Latest news with #Kelpies
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Ten reasons why Scotland is one of the best places in the world
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... OK, I admit it, I'm probably what Boris Johnson would call a 'doomster and gloomster'. And while Boris was a truly terrible Prime Minister – he made a better Have I Got News for You host – he did understand the importance of enthusiasm or, indeed, 'boosterism'. Scots have a reputation for being dour and some are afflicted by the dreaded 'Scottish cultural cringe', as if, somehow, we're fated to be inferior to others, which is, of course, nonsense. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So, despite Johnson's moral failings, we would do well to learn from him. And that should start by recognising that the place where we live is, unquestionably, one of the best places in the world. No, sorry, what I actually mean to say is that Scotland IS the best place in the world. No doubts, no equivocation, no questions about comprehensive studies of every country on Earth, Scotland is the best. And here are ten reasons why. Massed pipe bands play during celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the Kelpies in Falkirk (Picture: Jane Barlow) | PA Scottish weather My first may perhaps be the most controversial: Scotland's much-traduced weather. As far as I'm concerned, our current climate is just about right. I remember meeting a South African who insisted it 'always rained' in Scotland, steadfastly resisting my attempts to dissuade her. And she's far from alone. The myth of Scotland's bad weather appears to have spread worldwide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, during Covid, my daily morning walks in Edinburgh were almost never interrupted by rain, and this anecdotal evidence is backed by the stats. The Gazetteer for Scotland reports Edinburgh has 'high sunshine totals' while rainfall is 'low'. We should be selling temperate summer holidays to people in the Mediterranean – enjoy sunshine with a cooling breeze and weather that's not so hot that it forces you to have a nap at lunchtime. Global warming is changing things. However, the late scientist and environmentalist James Lovelock, who came up with the 'Gaia theory' of the Earth as a self-regulating system, once told me Scotland would likely be one of the better places to sit it out, partly due to the moderating effect of the sea. Our 'golden ticket' Scotland is also a wealthy country. Not ostentatiously so, but enough to at least think about ending child poverty for good, a goal that has cross-party support. Our economy has been growing, although the 8.4 per cent increase in gross domestic product over the past decade was put in the shade by the UK's 14.3 per cent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to Rain Newton-Smith, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, Scotland has 'the tools at its fingertips to be a global clean energy superpower' and this represents a 'golden ticket' for future economic growth. Despite all the gloom around the oil and gas industry, there are reasons to be optimistic – if our governments can create the right environments for renewable energy businesses to thrive and replace the jobs being lost as the North Sea's reserves dwindle. This is an exciting chance to build an industry with a tremendously bright future. So, the weather's just right and the economy has a golden ticket, but what are the people like? Tartan Army charmigans Well, in recent decades, the friendliness of the Tartan Army has fundamentally challenged misconceptions about football fans being synonymous with 'hooligans'. In fact, they're so different that I'd argue we need a new word – 'charmigans' – to describe them. They've even started tidying up after themselves in places like London's Leicester Square. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland is also a lot cooler than it used to be. Our films and TV shows can now be watched all over the world. The screen sector was worth more than £617 million to the Scottish economy in 2021 and employed over 10,860 people, according to the most recent report. Screen Scotland hopes to increase this to £1 billion by 2030. We are telling stories that other people want to hear. This should be no surprise, given the success of Edinburgh Festival, in all its various forms. It is truly a marvel, an example of humanity at its finest and friendliest. There is no better place in the world to be than Edinburgh in August. In my youth, when the festival was smaller, Scotland felt decidedly more parochial than it does today. I suspect being part of the European Union helped expand our horizons and, hopefully, we won't see a long retreat on that score as a result of Brexit – The Return to Brigadoon is one film no one wants to see. And that brings me to another wonderful thing about Scotland: its neighbours. The rest of the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and the European Union could hardly be more pleasant, particularly when you consider the possible alternatives. Tyrannical, warlike regimes hold power only in distant lands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Iconic castles, epic scenery Scotland is also remarkably good looking. No list extolling its virtues would be complete without mentioning its world-famous scenery and places like Glen Coe, Loch Lomond, Skye... the list goes on. We even have the 'most outstanding example' in the world of, ahem, 'an actively accumulating blanket bog landscape' – the Flow Country – according to Unesco. Over the generations, humans have done some pretty terrible things to the landscape, but we have also put up iconic structures like the castles at Dunnottar, Edinburgh and Eilean Donan, the towering Wallace Monument and, more recently, the fantastic Kelpies at Falkirk. But perhaps the most important thing about Scotland is that it is a democracy and we get to choose our governments, rather than having them forced upon us. No country run by a dictator will ever be the best place in the world. And the most fundamental right necessary for a democracy is, of course, freedom of speech, which Scotland enjoys to a substantial degree. If I wanted to write about ten reasons why Scotland should be ashamed of itself, I could (and already have done). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Australia Kelpies win Test series against England Thorns
Australia's men's netball team won the Aurora Series after dominating England Thorns in a 62-30 victory at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham to take a 2-0 series, which is the first Australia have contested in England, consists of three lost the opener 63-34 at the Copper Box Arena in London on 25 May and were well beaten in Saturday's second encounter.A dominant last two quarters by Australia sealed the success and the series, although the hosts were competitive at the first-quarter score was 12-9 in favour of the visitors and it was a similar story in the second quarter as good work by James Firminger kept England within touching distance. But Australia's Kelpies stretched their lead to 27-15 at the break and took command in the third quarter to move 47-21 men only played their first international match in 2022, while their opponents have been competing on the international stage since the that experience and quality showed as the Kelpies, led by the impressive Josh Byron, extended their lead in the fourth third and final Test will take place on Sunday at the Copper Box Arena.
