Latest news with #Crossroads
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the sunny Scottish island that feels more like a chic Caribbean beach holiday
Tiree is the Caribbean beach holiday destination you can reach without a passport SHORE BET! I visited the sunny Scottish island that feels more like a chic Caribbean beach holiday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I HAD only been awake for an hour and I'd immersed myself in Scandinavia and the Caribbean, with a side helping of haggis. Such is the joyful confusion of taking a holiday on Scotland's sunshine island of Tiree. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A beautiful thatched cottage on the island of Tiree - the 'sunniest place in Scotland' Credit: Alamy 4 There are plenty of waves to be enjoyed for surf fans Credit: Alamy 4 Visitors can see the island by cycling its scenic routes Credit: Alamy Dubbing somewhere the 'sunniest place in Scotland' sounds like faint praise — a bit like awarding a prize for the sandiest part of the Sahara or best-ever episode of Crossroads. But, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Tiree — with its population of barely 600 — really does have more hours of sunshine than anywhere on the UK mainland per year, despite its chilly-looking position in the Inner Hebrides islands. Checking into the Reef Inn after the three-hour ferry crossing from the pretty mainland town of Oban, I felt I'd been transported to a chic boutique bolthole in Helsinki or Stockholm. While so many hotels in the Scottish Highlands and Islands have maintained a traditional decor of wall-to-wall tartan and complimentary shortbread, the Reef Inn does things differently. Pale wood floors, sheepskin throws, a white four-poster bed and funky Scandi-retro furniture fitted in fabulously well with the views out over an unusual landscape. Unusual because Tiree doesn't have the soaring mountains, blind glens and deep forests you would expect from the Hebrides. This island is table-mat flat, giving the views from my window a gorgeously calming air, with the rolling grasslands and the odd cottage being the only distraction from the panoramically large blue skies, dotted with the smallest ice cream scoops of cloud. After a delicious breakfast of potato scones and vegetarian haggis, I drove to explore Tiree's main draw — its quite stupendous beaches. Turquoise waters There are dozens of coves, bays and yawning stretches of sand tucked into the folds of Tiree, but none are more beautiful than Balephetrish. Located on the western edge of this tiny, 12 mile by three mile island, I began strolling along an immense curve of sand the colour of vanilla and milk, and as soft as gossamer, all backed by Mohican tufts of marram grass. Discover the Scenic Arran Coastal Way It's a gorgeous day and yet, as the turquoise waters kiss the shoreline, I'm the only person here barring one man grappling manfully with his surfboard, perhaps in training for the Tiree Wave Classic event which is held every October. I don't even have to scrunch up my eyes to pretend that I'm in one of the quieter, more chic Caribbean islands, like Anguilla or Grand Turk, except there's no sun loungers and nobody trying to get me to buy overpriced cocktails. Tiree offers something far more disorientating than a shot of rum; this is an island that's home to some deeply strange structures known as 'brochs'. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados Built sometime between the first century BC and the first century AD, it's believed that these circular stone structures were lived in by invaders from England, who ruled over the local population. The broch I clambered around, called Dun Mor Vaul, still has its lower circular stone walls intact. With just a few hardy sheep for company, the view from the summit here is enchanting; a soft, whispering breeze rustles the clusters of thrift sea pink flowers, while skylarks and oystercatchers sing their way out over the silver and tin coloured waves. 4 A cruise ship passes close by the island Credit: Alamy Back on Balephetrish Bay later that day, I sigh as the sand slips between my toes and the sun casts its beam upon my shoulders. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados. Tiree is the Caribbean beach holiday destination you can reach without a passport. And it turns out that haggis, heat and the Hebrides make for a surprisingly seductive combination.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited the sunny Scottish island that feels more like a chic Caribbean beach holiday
