Latest news with #MichaelSchofield
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Most popular holiday destinations for Scots revealed – but there's a warning for travellers as ‘busiest day' approaches
The top holiday picks have been revealed for those seeking guaranteed sun, outstanding food, culture and natural beauty HOT TICKET Most popular holiday destinations for Scots revealed – but there's a warning for travellers as 'busiest day' approaches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE most popular destinations for Scots holidaymakers this summer have been revealed - and Spanish hotspots took first place. Taking the prime spot was Malaga and Alicante in Spain for those seeking guaranteed sun, outstanding food, culture and natural beauty - closely followed by Faro in Portugal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Alicante in Spain took joint top spot with Malaga Credit: Alamy 2 September 5 is set to be the busiest day for Scotland's airports Credit: Michael Schofield Other popular destinations included Palma de Mallorca, Rhodes, Tenerife, Antalya and Dalaman. The new report by easyJet Holidays also found Edinburgh and Belfast were said to be the most popular domestic destinations for Scots holidaying closer to home or visiting family. However, those planning a sunny getaway have been warned as Scotland's busiest day of the summer for travel is on the horizon. easyJet research found Friday, September 5, is set to be the busiest day for Scotland's airports. The budget airline will see nearly 2,000 flights take off with over 300,000 customers expected to fly. This includes 180 flights carrying a whopping 28,000 customers to and from Scotland alone. This year, the airline launched eight new summer routes Scotland, including Antalya and Reus from Glasgow, and Enfidha, Dusseldorf, Zurich, Olbia, Marrakech, and Milan Linate from Edinburgh. Sophie Dekkers, easyJet's Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Every year, millions of customers continue to choose easyJet for the unrivalled choice of destinations we offer across our network, our great value fares and our crew's fantastic service. 'And this year with more seats and more new routes, we're offering more choice for customers than ever before, and we look forward to taking them away for a well-deserved holiday, always aiming to make travel easy.' The new data comes as Glasgow Airport was named as the best in the UK and another Scots hub was named in the top 10. The airport was hailed as the first choice for fast and affordable travel. Sould Park opening in Malaga Travel experts analysed air hubs across the UK, comparing the best and worst for average flights per day, average delays, cancelled flights, and flights delayed by 30 minutes or more. Staff at the ground transport firm hoppa also took into account the number of airport links, lounges, parking cost per day and scored the airports out of 10. With a rating of 9.21 out of 10, Glasgow Airport came out on top, The study found the airport has around 158 arrivals and departures per day, with an average flight delay time of 9.6 minutes.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
OAP couple at war with Scots council over garden in fresh battle over home
Last April, Des was given 28 days to remove 'all property and fencing'. STANDING GROUND OAP couple at war with Scots council over garden in fresh battle over home Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COUPLE vowed to stand their ground after stopping council officials tearing down the garden they have tended for 55 years. We told how Des and Jeanette Connor were stunned to learn they do not own their cherished plot. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Workers turned up earlier this month to remove all property and fencing Credit: Michael Schofield 2 The garden holds cherished memories for Des and his wife, Jeanette Credit: Michael Schofield And they stood firm when landscapers arrived earlier this month to rip it up after a legal row. Great-grandad Des, 80, of Cumbernauld, said: 'They came to demolish the fence and the patio, cut down the tree, take away the hut and sow down grass. "I explained I'd been here for 55 years.' The bemused workers then made a call and an official showed up to talk to Des. He said: 'It's quite disturbing.' Tensions first arose in May 2023 when former roofer Des refused contractors access to the back garden to fix a leak at his neighbours' property. Two months later North Lanarkshire Council told him it owned the patch of ground. A sheriff in Airdrie sided with the local authority. Last April Des was given 28 days to remove 'all property and fencing'. North Lanarkshire Council said: 'We noted the sheriff's ruling. Our officers and contractors attended the property but were denied entry. 