Latest news with #Edinburgh
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Labour councillor found guilty of sex offences involving teenage girl
A Labour councillor has been found guilty of sexual offences against a teenage girl over a seven-month period in 2023. David Graham, who represents the Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages ward in Fife Council, was convicted on Wednesday following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. According to the indictment the offences involved sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15. The offences took place between February 11 and August 21 2023, and were committed at a variety of locations in the Fife and Edinburgh areas. The 43-year-old was found guilty by a majority of one charge under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. He is due to be be sentenced on August 19.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
First MAFS UK 2025 bride revealed as stunning dental practice manager months before new series hits screens
THE first bride of Married At First Sight's 2025 instalment has been revealed - and she's been hailed one of "the most stunning" yet. The Sun is first to report how dental nurse Leisha Lightbody is first to sign up for the E4 series. 6 6 Leisha juggles her role as dental practice manager with marketing and social media roles, often showcasing her lavish getaways and glam lifestyle on Instagram and TikTok. Yet the brunette will soon be switching vacations for vows during Married At First Sight filming, which will see her say I Do to a complete stranger. A source was first to tell us: "Leisha is one of the most stunning brides MAFS UK has ever had, and she's sure to catch the eye of all the grooms on the new series - not just her own. "Leisha is obviously sworn to secrecy about being on the show, which filmed earlier this year, so there are no signs of it on her social media yet. "The cast are set to be announced next month, with the show airing later in the autumn." The Sun has contacted a rep for C4 for comment and a spokesperson said: "We do not comment on speculation. "The MAFS UK cast will be announced in the coming weeks." Earlier this summer, Leisha flashed her figure in a bridal white two-piece on holiday in Ibiza. It followed a Barcelona holiday earlier that month. The bride-to-be, who turned 30 this year, is based in Edinburgh. Married At First Sight star reveals he's found love again eight months after bitter split with ex It remains to be seen who she will be paired with in the explosive reality series - which last year produced no successful partnerships or lasting marriages. SHOW SCANDAL Meanwhile, we reported how the matchmaking show is already facing an early scandal. A show star has alleged they were "sexually assaulted on honeymoon" by their partner during filming. Cops are now probing the claims. Mafs couples that have stood the test of time Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby. The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam's Doncaster home. Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau. Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December. Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: 'I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out - and excited for everything to come.' Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019. Owen recalled: 'I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work. "While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in. 'The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, 'Wouldn't it be funny if I signed up?' 'A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.' Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson. Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna's vegan lifestyle, the show's first same sex pairing are still going strong. They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod. Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: "We're not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship." The 'non-recent' claim was reported on June 14 but we are not revealing the names of those involved, or the police force, for legal reasons. Scenes surrounding the alleged victim have already been aired. It is the latest scandal to hit the Channel 4 show — now in its ninth season — which sees 'relationship experts' match up singletons. The couple first meet at the altar before the honeymoon, after which they live together in a complex in the UK before deciding whether to split up. They are also filmed at dinner parties and a commitment ceremony. Channel 4, which advertises the show as a 'bold, social experiment', initially denied a complaint had been made before coming clean. A source said: 'It's a nightmare scenario for them. 'The show's been criticised for throwing strangers together and sending them on honeymoon for viewers' entertainment. "Now it's alleged someone was assaulted after tying the knot. "It is a disastrous look for bosses.' Police told The Sun: 'We received a report of a non-recent sexual assault on June 14. "Enquiries remain ongoing.' A spokesperson for the show told The Sun: 'We are aware that a report has been made to police about an alleged sexual assault during the filming of a dinner party. 'We take any issues on the show incredibly seriously. 'Producers follow strict welfare protocols as the wellbeing of the cast is always the first priority. 'Support would be offered to anyone who wished to report a matter to the authorities, and naturally we would cooperate with any enquiries or investigations.' 6 6 6
