Latest news with #Clydesdale
The Courier
3 days ago
- General
- The Courier
More food and farming day fun for kids in Fife and Kinross-shire
Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) food and farming days have been a big hit with youngsters across Scotland this spring. The aim is to give every child in Scotland the chance to learn about food, farming and the countryside. RHET says this will create a better understanding of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of rural Scotland. Recent events in Perth & Kinross and Fife saw hundreds of primary school pupils enjoying a day on the farm. There were nearly 200 getting some valuable hands-on learning experience at Tillyochie Farm near Kinross. Local schools taking part included Arngask, Fossoway, Portmoak, Kinross, Milnathort, Goodlyburn, and Cleish. RHET's Perth & Kinross team, supported by host farmers the Smith family, delivered sessions on topics including soil health, livestock care, food production and biodiversity. The event also had the support of 21 volunteers, including people from the local community, as well as representatives from organisations such as Quality Meat Scotland and the Kilted Christmas Tree Company. RHET Perth & Kinross project co-ordinator Tara Clark said: 'These kinds of experiences leave a lasting impression on pupils. 'They help children form early connections with where their food comes from and the people who produce it – something that's more relevant than ever these days.' Portmoak Primary School pupil Sylvie said: 'The trip made me feel happy because I got to find out a bit about cows.' Tanvi said she 'learned lots of new facts about animals', while Gaia said: 'Now I know how pine trees grow. It was a great experience.' Meanwhile, Jacob said he was particularly impressed by the hens, adding: 'Not even the strongest man in the world could break an egg with two fingers.' Sophia and Mimi loved seeing the 'cute' sheep and their lambs, while Phoebe was amazed to find out horses need groomed at 5am every day. The farm's Clydesdale horses found a new friend in Duncan, while the sheepdogs were a big hit with Sam. Meanwhile, there were 135 younsgsters from three Fife primaries – Canmore and St Leonards RC in Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay – at a RHET food and farming day at Droverhall Farm, Crossgates, Hosted by the Adam and Collier families and supported by a wide range of people and organisations,the educational sessions at Droverhall covered topics including beekeeping, vegetables, farm machinery, sheep shearing, beef cattle and cereals.
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Sunday World
Two Galway men jailed for spending fake Scottish notes across UK
Patrick Ward (22) of Coole Park, and Jason Ward (19) of Radharc Na Freine had been arrested on January 21 after police stopped a car in Wakefield Two Galway men who came to the UK from Ireland 'with a view to using fake cash to fund their lifestyles' have been jailed. Patrick Ward (22) of Coole Park, and Jason Ward (19) of Radharc Na Freine had been arrested on January 21 after police stopped a car in Wakefield. Following a search, officers found items that had been bought from various stores in Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield and Chesterfield. A subsequent investigation established that counterfeit Clydesdale bank notes had been used to purchase items that were then refunded for cash at other branches. Jason Ward News in 90 Seconds - May 30th The investigation by Wakefield CID and backed up by the UK National Counterfeit Currency Unit (UKNCO) at the National Crime Agency (NCA), linked similar offences committed by the same gang in the Thames Valley, West Midlands, West Mercia, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire police force areas. Both men appeared at Leeds Crown Court having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to have custody or control of a thing knowing it was a counterfeit currency note, passing counterfeit currency and converting criminal property. Patrick Ward was sentenced to 30 months in prison while Jason Ward was given 28 months in a young offender institution. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a third man, William Browne (19) of St Finbars Terrace, Galway, who was also charged but failed to appear at court. Detective Sergeant Craig Twycross from Wakefield CID told the Barnsley Chronicle: 'This was a complex investigation which has prevented fake notes circulating around the country and leaving businesses with worthless cash. 'The defendants came to the UK from Ireland with a view to using fake cash to fund their lifestyles, and it is right that they have been successfully prosecuted for their offending. 'I want to urge retailers to be vigilant and take the time to check notes thoroughly. Anyone who notices incidents involving these fake Scottish notes should report them to your local police force.' Patrick Ward Neil Harris, Head of Unit at the National Counterfeit Currency Unit at the NCA said the suspects had committed crimes across numerous police force areas. 'However, with the participation of police officers from all of the identified policing areas, the full scale of the offending could be placed before the courts by West Yorkshire Police,' Harris said. 'The custodial sentences imposed demonstrate the seriousness with which counterfeit currency offences will be taken by the justice system and should act as a strong deterrent.' The NCA said counterfeit Clydesdale £20 notes may feature what looks like a convincing hologram. 'But staff should also check for the colour-changing ink used in the map of Scotland in the top left corner of the note,' he added. 'If the note is genuine, the map will change colour from purple to gold when the note is tilted, and there are also moving rings across the map. 'You can also feel for the raised print that appears across the note including on the name of the bank.' Police have urged anyone with information or incidents involving counterfeit notes to be reported to them on their LiveChat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.