'We can't comment further on ongoing legal matters.' I'm being forced to tear down my loft conversion - my neighbours call it a 'monstrosity' but I'm going to fight back It comes after we told how Lewis Capaldi is locked in a battle with his neighbours over plans for a new fence. The Someone You Loved singer, 28, hopes to beef up privacy with a 6ft-high wooden barrier around the grounds of his farmhouse, near Glasgow. But resident Adam Dunwoodie has objected to the star's planning application claiming an existing fence has already had a 'significant adverse impact' on his home life. He said he understands Lewis's 'desire for security and privacy' but argued the height of the proposed partition would be 'oppressive'.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I tried the ‘secret' Greggs menu items only available in Scotland – as reason for local items revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GREGGS fans are only just realising that there is a secret menu only available in Scotland. Everyone is familiar with the classic sausage roll or cheese and onion pasty but did you know the Empire Biscuit is only available north of the border? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Scottish Sun man Jordan Tennant taste tests the Scottish Greggs menu Credit: Michael Schofield 6 Some of the items include Scotch Pies, Empire Biscuits and Apple Danishes Credit: Michael Schofield A Greggs spokesperson lifted the lid on the regional favourites after it was revealed that Scotland had the most local items. They said: "Historically, our regional bakeries had responsibility for making their own products, which resulted in some local Greggs delicacies. "Some of these were so popular that as the business has grown, we are still selling them today." Elsewhere in the UK, Meat and Potato Pies can only be scoffed in Manchester while the London Cheesecake can be purchased in the southeast of England. We previously revealed that customers were left heartbroken after a much-loved staple was axed, however there are plenty of other mouthwatering treats. And Scottish Sun man JORDAN TENNANT was crust the man to try out the Scottish offerings. SCOTCH PIE I'VE eaten more Scotch Pies over the years than I care to remember. And Greggs is definitely up there with the best for its generous filling. The crust is crisp and the meat is mouthwatering with a stunning spice. Only available in Scotland, the northeast of England has Savoury Mince Pie - we'll stick with the real thing. 6 The Scotch Pie has a golden crust and is filled with stunning Credit: Michael Schofield PINEAPPLE CAKE IT wasn't just a burst of flavour I got from these sweet treats. The Pineapple cake also brought back a burst of nostalgia from devouring them as a kid. Our neighbours to the south are missing out on its rich cream filling on top of a sweet pineapple jam. 6 The Pineapple Cake is a fan favourite for its sweet and rich filling Credit: Michael Schofield EMPIRE BISCUIT THEY say everyday is a school day and this was certainly the case when I discovered the Empire Biscuit originated in Scotland. I'm told these are also available in the northeast of England. SCOTLAND REGIONAL ITEMS Bloomers Scotch Pie Empire Biscuit Fruit Scone French Fancy Pineapple Cake Devon Doughnut Jumbo Choc Ring Doughnut Vanilla Doughnut Apple Danish If you've never crossed paths with this mouthwatering treat, there's jam in the middle and a cherry on the top. 6 The Empire Biscuit is a golden biscuit with jam, icing and a cherry Credit: Michael Schofield APPLE DANISH THERE'S nothing Scottish about the name but that didn't bother me one bit. When I think of a Danish pastry, I think of a flaky croissant-type texture. But this was spongy and sweet and was perfect with a cup of coffee. 6 The Apple Danish is sticky and pairs well with a cup of coffee Credit: Michael Schofield UK'S REGIONAL ITEM Stotties – North East Savoury Mince Pie – North East Meat and Potato Bake – Manchester Corned Beef Bake – West, North East, Leeds, Wales Bread Pudding – South Choc Flake Cake – Wales Peach Melba – North East Custard Tart – West Cheese Scone – North East London Cheesecake – South East Pink Iced Finger – North East Tottenham Cake – South East Welsh Cake – Wales
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Rideshare apps have turned our city into the wild west – it's making the roads more dangerous and destroying our trade
