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The National
10-08-2025
- Politics
- The National
Glasgow Commonwealth Games in ‘existential crisis' after marathon snub
He said he was starting to wonder if the organisers of the sporting extravaganza were even capable of organising an egg and spoon race, due to what appeared to be a 'lamentable lack of efficiency, ambition and initiative'. Canavan's concerns are growing after his most recent letter to the Commonwealth Games Federation has not even had the 'courtesy' of an acknowledgment. 'With that level of incompetence, I fear that, in the longer term, the Commonwealth Games is facing an existential crisis,' he told the Sunday National. READ MORE: 'F***ing slags': Oasis take aim at Edinburgh Council chiefs in first Murrayfield gig Having run 15 marathons in the past, Canavan was shocked to find there were no plans for one in the Games next year. 'It beggars belief,' he said. 'The marathon is one of the most prestigious and iconic events in the history of world athletics, dating back to the 5th century BC.' He arranged meetings with some of the organisers who gave him a 'polite hearing' but stood by their decision. Canavan said he then decided 'to swallow his republican loyalties' by writing to the King in his capacity as Patron of the Commonwealth Games. Co-signatories of the letter included former first minister of Scotland, Henry McLeish; former lord provost and lord lieutenant of the City of Glasgow, Alex Mosson; former Commonwealth Games marathon runner Ross Houston; a press officer for Team Scotland in a previous Commonwealth Games and several MSPs. 'After waiting several months for a reply, I had to chase up some flunkey in Buckingham Palace before I eventually got a letter advising me to contact the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF),' said Canavan. He then wrote to the CGF's chief executive, Katie Sadleir, but had to contact her office several times before eventually getting a response. In it, she said road events such as the marathon were being excluded to 'reduce operational complexity, ensure significant savings in transport and security costs and minimise the disruption for the general public by avoiding road closures'. However, Canavan wrote back suggesting the marathon could be self-financing if it were a mass participation event with the elite athletes representing their countries starting before the mass participants who would pay a fee to enter. 'Thousands of runners would be willing to pay to participate in such a prestigious event which could also attract corporate sponsorship,' he said, adding in his marathon running days he had never heard any serious complaint about disruption. He said if the CGF were unable or unwilling to organise a marathon, they should ask the organisers of the London Marathon, the Edinburgh Marathon or the Great Scottish Run to stage the marathon for Glasgow. 'I sent that suggestion to the CGF six weeks ago and so far, I have not even had the courtesy of an acknowledgement,' said Canavan. As the MP who formed a parliamentary group in order to cut through government red tape which was threatening to strangle the London Marathon in its early days, Canavan said he was disappointed in the lack of interest from MPs and MSPs in a Glasgow Commonwealth Games marathon. READ MORE: 'Absolutely crazy': Scottish jazz artist scores new film by Hollywood director 'When I wrote about this matter to all the Glasgow MSPs and MPs and the leader of Glasgow City Council, most of them did not even bother to reply,' he said. 'They do not seem to realise that they are missing a golden opportunity to showcase Glasgow and Scotland to a multi-million TV audience throughout the world. 'As for the people who are supposed to be organising the Commonwealth Games, I am beginning to wonder if they are capable of organising an egg and spoon race.' A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'The council is not part of the Games organising company and doesn't have a role in determining the sporting programme.' A Commonwealth Sport spokesperson said: 'We are inspired and excited by the innovative approach taken by organisers to deliver Glasgow 2026 in record time. While road events won't feature in 2026, we are confident they will return in future editions of the Games.'
The National
04-07-2025
- The National
Holyrood Park's Low Road to partially re-open after 4-month closure
In March, the Low Road was closed after geotechnical inspections at Samson's Ribs revealed a risk of rockfall. The road's closure has led to events such as the Edinburgh Marathon and Edinburgh's Moonwalk to be rerouted. HES's latest statement also confirms ongoing efforts to explore options to safely re-open the road, beyond just the pavement. These include a range of technical designs currently being evaluated by specialist engineers. READ MORE: Glasgow Airport strike may have significant impact union 'keen to avoid' However, securing permissions, design approval, and funding for any road solution means this work could take 12-18 months to complete. An update is expected in two months. In an update to residents, the park management team said a 0.8 m tall concrete barrier, topped with a 2.2 m fence, will be installed alongside the pavement, and 0.3 m of aggregate will be laid on the carriageway to absorb falling debris and prevent rocks from bouncing into the cleared area. HES said it expects to finish this phase by the end of July, at which point the pavement will re-open and update signage will be installed. Work will begin from Monday 14 July, HES has since the closure emphasised action taken was a precaution to protect walkers, cyclists, and drivers as part of a longstanding rock safety programme in the park, an SSSI and Scheduled Ancient Monument. Another road, the Radical Road (campaigners below), has been closed since 2018 after a large rockfall. One recent engineering report noted 17 slate-rock incidents on Salisbury Crags since 2007, including a 50‑tonne fall in September 2023. Options considered ranged from permanent closure to installing netting or skipping the path entirely. Work toward safer access continues. Local campaigners and park users have long pressed HES to expedite reopening. In March, residents said they were frustrated at prolonged closures, citing traffic disruption and increased congestion in Duddingston when the Low Road was shut. Martin Gray from HES told residents: "Work will commence week beginning Monday July 14 to put in place the required infrastructure to enable safe pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access to return to this pavement." He added: "The target for completion of this installation work is the end of July. We will announce once the pavement has re-opened and signage in the surrounding area will be updated accordingly. READ MORE: 'How can we improve Holyrood Park?': Public asked to help with green space "In parallel to this work, our team, along with independent geo-technical engineers, have continued to consider, refine, and collate options which may permit safe public access to the carriageway. "These wide ranging and comprehensive options being considered will be presented to our Executive Leadership Team for consideration and agreement on next steps. Due to the complexities involved in the design options, resourcing, gaining relevant and legally required permissions, and subsequent construction of any option chosen, we would expect this work to take between twelve and eighteen months to complete. "We will provide a further update on our progress in two months' time."