The Courier
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Perth electrician stole £70k from own business for 'booze fund', foreign trip and dating site
An electrician from Perth stole £70,000 from his own business, transferring money into his account under the reference 'booze fund' and using cash for holidays, restaurants and cinema trips. Scott Bathgate admitted embezzling from North Muirton-based My Eco Solutions over a five-year period. Bathgate, formerly of Blackford, used the company account to fund his personal lifestyle, including travel outside the UK and on a dating site. The offender, who has been on bail since appearing at Perth Sheriff Court in 2022, is now awaiting sentence. Fiscal depute Duncan Mackenzie explained Bathgate and colleague Douglas Hamilton had both been made redundant from another firm in 2011 and set the company up together, investing £3,000 each. Due to Bathgate's poor credit, his brother was registered as a director. The company opened a company account with Barclays but later switched to the Clydesdale bank. Bathgate, who like Mr Hamilton was taking a wage of £200 a week, was given full responsibility for finance and admininstration. Mr Mackenzie said: 'Over time, it became apparent Mr Bathgate was struggling to manage the bookkeeping.' Unbeknownst to Mr Hamilton, the company was racking up fines. In 2016, an office manager was employed to take over the finance and admin work. Bathgate refused to provide her with login details and failed to provide receipts for purchases. It was found he had used business funds to make personal purchases. One transfer from the Barclay's account to Bathgate's own was under the reference 'booze fund'. On other occasions, the card was found to have been used at a cinema, restaurants, travel outside the UK and a dating website. After Bathgate returned his company computer in 2018, he did not return to work. Bathgate admitted that on various occasions between December 17 in 2012 and July 26 in 2017, he embezzled various sums while working as director and subcontractor of My Eco Solutions Ltd. He pled guilty to transferring funds from a bank account held in name of the St Kilda Place-headquartered business into a bank account held in his own name and using two company bank accounts to purchase goods and services and pay bills. Bathgate, now of Scone, admitted embezzling £70,000, having initially been charged with swindling the firm out of £126,330.71 The 45-year-old's only previous conviction was a driving offence more than 20 years ago. His solicitor Lyndsey Barber explained since the offences took place, Bathgate has suffered from haemorrhages. Sheriff William Wood deferred sentencing until July 3 and continued the bail orderon which Bathgate has been for three years. The sheriff ordered background reports and said: 'Clearly the court must, in these circumstances, consider a custodial sentence.'
STV News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Wolf of Badenoch: New statue brings story of one of Scotland's worst tyrants to life
A new steel statue in Kingussie is bringing the story of one of Scotland's most destructive historical figures back to life, nearly six centuries after his death. Alexander Stewart, descendant of Scots king Robert the Bruce, was notorious for his violent rampage across Moray and the Highlands in the late 14th century. Known as 'The Wolf of Badenoch,' Stewart's reign of terror included burning down religious sites, plundering abbeys, and committing a series of murderous land-grabs. It's hoped the new artwork, standing beside a former church which is now a community centre, will become a tourist attraction. Late Kingussie businessman Bobby Nield came up with the idea almost 30 years ago to mark the earl's place in history after being inspired by sculptor Helen Denerley's display of metal wolves at a local arts festival. STV News New statue brings to life the story of the 'Wolf of Badenoch' Helen, who built the statue, has produced a plethora of weird and wonderful creatures, including birds and giant spiders. Speaking about her latest creation, she said: 'There's a lot of plough metal in there and there's some wishbones. And the front legs have got a really enormous mole-wrench that's been cut in half. 'And then there's scaffolding clips and there's a little bit of bicycle wheel, and the tail is made of hems that you have had around a leather collar, the yoke of a Clydesdale.' Bobby's vision was for the new statue to form part of a trail leading to Kingussie,, telling the story of Stewart's exploits. The Wolf burned down Elgin Cathedral, plundered Pluscarden Abbey and launched attacks from his bases at Lochindorb, Loch an Eilein and Ruthven Castle. Stewart himself was granted the honour of being entombed in marble at Dunkeld Cathedral. Bobby's widow Shirley Nield said: 'Most local people didn't know the story and, certainly, visitors coming here didn't know the story, so that was really his aim to get the story told. 'There were so many legends and so on about him playing chess with the Devil and being frazzled by whatever it was, lightning, really to tell the true story behind it all and get people to come to Kingussie to see Helen's wonderful statue.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's most gorgeous farm shops - with superb walks nearby