The Courier
6 days ago
- The Courier
From Kyiv to the Kelpies as Angus dad who fled Ukraine invasion tackles charity abseil
A brave Angus dad who was forced to flee his home in Ukraine is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down The Kelpies. Lloyd Gwishiri from Brechin is taking on the fundraiser for charity Children First. He became a trustee of the organisation after his family was forced to leave their home in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in 2022. The personal experience of fleeing the Russian invasion inspired Lloyd to become involved with Children First. And he is curious about abseiling down the massive equine sculptures having never actually seen them in real life. Lloyd said: 'The experience of leaving Ukraine was quite traumatising for anyone who went through it at the time. 'It was hard going through the steps of moving from country to country via public transport. It was quite intense.' The family eventually settled in Brechin. Lloyd has been keen to get involved in more fundraising work after becoming active in the local community. He is a popular coach at Brechin Boxing Club. After joining Children First as a board member nine months ago, he said taking on the Kelpies would be a 'fun and interesting adventure'. The exciting challenge involves climbing inside the world's largest equine sculptures through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms. Participants emerge to enjoy the spectacular view right from the horse's mouth. After conquering the Kelpies, Lloyd will then drop back to the ground. Lloyd is calling on other daredevils to join him on June 7. He said: 'I'm terrified of heights. 'I've seen photographs of the Kelpies and I've been planning to go there. But I've never seen the Kelpies in person. 'I'm really looking forward to the experience.' Lloyd added: 'I know the challenges Children First are facing to raise funds. That was reason enough for me to participate and do whatever else I can for the charity. 'So many children and families tell us that the support they get from Children First is a lifeline.' To sign up to the Kelpies' Challenge and support Children First visit or call 0345 10 80 111.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Scotsman
From Kyiv to the Kelpies: Dad conquers fear of heights to protect Scotland's children
A brave dad who was forced to flee his home in Ukraine is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down Scotland's largest equine sculptures to raise funds for Children First, Scotland's national children's charity. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Children First trustee Lloyd Gwishiri is terrified of heights, but says he is curious about abseiling down the Kelpies, having never yet seen them in real life. After his family was forced to flee their home in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022, Lloyd has personal experience of how trauma can deeply impact children. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lloyd added: 'The experience of leaving Ukraine was quite traumatising for anyone who went through it at the time. It was hard going through the steps of moving from country to country via public transport. It was quite intense.' Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First. He eventually settled in Brechin, Angus with his family and has been keen to get involved in more fundraising work after becoming active within the local community. After joining Children First as a board member nine months ago, Lloyd said taking on the Kelpies would be a 'fun and interesting adventure'. The exciting challenge involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse's mouth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After conquering the Kelpies, Lloyd will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground. The Kelpies Limited spaces are still available and Lloyd is calling on other daredevils to join him. Lloyd said: 'I'm terrified of heights! But I'm quite curious to abseil the Kelpies. I've seen photographs of the Kelpies, I've been planning to go there but I've never seen the Kelpies in person. 'It seems like it is going to be a fun and interesting adventure both to meet more people within Children First. I'm really looking forward to the experience.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lloyd's experience as a member of the Children First board of trustees motivated him to sign up, so that he can raise vital funds to continue protecting Scotland's children and keep them safe from harm. Children First trustee Lloyd Gwishiri is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by taking on the Kelpies Challege. Lloyd added: 'I know the challenges Children First are facing to raise funds, so that was reason enough for me to participate and do whatever else I can for the charity. 'So many children and families tell us that the support they get from Children First is a lifeline. I want to do all I can to make sure that every child who desperately needs the charity's help can get it." Mary Glasgow said: 'Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and we are delighted that our board member Lloyd is taking on the challenge. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities. 'Every penny raised by Lloyd and his fellow Children First Kelpies champions will help change a child's life. If you can join them, please sign up today. Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Netball? You mean football?' - Now I'm England men's netball captain
