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STV News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein trailer drops after filming in Scotland
The trailer for Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein has dropped after filming throughout various locations in Scotland. Areas of Edinburgh City Centre were shut down in September to film the highly anticipated Netflix production, including the Royal Mile, Parliament Square, St Giles Street, and the High Street. Filming also took place at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath, Glasgow Cathedral, and several additional locations around Scotland – including Dunecht House in Aberdeenshire, which is visible during the newly dropped trailer. Dunecht House, a grand 19th-century mansion nestled in the north-east countryside which boasts 24 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a 120-foot library, and even an observatory, dates back hundreds of years and was originally built to replace a nearby mansion. The film is being directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who revealed he had been staying in the 'most haunted' room of his hotel in Aberdeen and spoke of his love of Scotland. He wrote: 'I love Scotland – and, even when my links to it are not by bloodline, I feel close to it. 'My mother's family side, has lineage going to Ireland- the O'Colligan family. My Grandfather (after whom I am named) was Guillermo Gomez O'Colligan.' Most famous for films including Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, the Kung Fu Panda series and the most recent adaptation of Pinocchio, del Toro has three Academy Awards under his belt. Netlix via Supplied Frankenstein is set for release this November. According to the logline, the film tells the story of 'a brilliant but egotistical scientist [who] brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.' Oscar Isaac stars as Dr Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi portraying the infamous Monster. Mia Goth will play Elizabeth, while Christoph Waltz will take on the role of Harlander. The stars of Frankenstein were also spotted around Scotland while filming in the country, with Christoph Waltz unveiling a surprise appearance during an Old Firm game, while Saltburn star Jacob Elordi was spotted grabbing coffee in East Lothian. Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is set for release on Netflix this November. 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
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Daily Record
Two Scottish cities named among world's top spots for exploring on foot
If you're after a city best explored step by step, two destinations in Scotland have made their mark on the global stage. Our two biggest settlements have been named among the best in the world when it comes to walkability. Edinburgh and Glasgow have been included in a top 100 global list by travel platform GuruWalk, thanks to their architecture, culture, and interesting and historical routes. When it comes to exploring a city, nothing beats discovering it on foot. While open-top bus tours have their charm, the real magic lies in wandering down side streets, past hidden gems and through centuries of history that vehicles can't reach. Walking not only gives you a closer look but keeps your step count high and your wallet happy. Travel platform GuruWalk, which connects tourists with local guides offering free walking tours, compiled the list from March 2024 to April 2025, based on page views and booking trends across its global platform. Edinburgh maintained its impressive 19th-place finish from last year, thanks to its captivating mix of history, architecture and atmosphere. GuruWalk said: 'Edinburgh enchants with its blend of medieval architecture and contemporary atmosphere. From the Castle to the Royal Mile, the city invites you to explore it at a leisurely pace. Every corner here feels magical!' Visitors to the capital can take part in free themed walks, including ghosts and mysteries of the Royal Mile, a Mary Queen of Scots tour, a Harry Potter-themed route and even a Trainspotting-inspired walk through Leith. Further down the list, Glasgow secured 91st place, continuing to charm with its cultural buzz and striking architecture. GuruWalk said: 'Glasgow is renowned for its lively arts, music and cultural scene. "Strolling through its streets means discovering impressive Victorian buildings, contemporary galleries and an ever-changing culinary scene that reflects its young and dynamic spirit.' Guided walks in the city include tours along the River Clyde, the old Tollbooth, Buchanan Street, Glasgow Cathedral, and routes exploring the city's darker secrets. London also made the cut, with GuruWalk praising its mix of past and present. They said: 'With an unrivalled combination of history and modernity, London fascinates travellers from all over the world with places such as Buckingham Palace, Camden Town and Soho, which are ideal for exploring at a leisurely pace on foot.' Topping the list this year was Rome, followed closely by Budapest and Madrid. GuruWalk said: 'Rome tops this ranking once again. The Eternal City remains a key destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history. 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. "The Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Baroque squares make Rome an open-air museum that deserves to be explored thoroughly, step by step.' On Budapest, they added: 'Known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', Budapest blends imperial architecture with a vibrant cultural scene. The Parliament, the Fisherman's Bastion and the thermal baths are some of the best places to discover on foot.' And about Madrid, they wrote: 'The Spanish capital offers the perfect combination of art, urban life and iconic parks. Strolling through its streets from the Plaza Mayor to the Retiro is like diving into a lively city full of surprises.'
