Latest news with #Fraser
The National
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Orkney ready to shine as Island Games return to Scotland
So says Robbie Fraser, a member of the organising board for Orkney 2025 – the 20th edition of the Island Games, a biannual multi-sport competition that you could describe as the Olympics of small island communities. While attention in Scotland has been led towards the return of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2026 – 12 years after the 2014 games – Scotland has waited since the 2005 event in Shetland to see the return of this particular tournament, which will feature 24 teams competing across 12 sports. That edition was when a 20-year love affair with the Games began for Fraser: 'We went to Shetland in 2005 and that was a real eye-opener for me of the effects the Games can have on a smaller community – much less of a population than Guernsey [the hosts of the first Games he attended in 2003]. READ MORE: Music therapy strikes a chord in care, schools and hospitals across Scotland 'The whole place was absolutely buzzing about the Games and since then I've been hooked.' When Fraser first began attending the Island Games – and he has been a fixture at each one since 2003 – he was a reporter for BBC Orkney. He says: 'It was absolutely brilliant because, being a reporter, if you're with a team then you're kind of installed with them, you're almost part of the team.' As Fraser's career wound down, he saw an opportunity to move from observer to organiser. 'I met so many good friends in it [the Island Games] and I was aware that I was going to be retired soon. 'I wouldn't be able to go to the Games forever, and I wanted to be more connected to it.' He joined the Orkney Island Games Committee as vice-chair in 2013 and travelled to that year's event in Bermuda as team manager, where he has fond memories of the team winning a bronze medal in the team half marathon. He then helped lead the efforts to bring the Games to the island group off Scotland's north coast. With the support of the Government and local MSP Liam McArthur, among others, Orkney won the bid to host in 2023, which was moved back to this year after Guernsey was forced to postpone the 2021 edition due to Covid. (Image: Andrew Milligan) McArthur says: 'Having chaired the committee that successfully bid for the Games, I'm obviously delighted that Orkney will be playing host to the International Island Games this summer. 'It's a perfect opportunity to showcase what our islands have to offer while providing a stage for high-class sporting competition and talent.' In terms of population, it is the smallest island to host the event yet, with the Isle of Wight the largest. As much as Fraser stresses the friendliness of the event – in which crowds will cheer on athletes no matter where they come from – he is just as keen to point out that the competition between athletes is fierce: 'Don't be thinking that the competition isn't intense – it's really intense. 'It's dedicated athletes that are competing.' He's not wrong. A young Mark Cavendish cut his teeth in the Island Games before embarking on one of the finest cycling careers of all time. Several other islanders have earned medals at Olympics and world championships over the years. One of Orkney's star athletes is Taylah Paterson, a sprinter who has run for Scotland and competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Yet nothing really compares to getting to run for her island on home soil: 'For us islanders, it's almost like the Olympics. 'So when we had the bid to get it at home, the excitement was building that it could come to Orkney. 'The Games are extremely competitive but also really friendly – I've made friends for life competing at these Games.' This year she is targeting the Island Games 100m record, as her existing personal best is already faster. 'When I go away to compete they're always amazed that I come from the island – usually your best athletes come from the central belt area where the best facilities are. 'I've always been proud to wear an Orkney vest and it'll be really special to do it in front of our home crowd – it's fine going away and competing but it'll be nice to compete in front of friends and family and show them what I can do!' This unique pride in being an islander is right at the heart of what the Island Games is about. Fraser adds: 'Islands tend to be very self sufficient, very independent – very aware of their own identities. 'Here in Orkney, we consider ourselves Orcadian first, Scottish second and – if you want to – British third. 'We've got so much in common with the other islands – some are bigger, some are wealthier, but we're all just the same when we get together.' Paterson echoes Fraser's thoughts: 'If somebody asks where you're from you'll always say 'I'm from the Orkney islands … in Scotland'. 'You'll always say Orkney first. 'We know from being from an island it's unique, we're a close community up here, we're proud to be from here, and we want to shout about it when we can.' (Image: PA) Pride, friendliness and competition – they are the three main thrusts of the Island Games and they are the three things that come up again and again. Fraser says: 'We tend to be quite a quiet people, we don't tend to make a big song and dance about things, but this is our one chance. 'We've got great hospitality and I just can't wait to give that to everybody. 'It's our chance to say, 'Look, we're here, come and enjoy it.'' MSP McArthur adds: 'Each Island Games reflects the unique characteristics of the host island, but all share the same ability to bring islanders together, allowing friendships and ties to be formed and deepened – it's little wonder they're known as the Friendly Games. 'I have no doubt that Orkney will put on the best Games yet and allow all those attending, whether competing or supporting, to create many more special memories.'