Joining a men's netball club in England was not easy for James Thomson-Boston when he moved over from Australia nine years ago. "When I came here I wanted to join a men's netball team, and everyone was like, 'Oh, I think you mean football?' - I was like, 'No, I mean netball'," the 32-year-old told BBC Sport. Now, he captains the England men's team and led his side out at London's Copper Box on Sunday for game one in a three-match international series against Australia. "Netball has always been something your sister played, or the girls played at school, or a sport you were forced to play when you were like 12," Thomson-Boston said. But in his experience, that's changing. Certainly his England side gave a good account of themselves in their first match of the series against the Kelpies. Although they suffered a 63-34 loss, it was a much narrower margin of defeat aganst the most dominant side in men's international netball than in their last meeting. The England men's team, or the England Thorns, played their first international match in October 2022, after being formed just seven months earlier. They were defeated by hosts Australia 73-27 but it was a landmark moment for men's netball back home. "We didn't get people saying 'Oh God, you got beaten by 60 goals'. People were like, 'It was really impressive to see you go out there, and show that the UK is developing in the netball world'," Thomson-Boston said. Since that tour, male participation in netball has more than tripled in England. There are now over 70 clubs across the UK offering men's and mixed teams. The England Men's and Mixed Netball Association, EMMNA, is looking to expand its National Championships given the increasing demand from clubs to be involved. There were 14 teams involved in the first men's and mixed National Championships in 2021. This year, they have 48 teams competing, with a further 10 on a waiting list. The men's game continues to grow around the world. Australia, a dominant force in both men's and women's netball, has been running a Men's and Mixed Netball Championship for more than 40 years. "People [in Australia] are encouraged from a young age to play the sport and to really see it as a viable option", Thomson-Boston said. New Zealand, the Caribbean and Americas regions all field men's national teams, and clubs continue to emerge across Africa. Ryan Allan, president and founder of the volunteer-run organisation EMMNA, believes the biggest barrier to the growth of men's netball in England is funding. All the athletes in the England men's team are self-funded, with Thomson-Boston saying they play "for the pride" and "to further the sport". Allan identifies boys aged between 11 to 16 as those who tend to have limited opportunities to continue playing because of a lack of school-based netball programmes or pathways. Then there is the stigma of netball being a sport "that the girls played at school", which Thomson-Boston believes is changing. "Less people are coming up to me and saying, 'Oh, I thought that [netball] was for girls'," he said. "More people are saying, 'Oh, you can play netball, you can play men's netball and you play for England'." The narrative of women's sport fighting for recognition in a historically male-dominated space is a familiar one. But for netball, it is quite the opposite position. The women's game is supporting growth in the men's ranks, with the Netball Super League teams – the elite women's clubs in England – welcoming England men's players as training partners. The benefits are mutual. London Pulse head coach Sam Bird, with whose Super League team Thomson-Boston trains, said: "The men play a slightly different form of the game, so it's quite good for challenging us. "If you've been playing netball as a female, coming up through the ranks, you tend to sort of play in one style. The men create an unpredictable style for us, and the girls really enjoy training against that sort of unpredictability." Pulse defender Darcie Everitt added: "They bring a lot of strength and they also play really, really fast. As a defender, it's good to practise against that style of play. They push us even further." The men's matches against Australia are being promoted as double-headers with Super League matches, where fans can watch both the England men and a Super League women's match with a single ticket. Game 1 – Sunday 25 May, 15:30 BST - England v Australia, double-header with London Pulse v Birmingham Panthers Game 2 - Saturday 31 May, 12:00 BST - England v Australia, double-header with Loughborough Lightning v Nottingham Forest Game 3 - Sunday 1 June, 15:30 BST - England v Australia, double-header with London Pulse v Leeds Rhinos As men's netball continues to develop, protecting the sport's identity as a traditionally female-led sport has become a key part of that journey, Thomson-Boston said. "This was a female-led space that was for females, aimed at females," he said. "We aren't coming in to dominate that space. We just want to increase the amount of people who can see the sport". "Because it's a female-led sport, you are always surrounded by this really inclusive feminine energy, I think, and they are the ones welcoming people in." There has never been a men's netball World Cup - but there are ongoing discussions around a potential launch in 2027, the same year of the women's Netball World Cup in Sydney. Could a men's World Cup run alongside the women's edition? "The end goal would be that it runs in tandem. Everyone is in the same area, all the same energy, bringing all the netball noise!" Thomson-Boston said. As for the Olympics, netball has yet to make its debut. "The bigger we can make it in the next couple of years, the more chance we're going to make it to the Olympics," Thomson-Boston said. "I don't think my knees will survive until then, but who knows!" 'Two concussions in a month was scary and it's why I'm retiring' 'I was completely burnt out, I could not function' How Panagarry turned career doubts into NSL titles
