Latest news with #GlasgowTimes
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Inspections at 7 Glasgow homeless hotels find 'defects'
Environmental health inspections at a number of hotels and B&Bs used for homeless people in Glasgow have led to 'defects and issues' being identified. Last year, the Glasgow Times launched the End the Homeless Hotel Shame campaign to highlight the conditions people were enduring when in need of accommodation. One of the asks of the campaign was for the council to carry out an inspection regime to ensure owners, who are paid millions of pounds a year, comply with decent standards. In the last year, from April 2024 to March 2025, the council paid more than £45 million to private hotels and B&B owners in the city. The campaign heard firsthand from people who lived in the hotels and they reported dirty conditions with stained mattresses and bedding, rats and mice and drug taking and violence going unchecked. The council has revealed it started an inspection programme in November last year and has carried out 18 visits on seven properties up until April this year. Inspections undertaken focused on: Management of Legionella; Asbestos Management Plans; Health & Safety; Management of Hazardous substances; Inspection Checklists; Cleanliness; Pest control; Management of Falls from Height; Window Restrictors etc. Pat Togher, chief officer, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, has revealed the inspections in a report to councillors. He said: 'A summary of the seven inspections noted a number of defects and or issues that have been identified by Environmental Services staff. 'The defects and or issues were not uniformly identified across all the sites. Each site inspected, demonstrated varying degrees of compliance and understanding of requirements and legislation. 'In response to the inspections and continued dialogue with the HSCP the management of the hotels and bed & breakfast have all responded positively and constructively to the inspection reports and subsequent recommendations. 'This has resulted in no enforcement notices being served on the owners of the establishments with all owners welcoming and embracing the recommendations. 'They have reacted quickly to address any issues highlighted to them following the Inspections.' He added: 'There is now a greater understanding of what is required with regards to the management of health and safety within the hotels and bed & breakfast sites. Consequently, HSCP staff are now also better equipped to understand key areas to note when visiting establishments and engaging with hotel and bed & breakfast managers.'
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
We tried Black Sheep Coffee's new summer menu
The coffee shop franchise has launched a brand new lemonade category with both classic and matcha-spiked options with flavours such as lychee, lavender, passionfruit and peach. They also have a fresh wave of matchas and are bringing back Norwegian Matcha Waffles. At the risk of overwhelming one city centre branch, the Glasgow Times office tried out a selection of the new drinks and waffles last week. Find out what we thought below... Black Sheep Drinks (Image: Newsquest) Black Sheep Coffee Drinks Iced Peaches and Cream Matcha Latte This drinks is made with Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha, oat milk and a peaches and cream blend. The journalist who tried this said: "The peaches and cream iced matcha was divine. "The summer-style drink was the perfect blend of fruitiness and creaminess. "In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, I'll be back." Passionfruit Matcha Lemonade This new beverage features a fusion of passionfruit syrup and Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha, and one parched reporter was a very big fan of this drink. They said: "After the tropical weather this week, I hadn't had a drink that had managed to quench my thirst. "Black Sheep's passionfruit matcha lemonade really hit the spot. It's refreshing, balanced, and perfect for summer. "It's an absolute must for anyone who loves a matcha or isn't into more caffeinated options. "If stranded in the desert and given the choice of water or their passionfruit matcha lemonade, I'd choose the latter every time." Lavender Matcha Lemonade This is a combination of ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha, lavender syrup and lemonade for the "ultimate floral lift". The reporter who tried this was not a fan. They said: "The Lavender Matcha Lemonade tasted like soap. "Just because you can combine flavours doesn't mean you should." Lychee Lemonade A combination of still lemonade and sweet lychee puree, this drink went down a treat with the reporter who tried it. They said: "This was really tasty and refreshing, but it was very sweet so I would opt to get the smallest size available. "The lychee flavour really overpowered the lemon flavour so it didn't taste like much of a 'lemonade' as such but I enjoyed it." Lychee Lemonade and Matcha Waffle (Image: Newsquest) Peach Lemonade The peach lemonade which combines peach puree and still lemonade is described as the "sunniest sip imaginable" which the journalist who tried it agreed with. They said: "This was a refreshing drink, which was cold, refreshing and just sweet enough. On a summer day – what more could you ask for?" Peach Lemonade (Image: Newsquest) Cloudy Lemonade This lemonade is simple but a classic and was enjoyed by the reporter who tried it, though they would have liked slightly more flavour. They said: "The cloudy lemonade was decent. "On my first sip I was hit by a nice wee tickle of lemon. "It was good but could do with some more flavour." Cloudy Lemonade (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) Black Sheep Coffee Waffles As well as its extensive drink menu, Black Sheep Coffee is also known for their Norwegian waffles which can be served with a variety of toppings. In addition to launching a variety of new drinks, the chain are bringing back the fan favourite Norwegian Matcha waffles. In an effort to not stress the café staff any more than we already had with our order, we had our waffles plain with no toppings. They got mixed reviews from the office. Original Norwegian Waffles Black Sheep call their waffled "the secret side star of the show", but not all our reporters would agree it seems. One said: "The plain waffle was a bit dry and could have done with some sort of filling. "However, it was still nice and was a good afternoon snack." Another commented: "Dry, overpriced, plain as you like. Would not order again. "Macha one was basically the same but a bit less dry." A third reporter was even less impressed by the humble waffle. They said: "You'd get a better waffle from a hotel breakfast buffet waffle machine. "Dry and too eggy. I fear for the person who actually had to pay for it." Norwegian Waffle (Image: Newsquest) Norwegian Matcha Waffles The matcha waffle is made using Black Sheep's signature dough batter which is then blended with organic, ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha. Toppings such as whipped cream, Nutella and fresh fruit can be added. One reporter said: "This was a delicious sweet treat, served warm – perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. "I couldn't taste the matcha, which took me by surprise but because I am not a big fan of the taste, I didn't mind." Another agreed they couldn't taste the matcha but liked them anyway. They said: "I enjoyed these waffles, but they just tasted like regular waffles to me. "I would like to try them with a topping but thought they were tasty as is."
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Family's tribute to son after Devil's Pulpit accident
Emergency services recovered Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi's body from the Devil's Pulpit spot at around 1:30pm on Wednesday, May 21. Marwan, 21, who was studying data science and was set to graduate in 2027, had travelled to the gorge with a group of friends. READ MORE: Man dies after being recovered from water at Devil's Pulpit According to his family, he encountered difficulty crossing a deeper section of water and drowned before help could arrive. One of his friends reportedly jumped in to try and save him, but was unsuccessful—barely escaping with his own life. In a deeply emotional tribute, Marwan's family described him as 'cheerful and intelligent', someone who had left an 'unforgettable impact' on their lives. They shared with the Glasgow Times: 'We don't know how long it will take to learn how to live with this loss." Tragically, Marwan was just days away from flying home to visit his family. (Image: Supplied) His father, Suliman Ali Albalushi, shared that the day before the incident, Marwan had called to confirm his travel plans. He said: "He called to tell me about his flight home, scheduled for May 26, 2025. "He told his mother too, asking her to prepare his bed and excitedly spoke with her about Eid plans. "Little did he know, may God have mercy on him, that the upcoming Eid would be without him, and that we would wait for his return in vain." A gifted student, Marwan had shown exceptional promise in mathematics and science. His family proudly recalled his academic achievements, including ranking first in his class and seventh in the entire governorate during his final school year. They said: 'He excelled academically in mathematics and science, something rare in our family." In the wake of the tragedy, the family is also raising serious concerns about safety at the Devil's Pulpit, where they say a lack of barriers, signage, and clear warnings gave visitors a 'false sense of safety.' They believe the water level in the gorge rose suddenly, trapping four other students during the incident. While they screamed for help, two other group members, along with passersby, rushed to alert emergency services. According to the family, it took emergency responders approximately an hour to arrive, during which time the trapped students were left "clinging to life" in the fast-moving current. (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Four treated by ambulance crews at beauty spot near Glasgow A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire, most commonly known as Devil's Pulpit. "Emergency services, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a mountain rescue team, and the ambulance service attended, and the body of a man was recovered from the water at the Devil's Pulpit. "He was pronounced dead at the scene. "There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal." Marwan's father said his son's death was 'an irreplaceable tragedy to all who knew him, and a pain beyond words for those who witnessed it."
