Latest news with #Inverclyde
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet the takeaway owner who has brought new pan-Asian dishes to Inverclyde
A POPULAR pan-Asian restaurant in Greenock is celebrating its second year serving up delicious food to customers who 'can't get enough' of the international flavours on their doorstep. Umami 17ngon on Argyle Street first opened in 2023, bringing a new type of takeaway to Inverclyde - a venture that restaurant owner Ben Egan says has been 'a fantastic opportunity'. The food blogger from Birmingham moved to Greenock eight years ago, having been convinced by his wife to start a new life in Inverclyde, bringing his passion for food with him. Ben opened 17ngon in 2023 and has brought a twist to the Inverclyde food scene (Image: George Munro) Each month Ben crafts a new Asian-inspired menu which sees him make dishes from countries such as Vietnam, Japan and Korea – all made from fresh ingredients and hand-made noodles. The 37-year-old honed his culinary skills by studying French classical cuisine at Birmingham College of Food - though having grown up in a household full of chefs, he's always had a love for cooking. "My love for food comes from my mum and grandfather," he said. 'I remember my mum had an old-school, 70s-style pastry book which would teach you how to make a chocolate cake using chocolate fingers and other really basic recipes. "But I loved reading ingredients and measurements, being able to visualise the grams and cups of things, and how a recipe would come together. 'My grandfather introduced me to indoor markets and fresh fish. He used to show me the very basics of cooking and a love for fresh produce.' Ben is now sharing his passion with the people of Inverclyde, having taken the leap to open his own place after building up a growing following for his food blog and YouTube channel, where he began demonstrating how to make his favourite dishes during the Covid lockdown. He told the Tele: 'There was a gap in the Inverclyde food scene, especially for a healthy takeaway alternative, and something bit different flavour profile wise. 'Seeing that was missing here, and also eating out here myself, I wanted something new. 'When you haven't had these flavours before, or tried things like fresh noodles or dough from scratch, whether that be dumplings or bao, it can be quite overwhelming compared to frozen ingredients or mass-produced food. "But you really do taste the difference. 'That's a big appeal for people and then they just keep coming back for the fresh ingredients and tasty food.' More by Isla believes anyone can cook, and hopes his online recipes and his monthly Greenock Telegraph recipe column will inspire more people to 'give something new a go'. He added: 'It's just knowing what to put together and having the foundations to say 'let's use X, Y and Z' and then build from that basic recipe and basic ingredients to make something more fancy or interesting.' On one of the busiest days this year for 17ngon, Ben says they cooked up 90 orders within two hours – an overwhelming task for any takeaway, but even more so when all the food is cooked in front of you. The takeaway owner says he is looking to expand the business to other parts of Inverclyde 'in the near future' as the restaurant establishes itself as a popular food spot in the town. 'I think the area is such a hidden gem," he said. "Inverclyde is a very pretty area, and there are incredible views. There is also lots of opportunity. 'And it's not just me. There are other businesses making moves, like Tonino's and The Alchemist, who are bringing a buzz to the Inverclyde food scene. "Its a perfect place for 17ngon."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EU deal shows Labour is getting on with the job while others moan, says MSP
Many readers will be aware of the groundbreaking trade agreement between the new United Kingdom Government and the European Union. With it came a major step towards resetting the UK's relationship with Europe and clearing up the previous government's mess in relation to Brexit. This development follows similar agreements with the US and India. All good news for Inverclyde which is a major hub for Scotland's exports. The new UK-EU trade deal will make it easier for Scottish businesses to trade with European countries while also improving our defence capability and strengthening our borders. But it is likely to bring real, tangible benefits to people's personal lives too. For example, supermarkets such as Morrisons have said that the deal has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of the weekly shop. Holiday-makers travelling to Europe will also be able to use e-Gates – ending those lengthy queues at passport control. And with more cooperation between the UK and the EU on energy, the deal will help to drive down energy bills in the long term. This agreement is aimed at rebuilding our economy and has rightly received overwhelming support from Scottish industry. Unfortunately Scottish First Minister John Swinney, UK Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage all appear to oppose it. And while I am disappointed by the Scottish Government's lack of support, I am not surprised by it. The fact is that John Swinney's government has developed a habit of complaining from the sidelines while the new UK Government gets on with the job. The only thing the Scottish Government seemed to have done to improve relations with our EU neighbours is to overlook Inverclyde jobs and industry by sending ferry contracts to Poland. On the other hand, this new UK-EU deal is a serious move by a UK Government that is serious about rebuilding our country's economy and our friendships with partners abroad. And this action is bearing fruit with the positive news that the UK had the fast growing economy in the G7 for the first three months of 2025. Long may it continue.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I had no idea I had hep C for 40 years – my GP failed to tell me I tested positive as it slowly destroyed my life
