Latest news with #JohnKirkby
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Tragedy as person hit by train on major ScotRail line with several services axed
RAIL EMERGENCY Tragedy as person hit by train on major ScotRail line with several services axed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEVERAL ScotRail services have been axed this morning after a person was struck by a train. Emergency crews raced to the line between Portlethen and Aberdeen just before 7am. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Lines are now reopened but disruption is expected to continue until 10am Credit: Alamy The rail operator confirmed that all lines running between these stations were forced to close. A number of routes were affected including services between Aberdeen to and from Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lines have now reopened following the incident. But disruption is expected to last until around 10am. A statement on National Rail's website said: "Lines have now reopened following the earlier incident where a person was hit by a train between Dundee and Aberdeen. "Until service recovers, trains may be cancelled or revised. "This is expected until 10am." British Transport Police has been approached for comment. 2 A number of ScotRail services have been cancelled this morning Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Scottish Sun. is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheScottishSun.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Inside Scotland's ‘secret' Cold War doomsday bunker built to detect impending nuclear attack
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NUCLEAR bunker has sparked a tourist trade explosion — with global visitors raving about it. The Cold War relic has been hailed as an 'excellent hidden gem' and 'fascinating' online. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Skelmorlie Secret Bunker was intended to record a potential Soviet nuclear strike Credit: John Kirkby 7 The bunker can only be accessed by climbing down a 15ft ladder Credit: John Kirkby 7 The site was decommissioned in 1991 but restores 13 years later by devoted volunteers Credit: John Kirkby 7 Museum curator Frank Alexander previously volunteered with the Royal Observer Corps Credit: John Kirkby Skelmorlie Secret Bunker in Ayrshire was designed to record the location and radioactive fallout of a looming Soviet nuke strike. Royal Observer Corps volunteers ran the facility during the height of the Cold War between America and the USSR. Visitors access the former monitoring post by climbing down a 15ft ladder and it contains communication equipment and instruments previously intended for studying a potential warhead blast. The chamber could accommodate three people with three weeks' worth of rations. People from the USA, Australia, China, Europe, South Africa and even Russia have visited the site - the only one of its kind in the central belt. Museum curator Frank Alexander joined the ROC in 1983, aged 31, and now runs free tours after helping reopen the bunker. He said: 'We've had thousands of visitors from all around the world. We've also done special events. 'I think it's the novelty of it. A lot of people simply don't realise that there was this network of monitoring posts all over the UK, specifically to be used in the event of a nuclear attack.' It was decommissioned in 1991 along with scores of similar posts across Scotland. But in 2004, ex-volunteers and enthusiasts restored the hilltop site overlooking the Firth of Clyde to its former glory. Look inside 1,500ft-deep tunnels that will be shut off for 100,000 years Frank said: 'What made me join (the ROC) was that it was the height of the Cold War in the 1980s. It was a real risk that we would be caught up in an east-west conflict. 'I was looking to do my bit for Queen and country. 'From April to September, there were 10 people based at Skelmorlie. Our duties were to train for the thing that we never hoped would happen, a nuclear attack on the UK. 'We were one of many monitoring posts throughout the UK. It was a network chain to link up and report on the effects of a nuclear strike. 'Regardless of where the nuclear strike took place, at least one or two monitoring posts would be able to pick up an explosion and be able to calculate where the actual weapon had detonated. 'The bunker was designed for a team of three people. Our responsibilities were to meet at Skelmorlie on a Wednesday evening and train with equipment and procedures to observe and report various readings in the event of a nuclear strike within our technical range.' The retired Hunterston power station worker added: 'In 2003, I approached the landowner and asked if it would be possible to buy the land on which the site was based. He refused, but as a result of our discussions, we entered into a lease arrangement. 'We restored the monitoring post to its original state and opened it up for public tours.' 7 The chamber could accommodate three people with three weeks' worth of rations. 7 Royal Observer Corps volunteers ran the facility during the height of the Cold War between America and the USSR 7 The bunker was designed to record the location and radioactive fallout of a looming Soviet nuke strike For those unable to access the underground bunker, a replica has been constructed in a cabin above ground. It has attracted a five-star rating on Google and Tripadvisor from scores of glowing reviews. Delighted visitors have hailed it as an 'excellent hidden gem' and were impressed by the knowledge of the volunteers and the 'fascinating' exhibition hut. Tours of the bunker last an hour-and-a-half and can be pre-booked by email or phone.