I HAD only been awake for an hour and I'd immersed myself in Scandinavia and the Caribbean, with a side helping of haggis. Such is the joyful confusion of taking a holiday on Scotland's sunshine island of Tiree. Advertisement 4 A beautiful thatched cottage on the island of Tiree - the 'sunniest place in Scotland' Credit: Alamy 4 There are plenty of waves to be enjoyed for surf fans Credit: Alamy 4 Visitors can see the island by cycling its scenic routes Credit: Alamy Dubbing somewhere the 'sunniest place in Scotland' sounds like faint praise — a bit like awarding a prize for the sandiest part of the Sahara or best-ever episode of Crossroads. But, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Tiree — with its population of barely 600 — really does have more hours of sunshine than anywhere on the UK mainland per year, despite its chilly-looking position in the Inner Checking into the Reef Inn after the three-hour ferry crossing from the pretty mainland town of Oban, I felt I'd been transported to a chic boutique bolthole in Helsinki or Stockholm. While so many hotels in the Scottish Highlands and Islands have maintained a traditional decor of wall-to-wall tartan and complimentary shortbread, the Reef Inn does things differently. Advertisement READ MORE TRAVEL REVIEWS Pale wood floors, sheepskin throws, a white four-poster bed and funky Scandi-retro furniture fitted in fabulously well with the views out over an unusual landscape. Unusual because Tiree doesn't have the soaring mountains, blind glens and deep forests you would expect from the Hebrides. This island is table-mat flat, giving the views from my window a gorgeously calming air, with the rolling grasslands and the odd cottage being the only distraction from the panoramically large blue skies, dotted with the smallest ice cream scoops of cloud. After a delicious breakfast of potato scones and vegetarian haggis, I drove to explore Tiree's main draw — its quite stupendous beaches. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Competition Turquoise waters There are dozens of coves, bays and yawning stretches of sand tucked into the folds of Tiree, but none are more beautiful than Balephetrish. Located on the western edge of this tiny, 12 mile by three mile island, I began strolling along an immense curve of sand the colour of vanilla and milk, and as soft as gossamer, all backed by Mohican tufts of marram grass. Discover the Scenic Arran Coastal Way It's a gorgeous day and yet, as the turquoise waters kiss the shoreline, I'm the only person here barring one man grappling manfully with his surfboard, perhaps in training for the Tiree Wave Classic event which is held every October. I don't even have to scrunch up my eyes to pretend that I'm in one of the quieter, more chic Caribbean islands, like Anguilla or Grand Turk, except there's no sun loungers and nobody trying to get me to buy overpriced cocktails. Advertisement Tiree offers something far more disorientating than a shot of rum; this is an island that's home to some deeply strange structures known as 'brochs'. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados Built sometime between the first century BC and the first century AD, it's believed that these circular stone structures were lived in by invaders from England, who ruled over the local population. The broch I clambered around, called Dun Mor Vaul, still has its lower circular stone walls intact. With just a few hardy sheep for company, the view from the summit here is enchanting; a soft, whispering breeze rustles the clusters of thrift sea pink flowers, while skylarks and oystercatchers sing their way out over the silver and tin coloured waves. Advertisement 4 A cruise ship passes close by the island Credit: Alamy Back on Balephetrish Bay later that day, I sigh as the sand slips between my toes and the sun casts its beam upon my shoulders. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados. Tiree is the Caribbean beach holiday destination you can reach without a passport. Advertisement And it turns out that haggis, heat and the Hebrides make for a surprisingly seductive combination. GO: TIREE GETTING THERE: Caledonian Sleeper runs trains six nights a week (not Saturday) from Euston to Fort William, from £270pp return based on two sharing a cabin. From there, you can take trains to the ferry port in Oban, where CalMac operates vessels to Tiree (£29.65 for a foot passenger return). See and . STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the Reef Inn from £165, including breakfast. See . MORE INFO:
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Traffic camera beside Crossroads school vandalized
The traffic camera installed near Crossroads Public School in Virgil was brought down at its base by an unknown vandal early Tuesday morning. The Niagara Region, which owns the camera, said it's working to get the camera fixed soon. It appears to have been cut by a power tool. 'Niagara Region is aware of the vandalism to the automated speed enforcement camera on Regional Road 55,' said Scott Fraser, the region's associate director of transportation planning. He said the camera vendor, responsible for the installation and maintenance of the camera (which includes dealing with instances of vandalism), has been notified. Currently, the region doesn't have an estimate of how much it'll cost to repair the camera, Fraser said. 'However, we expect the site to be repaired and the camera returned to service within the next few days,' he said. Niagara-on-the-Lake has seen a wave of vandalism this year. On New Year's Day, there were 16 vehicles that had their windows smashed. In February, 10 cars had their windows broken at the Pillar and Post Hotel & Spa. The region started its speed enforcement program in 2023, with cameras rotating in different parts of Niagara since then. A camera by Crossroads was active in 2024 and again this year. The use of traffic cameras to enforce speeding, including in school zones like this one, has been met with some anger and controversy due to a belief among some drivers that the installation of the cameras is motivated by money-making rather than road safety, as well as issues with technology relating to the automated ticket system. 