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Fed-up Edinburgh residents have had enough of 'party' Airbnb
One neighbour said: "People are going at all hours of the night and there is no real soundproofing despite the owner making modifications. It is ridiculous. He cannot get away with this." Fed-up residents who live near an Airbnb that was suspended from the site because of problem parties, are furious that it's up for rent again. The flat in the Faulburn area of Edinburgh is the only known short term let (STL) in the block. After complaints from neighbours about loud guests wreaking havoc, the property was suspended from Airbnb site for 30 days. They claimed youths were falling around the street, acting aggressively with one another and consuming alcohol at the property. But they've been left livid after discovering the flat had been listed on for several months before it reappeared on Airbnb in May 2025 when its suspension ended. Resident and business owner, Fraser Ramsay, said he had to go down to the flat last Tuesday because he couldn't sleep with the noise. He told Edinburgh Live: 'I told the man to keep the noise down or I would phone the police and he agreed to do so but then I heard him through the night again. 'It ruins your next day, I'm a business owner, and going out to working not having a good sleep isn't great. The owner of this Airbnb needs to sell up to someone who will live here long term or rent out the flat to a proper resident. 'At least if it is a permanent neighbour in the block we will be able to build relationships and have common courtesy. At the moment there is a security issue as well because these are strangers. 'People are going at all hours of the night and there is no real soundproofing despite the owner making modifications. It is ridiculous. He cannot get away with this. 'End of the day it is important this comes to an end. When it all kicks off it is horrible.' Fraser has been in regular contact with Edinburgh Council to try to get answers as to how the owner was able to re-list the property for short term rentals on Airbnb. Correspondence between the home owner and the council stated a notice had been given to the STL landlord ordering them to cease operating the Airbnb unless they are able to lodge an appeal by late June 2025. It is understood Airbnb suspended the property originally due to a party taking place at the property which is a breach of the platforms rules. However the property owner is understood to have carried out 'sound proofing' alterations to the property, which led to the ban being lifted. Airbnb protocol states the company will potentially deactivate a property if they are contacted by a relevant local authority which believes the listing is operating illegally. It is understood the council have not made contact with Airbnb regarding the above property. In a message seen by Edinburgh Live, council officials told Fraser: 'Just a quick e-mail to advise that enforcement notices were served on the property on Wednesday 21 May 2025. The property owner has until 25 June 2025 to appeal the notice. 'If he fails to do so by this date, then he would require to comply with its requirements i.e. cease the use of the property as a short term let by 25 July 2025.' Councillor Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: 'We have issued an enforcement notice requesting that the owner of this property ceases to use it as a short term let. They have until 24 July 2025 to comply with this notice unless they appeal.' An Airbnb spokesperson said: 'We take feedback from local residents seriously, and this listing was temporarily suspended in line with our policies and the host has since taken steps to address this issue. Parties are banned on Airbnb and we may remove this listing if further policy violations occur. 'While issues on Airbnb are exceptionally rare, residents can contact us 24/7 via our neighbourhood support line and we investigate all reports received through this channel.'