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I worked for iconic pizza chain – here's the exact two words to say to get your meal cooked to perfection
And scroll down to see what big plans are in the works for the restaurant chain PIZZ-AHH! I worked for iconic pizza chain – here's the exact two words to say to get your meal cooked to perfection Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PAESANO is an institution for food lovers in Glasgow. The beloved pizza chain is well-known for its authentic Neapolitan pizza made with fresh ingredients. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Paesano is a fan-favourite for pizza Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow 3 The pizza chain opened its third branch in Glasgow this month Credit: Tom Farmer The popular restaurant has three branches in the city - on Miller Street in the city centre, Great Western Road in the West End and the newly opened Southside spot. The new venue is located in the former Di Maggio's restaurant on Pollokshaws Road in Shawlands. Blue signage appeared around the unit reading "a Southside sequel" before it officially opened to food fans on May 21. And twin brothers Kevin and Kieran D'Arcy, from Glasgow, were some of the first people to sample the new restaurant's offerings. The siblings boast 94,000 followers on TikTok, and regularly share their top food recommendations and tips. During their visit to the new Paesano, the duo revealed a secret tip they learned from a former staff member. And if you're not a fan of "sloppy" pizza, you'll want to take note. That's because you can fix it by giving a simple two-word request to your server when you order. In their TikTok clip reviewing the restaurant, the D'Arcy twins said: "A pro tip if you don't like a sloppy pizza, ask for your pizza well fired. What is the Dominos Tiktok pizza- Ingredients of viral pie revealed plus how to order it "I got that pro tip from an ex-Paesano employee." Sugo and Paesano have recently been acquired by The DRG, Scotland's largest independent restaurant group. The firm achieved a record annual turnover last year of almost £50million. 3 Asking for your pizza 'well fired' is the secret to the perfect meal according to an ex-employee Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow The DRG, which is owned by Mario Gizzi and Tony Conetta, said further restaurant rollouts are expected over the next 12 months. The group told The Herald that the recent acquisition of the two brands is its "most significant acquisition to date". Mr Conetta said: "Within 12 months, we expect to have doubled the number of Paesano and Sugo restaurants to six. "And we have firm aspirations to further expand north and south of the Border in the years ahead.'
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Edinburgh Marathon runners blast ScotRail as they risk ‘being stranded' over packed trains
ScotRail has not made an announcement they have made in previous years CARRIAGE CARNAGE Edinburgh Marathon runners blast ScotRail as they risk 'being stranded' over packed trains RUNNERS taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon have blasted ScotRail over travel chaos on the morning of the event. Scores of people made their way to the capital to take part in the event. 3 Scores of people are set to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon Credit: Alamy 3 Runners blasted ScotRail for the chaos Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow But many feared missing out on the start as trains were packed, leaving not enough space for all of the people on the platform. ScotRail never announced any extra services for the marathon, unlike previous years. Huge crowds of passengers waited on station platforms as carriages quickly filled up. Some commuters even claimed train crews told them not to let other passengers on when the train stopped. It sparked fears some runners would miss the start and then not be able to take part in the race. One passenger told The Herald: "The train was absolutely rammed and the conductor was telling passengers to 'protect their space' if anyone at Polmont or Linlithgow tried to get on. "She told people standing at the doors to tell folk trying to get on that the train was full and they weren't allowed. "It looked like some runners were left stranded. They won't be able to make the start now. "They've been training for months, raising thousands for charity and ScotRail has ruined their big day by not putting enough carriages on." ScotRail have been approached for comment. Moment woman wrestles & fights off railway staff to hold up entire train so late pals can board - leading to her ARREST
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Scottish Water imposes ‘hypocritical' guidelines amid heatwave – see how it affects you