'My wife and son each received a ticket each in late February for going 53 and 52 km/h,' one local told The Lake Report in a roundup of opinions from ticketed drivers published last March . 'Total fines were $85 and $80, respectively. We will pay the fine, but we will take action to avoid Virgil. I believe these automated cameras are a soft way to get extra money into coffers in the guise of safety. We are all pro-safety, but also common sense.' 'I received a speeding ticket at Crossroads — $115 for driving at 58 km/h,' said another complainant. 'I paid by mail as the internet connection on the ticket did not work.' Parents like Todd Graves, the father of a Grade 5 student at Crossroads, see this as no excuse for the vandalism. 'I can understand speed camera frustration,' Graves said. 'But they are meant to be there for the benefit of the kids and vandalism is never acceptable.' A spokesperson for Niagara Regional Police says the force is aware of the incident and is asking the public for help in identifying the vandal. In the meantime, it wants the public to know that potential consequences for vandalism can be stiff in Niagara. Assuming the price of the speed camera is more than $5,000, 'the criminal charge would be mischief over $5,000, with a potential maximum penalty of two years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both,' said Const. Rich Hingley in an email. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905)-688-4111 or Crimestoppers Niagara at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or daniel@
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside TV's biggest comebacks as Ryan Thomas makes huge Coronation Street return
The 40-year-old actor is returning to the ITV soap as Jason Grimshaw after nine years away, while Carole Anne Ford has also made her Doctor Who after 32 years - but they are not the only stars who reprised their roles after a long time away Ryan Thomas will be back on our screens in Corrie tonight as he returns to play Jason Grimshaw for the first time in nine years tonight. But that's nothing compared to the time some other stars have spent away from iconic roles - before getting back into character once more. On Saturday, Carole Ann Ford returned to Doctor Who 32 years after she was last seen on screen as the Time Lord's granddaughter, Susan Foreman. Ryan, 40, said he thought he'd never return to the soap but that 'it felt right' for co-star and close friend Sue Cleaver 's emotional exit. Sue will bow out as Jason's mother Eileen Grimshaw after more than 20 years in the role in upcoming episodes. Meanwhile Carole, AKA Susan Foreman, was the Doctor's very first companion, boarding the TARDIS alongside Hartnell's First Doctor, before departing the show in 1964. She claims was 'fan power' that brought her back, saying: 'I think fans have been saying, 'Where is she? What's happening other than her? Are we going to see her again?' On how the Doctor Who set compares to the rather more quaint version back in the 1960s, she adds, "This is like a universe of its own. It's stunning. I feel very honoured to be here." But they're not the only stars of TV and films who reprised their roles after a very long time away. Here are some of the others… David Tennant (The Doctor in Doctor Who) - 13 YEARS Tennant's run as the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 is the stuff of sci-fi legend. With his skinny suits, wild hair, and "Allons-y!" catchphrase, he quickly became a fan favourite - so much so, that his departure in a tear-streaked Christmas special left the nation heartbroken. Fast forward to 2023, and Tennant - by then a huge star of stage and screen - stunned audiences by returning - not just for a cameo, but as the 14th Doctor, alongside Catherine Tate. It was a fan-pleasing twist for the 60th anniversary, mixing nostalgia with fresh Time Lord chaos. Tony Adams (Adam Chance in Crossroads) - 21 YEARS Tony Adams was a fan favourite in Crossroads as smooth-talking businessman Adam Chance, first appearing in the original run of the motel-set soap back in 1978. Known for his charm, affairs, and ever-changing fortunes, he stayed with the series until its 1981 cancellation, leaving behind a legacy of big collars and bigger drama. In a move that delighted loyal viewers, Adams returned to Crossroads in 2002 when ITV revived the show after more than two decades off air. Picking up where he left off, Adam Chance was once again stirring the pot in King's Oak, but was later killed off in a fire. Tony, now aged 84, went on to star in the West End stage version of Chitty Chatty Bang Bang as Grandpa Potts. Paul Bradley (Nigel Bates in EastEnders) - 26 YEARS Back in the '90s, Paul Bradley's Nigel Bates was the lovable oddball of Albert Square—soft-spoken, cardigan-clad, and endlessly unlucky in love. A single dad with a heart of gold, Nigel brought warmth and awkward charm to even the grittiest EastEnders storylines. When