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
How discovering deaf culture can be an enriching experience
Something very striking is how enriching hearing people find it when they start to discover deaf culture. That can be the distinctiveness of its humour, the perspectives of people who experience the world differently, or the vitality of British Sign Language (BSL). There's also immense creative talent in the deaf community, something that's all too often squandered through lack of opportunity. Too many highly skilled deaf people are still being overlooked. In the arts world, there are signs of change. Last year Shakespeare's Globe in London staged a production of Antony and Cleopatra in which the Romans spoke English and the Egyptians performed in BSL. I was cast as Cleopatra and was impressed by the commitment of the theatre and the response of the audience. The use of BSL and English-speaking actors was a positive – powerfully emphasising Roman incomprehension of another culture. We need to get away from the situation where deaf people are limited by other people's perceptions of what we can or can't do. Deaf creatives and creativity should be woven into the fabric of the arts. That's exactly what events like the Edinburgh Deaf Festival are helping to do. It provides platforms for deaf drama, comedy, drag, film, music, poetry and discussion. This caters for the deaf community and welcomes hearing audiences as well. It's about deaf people having agency; taking control of our narrative and expressing it how we want to. It's about ownership, pride, and representation from within the deaf community. The festival is also working with the [[Edinburgh]] Fringe, the International Festival, the Book Festival, [[Edinburgh]] Art Festival and specific venues like Summerhall, both to stage deaf-led events and to make their programmes more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It's a relief to write about the things we are doing. Last year, the future of the festival was at risk. Despite the festival's development, growth and success it faced a severe funding crisis. A vigorous campaign was mounted to point out that the loss of the [[Edinburgh]] Deaf Festival would be completely at odds with the Scottish Government's commitment to making Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to live, work, visit and learn. We now have a three-year funding deal with Creative Scotland that's allowing us to be more bold and ambitious for the future. It's something that Scotland should be proud of. Edinburgh, and the whole country, have played a vital role in the emergence of deaf culture and the establishment of deaf rights. This is exemplified by the fact that festival organisers, the Edinburgh-based Deaf Action, is the oldest deaf-led charity in the world and this year celebrates 190 years of campaigning for our community. The festival is a powerful way to improve the lives of deaf people and celebrate deaf culture, giving hearing people greater access to our world. • The festival is from August 8-17. Nadia Nadarajah is the Creative Programmer of the 2025 Edinburgh Deaf Festival Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Edinburgh set to welcome 'classic American' motel and diner as chain expands
Edinburgh is set to welcome a new 'classic American' motel and diner as a chain expands into the capital. Mollie's has confirmed a new site at Edinburgh park, becoming the fourth property from the brand in the UK. It will sit close to Edinburgh Park Station, and is scheduled to open in 2028 - subject to planning permission. The chain is inspired by the traditional motels in the US, and currently operates in Bristol and Oxfordshire, with a Manchester location opening later this year. READ MORE: Leading Edinburgh firm collapses leaving 'over 100 workers without pay' READ MORE: Edinburgh couple victorious in years-long battle with neighbours over hedge The Edinburgh Park site will span approximately 73,000 sq ft and feature around 200 rooms, a diner with an outdoor terrace, meeting and event spaces, along with cycle and car parking - including electric vehicle charging stations. The development aligns with City Plan 2030, Edinburgh's Local Development Plan, which envisions turning the Edinburgh Park and South Gyle area from a business-centric zone into a more mixed-use district. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Matt Bell, managing director of Mollie's, commented: "We're excited to announce our first Mollie's location in Scotland - bringing our diner and hotel concept to this amazing city. "As a new urban quarter that will not only become an exciting place to live and work but also a cultural destination and creative campus for Edinburgh, serviced by exceptional transport links, Edinburgh Park is the perfect location for Mollie's fourth site and we're truly delighted to work with Parabola to achieve this." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Tony Hordon, managing director of Parabola, added: "Having experienced Mollie's in Bristol, we knew it was the perfect fit in terms of brand, quality and ethos. "Their customer-focused hospitality and vibrant food and beverage offering will be a fantastic addition to Edinburgh's hotel scene. "We're delighted to welcome them into our masterplan - especially alongside the soon-to-begin AEG Arena."