Irish Times
07-06-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Nurse who died running Edinburgh half marathon left ‘an indelible mark'
The requiem mass of a young nurse from Clare who died after participating in the Edinburgh half marathon last month has heard that she was a 'bright and beautiful spirit' who left 'an indelible mark' on those she loved. Olivia Tuohy (24), from Ennis, died on May 25th last. She worked at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, having graduated from Queen Margaret University. Her parents, Kieran and Liz, shared memories of their 'bubbly and kind-hearted daughter' with mourners at Ennis Cathedral today. Liz Tuohy said that they immediately booked a flight from Dublin to Edinburgh when they received the news of what had happened to Olivia at the marathon. READ MORE [ ] 'When we were travelling up to Dublin to go to Edinburgh, we were near the airport and the next thing, my sister said 'Oh my God, look at the rainbow.' There is this big, massive double rainbow – the wildest, biggest [rainbow]. I just remember saying 'Fly High, baby girl'.' 'I would just like to say to family and friends that whenever you see a rainbow, think of Olivia because she will be flying high.' Mrs Tuohy thanked family and friends for their 'unwavering support' in the aftermath of the tragedy. She also expressed her appreciation for the medics and runners who went to the aid of Olivia in Edinburgh. She also took tine to thank the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for all of their efforts on behalf of the family. Kieran Tuohy said Olivia had a 'short' yet 'beautiful life' and had left them with countless memories which they will treasure. [ The sudden death of a young runner touches running spirits everywhere Opens in new window ] Mr Tuohy spoke of his pride in having seen his daughter pass her driving test on her first attempt after an inauspicious start when he was tasked with teaching her the basics. He said the lesson involved the slamming of doors, strong words, apologies and a promise that 'tomorrow there will be no shouting'. Her brother Stephen urged mourners to capture images of their loved ones 'because you might not have the person sitting beside you right now forever'. Olivia's boyfriend Michael said that there was 'nothing left unsaid' between him and the 'kind, beautiful, gorgeous soul' with whom he had shared so many happy times. Offertory symbols included a football and hurley, her nursing uniform, badge and a memory book from staff in the Royal Infirmary, a shopping bag and an Aperol Spritz glass. Burial followed at Drumcliffe Cemetery. A guard of honour was provided at the funeral by some of the clubs with whom Olivia had played before her relocation to Scotland. Ms Tuohy played football with Banner Ladies and camogie with Eire Óg. She was also a junior player with Ennis Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club. She is survived by her parents Kieran and Liz and her brother Stephen and his partner Laura, her partner Michael and his parents Maria-Elena and Steven, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and her friends in Ireland and Edinburgh.
