Latest news with #MacMoray
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- General
- Press and Journal
Elgin locals share views on disposable vapes ban
On Sunday, July 1, a UK-wide disposable vape ban officially came into force. The new law bans all single-use vapes that cannot be refilled or recharged. We took to Elgin High Street to ask Moray locals their opinion on the legislation. Jackie Cowie from Peterhead shared her mixed thoughts on the change. She said: 'The disposable vapes are always handy for a one-off if somebody is stuck. 'I wouldn't use them but it's just a matter of choice.' Jackie quit smoking seven years ago, going cold-turkey before discovering vaping through a friend and becoming 'hooked'. She said: 'It is worse than smoking. Not everyone can afford £45-50 for a long-term vape. I do feel for them. 'I think its the same as cigarettes, they shouldn't hide them. If people are going to smoke then they'll smoke'. Others, like Julie Swinswood from Forres are supportive of the new vape ban, she said: 'It's a brilliant idea to ban the disposables. 'They're bad for the environment and too easy for children to get and then become hooked on nicotine'. The UK's disposable vape ban aims to protect young people and reduce environmental harm. Zero Waste Scotland estimates that between 21 and 26 million disposable vapes are used in Scotland each year. Following last year's MacMoray festival, volunteer litter pickers who cleaned up Cooper Park told The Press and Journal there were abandoned vapes left 'every couple of steps.' Many Moray locals echoed the health and environmental concerns and praised the government's disposable vape ban. Heather Lethaby from Forres said: 'Under 16s are handing these disposable vapes around. It's a good idea to ban it. I would ban cigarettes as well. 'I don't think there has been enough study on any of the vapes. I've seen how people's lungs have deteriorated from using vapes.' Elgin mum Dominique Bowditch said: 'I feel like the ban will be of benefit. 'You see vapes all over the ground and in the river. The reusable ones will be less rubbish and less pollution.' The Elgin mum also added that her teenage children have noticed the vapes are 'quite common in school' and that the ban 'will probably stop the sale of them to children'. Esther Strang, from Lhanbryde, also agreed with the environmental issues caused by the devices. She said: 'The ban sounds like a good idea, because if it's disposable, its probably going to end up on the floor or not going in the bin. It's adding to waste in the streets'. Health group Ash Scotland has raised concerns about rising e-cigarette use. Statistics show that between 2019 and 2022, regular use tripled in Scottish 16-24 year olds and doubled amongst 25-34 year olds. In just one year, regular and occasional vaping also doubled among 11-17 year olds.
Press and Journal
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
WATCH: 'Yes sir, I can boogie' singers plan trip to Elgin Cathedral while N-Trance say a 'piece of their heart' is in Elgin after MacMoray performance
N-Trance and Baccara have both spoken about their 'brilliant' time staying in Elgin and performing at MacMoray. The groups took to the stage in Elgin's Cooper Park on Sunday as thousands danced along to their music. N-Trance members Tricia McTeague, Jay McCurdy and DJ Junior K told the Press and Journal they would come back to MacMoray 'in a heartbeat'. The British music group added that a 'piece of their heart' was now in Elgin. Meanwhile, Baccara duo Cristina Sevilla and Helen De Quiroga spoke about how they would 'love' to visit Elgin Cathedral. The pair, who sing 'Yes sir, I can boogie', also spoke about their stay at the Laichmoray Hotel and the 'fantastic' food. When we asked N-Trance about the crowd at MacMoray, Jay told us: 'They were absolutely sensational. 'It was unbelievable. Just brilliant.' Tricia added: 'It really did feel like that. The energy was pouring at us. 'We're always a bit over-excited, but when the crowd's like that it goes up to the next level.' The trio said that since they only flew in on the day and would be shortly leaving, they 'unfortunately' didn't have time to explore Moray. But they'd love to be back. And thankfully for fans the festival may be what brings them to Moray once again. At the end of the Sunday, festival organiser Andy MacDonald announced that MacMoray will continue. N-Trance had been shocked to hear it could have been the final MacMoray. 'This is one of the best organised events,' Tricia said. 'Everyone has been super nice and super friendly. 'I hope it continues because this is amazing and we feel very welcomed.' When asked if they would return to the festival in the future, Jay said: 'Of course! In a heartbeat. 'I feel like a piece of my heart is now here in Elgin.' Baccara, with a current line-up of Cristina Sevilla and Helen De Quiroga, stayed at the Laichmoray Hotel in Elgin. Cristina said they sadly did not have much time to visit Elgin. But Helen added: 'We would like to visit the wonderful cathedral you have here. Very famous. 'I saw a little bit on the internet. It's really wonderful.' Cristina said that they would like to stay in the area longer, but it was 'not possible' due to their schedule. The pair spoke positively about the food and drink at the Laichmoray Hotel. Helen shared that she had haddock, which was 'fantastic'. Meanwhile, Cristina said: 'I tried a shot of whisky. Here of course, in Scotland, it's famous. 'The name of the whiskey I don't remember, but now we know the story of Dalmore. It's a long story about King Alexander III.' The pair said their time performing at MacMoray was 'amazing' and that they hope to return. Cristina added: 'We would like to come back.'
Press and Journal
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Gallery: All the best pictures as thousands celebrate the second day of MacMoray
Thousands packed Cooper Park for the second day of the MacMoray festival – and our photographer was there to capture the best pictures. Festival-goers gathered in Cooper Park on Sunday for what many thought would be the 'final MacMoray'. Thousands danced to a line-up that included 911, N-Trance as well as Nathan Evans and the Saint PHNX Band. To close the night, following a dramatic film created by his team, organiser Andy MacDonald made the announcement that the festival will continue. Speaking to the P&J, Andy now says he is going to 'throw the best party ever' at next year's festival.
