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Daily Record
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Ayrshire singer opens her garden to the public to raise money for Red Cross
Renowned international mezzo-soprano Linda Finnie has opened up the garden at Whitewin House in Girvan to raise funds for the Red Cross An Ayrshire opera singer is opening up her garden in a bid to raise funds for the Red Cross. Renowned international mezzo-soprano Linda Finnie is welcoming the public to the garden at Whitewin House in Girvan. For just £5, visitors can take in all the garden has to offer including the views across the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig, Arran and Kintyre. The Victorian garden is one of several gardens across the UK which are taking part in the Red Cross's open gardens campaign. From March to October each year, members of the public are given the chance to explore a variety of beautiful gardens while supporting the Red Cross. Whitewin House occupies a prime position on Golf Course Road as the first house to be built there and the garden featured in the Garden of the Year TV programme on Channel Four in 2022. Linda Finnie, 73, is one of the most prominent Scottish opera singers following a career that included major roles at the Royal Opera and ENO as well as international appearances at the Bayreuth Festival among others. Whitewin House will be open to the public most weekends in August but a planned opening this weekend, August 9 and 10, has been cancelled following damage from Storm Floris. However, Linda is looking forward to welcoming visitors back from Saturday, August 16. Refreshments including homemade teas and coffees are available for visitors. Whitewin House is located at 16 Golf Course Road, Girvan KA26 9HW and visiting can be arranged by contacting lafinnie@
Metro
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Completely free streamer boasts one of Britain's 'best sci-fi shows ever'
Looking for something 'super' to watch? We've got you covered (Picture: Channel Four) Do you like free stuff? Do you like great sci-fi stories? If you answered 'yes' to either of those questions, then you're in the right place. For the low, low price of absolutely nothing, you can access hundreds of incredible dramas, comedies, and documentaries using the free streaming service Kanopy. So what's the catch? Well, you do need a library card if you want to sign up, but as Arthur taught a generation of kids, 'having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card.' In all seriousness, Kanopy boasts hundreds of critically acclaimed shows, including Inside No 9, Happy Valley, and The Thick of It. Curtis (Nathan Stewart), Alisha (Antonia Thomas), Nathan (Robert Sheehan) Kelly (Lauren Socha) and Simon (Iwan Rheon) were the show's first group. (Credits: Tony Buckingham/Channel 4) They were later replaced by Alex, Rudy, Finn, Abby and Jess. (Picture: Hal Shinnie) When I was perusing the site, however, it was a certain sci-fi show that caught my eye. No, it wasn't Doctor Who (for once), it was the Channel 4 show Misfits. This sensational superhero series was released in 2009 and ran for five series. The show focused on a group of young offenders who, while performing community service, were caught in a strange thunderstorm. After the storm had passed, however, the group learned that they'd all received incredible superpowers. 'SAVE ME, BARRY!!' (Credits: Channel 4) So did they use them for good? Nah. The Misfits were all power and no responsibility, regularly using their abilities for personal gain and profit. Misfits was a huge hit for Channel 4 back in the day, earning itself an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and a place on a lot of 'best sci-fi series' lists. More than that, it's built a legion of dedicated fans around the globe. Don't believe me? Just take a quick scroll across the Google reviews and you'll see plenty of five-star reviews written by people like Jenna Breski. 'This is a brilliant show! It's very edgy with a few gruesome bits, but it's also very, very funny,' she wrote. 'I have laughed several times through each episode, especially Nathan's character, he's a freaking hoot. Give it a try.' Best Superhero Shows Of All Time Our superhero-loving Deputy TV editor, Tom Percival, picks the best TV shows starring people in capes and cowls WandaVision – The first and probably best Marvel TV show helped to make the Scarlet Witch an A-list superhero – The first and probably best Marvel TV show helped to make the Scarlet Witch an A-list superhero Batman: The Animated Series – Before Robert Pattinson donned Bruce Wayne's blue undies, Kevin Conroy helped a generation fall in love with the Caped Crusader. – Before Robert Pattinson donned Bruce Wayne's blue undies, Kevin Conroy helped a generation fall in love with the Caped Crusader. The Sandman – Long though unadaptable , the good folks at Netflix managed to make this impossible dream a reality. Long though unadaptable the good folks at Netflix managed to make this impossible dream a reality. Peacemaker – In the words of Wig Wam, 'Do You Wanna Taste It?' We do if it's Peacemaker. – In the words of Wig Wam, 'Do You Wanna Taste It?' We do if it's Peacemaker. Jessica Jones – Forget Daredevil, Jessica Jones was the best Netflix Marvel show thanks to the amazing Krysten Ritter and the terrifying David Tennant. Patrick Maginnis agrees with Jenna writing, 'It just feels so human and real… The best thing about it… the superpowers aren't even the most engaging element of the show!' Raymond Mead perhaps put it best, however, when he described it as a 'near-perfect British superpower series'. So what are you waiting for? A superpower granting storm? Grab your library card and get on Kanopy now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Scotsman
Top leadership expert outlines the benefits of a summer holiday for business leaders.
