Latest news with #MarkFGibson
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Barlinnie staff saved inmate who cut own throat
Four members of staff rushed to a cell in early 2024, after reports that an inmate had hurt himself. Stewart Anderson, Daniel Broadley, George Dickens and Stephen Fyfe arrived in the room, which was "heavily saturated with blood" after the man injured himself. He also has a kettle of water boiling, which the officers assumed was to either inflict further self-harm or keep them away. Despite the danger, they bravely entered the space and tried to negotiate with the prisoner, who was bleeding heavily. Despite their efforts, the man cut himself a second time, causing the four workers to run closer to him and put pressure on the wounds, while also having to restrain him. READ NEXT: Man tried to smuggle drugs into Barlinnie in snack packet (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) Stewart Anderson (Image: Mark F Gibson) Residential first-line manager Stewart Anderson said: "By the time I got there, he had cut himself on the other side too. "We had to put handcuffs on him because he had slit his throat. "He didn't have a lot of strength but we still had to restrain him. It's something I have never experienced before, having to use handcuffs while also administering life-saving care." To mark the heroic act, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance presented the four employees with Meritorious Conduct Awards. This is the highest honour the prison gives out to staff members who go above and beyond to ensure prisoners' safety. Barlinnie governor, Michael Stoney, said at the short ceremony: "This is the top award, a very rare award, it doesn't happen often. "It should be recognised how weighty it is. It's not one I have encountered before as a governor. "Staff responded without hesitation and regard for their own safety. "The individual was violent and threatening violence. But they knew they had to save this man's life. It was a real and significant attempt to take his own life." Daniel Broadley (Image: Mark F Gibson) George Dickens (Image: Mark F Gibson) Stephen Fyfe (Image: Mark F Gibson) READ NEXT: Should Barlinnie become a listed building? Glasgow responds Angela Constance added: "It's a tremendous privilege to be here today and recognise the service of four outstanding individuals. "They put aside their own self-interest. "It does show that the prison service has, on the front line, people who keep others in their care safe. "We should recognise that prison officers are changing lives and they saved one in this instance. "Between the four of them, they have more than 60 years of service." Stewart Anderson, who has worked at the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) for 11 years, recalled: "It's difficult because you have to make a judgment call. "He had a sharp item and a kettle that was boiling. He did want to end his own life. "In that moment, you know that you need to do something and you are just hoping you are making the right call." (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) Stewart Anderson (Image: Mark F Gibson)He continued to say that caring for prisoners is an important part of the job and in the last few years, an increasing number of them needed additional support for their mental health. He explained: "It's a delicate balance, you have to be rigid in your discipline but at the same time, you have to have compassion. "If you aren't open with people, you will get absolutely nowhere. The biggest tool we have is speaking to people and building meaningful relationships as quickly as we can. "My responsibility is the staff, making sure that they know they have support. "It does take a toll on everyone." The 34-year-old also said he's grateful for the support from SPS, including their Employee Assistance Program, which helps workers deal with the trauma they experience on the job.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
How Glasgow's pupils performed in the 2025 SQA exams
Councillor Christina Cannon, the city's education convener, said the figures show 'solid and steady progress' and added: 'I know that our secondary schools will be delighted for their pupils.' The number of pupils in the city achieving five or more Highers in S5 has stayed almost the same as last year – 14.4% compared to 14.5% in 2024 – while the number receiving five or more Highers in sixth year dipped from 27.2% in 2024 to 26% this year. Councillor Cannon said: 'There has been a tiny dip in five-plus Highers for S5 pupils but at 0.1 percentage points it is not yet a concern, and we will begin constructive discussions with all secondary schools and dig into the school level results.' Headteacher Ruth McConachie (Image: Mark F Gibson / Newsquest) Around 147,000 students across the country received their grades in National, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications and vocational awards today (August 5) in what education chiefs are calling a 'landmark year' of achievement and success. The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) - which will be replaced by Qualifications Scotland in December - confirmed that the 2024-2025 session resulted in a rise in overall attainment rates and a narrowing of the poverty-related attainment gap, while the total number of vocational and technical qualifications – the skills-based awards that unlock training and career opportunities – passed 100,000 for the first time ever. Councillor Cannon said: 'The good news for Glasgow's young people is the overall attainment and achievement in the city continues to make solid and steady progress across indicators at each year group. 'There was a significant rise in Advanced Higher attainment this year, with our S6 young people achieving one or more up by 1.4%, and in our S4 National 5 results – up 1.3% for five or more and 1.6% for one or more.' Councillor Cannon, who joined Cabinet Secretary for Education Jenny Gilruth at King's Park Secondary to speak to pupils about their experiences, added: 'We must not forget the commitment of all our teachers and school staff who have helped make the results a success story for Glasgow. 'As we have said many times, there is no wrong path, and I want to pay credit to Glasgow's young people today. You are brilliant, resilient, dedicated and deserve the very best.' Whitehill Secondary pupils Kacey Wilson, Narjis Al-Kabbawi, Mohammed Bhatti, Andrew Craig and Alexis Main (Image: Mark F Gibson / Newsquest) Pupils at Whitehill Secondary in Dennistoun also celebrated exam success on Tuesday (August 5). Alexis Main, who is in S4, achieved five As and two Bs in her National 5s. "I was absolutely delighted, and my mum was really proud," she said. "I didn't think I had done very well so I was relieved. My plan is to study musical theatre at the RCS - that's my goal." Education secretary Jenny Gilruth with some of the King's Park Secondary pupils (Image: PA) Whitehill Secondary headteacher Rosie McConachie said: "I am delighted for our young people and the school staff. 'The results today are a reflection of how well we all work together as a team and deliver for our young people. 'I am so proud when I hear the young people talking about their learning journeys – whichever pathway they have chosen – and about their plans for the future.'