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
56 Glasgow roads to face restrictions for Boyne Parade
The Orange Order is set to host its largest annual celebration on July 5. The County Grand Lodge of Glasgow's Boyne celebration will see over 3500 lodge and band members on the streets, with many more expected to follow the parades. The Glasgow Times reported that parades will converge from all directions across the city and culminate at Glasgow Green. READ MORE: Details revealed of Glasgow's biggest Orange Order parade Events begin as early as 8.25am, with smaller processions setting off from local Orange Halls across Springburn, Maryhill, Whiteinch, Dalmarnock, Drumchapel, and Ibrox. The North Group, with around 750 taking part, will meet at Corn Street, Cowcaddens, at 10.30, before heading up Garscube Road, down St. George's Road, to Charing Cross, and up Sauchiehall Street, Blythswood Street, Blythswood Square, down West George Street and merge with main parade in Hope Street. The South Group, with 1500, will meet at Centre Street, at 11.20am for the parade along Commerce Street and across King George V Bridge into Oswald Street and Hope Street. The East Group will meet at Brook Street at 10.10 am with more than 900 people and go along London Road, Bain Street, Gallowgate, Moir Street to Glasgow Cross, turn up High Street, George Street, Montrose Street, Cochrane Street, and merge behind the Colour Party and proceed to Glasgow Green. West Group with around 530 participants will meet at Kelvin Way at 10.30 and go along Sauchiehall Street, to Blythswood Street, Blythswood Square, before turning down West George Street to merge with the Main Parade at Hope Street. Once all four parades have joined as one in Hope Street at 11 am, the march will go down West George Street, Nelson Mandela Place, West George Street, along George Square North, George Street, before turning down High Street through Glasgow Cross and into Saltmarket and into Glasgow Green via the McLennan Arch. READ MORE: When and where Orange walks in Glasgow are to take place this weekend The walk will see 56 roads in Glasgow facing restrictions, these include no waiting or loading or unloading from 4pm July 2 until 4pm July 5 on Monteith Row between Greendyke Street and Monteith Place. Further waiting, loading and unloading restrictions will be in place from 4pm on July 4 until 4pm on July 5. The affected roads are: Cathedral Square, 50 metres on either side of the Evangelical Church Castle Street between Cathedral Square and High Street Cochrane Street for its full length Dundas Street for its full length George Square (all sides) for its full length West George Street West Nile Street and George Square George Street for its full length Greendyke Street between Turnbull Street and Saltmarket High Street for its full length Ingram Street between High Street and Albion Street John Street for its full length London Road between James Morrison Street and Saltmarket Martha Street for its whole length Montrose Street between Richmond Street and Ingram Street (access to car park remains open) Nelson Street between Bridge Street and Commerce Street North Hanover Street between Cathedral Street and George Square Saltmarket for its full length From 4pm on July 2 until 4pm on July 5 there will be a prohibition of vehicle movements in place for Monteith Row between Greendyke Street and Monteith Place. There will be further prohibitions on vehicle movements in place from 5am until 4pm on July 5. The affected roads are: Albion Street between George Street and Blackfriars Street Anchor Lane for its full length Bell Street between Albion Street and Watson Street Bridgegate between King Street and Saltmarket Cochrane Street for its full length College Street at its junction with High Street Duke Street between John Knox Street and George Street Dundas Street for its full length Gallowgate between Trongate and Watson Street George Square (all sides) for its full length George Street for its full length Greendyke Street for its full length High Street for its full length Ingram Street between Albion Street and High Street Ingram Street between Queen Street and Glassford Street King Street (southbound only), between Bridgegate and Osbourne Street London Road between James Morrison Street and Saltmarket Montrose