They lifted the lid on some of the dangerous acts being caused by the situation CALL FOR ACTION Rideshare apps have turned our city into the wild west – it's making the roads more dangerous and destroying our trade Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TAXI Drivers in Edinburgh have told how their streets have been turned into the 'wild west' by 'out of control' private hire numbers. The capital's cabbies say they are being forced off the road as they struggle to compete with rideshare apps and a surging number of drivers working on them. 13 Edinburgh taxi driver Keith Auld said the number of private hire cars on the road are making the city streets more dangerous Credit: Michael Schofield 13 Private hire driver Stewart Livingston wants the numbers brought down to stop bad working practices by rideshares Credit: Michael Schofield 13 Dozens of taxi drivers gathered to protest in Edinburgh Credit: Michael Schofield 13 Black cabs lined the Royal Mile last week Credit: Michael Schofield 13 Keith hands his petition to Edinburgh's Lord Provost Credit: Michael Schofield Thousands of private hire cars on apps like Uber and Bolt have taken to the roads in Edinburgh in recent years compared to just over 1,000 black cabs. Dozens of cab drivers gathered outside the city chambers to demand action from Edinburgh Council. They claim Edinburgh's streets have been taken over by private hires, with 3,002 drivers against 1,100 black cabs, which has hammered their trade. Taxi driver Keith Auld, 44, presented the petition to Edinburgh's Lord Provost calling for a cap on the number and an overprovision survey to properly look into the problem. He said: 'The petition was raised just out of pure experience in working day shift, night shift as a black cab taxi driver. 'I was seeing so many private hires loitering about the streets, competing for the same spoils as what I was doing. 'When I was driving along the road I would see private hire car after private hire car and then you see a black cab. And then I'd think to myself, sometimes it would be ten private hire cars. 'What's going on here? So after a few conversations and association meetings and union meetings, seeing all these different things, I thought we'd maybe try and investigate what the statistics were in terms of what we were competing against. 'Our pockets are getting hit, absolutely. Black cab trade and the private hires, we're working longer hours for the same money we were earning before, so the current trajectory is going to make it really, really hard to be in the trade for any longer.' But their trade being decimated isn't the only fear these drivers have, they claim dangerous working practices in the private hire industry are putting the public at risk, with drivers working long hours and performing dangerous manoeuvres on the road. Shocking moment passenger hurls herself out of moving Uber to avoid paying £1.40 fare Keith added: 'We were just talking with some of the private hire representatives, they're saying that the practices engaged there are making it unsafe for the public because of the amount of hours guys are having to work. 'What we are seeing is, we're seeing guys making really bad manoeuvres, dangerous manoeuvres, questionable manoeuvres. 'We're seeing people being picked up out of the street illegally, unbooked jobs out of private hire cars, which again, you're breaching your licence conditions, it's against the law, but it seems to be prevalent in Edinburgh right now. "You're seeing guys going up one-way roads, you're seeing guys going no right turns, you're just making really bad, unsafe driving decisions.' And the concerns are shared by Edinburgh's private hire drivers who also want to see a cap on their own numbers. Stewart Livingston, the Edinburgh convener of the Scottish Private Hire Association said some people are having to work up to 18 hours a day just to make a living because there are too many drivers on the road. 13 The protest was held outside the city chambers Credit: Michael Schofield 13 David Horsburgh, Clerk for the Assoc of Hackney Carriage Drivers of the City of Edinburgh Credit: Michael Schofield 13 Taxi drivers say they cannot compete with the surge in trade Credit: Michael Schofield 13 They have called for more barriers to be brought in to be a private hire driver Credit: Michael Schofield 13 They also want an overprovision survey and a cap on numbers Credit: Michael Schofield The driver, 36, added that some people are having to sleep in their cars and a drop in standards is putting people in danger. He said: 'So there's a lot of guys that are doing an extra two, three, four hours on their shift than they used to do to make the same amount of money, which is obviously due to there being increased competition. And that's a public safety risk and that's the approach that we've come at this from the whole time. 'You've got guys working, multi-apping, working on lots of different apps, working full hours on one, jumping on to the next afterwards, working 16, 17, 18 hour shifts, sleeping in their cars. 'If you've got drivers working 16, 17, 18 hour shifts, it's a public safety risk.' What do the cabbies think? OUR reporter spoke to some Edinburgh cab drivers at the protest to ask about their experience on the city's roads. Greig Cockburn has been on the roads for around 20 years and reckons more barriers should be in place for people to become private hire drivers. He said: "On an everyday basis we see a lot of activity from private hire. On the flip side we also see a lot of sedentary activity from private hire sitting at the side of the road. "To be a private hire driver in Scotland is generally quite a low barrier to entry. And because of that low barrier to entry, the standards fall. "With the excessive numbers of private hire, earnings are reduced and when earnings are reduced, standards fall. "And that's why it's of crucial benefit, not just to both the taxi and private hire trade, but to the travelling public that these numbers come down so standards can be improved." Taxi driver John Somerville added: "It's impacting us a lot, work wise we're having to work longer hours to try and make the money, our overheads are very expensive on these black cabs as we have to buy proper taxis as opposed to just using a normal car, so overall our overheads are going up and our money's going down. "It's even been noticed that they're going the wrong way down one way streets, They're doing right turns where they're not allowed, they're going in bus lanes, they're basically pulling in front of people, speed along, the guys are in a hurry to get the job over and done with because they're getting paid so little by Uber." Cabbie Joe Robbins has been driving his taxi for 28 years. He said: "Over the last few years, we've seen less and less business. There's a lot of tourists but it doesn't translate into extra taxi journeys because the work is more diluted. "We're looking at three times the number of private hire than what there is black cabs and it's just diluting the work incredibly. And what have you seen the impact on the taxi trade? "We lose a lot of drivers because they can't make a living. There used to be 1,300 black cabs, now we're down to 1,102. "With inflation and our overheads we're now just about making minimum wage." He added that bad working practices have turned the city's streets into the 'wild west' and called for more barriers into their industry. Stewart said: 'We've also asked for increased standards of barriers of entry into the trade. And we're asking for increased enforcement, because there's no enforcement officers out there. And it's the Wild West out there, there's all sorts of stuff going on. 'There's a lot going on in the private hire industry. Whether that can be from the bare minimum that you have a dress code. Those standards are dropping, every day you'll see that. 'You just need to sit at the airport for 10 minutes. Standard of vehicles, cleanliness of vehicles, showing your license badge when you're working. 'All these things, and going to as far extremes as dangerous and reckless driving. Working longer hours than you should be.' "You're seeing guys going up one-way roads, you're seeing guys going no right turns, you're just making really bad, unsafe driving decisions." Keith Auld Adding to the calls for a cap, David Horsburgh, 52, the Edinburgh Clerk for the Edinburgh Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers said the number of private hires has 'exploded' and made it impossible for them to compete. He said: 'The impact we're seeing is we get the same amount of work but there's more numbers bidding for those jobs. It has a lot of impact on not only ourselves but the Private Hire drivers because everybody's trying to get the same jobs and the constant increase in licence plates by the council is unsustainable. 'It's been a long time issue but it's just in the recent years. the numbers have exploded and it's just now that we've found our voice and it's enough, it's enough. 'It's not only the black cab trade, it's the Private Hire industry. They're also screaming out for a cap because they're feeling the effects of these numbers coming out. 13 Greig Cockburn wants more standards in place for people driving private hire cars Credit: Michael Schofield 13 Joe Robbins said the taxis are barely keeping their heads above water because of the explosion in numbers Credit: Michael Schofield 13 John Somerville has witnessed dangerous driving on the road Credit: Michael Schofield 'Guys are struggling to make their living. They've got to pay their dues to the companies they get their jobs from. 'Just like ourselves, we're finding our ranks drying up because people are using apps. 