Latest news with #MorayCouncil
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Film crews descend on Scots castle as they shoot new Hollywood movie with A-list cast
The famous director has reunited with some old pals LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Film crews descend on Scots castle as they shoot new Hollywood movie with A-list cast Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FILMING on Hollywood A-lister Matt Damon's new blockbuster is about to begin at the ruins of a remote coastal fort. The Bourne franchise star, 54, plays an exiled king trying to get back home in The Odyssey — with Findlater Castle in Aberdeenshire doubling for ancient Greece. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Director Sir Christopher Nolan has reunited with Matt Damon for the flick Credit: Jasperimage 3 Film crews have shut down Findlater Castle for upcoming fantasy epic The Odyssey Credit: Jasperimage 3 The historic ruins will double for ancient Greece Credit: Jasperimage He is reuniting with director Sir Christopher Nolan for the adaptation of the legend due for release next summer. Big names Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron have also been linked to the project. A source said: 'It's a massive deal. 'The castle is closed to the public for weeks. 'Work on the sets has already started but it'll take more than set dressing to turn the North Sea into the Mediterranean. 'We've been told there could more than 500 people on set during filming.' Damon plays king of Ithaca Odysseus as he tries to get back to wife Penelope and son Telemachus after becoming stuck after fighting in the Trojan War. The film is based on the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer and follows the hero as he runs into a giant cyclops, mermaids and a witch. It is believed Nolan will shoot scenes at 13th-century Findlater Castle and at other locations in Moray, including Cullen and Buckie. Road diversions are in place around the landmark until late next month. Trailer for Christopher Nolan's latest war epic Oppenheimer The first historical reference to Findlater Castle comes from 1246. Around two decades later it was conquered by the vikings before being rebuilt in the 1400s. It changed hands before an army sent by Mary, Queen of Scots seized it and returned it to historic owners Clan Ogilvy. Moray Council is keeping details of shoot locations a secret. A spokesman said: 'The support we provide through our film liaison service is confidential.' The Odyssey set for release in July 2026 is poised to become Nolan's most expensive. Filming began in February in Morocco, Greece and Italian island Sicily. Damon appeared in his sci-fi thriller Interstellar and last worked with the filmmaker on Oppenheimer, which won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy two years ago.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
The local council trying to recruit a teacher for more than six years
A local council has been trying to recruit a teacher for a remote island primary school for more than six years, according to new figures. The Scottish Liberal Democrats said data they uncovered shows that local authorities have had to readvertise more than 1,350 teaching posts in the last two years. This includes a primary school teacher position on Papa Westray – one of the smallest islands in Orkney – which, at the time the request for information was made, had been vacant since the end of March 2019. Figures released by councils show 692 teaching positions had to be readvertised in 2022-23, with a further 665 posts needed to be advertised again in 2023-24. The Lib Dems said the data, uncovered using freedom of information laws, shows Moray Council has had to readvertise 252 teaching roles over the past two years, while Aberdeen has had to readvertise 206, Shetland 90, and Argyll and Bute 70. Highland Council has had to readvertise 62 teaching posts, according to the data, just ahead of Dumfries and Galloway where the total was 61. In addition, the party noted that Western Isles Council has advertised a PE teacher role nine times, while a post for a home economics teacher in Aberdeen was advertised six times – with East Ayrshire Council also adverting a teaching post six times. Lib Dem education spokesman Willie Rennie said action is needed to 'make teaching an attractive role if we are to tackle these shortfalls'. He said: 'Qualified teachers are enduring years of short-term, zero hours contracts yet some schools are advertising roles over and over again without success. 'This data suggests that there are acute shortages in rural areas and in key subjects like maths. 'Terrible workforce planning has resulted in missed opportunities for so many young people and so many teachers too. If we want every young person to reach their potential, they need teachers who can inform and inspire.' He said the Lib Dems would introduce three-year packages for probationer teachers 'who are willing to take on hard-to-fill roles', and would also bring in 'teacher premiums' in a bid to 'reward the best teachers in schools with the greatest need'. However he warned: 'No-one believes education is high up the SNP's agenda. That's why we need a change of government to get Scottish education back to its best.' A spokesperson for local government body Cosla accepted there are 'long standing recruitment and retention challenges in remote, rural and island areas, and in some secondary school subjects'. The spokesperson said: 'Local authorities work hard to fill vacancies to meet the needs of learners in all areas of Scotland, but there are challenges. 'For example, we know that newly qualified teachers tend to seek posts within the central belt of Scotland. 'Many of the areas which struggle to recruit teachers are beautiful and exciting areas of the country to work in, with unique opportunities for learning and development. 'Cosla and Scottish Government have committed to working together on medium and long-term joint workforce planning, taking into account the importance of responding to issues in a way which addresses differing local needs.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The number of teachers in Scotland's classrooms has increased by more than 2,500 over the past decade as a result of direct funding from the Scottish Government, with the number in permanent posts remaining stable at more than 80% over this period. 'However, we are working hard to ensure that teaching remains an attractive profession, with Scotland's teachers continuing to be the best paid in the UK, and our teaching bursary scheme provides funding to career-changers wishing to undertake a teaching degree in the hardest to fill subjects. 'Ministers have been clear they are laser-focused on improving education and supporting Scotland's teachers. That is why we are providing councils with £186.5 million this year to increase teacher numbers, and why ministers continue to engage regularly with local government and teaching unions. 'The Education Secretary also met School Leaders Scotland this week and agreed to host a roundtable with them, the General Teaching Council for Scotland, Cosla and other professional associations to discuss challenges around teacher recruitment in more detail.'