he left Walford in 1998 to start a new life with girlfriend Julie, fans were sad but glad to see the gentle soul get a happy ending. Paul went on to firmly establish another much-loved character, playing heart surgeon Elliot Hope in Holly City from 2005 to 2015. Then, in 2024, and after 26 years away, Nigel made an emotional return for Dot Cotton's funeral, thrilling fans with his brief return. David Hasselhoff (Michael Knight in Knight Rider) - 22 YEARS In the 1980s, David Hasselhoff was the epitome of cool as Michael Knight - the leather-jacketed crime fighter with a talking car. Knight Rider became a cult classic and turned The Hoff into a global icon. After the series ended in 1986, his career soared: he patrolled the beaches as Mitch Buchanan in Baywatch, starred in films like Dodgeball and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and even became a chart-topping pop star in Germany. Hasselhoff returned to the driver's seat in 1991 for Knight Rider 2000, a futuristic TV movie sequel. Then, in 2008, he delighted fans once more with a cameo in NBC's short-lived Knight Rider reboot, which pulled in over 10 million viewers. He also lent his voice to KITT again for a video game. David Jason (Granville in Open All Hours) - 29 YEARS David Jason was the shy, long-suffering shop assistant Granville in Open All Hours, working under the tight-fisted Arkwright, played by Ronnie Barker. The show became a British sitcom classic during its original run from 1973 to 1985, with Jason's quiet charm and comic timing helping it win generations of fans. Nearly 30 years later, Jason returned to the corner shop in Still Open All Hours, this time as the owner - older, grumpier, and very much following in his uncle's penny-pinching footsteps. The reboot aired in 2014 and ran for six series. Sir Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek) - 26 YEARS Sir Patrick played Jean-Luc Picard, the commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, in 178 episodes of the sci-fi television series between 1987 and 1994, and in four feature films. He went on to star in countless movies, TV dramas and stage shows, including Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise. But in 2020 the veteran actor boldly went back to where he had been before, reprising the role of Picard in Star Trek: Picard. Delighting fans with the news, he said: "When we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course. "It is an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions with him." Bonnie Langford (Mel Bush in Doctor Who) - 36 YEARS Bonnie Langford first joined Doctor Who in 1986 as Mel Bush, the bright and bubbly companion to the 6th and 7th Doctors. Known for her upbeat energy and iconic scream, she left the TARDIS in 1987, going on to forge a hugely successful stage and TV career, including a memorable stint in EastEnders and acclaimed turns in the West End. Three decades later, Bonnie surprised fans by stepping back into Mel's shoes for The Power of the Doctor in 2022, later explaining she was sent a script 'out of the blue' by Russell T Davies with an offer to return. And this year she made a second comeback, and is currently playing Mel again alongside Ncuti Gatwa's 15th Doctor in the new series.
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Junk judge John McConnell is helping destroy democracy, just like Hannah Dugan
Another day, another judge burdened by obvious conflicts of interest rules against the Trump administration's sane and necessary policies. US District Judge John McConnell has ordered the reversal of Team Trump's freeze on certain forms of federal assistance, yet he sat for nearly two decades on the board of a homeless services provider, Crossroads Rhode Island, rising to chair it — and the Crossroads group directly benefited from federal grants via the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the tune of more than $15 million since 2010. This astonishing fact came to light thanks to a complaint filed against Judge McConnell by America First Legal, a conservative watchdog group. McConnell's chief defense is that he left the board in April of 2024, as if that somehow makes it kosher. How many friends does he still have on the board? How much direct communication does he still have with the overall group? How on earth could he ever be expected to rule without favor here? These questions show how insane it is a judge would ever sit on the board of such an organization to begin with. And how much more insane that someone with this kind of entanglement would fail to recuse himself in a related case. But that's how it goes with our tinpot bench emperors: The rules don't apply to them, and they are more powerful than the Commander in Chief and wiser than the voters. Like Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan, now indicted for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant evade ICE. Or DC Circuit Judge James Boasberg, who ruled against Trump's move to deport criminal illegal aliens even as his daughter works at a nonprofit getting millions in taxpayer dollars and headed up by an opponent of the Laken Riley Act. Somehow, it's always these Defenders of Democracy™ who end up being its frontline destroyers.
