Latest news with #IsleofJura
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Hypocrisy of a 'champagne' socialist! Top Scots union baron has holiday home on idyllic Jura - despite condemning 'negative' effects of second homes
Scotland's most senior union boss is at the centre of a major hypocrisy row over her ownership of a second home. The Mail can reveal that Roz Foyer, the General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), owns two houses – despite publicly condemning the scourge of second homes. Ms Foyer, who earns up to £100,000 a year, has blamed second home ownership for exacerbating Scotland's housing and cost-of-living crisis. Now an investigation by this newspaper has sparked accusations of blatant 'hypocrisy' by the top union official – who oversees a coalition of 40 trade bodies across the country. We can reveal that Ms Foyer and her husband have a holiday cottage on the idyllic Isle of Jura, as well as their four-bedroom family home in the leafy suburbs of the north-west of Glasgow. The pretty two-storey stone-built island home, which is believed to be worth around £150,000, is situated in a tiny hamlet just a few miles from where George Orwell famously wrote his dystopian novel 1984. Earlier this month a Labour MSP told a Holyrood debate that a proliferation of holiday homes was making life harder for public sector workers – the very people that Ms Foyer claims to represent. Last night Scottish Conservative finance and local government spokesman Craig Hoy blasted Ms Foyer's double standards. He said: 'Hypocrisy is the religion of champagne socialism. We look forward to Roz Foyer's condemnation of Roz Foyer.' Stalwart trade unionist Ms Foyer was appointed to the top job in Scotland, representing 500,000 workers, in 2020. As the first woman appointed to the position in the collective's long history, she pledged to help tackle the stereotype of unions being only for blue-collar men and revealed her mission to amplify the 'working class' voice. Ms Foyer has repeatedly spoken out about the negative impact second homes have on communities. Defending the STUC's policy position set out in July 2023, that there should be a 300 per cent council tax premium on second and empty homes to tackle homelessness in Scotland, Ms Foyer wrote that it was time that the wealth in Scotland was shared. She said: 'We cannot ever hope to solve the chronic lack of housing, with the unforgivable levels of homelessness throughout the country, if the Scottish Government continues down this path of reinforcing rentierism. 'A premium on council tax for homes that are not in use, second homes and short-term lets would provide vital extra resources for local authorities, helping incentivise homes into use, raise revenue and bring down rents in the long term.' Months later, in December, she appeared to go further with her criticism of second home owners when she welcomed new Scottish legislation which gave councils the power to double council tax on second homes. She said: 'Scotland is facing a simultaneous housing crisis, a public sector funding crisis and a cost-of-living crisis putting an unbearable strain on working people. 'Second homes and short-term lets can have significantly negative impacts on communities, exacerbating these crises as well as undermining the local economy.' And in February 2024, in a newspaper column, Ms Foyer highlighted the number of long-term empty properties and second homes in the Highlands. She wrote that 'workers in the Highlands are facing an acute housing crisis' before adding that figures from the Scottish Government showed that there had been a nearly 670 per cent increase in long-term empty properties in the Highlands. However, despite admitting that second homes cause serious problems for rural communities, title deeds obtained by The Mail show that Ms Foyer bought a property on Jura with her husband, fellow trade union official Simon Macfarlane, for £45,000 in 2012. The pretty cottage enjoys a lovely spot on Jura which is known as one of Europe's 'last lost wildernesses' and boasts a small population of around 220. Similar properties on Jura have been recently valued at around £150,000. Ms Foyer and her husband, Mr Macfarlane – who is a regional manager for trade union Unison – are understood to spend most of their time with their two daughters at their residence on a private estate near Maryhill in Glasgow, which cost the family £280,111 in 2015. They visit the remote island, known for its peaty whisky, for family holidays, and are believed to have taken a trip as recently as last month. Locals have seen Ms Foyer and her family enjoying long strolls down Jura's beaches. Despite living in Glasgow, Ms Foyer is even part of the Isle of Jura Community Group on Facebook and has offered out old wellies and jigsaws to residents. The issue of second homes was debated in the Scottish parliament earlier this month during a motion brought by Ross Greer of the Scottish Greens. The discussion heard concerns that a high concentration of second homes has caused house prices and rents to rocket and reduced the housing supply for local people. Scottish Labour MSP Carol Mochan said that holiday homes were making it harder to recruit and retain public sector workers. She said: 'A lack of affordable housing affects not only individuals and communities but local businesses that want to attract workers. 'Very importantly, a lack of affordable housing also affects the recruitment of public sector workers.' She continued: 'I have strong evidence of that from the Borders area of my South Scotland region. 'Trade unions have told me that people are not coming to work in the area or are having to travel a long distance, which sometimes involves a journey of an hour or more, to get to their work. 'That is not sustainable. The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has heard compelling evidence on the issue, in oral evidence and on a visit to the islands. 'The health boards have described the situation as a crisis for service delivery. It is a very important issue.' However, a spokesman for the STUC last night said: 'The General Secretary has been transparent and clear on our position of increased taxation for those with assets. 'She fully supports that policy and, as such, willingly advocates and holds herself accountable for the additional taxation it would incur.'