FRANK Jamieson says his GP practice failed to tell him he had a potentially deadly virus - more than 20 years after he tested positive. 'It has ruined my life", the 58-year-old, from Inverclyde, in Scotland, said. 1 "I have suffered from depression for a long time and have lost everything". Frank was only told last October that he had hepatitis C, which he likely contracted 40 years ago during a leg operation after a road accident in 1984. Hep C is a blood-borne virus which, left untreated, can cause liver cancer and liver failure. It usually displays no symptoms until the virus damages the liver enough to cause liver disease, at which point it can cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating. 'My health was so bad, and I had no idea why," Frank said. "It turned out they were all symptoms of hep C,' he added. It is also linked to cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, kidney disease and musculoskeletal pain. Frank's infection is part of the wider contaminated blood scandal, which saw thousands in Scotland and the UK infected with hepatitis C and HIV from NHS blood products in the 1970s and 80s. He later discovered his GP surgery, Ardgowan Medical Practice in Greenock, knew he tested positive back in 2002, with results confirmed in January 2003. 'The surgery had my results but they never passed them on,' Frank said. Infected Blood Inquiry: Police should look into prosecutions says Labour MP 'After all those years of going to the doctor, and that information being on my file, they are blaming me.' Frank's positive test came just as he and his now wife were preparing for another round of IVF. 'I had my blood tests taken in late 2002 because my now wife and I were set to go through another round of IVF,' he said. 'We had two unsuccessful tries on the NHS and were going to pay for a third.' But that Christmas, both lost their jobs when the company closed, halting their plans. 'Our lives fell apart. We still got married, but we couldn't afford the IVF, so we weren't able to try again,' Frank explained. What is the infected blood scandal? More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. As many as 140,000 bereaved parents, children and siblings of victims may also be able to claim compensation in their own right Two main groups of NHS patients were affected by what has been called the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Firstly, haemophiliacs - and those with similar disorders - who have a rare genetic condition which means their blood does not clot properly. People with haemophilia A have a shortage of a clotting agent called Factor VIII, while people with haemophilia B do not have enough Factor IX. In the 1970s, a new treatment using donated human blood plasma was developed to replace these clotting agents. But entire batches were contaminated with deadly viruses. After being given the infected treatments, about 1,250 people in the UK with bleeding disorders went on to develop both HIV and hepatitis C, including 380 children. About two-thirds later died of Aids-related illnesses. Some unintentionally gave HIV to their partners. Another 2,400 to 5,000 people developed hepatitis C on its own, which can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is difficult to know the exact number of people infected with hepatitis C, partly because it can take decades for symptoms to appear. A second group of patients were given contaminated blood transfusions after childbirth, surgery or other medical treatment between 1970 and 1991. The inquiry estimates that between 80 and 100 of these people were infected with HIV, and about 27,000 with hepatitis C. In total, it is thought about 2,900 people have died. He added: 'Hepatitis C can cause infertility. We would have known that then if we'd had the results.' The practice told Frank patients had to call within seven days for test results - but they have no record of him ever making that call. 'I asked them, where were the results all those years? Were they sitting in a drawer until I phoned?' he added. The virus caused Frank severe health problems, including nerve and joint pain and Raynaud's phenomenon - symptoms that appeared five years ago. 'I have been suicidal' Fortunately, Frank, who worked as an engineer until ill health forced him to give up work, is now free of hep C after undergoing anti-viral treatment. He is now under the care of the SAMH charity (Scottish Action for Mental Health) as well as the NHS's local community mental health team. They are helping him manage his depression and ongoing health challenges. 'I have been suicidal,' he said. 'Right now, I don't want to be here.' Frank hopes to raise awareness so others in Inverclyde don't suffer the same fate. 'There might be other people out there who have missed blood test results, who have hep C or something else and who don't know,' he warned. Now free of the virus after antiviral treatment, Frank is determined to hold his GP practice accountable. 'I want justice. I want to be heard, and I want Ardgowan Medical Practice to take responsibility for what happened,' he said. His complaints to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman were rejected due to the passage of time. But Frank is pursuing support through the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme - a body that helps people infected by NHS blood products with compensation and support. 'My journey is just beginning,' he said. Ardgowan Medical Practice declined to comment when approached by the Greenock Telegraph.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside Scotland's ‘secret' New Look store that always has a sale on and summer dresses for just £7