Ex Channel Four star shares his tips on bosses can best switch off over the holidays. 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... The summer is an opportunity for everyone to take a break, whether you consider yourself a leader or not. And, according to leadership expert Drew Povey, those people who insist on never taking a proper break could be missing out on the chance to have their best ideas. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Povey, who was in charge of Harrop Fold School in Salford when it featured in the popular 2017 Channel 4 documentary Educating Greater Manchester, believes that Summer gives people the chance to 'return better than they were before.' Drew Povey Drew, the founder of the Drew Povey Consultancy, explained: 'Leadership never takes a holiday, but leaders should. Summer gives us an element of space, which we don't get a lot of the time. What we want leaders to do is reset, recharge and reframe, so that when they return, they are better than they were before.' Here are Drew's ideas on how a good leader can use a summer break to reset and return better than before. Design the disconnect A lot of people feel guilty about taking time off particularly if they are in a leadership role but it's very important for our physical and mental health to take a break. In our perhaps overly connected world where our phone can beep at any time with messages, there is a temptation to not really disconnect, and as well as being unhealthy it can also be confusing for your team back in the office. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is why I recommend getting real clarity before you go on holiday by putting a plan in place. Do you want a full detox? Or a check in for 20 minutes every morning? Or a couple of days off before you might be online for critical issues? There is no right or wrong to this, but it needs to become a choice. Communicate with your team A good leader needs to know themselves and if you are one of those people who needs to have their finger on the pulse then realistically you aren't going to stick to a seven day total detox. So when you've made that choice, communicate it to your team and your boss. If you don't, and they know you as a control freak, they'll be messaging you thinking they're helping. So rather than get that drip of notifications and that horrible dread of that returning chaos and fear of the bulging inbox that you can very often get, choose your plan and tell others. Put down the laptop and pick up a book Sun loungers are no place for a laptop. They're somewhere you should pick up a book. I often encourage people to read something that they're interested in, or read a topic that challenges how you think about people and performance, because it's in these moments, when you pause, in these moments of stillness, that you can get some great ideas. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's also a time when you can get some insight, and you can think deeper about yourself and how you operate. This isn't about ticking off a book on a to-do list, but it's about trying to give us a bit of a spark, maybe even light a fire for when you return. Don't just recharge - reflect Having that time away does create space, but it should create space for some deeper questions. I love asking leaders just to think about a couple of things while they're away. How's this year gone so far? What have I learned? Where am I growing? Where am I coasting? Just think about the kind of leader you'd be ideally when you return. Because very often, the biggest breakthroughs people have don't come in a boardroom, it could come from when you're sitting on a balcony watching the sun set. Get away from your devices It's really important that we intentionally take time away from our devices. Just as there is a clamour for schools to ban smartphones, we need to spend time away from being connected with the rest of the world. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When I go away I make a point of locking my phone in a safe, even if it's just for an hour. You will feel a real difference, I promise you. Whether it's listening to the sea or just not listening out for the noise of an incoming message, it helps you to see things differently. This is where your mind wanders and it's in these lazy moments that you can produce gold. Revisit your 'why' When you have holiday time, it's the perfect time to reconnect with why you bother doing what you do because a lot of people forget that. People know they go into something because it's a calling rather than a career, particularly in parts of the public sector. Why did I get into education? Why did I get into politics or why did I decide to become a doctor or a nurse? You've got to remind yourself, why did I even start this journey? What impact did I want to have? Use this time to reconnect with what drove you in the first place and to get back to that purpose. Return with intention It's not just about coming back but coming back better. People come back with loads of energy, but then go back to the very things that depleted their energy in the first place. So set the intention to come back smarter and with more clarity. Above all, make sure summertime isn't just a pause in leadership, but a powerful progression. It's about resting well, reflecting deeply and returning ready.