Daily Record
05-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Brave Ava backs skin disease campaign in memory of two baby sisters she never got to meet
Determined Ava Gardiner, from Tarbolton, Ayrshire, is taking on a full year of gruelling challenges for TEAM EB in the battle against the painful condition, also known as Butterfly Skin. Celebs and everyday Scots are signing up to join TEAM EB with the Daily Record by taking on a challenge for DEBRA this summer. But determined Ava Gardiner is going even further with a full year of gruelling missions for the charity, dedicated to the two sisters she never got to meet. The 21-year-old's family, from Tarbolton, Ayrshire, have been deeply impacted by EB, or Butterfly Skin, as her older sisters Georgia and Freya tragically lost their battles against the condition. Ava is determined to help other families find hope of a cure. She said: 'I will forever be connected to DEBRA and will continue the good fight in memory of my sisters for as long as it takes to eradicate this horrendous condition. 'I chose to dedicate my 21st year to pursuing several personal challenges and raising awareness of EB. They have not been without pain but that's my challenge. 'I can now tick off Edinburgh Marathon, May 2024, Aintree half Marathon, February 2025, Kelpies Supernova, March 2025 and Barcelona Hyrox, April 2025. 'This week, I will attempt Tough Mudder Scotland for TEAM EB. 'If one person in every town and village is inspired to take on their own challenge, however small, then together, the Daily Record and TEAM EB will achieve something wonderful. 'I know how proud my Mum is of all three of her daughters and she is my biggest supporter. 'My family will be forever grateful to DEBRA for its care and support and that is why I will continue to fight so that families in the future never go through the pain of losing a child to EB.' Ava's parents, Kirsteen and Sam, had never even heard of EB until their first daughter Georgia was born with the rare form, Severe Junctional EB, 25 years ago. She said: 'This is fatal in infancy due to such severe blistering across the whole body and internal organs, making it difficult for infants to feed and digest food. 'Born after a normal pregnancy, Georgia arrived into the world with significant damage to her skin and immediately struggled to breathe. She was very quickly taken to special care and my parents were told that Georgia would be unlikely to survive to night and were supported to say their final goodbyes. 'Georgia miraculously survived her first night in this world although my parents knew her life could end at any moment. Doctors liaised with experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London and the family learned the full extent and horror of EB. 'At that time DEBRA did not have a dedicated team in Scotland and advice for practitioners came from specialists in London. Georgia died aged four weeks old. Ava said: 'In that short time she made a massive impact.' 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. DEBRA reached out to Ava's parents and began a relationship that sadly would be very much needed again and less than two years later they were pregnant with their second child. The charity had expanded its services in Scotland and in 2002 co-ordinated pre-natal testing and pregnancy support for the couple. A foetal skin biopsy sadly confirmed that, like her sister, Freya also had EB. Ava said: 'My Mum's experience carrying and delivering a baby with EB was hugely different second time around. Although the outcome was inevitable, Mum's understanding of EB together with the healthcare team's approach ensured Freya's arrival was unique. 'DEBRA provided guidance and advice for everyone involved in Freya's care and early in 2003, she was born into this world inside her amniotic sac, a rare occurrence but one which kept Freya's skin perfectly protected and unblistered for her precious first moments in the world. 'Like her elder sister, Freya was a fighter. Her battle with EB lasted for three months.' When the couple got pregnant for a third time they again travelled to London for testing. Thankfully, doctors were able to confirm that their third daughter, Ava, did not have EB. Ava grew up with her family campaigning to raise funds for DEBRA to help stop other families facing the ordeals they had – but insists more needs to be done to educate. She said: 'I have many early memories of my parents fundraising for DEBRA at our village gala days. They did anything from selling homemade tablet to braving zip slides. Mum's friends donated proceeds from their own events over the years, all to raise vital funds for research and ultimately a cure for EB. 'My local community is aware of EB because of my family's experience and that will be the same in other towns up and down the country but the reach needs to be greater in order to make the difference the EB community deserves. 'The Daily Record's support of Team EB this year will help to do this, sharing our message across the whole country – thank you to them and to everyone who wants to help.' Former Gers boss Graeme Souness swam the Channel this month for DEBRA while charity ambassador Scott Brown, who starred for Celtic, is also urging Scots to join in. Join Team EB by signing up for any challenge you choose, from marathons or swims to short walks or extra steps each day.
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
There was only one concert to be at in Edinburgh on Saturday night and it wasn't Robbie Williams
There was only one concert to be at in Edinburgh on Saturday night and it wasn't Robbie Williams 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... contributed Many famous faces have played Scotland's only five star concert hall since it opened in 1914 including Ella Fitzgerald, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, and Led Zeppelin. But as magnificent as those gigs will have been I'm not sure anything can match what 400 Rock Choir members and their friends and families experienced in the Usher Hall on Saturday night. We're all still buzzing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In celebration of her 15 years leading Rock Choir in Scotland Elaine Williamson coached her amateur singers to put on the performance of a lifetime in a beautiful venue, renowned for its excellent acoustics. I mean this was big for us. We're more normally to be found singing for runners at the Edinburgh Marathon, or in John Lewis Glasgow, raising money for the Beatson Institute. You might have seen us on the steps of The Dome at Christmastime. We don't normally have access to a dressing room. For many outdoor performances we store our bags at our feet, like penguins. From the instantly recognisable guitar riff of Guns N' Roses Sweet Child O' Mine which opened the show to the infectious 80s film theme to Flashdance (What a Feeling) which was the finale, we rocked, bopped, swayed and clicked our way through a two hour repertoire of Rock Choir's finest tunes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With choir members from Kirkintilloch, Glasgow West AM, Glasgow West PM, Edinburgh West Afternoon and Edinburgh Morningside Evening making up the performers, this was classic Rock Choir ambition achieved. Most of us don't read music. We love to sing but we have had no formal training. But we want to do Elaine proud so we rehearse our different harmony parts from soprano, upper alto, lower alto to bass and practise hard. Read more here: I spoke to my favourite member of Pulp and discovered they're Scottish We download the dance moves and work til we get it right. Along the way there is a lot of laughter, new friendships are formed and it's basically pure joy to be involved. See exhibit A - the video of us performing I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith last Saturday. If you missed this gig we're going head to head with another pair of 90s icons when Oasis play Murrayfield next month and we sing on the Fringe. (We have a sense of humour, we're learning a Rock Choir arrangement of Roll With It). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