This stretch of the Clyde Valley is slightly quieter than the busy hub around Rosebank, with Overton Farm Shop a smashing spot to while away an hour or two. It has built a stellar reputation for the incredible selection of Scottish-grown fruit and vegetables (in the past I've enjoyed everything from Hawick tomatoes to Ayrshire tatties), as well as yummy jams and chutneys, meats and savoury pastries. The Oven serves hearty breakfasts, soups and sandwiches, fish and chips, mince and tatties, baked potatoes, lasagne and steak pie – not to forget delectable home baking. There is also the option of a takeaway from The Grill, which has outdoor seating. There are some brilliant strolls in the surrounding area, be it a gentle meander along a section of the Clyde Walkway or pottering around the trails at Mauldslie Woods or Nethan Gorge. Barnhill Farm, near Inchinnan, Renfrewshire This working farm has a shop, cafe and butchery, with a strong focus on sustainability and a field-to-fork ethos. We're talking bread and cakes, milk, eggs and baskets brimming with seasonal wares. There is a deli counter selling Scottish cheeses. You can also stock up on everything from pies to breakfast packs. The family-friendly venue has a clutch of attractions aimed at youngsters, including a soft play area on a double-decker bus, outdoor sandpit and pedal go-karts. There is a farm adventure trail that makes for a lovely amble. Pick up a bag of feed and head off to meet the resident cows, Clydesdale horses, Pygmy goats, Hebridean sheep and Mangalitza pigs – this lively menagerie is also partial to carrots and turnips, available from the shop. Read more Susan Swarbrick Tombreck Farm Shop, near Lawers, Perthshire Situated on the north bank of Loch Tay, Tombreck Farm extends several hundred metres up the side of Ben Lawers, which should give a clue to its rugged topography. The farm shop – which operates an honesty box system – is part of a community-run project and sells organic vegetables, many grown locally, alongside free-range bacon and pork, lamb and occasionally wild venison. If climbing Scotland's tenth highest Munro – the mighty Ben Lawers rising to 3,983ft (1,214m) – feels a tall order, there are plenty of picturesque, lower-level paths to explore, such as the Edramucky Trail, a mile (1.75km) loop with an ascent of 360ft (110m). Another gem is The Kiltyrie Hidden History Trail, a mile-long (1.75km) route providing fascinating insight into the landscapes and the people who have inhabited them over the centuries. The Buffalo Farm, Boglily Steading, near Kirkcaldy, Fife In the spring of 2005, Steve Mitchell – a sixth-generation farmer – introduced water buffalo to Clentrie Farm in Fife. Their number has since grown to more than 500-strong, the largest herd of its kind in Scotland. As the name suggests, these horned, ox-like ruminants remain at its heart, with bespoke meat and dairy products available to buy from the farm shop at Boglily Steading, including ice cream and assorted cheeses, such as buffalo mozzarella and halloumi-style Buffalloumi. Its dual eateries, The Bothy and The Milk Bar & Grill, provide the opportunity to sample the excellent produce that hails from the farm. There are great walks in the vicinity, including Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy, with its formal gardens and pretty boating pond, or the Long Braes Plantation Circular, which winds its way through 3.3 miles (5.3km) of tree-lined paths. Mannerstons, near Linlithgow, West Lothian Run by the Faulds family on their smallholding property, Mannerstons is home to a farm shop, bakery, deli and cafe that offers delicious, locally sourced cuisine. Highlights include top-notch French toast, artisan hot dogs and burgers, macaroni cheese and sandwiches loaded with scrumptious fillings such as bacon, brie and chilli jam or mature cheddar, Stornoway black pudding and red onion. Then there is the sublime fisherman's platter, which comes with smoked mackerel and beetroot pate, lime mayo prawns and salmon. Mannerstons is a mere five-minute drive from one of my all-time favourite daunders: the dreamy, coastal-adjacent Wester Shore Wood, located between Blackness and Abercorn. Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @
