Latest news with #MartinCompston
The National
6 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Scotland bucks trend with 'substantial' games industry growth
Figures show employment in the sector in Scotland has doubled over the last 10 years. The statistics also show that there were 130 computer game enterprises in Scotland in 2024, compared to just 15 in 2010 – a 766.67% increase. READ MORE: Martin Compston says Unionist abuse made him stop independence posts In 2022 the industry had a turnover of £339.7 million, compared to profits of £38.1m made in 2010 – a 791.6% increase. The data also showed that there had been a 103.3% increase in the number of staff working in the industry (including additional PAYE units), up from 1,045 in 2015 to 2,125 in 2023. With the sector globally experiencing significant jobs losses and changes to job patterns, Scotland's computer game industry is bucking the trend. Commenting, SNP MSP for Dundee City West, Joe FitzPatrick, said: 'At a time when the computer games industry is struggling globally, thanks to SNP investment, Scotland is bucking the trend. 'Scotland was the first part of the UK to develop a video games strategy to support the industry and invests in exhibiting Scottish-built games across the world. 'Our world-leading computer game developers, including those based in Dundee, are thriving thanks to a unique blend of government support, creativity, innovation, and talent.' READ MORE: TransPennine Express to run up to 3 additional services during Edinburgh Fringe Rockstar North, a computer game studio based in Edinburgh and set up as DMA Design by Dundonian David Jones, is arguably the most notable firm in the Scottish industry. The company are behind the Grand Theft Auto series, including Grand Theft Auto V – the second-best selling video game and reportedly most profitable entertainment product of all time. FitzPatrick continued: 'From globally recognised studios to bold new start-ups, this is an industry that not only creates economic value but connects people across the world and brings opportunity to Scotland.'
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Martin Compston's 'gripping' crime thriller you may have missed is now streaming for free
Line of Duty star Martin Compston has been busy in his acting career, with the Scot having just signed up for a gripping new thriller airing on Paramount+. A "gripping" series which features Line of Duty star Martin Compston is now available to stream for free. The Ice Cream Girls first aired on ITV back in 2013. The Ice Cream Girls, based on Dorothy Koomson's novel, features Scots actor Martin Compston alongside Dune Prophecy's Jodhi May. It follows two former pals reunited 17 years after being accused of murdering their teacher (Compston) as teens. The mini-series was flooded with praise from audiences when it first aired, with one viewer on IMDb describing it as "a terrific mystery", adding: "You will be entertained and gripped until the surprising conclusion." All three episodes of the miniseries are now available on ITVX according to Digital Spy, meaning viewers in the UK can stream the show for free with ads. The 41-year-old has been busy as of late in his career, having just signed up for a gripping new thriller Revenge Club, brought by Paramount+. Based on the upcoming novel by J.D. Pennington The Othello Club, the series follows six heartbroken strangers who are brought together by a divorce support group. However in a twist of events, the six quickly utilised their therapy sessions into the opportunity for revenge against those who have wronged them in the past by forming a pact which will change their lives. The series synopsis reads: "What begins as a cathartic outlet quickly spirals into something far more dangerous, and as the group's acts of revenge escalate from mischievous pranks to deadly 'accidents,' the line between justice and murder begins to blur." Alongside Compston the series will also star Slow Horses Aimée-Ffion Edwards, Barbie 's Sharon Rooney, The Wheel of Time 's Meera Syal, Shetland actor Douglas Henshall and Sex Education 's Chaneil Kular. Meanwhile, just a few short months ago Martin Compston provided an exciting update for Line of Duty fans, with the popular show reportedly returning soon to screens for a seventh series. Despite many fans getting their hopes up, it might not be the update they were looking for. The Scottish acting star hinted that although its return is imminent, new episodes are "a way off". The BBC police drama had people across the country gripped during its six seasons between 2012 and 2021. Rumours of a follow-up in the hit show have been swirling in recent months, with Compston pictured catching up with his beloved co-stars Adrian Dunbar and Vicky McClure this year, as we reported previously. In a recent interview with The Sun, the Scots star, who plays Steve Arnott, was optimistic about the series returning in the future, though he did concede that it may take a while, given the schedules of his co-stars. "We're always talking about possibilities and schedules and whatnot," he said. "Everybody's got stuff going on at the minute, so I think anything, unfortunately, would be a way off. "You know, the day people stop asking about the show will be a sad day, so I'm delighted that people are still excited about it. We'd all love to work together again at some point. We still all meet up. "I met with Jed [Mercurio, the show's creator], Adrian [Dunbar] and Vicky [McClure] in London before Christmas - we went out for dinner, to hear what everyone's up to," added Compston, who played the role of Steve in all six seasons.
The National
11 hours ago
- Climate
- The National
Yellow weather warning extended as Scotland faces heavy rain
The Met Office originally scheduled the warning for 4pm on Saturday but now expects rain to begin from midday. Forecasters say as much as 75mm of rain could fall in just a few hours – roughly a full month's worth. READ MORE: Uniformed police pulled from Glasgow Pride over 'impartiality' concerns The affected area includes the majority of the Scottish mainland, with the warning in place until midday on Sunday. The Met Office warned of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms, with a small chance of flooding and power cuts in some areas. Forecaster Sean Batty wrote for STV: 'On Saturday, it looks like the worst of the rain will spread across central and eastern parts of the country during the afternoon and evening, with the focus around the Borders, Edinburgh, Lothians, Lanarkshire, Fife, Angus and Aberdeenshire. 'In these areas we can expect 20-30mm of rain to fall quite widely, but a few spots could see some heavier downpours which could take totals towards 75mm, which would be the equivalent of a month's worth of rain.' READ MORE: Martin Compston says Unionist abuse made him stop independence posts Another band of heavy, thundery rain is expected to move north on Sunday, with a continued focus on eastern areas. However, it may also extend further west than Saturday's, potentially affecting Glasgow, Ayrshire, and parts of Argyll, possibly leading to a renewed risk of localised flooding in some areas. Those attending events across Scotland this weekend – including Aberdeen's Tall Ships Race, the Kirriemuir Agricultural Show, Crail Fest and the Merchant City Festival – have been urged to keep an eye out for updates as the wet weather takes hold.
The National
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Police pulled from Glasgow Pride over 'impartiality' concerns
The decision comes after the High Court ruled that Northumbria Police breached its duty of neutrality by allowing officers to participate in a Pride event in uniform. In response, Police Scotland has confirmed that no officers will take part in the Glasgow Pride march in uniform, a reversal from previous years where police presence was seen as a symbol of support and inclusivity. READ MORE: Martin Compston says Unionist abuse made him stop independence posts Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs stated: 'We will continue to engage closely with event organisers, although no officers will participate in forthcoming events in uniform.' He added: 'We continue to review the UK High Court judgment on Northumbria Police's participation in Newcastle Pride 2024 and its implications.' 'We will ensure Police Scotland's response to events continues to be in line with our values and code of ethics, providing a professional and impartial service which upholds the human rights of all.' In 2023, dozens of officers were paid to take part in Pride events, with many visibly supporting LGBTQ+ communities by marching with flags and signing inclusive banners. Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff was among those who supported the initiative, saying she wanted her division to be the 'most inclusive area in Police Scotland". However, after this week's legal ruling, even planned lower-level engagement like community stalls has been cancelled. The Scottish Police Federation, which represents frontline officers, supported the decision while reaffirming its values. General Secretary David Kennedy said: 'We proudly support the principles and values of the Pride movement ... but participating in any march while on duty, including Pride, can give rise to questions around neutrality.' He added: 'Officers who wish to take part in Pride events in their own time should be supported and encouraged to do so.' READ MORE: NHS Fife staff 'faced violent threats' amid Sandie Peggie tribunal Critics argue that the move reflects growing political pressure on public institutions to distance themselves from progressive causes. According to Mail Online reports, Kath Murray, of gender-critical think tank Murray Blackburn Mackenzie, described police participation in past Pride events as 'institutional capture.' For many LGBTQ+ advocates, the absence of uniformed officers marks a significant setback in the effort to build trust, safety, and equality in policing. ScottishTrans have been contacted for comment.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Stars of huge BBC drama drop biggest hint yet that show is returning for series 7
Two of the biggest stars of Line of Duty have dropped massive hints that the BBC crime thriller will return next year for a long-awaited seventh series. Leading man Martin Compston, 41, who plays DI Steve Arnott, and Adrian Dunbar, 66, aka Supt Ted Hastings, both teased fans with updates this week, suggesting filming could begin in 2026. MailOnline revealed back in April that the ratings juggernaut is expected to return in 2026, with cameras set to roll in the first half of the year. Speaking on the Nicky Byrne podcast this week, Martin was asked if he'd be taking part in Sport Aid next May. He replied cryptically: 'I think, already, I know I'm filming next year. This will be a pretty good one this next show.' Pressed by Nicky for an exclusive, Martin stayed tight-lipped: 'Not on this one... But I think most people can have a guess, though.' Meanwhile, Adrian appeared on Radio Ulster on Wednesday and also hinted at the show's return. The actor said: 'We're all keeping our fingers crossed, just waiting on the BBC to make an announcement. 'I know Jed's working away. And I know me and Vicky and Martin really want to do it. So hopefully next year we'll be back in Belfast and rattling around the town making a nuisance of ourselves. 'The wheel is turning on that. It's just down to the BBC to make an announcement.' In April, The Sun reported that the show's three leads - Martin, Adrian and Vicky McClure - had finally managed to align their jam-packed schedules, and are expected to begin filming a six-part series in the spring. The drama, which follows AC-12, an anti-corruption unit investigating coppers, has been a smash hit since it first aired in 2012, regularly drawing more than 10 million viewers. The news will thrill fans left disappointed by the controversial ending of series six in 2021, when bumbling Det Supt Ian Buckells (Nigel Boyle) was unmasked as 'H' - the shadowy criminal mastermind behind the police corruption. Speculation about a return has been swirling since 2022, when it was first reported that a comeback could be on the cards. Martin previously opened up on the possibility of a new series of Line Of Duty, as he admitted he'd 'like to pull his waistcoat out again'. In an interview with The Times, Martin was asked the question on everyone's minds, and hinted that viewers could be in luck. He reasoned: 'I just don't know. I'm busy next year. Vicky's ridiculously busy, so's Adrian. If there's a story Jed (Mercurio) wants to tell, he'll come to us. 'As soon as there's some news, we'll let you know, but right now there's nothing there. I'd like to pull my waistcoat out again.' Martin joked: 'I like a waistcoat but I can't wear them now; it's like putting on Steve's character.' The actor, who starred on the show between 2012 and 2021, also dropped another hint during his previous appearance on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X. At the time, host Chris, 50, asked the question on everyone's lips to find out if it's coming back any time soon. Throwing another hint, Martin replied: 'I love that people ask and the love that people have. 'When people stop asking about it, it'll be a sad day. I do love that, but you don't want to give fans false hope because people get excited. He added: 'We're not planning anything immediately. We'd love to do another one at some point, but we're all working next year on other stuff.' Chris joked: 'Well, stop working on other stuff, stop being so selfish.'