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow pupil heading for top art school after exam success
'I spent hours here,' says the 17-year-old, smiling. 'I'm always drawing, every moment I get.' The talented teenager has achieved an A in every exam she has ever sat at high school, including this year's Advanced Higher in art and Highers in PE (she is a keen volleyball player), music (she sings and plays guitar) and graphic communication. Eileen at work (Image: Mark F Gibson/Newsquest) In fourth year, Eileen completed seven National 5s plus her Higher art a year earlier than is the norm; and in fifth year, she studied five further Highers and a Skills for Work qualification in creative industries. Headteacher Claire Wilson says: 'We are incredibly proud of Eileen – she is a talented and unassuming girl, who has also shown real leadership in her role as one of our Art and Design Captains. 'She is a fantastic role model for younger pupils, inspiring them to get involved in art.' Eileen with headteacher Claire Wilson (Image: Mark F Gibson/Newsquest) She adds: 'Traditionally, art and music were perhaps seen as hobbies, but we're proud of having expanded what we offer pupils interested in careers in the creative industries, particularly in a city like Glasgow which has such a thriving arts scene. 'More and more of our young people are taking up art and joining our art club and that is thanks to Eileen and her fellow captains, who really set the tone for the school.' Eileen received her results by text (Image: Mark F Gibson/Newsquest) Eileen lives in Robroyston with her mum and dad, Huying Lin and Bin Hong. Her brother Michael works in software engineering in London. The family speak Mandarin at home, so Eileen is registered as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupil at Cleveden. 'My parents came to England originally from China when my brother was a baby,' says Eileen. 'They hoped for a better education for their children. We moved to Scotland when I was very young.' Eileen first started drawing in primary school. 'I loved watching other people draw. I found it very inspiring, so I wanted to try it myself,' she explains. 'There is a lot of me in what I draw. I'm quite introspective. I love the way art allows you to express emotion, and tell stories.' She adds: 'My art teachers have been really supportive and helpful so I'm very grateful to them.' Eileen has secured a place at London's prestigious University of the Arts – alumni include sculptor Anish Kapoor and fashion designer Alexander McQueen, while Stella McCartney is an Honorary Fellow - and she eventually plans to become a freelance illustrator. 'Concept art and illustration are similar worlds, and I am interested in games art,' she says. 'I want to set up on my own so I have the freedom to choose which projects to work on. I'm really excited and a little nervous about going to UAL because there will be brilliant artists from all over the world there.' Claire Wilson, headteacher (Image: Mark F Gibson/Newsquest) There are 870 pupils at Cleveden Secondary, which has a catchment across North Glasgow and the West End, encompassing Maryhill, Wyndford, Kelvindale and Possilpark. English is not the first language of around 40 percent of students, and 52 languages are spoken in the school. 'We work hard to bring everyone together as a school community,' says Mrs Wilson, who joined as headteacher in 2020. This year, the school achieved its best ever National 5 results for S4 pupils with more young people than ever before gaining one, three or five; and the biggest ever percentage gaining seven or eight, she adds. 'We have seen a 20% increase in the number of pupils achieving at National 5 level over the last five years,' said Mrs Wilson. 'The number of pupils achieving five or more Highers in S5 has also doubled in that time, so we are really pleased." She adds: 'There is much more to school than exam results, of course, and we take pride in providing opportunities and support for all young people to engage with their learning. "Our school motto is 'be all you can be' and that underpins everything we do.'
Glasgow Times
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Thousands enjoy Glasgow Easterhouse family festival
The Bridge Family Festival at Platform took place in Easterhouse, bringing together families from the East End. Organised by Platform Arts Centre at The Bridge, the celebration was packed from start to finish as attendees enjoyed stalls, entertainment, rides, art activities, face painting, balloon modelling, caricature drawing and more. Volunteers also had a chance to join taster lessons in BMX and sports, held by BMX School Scotland and Glasgow Life. On stage, a variety of artists and the Enchanted Princesses performed for kids. Then, participants could take part in a roller disco. Photographs show the crowd enjoying the festivities. READ NEXT: I tried Glasgow's newest rooftop bar - my verdict Thousands enjoy Glasgow Easterhouse family festival (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson)
Glasgow Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
12 pictures from Glasgow's Alexandra Park Summer Festival
More than three thousand people headed along to the Summer Festival at Alexandra Park in Dennistoun on Saturday, July 19. (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) The free event was organised by Platform Arts Centre, which is based in Easterhouse, and there was plenty on offer. This included stalls, sports activities, face painting, balloon modelling, live music, art workshops, rides, inflatables, and live wrestling from Iron Girders Gym. READ NEXT: ScotRail issue warning as Glasgow braces for 'heavy rain' (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) The event was open to people of all ages and ran from midday to 4pm. Punters were snapped enjoying the day, basking in both the sunshine and bracing showers later in the afternoon. (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) READ NEXT: Update on 'missing' alpacas at popular Glasgow children's attraction The East End charity is set to host another event, The Bridge Family Festival, in Easterhouse from midday to 4pm on Saturday, July 26. Entry will again be free, and there will be plenty on offer for attendees. (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) Those interested in attending will be able to enjoy a roller disco as well as a lineup of family-friendly activities. For further information, visit Platform Arts Centre's website HERE.