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘I'll play until my last days on earth', beloved musician has been at iconic Scots landmark since the moon landing
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN organist, who has been playing at a famous Scottish landmark since man landed on the moon, has vowed to keep performing until his last days on earth. Bill Hutcheson gave his first recital at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in October 1969 when he was 21, just three months after Neil Armstong took 'one giant leap for mankind.' Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Bill Hutcheson beside the famous organ. 4 The Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren hands Bill a commemorative plate to mark Glasgow's 850th birthday. 4 Bill Hutcheson gives a landmark performance to mark Glasgow's 850th birthday. And at 77 he is still going strong when yesterday (wed) the musician performed on the giant instrument to mark the 850th birthday celebrations of the City of Glasgow. Bill from Paisley said: 'The organist of York, a Mr Francis Jackson, was 104 when he died and he did his last concert when he was 96. 'So I have that to aim for, but I'm certainly not ready to stop yet.' Bill started playing piano aged five, before starting lessons at eight years old. Then in his teens, he studied at Glasgow Cathedral. But his relationship with the Kelvingrove organ goes back even further as he first played on it in 1964 as a schoolboy, thanks to a gallery assistant who arranged for him to try it out. Fifty years ago, the dad of two performed as part of the celebrations marking Glasgow's 800th anniversary. Since 2006, there have been over 7,000 daily recitals which are performed at 1pm on the organ that was made and installed for the museum's opening in 1901. He said: 'It's been a privilege to play this magnificent instrument for over five decades and to be part of Glasgow's 850 celebrations. 'The organ is like an old friend, capable of anything from a whisper to a roar. What makes these recitals so special is the audience. 'They're open to everything, from Bach to swing to the unexpected. In a city renowned for music, it's a pleasure to bring joy to so many people, in one of our finest museums.' Moment climate protesters GLUE themselves to painting at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Bill's dedication to the world-famous organ recitals in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has enriched our city's cultural heritage and brought joy to countless visitors. 'His performances have become a favourite tradition and for some a happy introduction to the world of organ music, usually more associated with places of worship. 'This milestone is even more momentous as Bill took part in the Glasgow 800 celebrations. Today, fifty years on, we honour his commitment, exceptional service and his place as an integral part of Glasgow's vibrant cultural life." His landmark recital featured A Glasgow Flourish, arranged by Bill and woven with familiar melodies linked to the city, while his Finale was from Sonata No. 4 by Alexandre Guilmant. Bill is one of around 25 organists who perform at Kelvingrove, under the musical direction of Dr James Hunter, Director of Music at the museum. He said: 'The world has changed a lot since the moon landings, but fortunately the organ has remained the same as it was originally built.'
Glasgow Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow organist's tribute to city's 850th anniversary
'I'm his strongest critic,' she says, with a smile. 'And his biggest supporter. I'm very proud of him today - but I'm proud of him every day.' On Wednesday (May 14) Bill marked more than 55 years of performing at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with a special recital arranged for Glasgow 850, the city's year-long celebration of its 850th anniversary. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) 'I did the organ recital for Glasgow 800 on May 14, 1975, and exactly 50 years to the day, I am doing it for Glasgow 850,' he says, proudly. 'It really is lovely, a real honour - and very good publicity for the organ and the city. Glasgow has the world's longest-running free daily organ recital and I'm very proud to be part of that.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Bill, who is now 76, started 'picking out tunes with his right thumb' on his mother's piano at the age of five. The family lived in Netherlee, and his mother was a gifted pianist who encouraged her son's love of playing. 'I got lessons at eight and that's when I realised what my other fingers were for,' he says, smiling. 'I liked the piano, but I was fascinated by the organ in my local church. I used to watch the organist in full flow, marvelling at the pedalling. I wanted a go at that….' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) He had his first organ lesson at the age of 12 and played his first church service six months later. As a teenager, he studied at Glasgow Cathedral with John Turner, who was the Cathedral's youngest-ever organist and is, Bill says, 'still going strong in his mid-80s.' Bill's first recital in Kelvingrove was in 1969. He loves the museum's beautiful, complex Lewis pipe organ, which was built for the 1901 Glasgow International Exhibition and moved in to the museum's central hall the following year. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) 'This organ is like an old friend,' he says, softly, demonstrating the vast array of pedals and stops in a quiet moment before the recital begins. 'It is capable of everything from a whisper to a roar. The acoustics in the building are wonderful, and wherever you are, in the side galleries, on the balconies, on the stairs, you can hear the music.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Music has always been 'a hobby and a passion' for Bill, whose day job was in financial services. He and Moira, who is also an accomplished organist, live in Paisley, and the couple have two sons and two grandchildren. Over the years, a vast range of music has been played by the organists at Kelvingrove. In January 2016, Christopher Nickol's rendition of Life on Mars in tribute to David Bowie, following the singer's death earlier that day, was a hit on social media with millions of views in the space of a few hours. 'Some organists play classical music, others do contemporary, most do both,' says Bill. 'It's important to have a mix of the lighter pieces and the more stirring ones. The trick is to get the audience's attention early with something fast and exciting.' He adds, smiling: 'You never know who is in the audience, either – multi-millionaire film producer Michael Mendelsohn popped in recently, because he was in the city filming with James McAvoy.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren, who presented Bill with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his outstanding service, said: 'Bill's dedication to the world-famous organ recitals in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has enriched our city's cultural heritage and brought joy to countless visitors. 'His performances have become a favourite tradition and for some a happy introduction to the world of organ music, usually more associated with places of worship. 'This milestone is even more momentous as Bill took part in the Glasgow 800 celebrations. Today, fifty years on, we honour his commitment, exceptional service and his place as an integral part of Glasgow's vibrant cultural life." READ NEXT: Glasgow unveils city's first ever memorial to Merchant Navy 'It was the end of blackouts and air raids and fear' as Glasgow marked VE Day The Glasgow schools for 'homeless waifs' which helped feed city's poor At the Glasgow 850 recital, busy with tourists and schoolchildren, the programme included A Glasgow Flourish, arranged by Bill and woven with familiar melodies linked to the city; Kelvingrove, a piece specially commissioned for Bill by his family and composed by John Barber, in honour of Bill's 50th anniversary of recitals at Kelvingrove in 2019; and the Finale from Sonata No. 4 by Alexandre Guilmant. Bill has played organ recitals all over the country, but Kelvingrove will always have a special place in his heart. 'The audiences at Kelvingrove are what make it so wonderful,' says Bill. 'They're open to everything, from Bach to swing to the unexpected.' He pauses. 'Although French avant-garde music does tend to be a little less well-received.'