PIPE DREAM Scottish Water imposes 'hypocritical' guidelines amid heatwave – see how it affects you Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTTISH Water have been blasted for imposing "hypocritical" water guidelines on the public while losing MILLIONS of litres every day. The country is currently going through one of its worse dry spells in decades as temperatures soar past 22C. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Scotland is going through its worst dry spell in 60 years Credit: John Kirkby 4 Rivers are running low after drying up in the heat Credit: John Kirkby 4 Scots are being urged to save water Credit: John Kirkby Reservoirs are currently sitting at 81 per cent, ten percent less than they normally are in May. It has seen the water quango urge Scots to conserve water. Alex Plant, Scottish Water's Chief Executive, said: 'We're working hard to maintain normal supplies for all customers and would ask that they use water efficiently to protect this precious resource. 'We believe that a large part of the additional water use at the moment is in gardens so we would ask that customers are mindful of how much water they use there. 'Scotland's climate is clearly changing and, as a country, we need to ensure we adapt both by investing appropriately in water infrastructure – which Scottish Water is doing - and ensuring we do what we can to use water more efficiently in our homes and businesses. 'Water is always worth saving and by taking simple steps to reduce the volume used around the home and garden we can make our country's water go even further and help maintain normal supplies.' Scottish Water's plea ended up being soaked in irony, after it emerged while urging the public to save water, they are losing millions of litres. The company's own figures revealed they lost 454 litres in a day because of leaky pipes across the country, reports The Daily Mail. Scotland's Drinking Water Quality Regulator served Scottish Water with a notice over a major maintenance backlog. Douglas Lumsden, Scottish Conservative energy and net zero spokesman, said: "Scottish Water cannot expect Scots to cut down given they are losing the equivalent of nearly 200 swimming pools each day, which people will see as completely hypocritical. "This advice will also have a major impact on our farmers who rely on water for crop production and to do their jobs. Scotland faces 25C heat surge from TODAY – but weather expert has warning for early May "Scots will be hoping that their efforts to cut down water wastage will prove more fruitful as this spell of good weather continues." Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton added: "Being told to reduce water consumption will be hard for people to swallow when Scottish Water have failed to fix underlying problems and leaky pipes." A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: "We work hard every day to find and fix leakage. How can you save water? HERE is how Scottish Water is urging people to save water: Showers and baths use the most amount of water in the home (30%). Knocking 2 minutes off your shower can save over 5,000 litres and £130 off your energy bill, each year. Cleaning our teeth with the tap running wastes 5 litres of water a minute - an instant saving by simply turning off the tap while brushing. Found a dripping tap? A dripping tap can waste over 5,500 litres of water a year so make sure taps are turned off properly or replace the washer. A leaking toilet can waste between 215 and 400 litres of water every day. Between 5 and 8% of toilets are leaking, and it is most common with dual flush toilets. So if your toilet is leaking, get it fixed as quickly as possible. Save on your energy bills by filling the kettle with only the water you need, you'll also save time waiting for the kettle to boil! Remember to wash your dishes in a basin or bowl instead of under a running tap, or if using a dishwasher wait for a full load and use the eco setting to help save not only water but energy too! Fully load your washing machine and dishwasher and use the eco-setting where possible to save water and energy. Washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40 degrees reduces your machine's energy consumption by 57%. Use a bucket and sponge to wash the car instead of a hosepipe. A hose wastes 1,000 litres of water an hour. Save water and nourish your plants' roots using a watering can instead. Alternatively, you can fit your hosepipe with a trigger nozzle so it only runs when you need it. Use a water butt! Did you know? Rainwater is better for your plants as there is nitrogen in the rain which helps plants thrive. A small Scottish roof collects over 45,000 litres of water each year, that's more than enough to keep your water butt topped up! Source: Scottish Water "A large proportion of the leaks we now have are small in size and nature, so harder to find and fix, and we are deploying a range of approaches and innovations to hunt them down. "About a quarter of leakage is from pipework within home owners' gardens and under driveways. We will support home owners to resolve these problems when identified.' "In addition to being criticised for its leaks, Scottish Water was ordered in 2023 to carry out an emergency clean-up of tap water supplies after they were found to pose a 'potential danger to human health'."