Business Insider
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
'Survivor' season 48 winner describes the 'awesome' feeling of getting rich instantly
When "Survivor" host Jeff Probst announced Kyle Fraser as the winner, it took some time for his new financial status to set in. The 31-year-old attorney won the $1 million prize for season 48, with his winning moment at the final tribal council airing on May 21. Although filming wrapped in July 2024, Fraser has only been allowed to brag since last week. "It's incredible. The money is in the bank account — it's so fun," Fraser told Business Insider. He's also now free to spend his earnings. Fraser told BI that the prize money didn't hit his account until after the finale aired. That's when the real excitement began after the "difficult" 10-month period of waiting and keeping it a secret. His checking account features a graph that tracks his wealth, Fraser explained. His graph went from the "gutter" due to law school debt to almost off the charts when the prize money hit his account. "I was with my wife when it happened, and we were both incredibly excited," Fraser said. As his then-fiancée, he was allowed to tell Maggie Turner he won when he got home from Fiji along with his parents and brother. He shared the moment he told Turner on social media Monday. "I told you I'd figure out a way to get rich somehow," he told his wife in the tearful video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kyle Fraser (@kylefrasr) He's already used a chunk of his winnings to pay off some of his student loans with the highest interest rates. The rest of his financial plan includes helping his parents live a comfortable life and generating passive income. "It's really cool to be able to sort of see a bright future for my family and loved ones," he said. Fraser has a new outlook on life since leaving the show, and he's interested in finding new ways to make money outside his law career. He mentioned public speaking gigs, investing, and writing a book (but that's more for pleasure, he said). "I love my job, but 'Survivor' opened my eyes to the fact that I could do a bunch of different things. That would be such a cool life to live," Fraser said. CBS confirmed to BI that "Survivor" players receive psychological, medical, and nutritional help when they leave the show. The network also confirmed that Fraser didn't have access to the money until the finale aired. Fraser told BI that he hired his own financial and tax advisors to plan for the next few years. It's unclear if the $1 million prize was pre-taxed. He said he learned to block out the noise after his time on the show, with so many diehard fans praising, criticizing, or debating his season. However, the winner said he marketed himself "in a way that everyone would agree is very well-rounded." CBS announced Wednesday that Fraser will return to "Survivor" for its 50th season, along with "White Lotus" creator Mike White and other veterans of the show.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Richie Laryea, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty set for Toronto return as Charlotte FC visits
TORONTO – A pair of familiar faces could make their return Saturday when Toronto FC hosts Charlotte FC in MLS play. Toronto fullback Richie Laryea, out since March 1 with a hamstring injury, is available to see some minutes. Toronto coach Robin Fraser says the 30-year-old Canadian international has impressed since joining the team for training. 'He hasn't even looked like he's been hurt,' Fraser marvelled. It's the second year in a row a hamstring injury has cut into Laryea's playing time — he was limited to 12 league appearances last season after undergoing surgery. Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, on loan to Charlotte from CF Montreal, is bringing a crowd in his first trip back to BMO Field since Toronto traded him to Montreal in August 2024 for up to US$1.4 million in general allocation money. The Canadian international fullback/winger, who joined the Toronto academy in February 2015, will have plenty of friends and family in attendance. 'I have 14 siblings,' he explained. 'I don't think all 14 siblings will come because obviously some of them have their own lives … But I'll have a lot of people there, for sure.' Marshall-Rutty, who turns 21 on June 16, is the seventh-oldest. 'So right in the middle,' he said with a smile. Marshall-Rutty was 15 when he signed a homegrown player contract in January 2020, moving up from TFC 2 to become the youngest player in club history to sign for the first team. The native of Brampton, Ont., went on to make a combined 83 appearances across all competitions. Fraser, then a TFC assistant coach, recalled Marshall-Rutty turning heads when he trained with the first team as a TFC 2 player. 'He was mature beyond his years as a very, very young player,' Fraser said. Marshall-Rutty found himself behind other players in the first team, however, and Toronto opted to trade him rather than lose him for nothing when his contract expired. May has been a missed opportunity for Toronto (3-9-4), with just one win in five previous outings in the month at BMO Field (a 2-0 victory over D.C. United on May 10, its lone home win of the season). And after conceding 86th- and 92nd-minute goals in a painful 2-1 midweek loss to visiting Philadelphia, Toronto looks to pick up some much-needed points Saturday before the FIFA international break. Fraser had hoped his team could profit in the home-heavy month. But TFC has collected just three of a possible 15 points at home so far in May. In all, Toronto has gone 2-4-0 in the month, with the other win a 6-1 romp at CF Montreal. Charlotte (7-8-1) arrives occupying the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference in ninth spot, five places and nine points ahead of Toronto. Charlotte is coming off a 4-2 midweek loss at the New York Red Bulls and a 3-2 home win over Columbus last Saturday that snapped a five-game league losing streak. 