The Herald Scotland
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish organist celebrates 55 years of playing at Glasgow museum
On Wednesday (May 14) Bill marked more than 55 years of performing at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with a special recital arranged for Glasgow 850, the city's year-long celebration of its 850th anniversary. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) 'I did the organ recital for Glasgow 800 on May 14, 1975, and exactly 50 years to the day, I am doing it for Glasgow 850,' he says, proudly. 'It really is lovely, a real honour - and very good publicity for the organ and the city. Glasgow has the world's longest-running free daily organ recital and I'm very proud to be part of that.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Bill, who is now 76, started 'picking out tunes with his right thumb' on his mother's piano at the age of five. The family lived in Netherlee, and his mother was a gifted pianist who encouraged her son's love of playing. 'I got lessons at eight and that's when I realised what my other fingers were for,' he says, smiling. 'I liked the piano, but I was fascinated by the organ in my local church. I used to watch the organist in full flow, marvelling at the pedalling. I wanted a go at that….' He had his first organ lesson at the age of 12 and played his first church service six months later. As a teenager, he studied at Glasgow Cathedral with John Turner, who was the Cathedral's youngest-ever organist and is, Bill says, 'still going strong in his mid-80s.' Bill is one of around 25 organists who perform at Kelvingrove, overseen by Dr James Hunter, Director of Music at the museum. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Bill's first recital at Kelvingrove was in 1969. He loves the museum's beautiful, complex Lewis pipe organ, which was built for the 1901 Glasgow International Exhibition and moved in to Kelvingrove's central hall the following year. 'This organ is like an old friend,' he says, softly, demonstrating the vast array of pedals and stops in a quiet moment before the recital begins. 'It is capable of everything from a whisper to a roar. The acoustics in the building are wonderful, and wherever you are, in the side galleries, on the balconies, you can hear the music.' Moira and Bill Hutcheson (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Music has always been 'a hobby and a passion' for Bill, whose day job was in financial services. He and Moira, who is also an accomplished organist, live in Paisley, and the couple have two sons and two grandchildren. Over the years, a vast range of music has been played by the organists at Kelvingrove. 'Some organists play classical music, others do contemporary, most do both,' says Bill. 'It's important to have a mix of the lighter pieces and the more stirring ones. The trick is to get the audience's attention early with something fast and exciting.' He adds, smiling: 'You never know who is in the audience, either – multi-millionaire film producer Michael Mendelsohn popped in recently, because he was in the city filming with James McAvoy.' READ NEXT: Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren, who presented Bill with a commemorative plate in recognition of his outstanding service, said: 'Bill's dedication to the world-famous organ recitals in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has enriched our city's cultural heritage and brought joy to countless visitors. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) 'His performances have become a favourite tradition and for some a happy introduction to the world of organ music, usually more associated with places of worship. 'This milestone is even more momentous as Bill took part in the Glasgow 800 celebrations. Today, fifty years on, we honour his commitment, exceptional service and his place as an integral part of Glasgow's vibrant cultural life." At the Glasgow 850 recital, busy with tourists and schoolchildren, the programme included A Glasgow Flourish, arranged by Bill and woven with familiar melodies linked to the city; Kelvingrove, a piece specially commissioned for Bill by his family and composed by John Barber, in honour of Bill's 50th anniversary of recitals at Kelvingrove in 2019; and the Finale from Sonata No. 4 by Alexandre Guilmant. Bill has played organ recitals all over the country, but Kelvingrove will always have a special place in his heart. 'The audiences at Kelvingrove are what make it so wonderful,' he says. 'They're open to everything, from Bach to swing to the unexpected.' He pauses. 'Although French avant-garde music does tend to be a little less well-received.'