Daily Record
19-07-2025
- Daily Record
Ex-cop Peter Bleksley slams Police Scotland over unsolved murder of Alistair Wilson
The police investigation into the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson more than 20 years ago has been criticised by former detective turned TV presenter Peter Bleksley. Former undercover cop and star of Channel Four's hit show Hunted has launched a scathing attack on the police's handling of their investigation into the murder of banker Alistair Wilson. Peter Bleksley - who spent more than 20 years with the Metropolitan Police - says it's is a case that could have and should have been solved years ago and claims to know the identity of the person responsible. Alistair was gunned down on the steps of his Victorian villa in Crescent Road, Nairn on November 28, 2004, after bathing his two sons before bed. A mystery man, who had knocked on the door carrying a blue birthday card style envelope with the name Paul on it, had asked for Alistair by name that Sunday before opening fire and running off. In the last 21 years police appeared to have drawn a blank in their hunt for the killer. Bleksley, who has been investigating Alistair Wilson 's murder since 2005, says he will be revealing new information about the case in a one man stage show that will tour Britain and Ireland from next January. The 65-year-old has been a vocal critic of the police probe for a number of years. He added:"From my first visit to the crime scene in 2005 I have always believed that this is a crime that could and should have been solved, if it hadn't been for the lamentable errors by Northern Constabulary and then Police Scotland. "I believe that as firmly today as I did back then. They should hang their heads in shame as this is a case that should have been wrapped up and dealt with a long time ago. "It's outrageous and a deep dark stain stain on the reputation of Police Scotland that they have manifestly failed to solve such an emminently solvable case. "It has been blighted by mistakes since Alistair's wife Veronica made that first 999 call right up to today." 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. Last September, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain announced a new police investigation of the murder after meeting the Wilson family, including his widow, Veronica. Bleksley is inviting detectives to come along to hear what he has to say during the 106 date nationwide tour which includes performances in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. In the show - The Makings of a Murderer - Bleksley will also be revealing details of who he thinks is the prime suspect. He believes he is a local Nairn man now in his 40's who is said to have access to firearms and served a recent prison sentence for drug offences. Bleksley added:"I have uncovered that he has a previous conviction for possessing an offensive weapon. He has other criminal convictions and has family that lives in Spain. "He has an uncle called Paul and I have been trying to get in front of him for some time without any luck. "If I were leading the murder inquiry this person would be of considerable interest. "I will be revealing a lot of new information about the police investigation and explaining why that particular individual is the person responsible. "I will hope that officers from Police Scotland will be sitting in the audience with notebooks and pens." Bleksley says Police Scotland have declined a number of offers over the year to meet him. He added:"They regard me as as a thorn in their side but they could have spoken with me in a collaborative manner. "They are very welcome to buy a ticket and pop along if they want. I have no objection to them coming." During his time in the Met in London Bleksley spent ten years undercover targeting organised crime, and solved a number of murders. He will devote the second half of each of next year's shows to his investigation into the Nairn murder. In 2018 he published the only book written to date on Alistair Wilson - To Catch a Killer - and believes that prompted police to review the case. Bleksley is hopeful that the new probe under Chief Supt Suzanne Chow will finally solve the murder and bring closure to the Wilson family who still live in the north east of Scotland seaside town. He added:"That case has taken up a huge amount of my time which is irrelevant compared to the hurt that the Wilson have family have felt "My work is far from done and it's is very much ongoing." Alistair Wilson's family have also criticised Police Scotland's efforts to find the killer. In December 2023, they complained to the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner (PIRC) about the handling of the force's investigation. They said they had been misled over plans to arrest a suspect in May that year which was called off. Last September the family said they had "lost confidence" in the national force and labelled it "incompetent". They then met First Minister John Swinney in January, who told them he hoped the new investigation would prove successful in their search for justice. Bleksley claims his suspect is the same man Police Scotland had planned to arrest two years ago. In 2022 Police Scotland revealed that a row over decking at the nearby Havelock Hotel may be linked to the murder and appealed to anyone who was a customer around then to come forward. The hotel's owner Andy Burnett had applied for retrospective planning permission which Alistair had objected to. The dad was shot dead only a few days after the objection was lodged with the local council. It then emerged that detectives had travelled to Nova Scotia in Canada to interview Burnett - who had emigrated there after selling the hotel - but stressed he was not a suspect. At the time of his murder Alistair was a business manager with the Bank of Scotland but was due to take up a new job in Inverness. Between 2015 and 2019 Bleksley played the part of The Chief in six series of Hunted. Chief Superintendent Suzanne Chow, Police Scotland, said: 'This is a live criminal investigation and our enquiries are ongoing. We are not in a position to discuss any details of our ongoing investigation. "Our relationship with Alistair's family is a priority and we are determined to bring those involved in Alistair's murder to justice. If you have any information that would assist detectives, please contact us on 101 or via the Major Investigation Public Portal (MIPP) or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
Leader Live
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Inbetweeners star James Buckley hints at Buckley visit
James Buckley rose to fame when he starred as Jay Cartwright in the hit Channel Four show. Alongside Simon Bird (as Will McKenzie), Joe Thomas (Simon Cooper) and Blake Harrison (Neil Sutherland), the quartet embarked on various daring adventures while trying to navigate through adolescence. Nowadays, Buckley stars on his own podcast 'At Home With The Buckleys' alongside wife Clair. On a recent episode, the pair were discussing place names throughout the UK and James highlighted the Flintshire town of Buckley. He further hinted that a visit could well be on the cards. He said: "There's a town called Buckley in Wales. We should do something there. We should go to Buckley." TOP STORIES He added: "We should do like a little live thing in Buckley. Just saying 'The Buckley's Podcast in Buckley'. Clair said: "Okay, I'll meet you there." If the visit was to go ahead, then it would not be the first time that Buckley has been spotted in North Wales. Last year, the star was seen having a great time at Zip World in Bethesda. Zip Word shared a photo of the actor taken by a staff member with the public on its Facebook page. The Inbetweeners - which Buckley starred in - also spawned two movies, is still fondly remembered by fans who love to recite memorable quotes from the series. He also played the young Del Boy in the BBC comedy-drama Rock & Chips and the main character Brian Weaver in the comedy-fantasy series Zapped.