'I don't think teams have had to overwork to score goals against us. I think we've given them a very helping hand. There have been a lot of individual mistakes,' coach Dean Smith said. 'I've looked back on the goals through this month and the opposition hasn't had to do too much with a lot of the goals. 'So that's been a frustration and a disappointment, because shape-wise, system-wise, we've actually looked all right. But individual mistakes have been costing us. And you can't keep coming back from conceding two or three goals.' Charlotte is 2-6-0 in May across all competitions and has given up three or more goals in five of those contests. 'You can't coach individual mistakes,' sad Smith. 'And to be honest when you have nine games in one month you can't coach too much anyway because you're forever playing a game, travelling, getting back, washing your gear and travelling again.' Charlotte is led by a pair of star attackers in Israel's Liel Abada and the Ivory Coast's Wilfried Zaha. U.S. international forward Patrick Agyemang was named Player of Matchday 15 on Tuesday following his two-goal performance in the win over Columbus. Charlotte defender Tim Ream has returned to training from a quad injury. French defender Souleyman Doumbia saw some minutes off the bench midweek after coming back from a hamstring injury. Toronto remains without injured defenders Nicksoen Gomis and Kobe Franklin and forward Deandre Kerr. There is also a question mark over winger Federico Bernardeschi, who is dealing with a muscle strain after being suspended midweek for yellow card accumulation. Midfielder Kosi Thompson is back from suspension. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Toronto holds a 3-2-1 edge over Charlotte in all-time regular-season meetings. Charlotte won 3-2 the last time they met in April 2024 (at Bank of America Stadium), but has yet to register a victory in Toronto (0-2-1). Saturday's game is TFC's annual Indigenous Heritage Night. With the FIFA international window looming, Toronto doesn't play again until June 13 at Los Angeles FC. Seven of TFC's 17 remaining games after the break are on the road. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Calls for campervan tax in the Scottish Highlands amid claims roads ‘can't cope' with traffic
Calls have been made for a campervan tax in the Scottish Highlands amid claims that roads 'cannot cope' with increased tourist traffic. A Scottish Labour candidate for Inverness and Nairn for next year's Holyrood election has floated the idea of a tourist tax that specifically targets campervans being driven in the area. The candidate, Shaun Fraser, said that roads can no longer handle the surge of traffic in the Highlands, much of which is on the popular driving route, the North Coast 500 (NC500). Tourists flock to the 516-mile 'superloop' each year to drive among some of Scotland's most magnificent scenery as it weaves past glens, mountains, castles and coastline. The NC500 follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands of Scotland, through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire. Motorhome tourism has become popular along this route, with campervans making it easy to stop in off-grid locations with the essentials they need when shops or accommodation become scarce. The Highland Council estimated that nearly 36,000 campervans toured the historic and mountainous region in 2022 alone. However, with the surge in visitors has come an uptick in complaints from local residents over damaged verges, blocked passing spaces and overfilled bins, The Herald reported. Mr Fraser told the newspaper he wants to see a campervan tax introduced that would form part of a 'fair and well-designed' visitor levy to help maintain roads and boost public services. The Labour candidate continued: 'Tourism is a key aspect of the Highland economy, and it is important that we are sensitive the the introduction of such a scheme, but there has been a 65 per cent increase in tourist numbers since 2012 and local infrastructure has not kept up with these demands.' 'Initiatives such as the North Coast 500 have transformed the dynamics of Highland tourism, with a huge rise in campervans using rural single-track Highland roads. Our roads cannot cope with this. It is a mixed blessing.' 'I would be open to looking at options attached to campervans, including number plate recognition to charge visiting campervans using Highland roads.' Proposals for tourist taxes are not unheard of in the Highlands, as the Highland Council have already started a consultation process of introducing a visitor levy in the region. The Highlands are joined by Scotland's two major cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, in working their way through consultations to introduce a visitor levy. The Visitor Levy Act became law in September 2024, which allows councils in Scotland to tax overnight accommodation if they wish to do so. While Glasgow is still making its way through the consultation stage, Edinburgh voted in January to add a five per cent surcharge on visitors' overnight stays by 2026. The Highland Council's visitor levy proposal would also see a charge that would apply to overnight accommodation to improve infrastructure, such as roads and public toilets, that incur wear and tear due to tourism. With more than six million people visiting the picturesque Highlands annually, the Highland Council calculated the tax could bring in between £5m and £10m a year. If approved, the Highlands' tourist tax could also be implemented by 2026.