Street between Richmond Street and Ingram Street (access to car park remains open) Nelson Mandela Place, for its full length Nelson Street between Bridge Street and Commerce Street North Hanover Street between Cathedral Street and George Square North Portland Street between Richmond Street and George Street Parsonage Row at its junction with High Street Saltmarket for its full length Shuttle Street for its full length St Andrews Street for its full length Trongate between Albion Street and High Street West George Street between West Nile Street and George Square Bus lane regulations will be suspended for several roads from 5am until 4pm on July 5. The affected roads are:
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Robbie Williams drops teaser ahead of Murrayfield gig
The superstar is set to perform at Murrayfield Stadium this Saturday, May 31. The singer shared a black-and-white image on Instagram with the caption: 'Four days… BRITPOP Tour hits the road in Edinburgh this Saturday. "All dates and tickets at the link in bio.' Fans quickly flooded the comments with excitement. One wrote, 'Can't wait to hear this live. See you on the road,' while another added, 'Can't wait to see you there!' But the biggest surprise of the weekend may come from Michelle McManus, who is set to share the stage with Robbie at the highly anticipated show, as she is spotted liking the latest post. The Baillieston-born singer and Pop Idol 2003 winner was personally invited by Robbie during a surprise moment on her BBC Scotland radio show back in March. As Michelle was wrapping up an interview with him on March 6, Robbie cut in with an unexpected question: 'Would you like to come and sing with me in Edinburgh?' A stunned Michelle responded: 'Sorry… What? What was that?' Clearly emotional, Michelle eventually accepted: 'Yes, I'm saying yes—I would love that. You are amazing. And you are an incredible human being. I meant every word I said before this even came up." READ MORE: Robbie Williams invites Glasgow singer to join him on stag Their friendship dates back to 2003, shortly after Michelle won Pop Idol. She recalled in a BBC documentary that she first met Robbie while staying at the home of Lisa Armstrong (Ant McPartlin's ex-wife), who had kindly invited Michelle to stay during a media tour. She said: 'For some reason Robbie Williams was there a lot. 'He'd pull up a chair and have a cup of tea while I was getting my make-up done. He showed me kindness at a time when I really needed it.' The two lost touch for years but reconnected backstage at Robbie's 2022 Glasgow gig, which led to Michelle being featured in his documentary—and ultimately to this week's duet invitation. Following the announcement, Michelle took to social media to share her joy: 'So the news is out. The icon that is Robbie Williams has so kindly asked me to duet with him at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, May 31 2025. "To say I'm utterly over the moon would be an understatement. Thank you so much, Robbie.' Supporters were quick to celebrate the news. One fan commented: 'Amazing, send Robbie my congratulations to be doing a duet with you.x' Another added: 'Absolutely incredible. Cannot wait.' READ MORE: Robbie Williams slashes ticket prices for only Scottish date In another surprise move, on May 12, the Glasgow Times reported that Robbie slashed ticket prices for the upcoming Edinburgh show as part of a Surprise Seat Ticket Offer. An email sent to fans revealed the limited-time deal: 'From 10am on Monday, May 12, for just 72 hours, take a chance on our Robbie Williams Surprise Seat Ticket Offer and see the main man himself live at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium for just £42.50 (all fees included).' The offer includes randomly assigned seating anywhere in the venue, aimed at making the show more accessible to fans. However, not everyone was pleased. One fan voiced frustration over the late price cut: 'At one point, the standing tickets were £18,0 but they weren't selling. "I managed to get standing for £100, but it's disappointing when early supporters end up paying more.' Despite the pricing concerns, excitement continues to build as Edinburgh prepares to welcome one of the UK's biggest pop stars for a night that promises music, memories, and an unforgettable duet.