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The surprising reason why Prince William 'annoys' his aunt Princess Anne is revealed
Princess Anne is often regarded as the 'hardest working' member of the royal family, and Prince William, the future King, no doubt admires his aunt's devotion to the monarchy. But perhaps their work goals differ ever-so slightly - as several sources claiming to be close to the Princess Royal, 74, told The Sunday Times that the King's sister would like to see her nephew do more 'bread-and-butter' royal engagements. For instance, only the monarch, Princess Anne and Prince William perform the investitures, the formal ceremonies where those who have been awarded a royal honour receive their insignia. Many of these take place at Windsor Castle, near the Prince of Wales' home of Adelaide Cottage. A source close to Princess Anne told the publication: 'She's still doing most of the investitures [at Windsor] even though William lives there. It annoys her.' The Royal Family's official website notes that around 30 Investitures are held each year, with over sixty recipients attending each ceremony, either in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, or in the Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle. 'Investitures also happen occasionally at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, or overseas during State or Royal visits,' adds the site. 'Investitures are hosted by The King, The Princess Royal and The Prince of Wales.' Elsewhere in The Sunday Times article, published ahead of the royal's 75th birthday, it was revealed that Princess Anne's injuries after suffering a concussion last year were 'much worse' than the public knew at the time. The Princess Royal was admitted to intensive care last June with concussion and head injuries after reportedly being kicked by a horse at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. She was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for tests, treatment and observation, before returning to duties that July. Now, a source said to know Anne well has told The Sunday Times that her accident was 'so much worse' than initially revealed at the time. They said: 'Her accident was so much worse than anyone let on and it took quite a while for her to feel herself again.' Following her accident, Anne was forced to miss at least nine engagements, including a trip to Canada and a banquet for the Japanese State Visit in London. When Anne returned to work in July, she was seen sporting a black eye. Prince William and Kate shared a rare personal message on X/Twitter, writing: 'Super trooper! So great to see you back so soon. W&C x.' The royal, a skilled horsewoman who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, was going for a walk when the incident occurred. The Princess Royal is often regarded as the 'hardest working' member of the royal family. Last year, Anne clocked up 474 engagements, with King Charles completing 372. She has been a cornerstone in the King's slimmed-down working monarchy, and has played a big role by stepping up in support of Charles amid his cancer diagnosis. The Princess is known for her no-nonsense approach and her commitment to royal duty, and the King made a point of making public his 'fondest love and well-wishes' for his sister after her accident. Anne was understood at the time to have been taking an evening stroll on her estate with horses nearby when she was hurt. The Princess was left with minor wounds to the head. Her medical team are understood to believe the injuries were consistent with a potential impact from a horse's head or legs. In January, speaking out about the accident for the first time, Anne said she remembers 'nothing' about it. Talking at the Grand Military Cup Day at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher, Surrey, after a whirlwind trip to South Africa, Anne revealed that she was on the way to see chickens on her estate when the accident happened. When questioned whether the last thing she recalled was walking into a field, Anne said: 'No, I don't even remember that. 'I know where I thought I was going and that was to go to the chickens, no, nothing to do with horses.' She added that seeing the chickens was 'my regular visit, I don't have any idea what I was doing in the field, because I never normally went that way. 'It just... shows you - you never quite know, something [happens], and you might not recover.' Anne spent five nights in hospital after the accident on June 23 and did not return to public royal duties until almost three weeks later. Asked about any lasting ill effects, she lightened the mood and joked: 'Apparently not, at least I don't think so. As far as I know, nobody else thinks so - they haven't been honest enough to tell me yet. So far so good.' She added: 'You are sharply reminded that every day is a bonus really.' Interviewed after a whirlwind two-day tour of Cape Town, Anne also discussed her future and was asked whether retirement was an option, she replied: 'It really isn't written in, no. It isn't really an option, no, I don't think so.' Her father, the late Duke of Edinburgh, did retire from royal duties in 2017, but he was 96 when he took the decision and had supported Queen Elizabeth II for more than 65 years at the time. Anne is known for her busy work schedule, and as she approaches her 75th birthday in August, the royal will continue to lead the monarchy in various engagements. She carried out her first public engagement in 1969 aged 18 when she opened an educational and training centre in Shropshire, and a year later, she began her longest association with a charity, becoming president of Save the Children and later patron. Anne has two children - Peter Phillips, 47, and Zara Tindall, 44 - from her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips, before their divorce in 1992. She has been married to Sir Timothy Laurence since December that year. Anne said: 'I don't think there's a retirement programme on this particular life. You're jolly lucky... if you can continue to be more or less compos mentis and last summer I was very close to not being.' She added: 'Take each day as it comes, they say.'