FASHION fans are in a frenzy after discovering a New Look store where everything is reduced and summer dresses are only £7. So if your wardrobe is in need of a refresh but you don't want to break the bank, you've come to the right place. 7 7 7 7 The high street favourite has around 350 stores across the UK. Usually, massive discounts to clear stock are only seen at branches that are shutting down, with prices slashed by up to 70 per cent. But the Greenock clearance outlet in Inverclyde is open year-round and offers huge savings for shoppers. Mum-of-four Lisa, from Scotland, shared the hidden gem store on social media while enjoying a couple of rare hours to herself. In her TikTok clip (@twinniesandtwo), she said: "So I am going to go to the New Look Clearance Outlet in Greenock. "I'm going to have a wee look and just see because I need to get some holiday bits." And Lisa wasn't disappointed, as she stumbled across lots of summer bargains including "super cute" floral dresses, an on-trend crochet frock and shoes for £10 or less. "There's loads of dresses just as you walk in and they're all £7", she said. "There's so many different sizes." She added: "Up the stairs there's loads of shoes. There's little heels and there's also little sandals. I'm 5'3 and a size 10 - Tesco is killing it with their summer co-ords, my haul was amazing & I got 25% off everything too "Definitely good for having a wee look if you're going on holiday." Overall, the savvy mum spent just £38 and bagged "a few dresses" for herself and two summer outfits for her little girl. And social media users have been left stunned over the clearance store. "Oh wow fabulous, wish they had one near me", one person gushed. A second wrote: "Ughhh, now I need to go empty my bank account this week." 7 7 7 A third added: "I live here, I need to get it checked out cos New Look was always quite pricey but it's a clearance shop, I'll be right there." Meanwhile, a fourth chimed in: "There used to be one through in Cumbernauld but it shut down. I was gutted! Defo need to make the trip to Greenock now." New Look once boasted around 600 stores across the UK back in 2018, but it has been scaling back rapidly as shopping habits shift and pressures mount. The retailer has also pulled out of Ireland completely, shutting all 26 stores there last year and affecting 347 jobs. Despite the closures, New Look said it remains committed to investing in its stores where possible, alongside major growth in its online business. It recently invested over £3 million in Greater Manchester stores to trial new shopping experiences linking online and in-store shopping. How New Look reinvented itself from a teen shop By Fabulous Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend "REMEMBER on a Saturday you'd meet up with your mates in your local town or city centre for a nosey around the shops? Well, if you were like me you'd end up in a New Look." says Clemmie Fieldsend. "New Look was always one of those shops that when all else failed you could rely on them for whatever you needed. Your college uniform, night out or disco outfit - whatever was required you could count on New Look to meet your style needs." Clemmie says: "I felt myself growing out of New Look and thought of it as a younger brand that wouldn't have what I wanted but a quick scroll through their website or look through stores has proved me wrong. This summer they are serving up some on trend delights from clothing to accessories and of course their comfortable footwear. Recently they've lured in Girls Aloud's Nadine Coyle for an exclusive Spring Edit plus fashion influencer Georgina Lennon. They're providing quality basics, elevated stables and trend lead designs that echo the New Look we all once loved but just a bit more grown up."
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MSP raises concerns about impact of immigration changes on care homes
A GREENOCK-BORN MSP has raised concerns over the impact changes in immigration policy could have on care homes in Inverclyde. During a discussion at the Scottish Parliament about the impact of plans set out by Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this month, Jamie Greene highlighted the recent news surrounding the possible closure of Greenock's Glenfield Care Home. Greenock Medical Aid Society, which runs Glenfield, announced last month that it was facing the possibility of shutting the home down after almost a century in Inverclyde due to 'rising costs' and 'sector-wide challenges'. (Image: Office of Jamie Greene MSP) Mr Greene also shared the thoughts of Jim Melville, who manages Campbell Snowden House in Quarrier's Village. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes was asked about the potential impact on the labour market in Scotland following Sir Keir Starmer's recent statement in which he outlined plans to 'tighten up' the immigration system. Concerns have since been raised over the effect this may have on the care sector. READ MORE: Mr Greene said: 'Glenfield care home in Greenock is earmarked for closure, citing recruitment issues and the national insurance hike as primary reasons. 'Another care home manager, at Campbell Snowden House, warned that other care homes in my region will follow. 'He also admonished politicians for using language such as 'low-skilled workers' when it comes to the care sector, saying that they are highly-skilled jobs and that it is a very respectable career. 'What is the Scottish Government's plan B of the white paper comes to pass? 'How do we ensure that vital lifeline sectors, such as the care sector, will have the staff that they need in order to survive?' Bosses at Glenfield Care Home in Greenock recently announced that the facility faces closure due to rising costs (Image: Newsquest) Ms Forbes replied: 'Jamie Greene is right to identify the double hit of the immigration white paper and the hike to national insurance contributions, both of which could have devastating impacts on the care sector. 'That is not just my view – it is also the view of Donald MacAskill and others who work in the sector. 'The data is stark and the evidence is clear. We have enough qualitative anecdotal evidence to illustrate what the impact could be. 'Jamie Greene is also right in his comment about the use of 'low-skilled workers', because we know how critical it is that we have a workforce in the care sector. 'Few things are as important to us, as a society, as the care of vulnerable people.'