Bahrain News Gazette
29-01-2025
- Sport
- Bahrain News Gazette
Equestrian Enthusiasts Await HRH the Crown Prince's Cup
Manama: Equestrian and horse racing enthusiasts eagerly await His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup, sponsored by Cebarco, which will take place over two days, Thursday and Friday, January 30-31, at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club. According to Bahrain News Agency, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup is one of the most prominent and significant races in the history of Bahraini horse racing, carrying a rich legacy since its first edition in 1982, which coincided with the official launch of races at the club's track. The race, held under the patronage and support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has enhanced the event's stature and propelled its development. In recent years, the race has seen significant advancements, including increased prize money and a gradual rise in the number of races, reaching eight in the previous season. From the 2024/2025 season, the event expanded into a two-day festival. Additionally, since two seasons ago, the race for imported horses has been open to entries from owners outside Bahrain, alongside Bahraini horses. These developments aim to enhance competition and make the races more exciting, with a variety of classifications and distances. This reflects the club's efforts to improve local and international racing standards, making it a key destination for horses from around the world. The Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club has prepared a special programme for fans to enjoy the festival's activities and competitions over the two days. Tickets are available for purchase on the website allowing all attendees to experience the exceptional atmosphere and enjoy the festival's events and races. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup golden record includes names of owners, stables, horses, and jockeys over 43 years. Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was the first winner of the Cup in 1982 with the horse 'Sari,' ridden by jockey Hassan Haji. Last season, in 2024, the horses 'Abiyan 1777,' 'Immortal,' and 'Isle of Jura' won in the categories of Arabian horses, locally produced horses, and imported horses, respectively. The imported horse category, introduced in 2015, has witnessed victories by four different stables. Notably, Al Nawafeeq Stable won the first two editions in 2015 and 2016 with the horse 'Bartack.' Other winners include Al Adiyat Racing, Victorious Stable; which claimed the cup three times with 'Port Lions,' 'New Show,' and 'Isle of Jura'; and Al Mohamediya Stable, which secured its first win in 2022 with 'Medal Winner.' Godolphin Stable of the United Arab Emirates became the first international stable to win the cup in 2023 with 'Warren Point.' Among the standout horses in the competition's history is 'Anchorman,' who won the cup three times (1996, 1997, and 1999), 'Shadow Boxer,' crowned twice (2002 and 2004), and 'Blues Bass Billy,' a two-time champion (2010 and 2012). As for jockeys, Bahrainis Hassan Ezzat and Ahmed Akbar, French jockey G©rald, British jockey Gary Hind, and the renowned Italian jockey Frankie Dettori each claimed four titles, making them the most successful jockeys in the event's history.