'It all comes down to one business and it's only one business that's benefitting from these numbers and that's a multi-corps who use the numbers to constantly cut their prices.' Keith, David and Stewart met with council officials after handing over the petition and said their meeting was productive. Councillor Neil Ross, Edinburgh Council's regulatory convener, said: 'We regularly review the number of PHCs in the city, most recently in January 2025. 'We have received a petition on this issue, and it will be addressed under the council's petition process. 'The council maintains regular contact with the relevant trade groups and will continue to listen to their broader feedback.' 'You've got guys working, multi-apping, working on lots of different apps, working full hours on one, jumping on to the next afterwards, working 16, 17, 18 hour shifts, sleeping in their cars." Stewart Livingston A spokesperson for Uber said: 'Private hire vehicles provide good earning opportunities for local drivers, give passengers greater transport options and support local businesses, in particular in the night time economy. 'All drivers have access to industry leading worker rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through GMB Union. Passengers are able to count on a safe trip through a range of industry-leading safety features.' And a spokesperson for Bolt added: "Black cabs, private hire vehicles, and all other modes of transport - including public transport - each play an important role in helping people in Edinburgh get around. "Private hire vehicles aren't here to replace black cabs, but offer an additional option for passengers whilst creating even more flexible earning opportunities for local drivers. "Drivers and passengers are at the heart of what we do, and we support a balanced system that works for everyone. "We are the only operator that enables drivers to set their own minimum pricing per mile and also take advantage of dynamic pricing. "All drivers also receive holiday pay and monetary supplements to ensure they earn at least the national living wage, alongside a pension. Feedback is important to us, and we continue to engage with local forums directly."
Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Incredible moment TRNSMT revellers belt out iconic tune while leaving Glasgow Green
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAY two of the TRNSMT festival well and truly brought the party. But just because the last song had been played didn't mean the festivities were over. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Thousands of fans belted out the iconic tune Credit: The Scottish Sun 4 Biffy Clyro had just finished their epic main stage set Credit: Michael Schofield 4 Thousands of fans braved 32C to enjoy TRNSMT yesterday Credit: Michael Schofield Biffy Clyro had just finished their sensational closing set on the TRNSMT main stage. A chorus of thousands of fans sang along as they ended with their classic hit Many of Horror, accompanied by fireworks over the festival area. As the music ended and people started to leave, event staff gave them a song to walk out to. In almost no time at all, Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli began blaring through the speakers. Almost every single one of the music lovers in the park recognised the 1967 belter. As the legendary sound of the chorus started, the thousands of exiting music lovers started to sing. Scores of people belted out the lyrics in joyous scenes to end the second day of TRNSMT. One festival-goer said: "Hearing everyone singing while walking out was amazing. "It's one of those songs that everyone knows. The atmosphere was so infectious that you just ended up singing. "The Biffy set was class so to follow it up with that was just the perfect end to the day." Biffy Clyro move mountains during sensational main stage set at TRNSMT with fireworks and confetti The second day of TRNSMT was a huge success for music fans. They were treated to epic sets by Sigrid and Fontaines D.C. on the main stage. Homegrown music legend Amy Macdonald also played the secret set at the festival. The festival was also hit with a scorching 32C heat, in one of the hottest days Scotland has seen in YEARS. Stewards were wandering the crowd handing out cups of water. While others were at the front of the stage spraying water onto crowds in the pens to keep them cool. Welfare stations with water and sun cream were also set up to help protect revellers from the heat. More good weather is expected today, with temperatures expected to reach 26C amid the sizzling heatwave blasting Scotland. It will make summer conditions for the crowds to enjoy acts like bumper acts like Gracie Abrams, Jade, Myles Smith and Tom Walker. Indie rock icons Snow Patrol are set to close out the final day of TRNSMT 2025 with their headlining main stage set tonight.