STV News
5 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Knuckle dusters, claw hammers and baseball bats used by pupils in school staff attacks
A warning of an 'epidemic of classroom violence' across the country has been issued, after pupils attacked Moray school staff more than 500 times this year. An FOI from the Scottish Conservatives revealed 1,142 violent incidents towards staff were recorded last year, with a further 1,275 occurring in 2023. Some of the assaults, which took place across the region, involved knives, claw hammers, knuckle dusters and baseball bats. The new figures released by Moray Council come as violence against teachers in Aberdeen schools saw a 25% rise in the past year. Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Tim Eagle, believes there has been a 'breakdown of discipline' and criticised the government's approach when it comes to supporting teachers. He said: 'Teachers need to be given additional support to ensure they feel safe to carry out their duties in the classroom but not enough is being given. 'Across Moray, children deserve to learn in environments free from violence and disruption, and our teachers deserve to be protected from such horrifying incidents. 'The Scottish Government's priority should be giving every child in Scotland the opportunity to succeed in life and that starts with reducing classroom violence, protecting teacher numbers, and driving up standards to benefit Moray's future generation.' Moray Council says it 'takes the safety and wellbeing of all staff extremely seriously' and that they're 'actively working to address these challenges'. A spokesperson said: 'To support staff in their handling of an incident, and reduce incidents of violence, Moray Council has implemented enhanced reporting and monitoring; staff support and training; positive behaviour frameworks, including the CALM theory approach; targeted interventions; partnership working – working closely with parents, carers, Police Scotland, trade unions and community partners to ensure a coordinated response to behavioural issues both in and out of school. 'Since introducing this approach and changes to our Additional Support Needs offer, we have seen positive impacts and an overall reduction in violent and aggressive behaviour across our settings. 'While violent and abusive behaviour towards staff or pupils is completely unacceptable, understanding the context of the number of incidents is important. We're committed to creating safe, respectful learning environments and will continue to support our schools and staff with the resources and strategies they need to ensure that every school in Moray is a safe place to learn and work.' A Scottish Government spokesperson added: 'Violence or abusive behaviour in our schools is completely unacceptable – it is important that schools are safe environments for staff and pupils alike. 'We are providing support and direction at a national level through our Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan. We have been working with a range of partners on new guidance on fostering positive, inclusive and safe school environment, including the use of consequences, which we will publish before the end of the school term. 'Local authorities have the statutory responsibility for delivery of education in Scotland and therefore are expected to implement this guidance at a local level.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
21-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Moray Council insists Buckie High School is safe after concerns
Moray Council has insisted Buckie High School remains a safe environment for pupils and staff after photos were posted online appearing to show it in a poor local authority said improvement work was ongoing and issues were being media posts of the secondary in a state of disrepair have been uploaded in recent days, with one parent saying the picures were a "massive concern".However, in a statement, council leader Kathleen Robertson said some of the damage shown was from storms in 2024, and that those specific issues were addressed at the time and had since been resolved. Stephen Birtwistle has a son at the school - as well as a son and daughter who will be moving up soon. He told BBC Scotland News: "Nobody wants to stress about their kids having to go into a school which is unsafe. "From the look of the pictures and the stories I am being told it is a massive concern as a parent, you just do not want that phone call saying something has happened to your child. "Our kids deserve better, it is not acceptable to have them at a school in that condition." Parents have long campaigned for an improved school to be built in its place but Moray Council said "work towards a long-term solution" was ongoing. Council leader Ms Robertson said: "We are aware of recent posts and photographs circulating online about the condition of Buckie High School and understand that parents, carers, and members of the community may feel concerned and upset by what they are seeing and reading online."While some current concerns have already been identified by both the council and the school, our maintenance teams are addressing them where appropriate."Any urgent matters are responded to as a priority."
Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- Press and Journal
I took a ride on m.connect's new Elgin bus route and found out why the service is valued by passengers
After many sightings of 'Bus Lightyear' around Elgin, I wondered if Moray Council's new bus had a name. It doesn't – yet, but that didn't stop me from a taking a ride on the new 334 service around the north of the town. The new link is part of a council mission to address an 'unmet demand' for more bus services in Elgin and beyond. A number of years ago campaigners were unsuccessful in their fight to keep a circular route around the town, but this month has marked the return of a town centre access route. I began my trip on Service 334 which, as part of phase two, completes a north Elgin loop before journeying off to Lhanbryde, Garmouth and Kingston. A quick honk from the driver and we're soon pulling out of the bus station at 9.25am to twist and wind our way down past Tesco. It's a beautiful day to be on any of services, which now includes the 333 to Burghead, Lossiemouth and Hopeman and a revised timetable for the 309 service between Cullen, Buckie and Keith. Unlike the on-demand service, which is booked through an app, these timetabled services operate to a more rigorous timetable. This is helpful for some in being able to nip in and out of town more quickly. I'm joined on my journey out of the town centre by a passenger returning from an early trip to the butchers. She tells me 'use it or lose it' is the prevailing attitude for passengers on the new north circular. Which is a healthy mindset, given the council likely wouldn't choose to drive an empty bus continually around town. As we trundle round sunny Larch Court and through Hamilton Gardens, I became acutely aware of the benefits this link provides to those in need. The bus has wheelchair access, and can be lowered to help those with mobility issues get on and off. There is no dedicated spot for bicycles, but I'm sure there wouldn't be a problem with them as long as the cyclist takes responsibility for pinning it down. But beyond this, the service is valued by those who tend to get 'stuck in the house' to be able to get out and about. For one passenger, she found her walk into town 'not that pleasant' and the new service 'goes all the places I want to go.' After passing Elgin Academy, we are on our way to the hospital. The service, while a circular for those in north Elgin, doesn't feel like I'm travelling too far out of the way and the route is not a million miles from the roads I'd take to travel by car myself. Those who travel the new Elgin bus route regularly are offered a 10-journey ticket, which gives a discount on single journeys and can be used anytime on m-connect. The ticket prices, while more expensive than I'd prefer, are 'way cheaper' than a taxi for the same trip, I'm told. This was from a regular taxi user who was on his second 334 service trip after his daughter had told him of the new bus. I'm a typical walker or cyclist around town myself but if taxi or bus were my only two options, I'd be on the bus every time. However, many of the passengers on today's trip were concession fares and this is the usual for many users on the 334. If you're getting it for free – why not use it, I thought as we join the A96 back into town. Our driver, Karen Richards, has been working on roads all over Europe for 32 years. She spoke of her experience on the road from trucking on mainland European tarmac to serving the bus passengers of Moray. She reveals recent review of herself as a driver is one who can put 'a smile on a grumpy Scotsman's face at 7.40am in the morning.' Karen is happy to be serving a previously under-represented area of Elgin, despite a slight change to her typical bus driving schedule with However, she points out that she's been caught out by parked cars on her bus stops. Sure enough, as we pass round the Moray Leisure Centre entrance, the bus stop is blocked off by two cars. 'There's not been a bus round there for so long, so people have just got used to parking wherever,' Karen said. She says two or three cars can be seen filling the Leisure Centre stop on most days driving the route. On return to the bus station in a little under 35 minutes, my experience points towards a positive start for second phase. Current plans will see it expand further with Elgin-Speyside routes and weekend on-demand services later this summer. Chairman of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Marc Macrae, said use of the new bus service in Elgin was 'great to see.' He said the council have 'listened to what communities asked for' in choosing in routes and stops. Mr Macrae added: 'The launch of phase two of the service is a big step forward in our commitment to improving public transport across Moray. 'These new routes aren't just about travel, they're about helping people get to work, school, healthcare, and other key services more easily.' He added he was 'really looking forward' to the upcoming services between Speyside and Elgin coming this summer. A timetable for the new bus service in Elgin is available online HERE.