Daily Tribune
28-01-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Equestrian enthusiasts await HRH the Crown Prince's Cup
Equestrian and horse racing enthusiasts eagerly await His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup, sponsored by Cebarco, which will take place over two days, Thursday and Friday, January 30-31, at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup is one of the most prominent and significant races in the history of Bahraini horse racing, carrying a rich legacy since its first edition in 1982, which coincided with the official launch of races at the club's track. The race, held under the patronage and support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has enhanced the event's stature and propelled its development. Increased prize money In recent years, the race has seen significant advancements, including increased prize money and a gradual rise in the number of races, reaching eight in the previous season. From the 2024/2025 season, the event expanded into a twoday festival. Additionally, since two seasons ago, the race for imported horses has been open to entries from owners outside Bahrain, alongside Bahraini horses. These developments aim to enhance competition and make the races more exciting, with a variety of classifications and distances. This reflects the club's efforts to improve local and international racing standards, making it a key destination for horses from around the world. The Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC) has prepared a special programme for fans to enjoy the festival's activities and competitions over the two days. Tickets are available for purchase on the website allowing all attendees to experience the exceptional atmosphere and enjoy the festival's events and races. Rich legacy His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup golden record includes names of owners, stables, horses, and jockeys over 43 years. Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was the first winner of the Cup in 1982 with the horse 'Sari,' ridden by jockey Hassan Haji. Last season, in 2024, the horses 'Abiyan 1777,' 'Immortal,' and 'Isle of Jura' won in the categories of Arabian horses, locally produced horses, and imported horses, respectively. The imported horse category, introduced in 2015, has witnessed victories by four different stables. Notably, Al Nawafeeq Stable won the first two editions in 2015 and 2016 with the horse 'Bartack'. Other winners include Al Adiyat Racing, Victorious Stable; which claimed the cup three times with 'Port Lions,' 'New Show,' and 'Isle of Jura'; and Al Mohamediya Stable, which secured its first win in 2022 with 'Medal Winner.' Godolphin Stable of the United Arab Emirates became the first international stable to win the cup in 2023 with 'Warren Point.' Legendary Horses and Jockeys Among the standout horses in the competition's history is 'Anchorman,' who won the cup three times (1996, 1997, and 1999), 'Shadow Boxer,' crowned twice (2002 and 2004), and 'Blues Bass Billy,' a two-time champion (2010 and 2012). As for jockeys, Bahrainis Hassan Ezzat and Ahmed Akbar, French jockey Gérald, British jockey Gary Hind, and the renowned Italian jockey Frankie Dettori each claimed four titles, making them the most successful jockeys in the event's history.
Daily Tribune
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
HRH Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup: Bahrain's Equestrian Legacy Continues with Two-Day Festival
Bahrain's equestrian and horse racing enthusiasts are gearing up for the much-anticipated His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup, sponsored by Cebarco. The prestigious event will span two days, Thursday and Friday, January 30-31, at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC). This iconic race, one of the cornerstones of Bahraini horse racing, boasts a rich heritage dating back to its inception in 1982, coinciding with the official launch of racing at the club's track. Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the event has cemented its position as a hallmark of the racing calendar. Over the years, it has seen remarkable advancements, including increased prize money and a rise in the number of races, reaching eight in the previous season. Starting from the 2024/2025 season, the event has expanded into a two-day festival. Additionally, the race for imported horses, introduced two seasons ago, now welcomes entries from international owners alongside Bahraini competitors. These developments aim to elevate competition and add excitement to the event, with diverse classifications and distances designed to attract both local and international participants. The REHC has curated a special programme of activities and competitions for attendees, promising an unforgettable experience. Tickets are available on ensuring easy access for fans eager to soak in the festive atmosphere. The golden history of the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup is etched with the achievements of prominent owners, stables, horses, and jockeys over its 43-year legacy. The inaugural race in 1982 was won by Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa's horse 'Sari', ridden by jockey Hassan Haji. Last year, the 2024 edition saw victories from "Abiyan 1777" in the Arabian horse category, "Immortal" among locally produced horses, and "Isle of Jura" in the imported horses category. Notable milestones include the introduction of the imported horse category in 2015, which has seen victories by four different stables. Among them, Victorious Stable stands out with three wins, including last season's triumph by 'Isle of Jura.' The Godolphin Stable from the UAE made history in 2023 as the first international stable to claim the cup with "Warren Point." Legendary horses such as "Anchorman", who won three times (1996, 1997, 1999), and double champions "Shadow Boxer" and "Blues Bass Billy" have left an indelible mark on the competition. Jockeys have also made their mark, with Bahrainis Hassan Ezzat and Ahmed Akbar, alongside international stars like French jockey Gérald, British jockey Gary Hind, and the legendary Italian jockey Frankie Dettori, each clinching four titles to become the event's most successful riders. The Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup continues to elevate Bahraini horse racing to new heights, drawing global attention and fostering a vibrant culture of equestrian excellence.
