a wizard's dog?': Pupil reaches joke competition final After the walk, the pupils were treated to a guest performance from Beattie, who sang several of his popular hits, including Salamander Street and Heart Stops Beating. One lucky girl was even invited on stage to join the musician in a song. Beattie met with everyone who took part in the event, even going so far as to sign their yellow hats, which were sponsored by Scottish Confectionery company Tunnock's. The walking event ended in a triumph, with Beattie rounding off his performance with a particularly appropriate rendition of The Proclaimer's smash hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).


South China Morning Post
10-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong-born British footballer has allies in high places for city passport application
The local football association has intervened in the passport application process for Callum Beattie, in a bid to have the Football Club defender available for Hong Kong selection this summer. Advertisement Beattie, 23, has been a fixture for his team this season, after studying in the United States and Canada. A raiding left-back, he was born in Hong Kong but has British citizenship. Beattie started the passport process in August and is optimistic of being naturalised 'quite soon'. In June, Hong Kong have a crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India. The following month, they will go to South Korea for the East Asian Football Federation Championship finals. 'I've just received a reference letter from the Hong Kong FA to speed up [the application], so, hopefully, it shouldn't take much longer,' Beattie said. '[Hong Kong head coach] Ashley Westwood and the technical director [John Morling] signed it. It seems I have their full backing and I'm looking forward, hopefully, to getting in the squad.' Left-back Callum Beattie strides forward for HKFC against Eastern at Mong Kok Stadium. Photo: HKFC Beattie, whose dad, Danny, played semi-professionally in England and was a Football Club coach, made his senior debut at age 16 in January 2018.