Latest news with #Muriel
The Herald Scotland
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scots rep at the Beeb has horror of cannae Scots
An Observer article from 2001 describes her at that time as having bristling bleached hair, 'an inquisitive face and a mouthful of insults'. It added: 'Even her Scottish accent seemed bracingly unemollient.' Unemollient, aye. For long, she was a bit Channel 4. Now she's maybe more Radio 4, perhaps even Classic FM. Happens to us all. Muriel was once sceptical of the Glorious Union with England before voting for it in 2014. She was the first female Rector of Embra Yoonie and first female chair of the board of governors at Glasgow School of Art. First, though, she was born on 30 August 1958 in the international leisure resort of East Kilbride. In 1966, she presented The Wondering Jew, a Channel 4 documentary tracing Jewish roots on her mother's side to Moldova. After graduating from Glasgow School of Art, she worked as a professional illustrator and then assistant head of design in the National Museum of Antiquities. Heavily influenced by The Sound of Music, she joined psychedelic punk band The Family Von Trapp before becoming, in 1982, a presenter on the aforementioned Tube. Other gigs included ITV Border show Bliss, Frocks on the Box, The Media Show and The Munro Show, aboot big hills an' that. Yet more TV programmes included Ride On, a motoring magazine show for Channel 4, the BBC's Design Awards, and the Booker Prize awards for Channel 4. Art Is Dead – Long Live TV, supposedly covering the work of five artists, sparked controversy when it was revealed to be a spoof. ROYAL APPROVAL GRAY has written columns for Time Out, the Sunday Herald and The Guardian but became a proper writer and best-selling horror novelist with publication of The Trickster (1994). This was followed by Furnace (1996) and The Ancient (2000). Stephen King described the latter as 'scary and unputdownable'. The action takes place on a trash-transporting supertanker whose fetid holds contain a right bad monster. Oooh! But why horror, for pity's sake? She's not as ashamed of it as she should be: 'I know it's usually a male thing, but I've loved horror since I was nine or 10,' she told the Observer. Her horror is grounded in everyday life: 'There's nothing more frightening than your safe haven being threatened by something dark.' Terrible way to speak about Jehovah's Witnesses. Her non-fiction includes The First Fifty – Munro Bagging Without A Beard and a history of Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. She started her own production company in 1989, originally named Gallus Besom, becoming Ideal World in 1993, but merging in 2004 with Wark Clements to form IWC Media, which was then sold to RDF Media. Do keep up. In 2007, she caused a furore when, on becoming 'ambassador' for a Scottish tourist organisation, she claimed incredibly that Scotland is blighted by 'rowdy, horrible, frightening drunks', 'grumpy unhelpful service', graffiti and vandal-infested streets. Never heard the like. Except in my own mind. It was time, she said, for Scots to adopt a more enthusiastic, can-do attitude when it comes to welcoming visitors. Whae, us? The cannae Scots? Muriel's considered remarks prompted one tourism expert in Scotland to engage in whataboutery, averring that places like Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and York were worse. Crivvens, we can't even come first at being obnoxious. READ MORE: Robert McNeil: I detest yon Romans but I dig excavating their wee fortlets RAB MCNEIL'S SCOTTISH ICONS: John Knox – the fiery preacher whose pal got burnt at the stake Rab McNeil: All this talk about celebs and their neuroses is getting on my nerves WORK OF ART IN 2018, she was made to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and, in 2021, stepped down as chair of the Glasgow School of Art after eight years, saying that it had been 'the greatest honour', yada-yada. During her time, the Rennie Macintosh-designed school was hit twice by major fires. After the second, the board faced criticism over its stewardship of the building, and Gray appeared before a Scottish parliamentary inquiry in 2018 to defend its role. In 2022, she was appointed to represent Scotland on the Board of the BBC. Respected former BBC journalist Kenneth Macdonald described the appointment as 'brave' and 'not one that is without risk'. It could 'blow up in the BBC's face', he added culture minister Angus Robertson criticised the UK Government for the usual lack of consultation and for not providing a 'clear rationale' for the appointment. However, Julia Lopez, UK Minister for Media, Data and Digital Doodahs, said Ms Gray had demonstrated energy, enthusiasm and 'clear passion for the BBC'. Just goes to show it takes all MacAskill, former SNP MP, now leader of Alba, said: 'The BBC's reputation for impartiality particularly on Scottish independence is at an all-time low.' "ANTI-ENGLISH RACISM" GRAY notably opposed indie during the 2014 referendum. She'd come a long way constitutionally. In 1989, while rector at Edinburgh, she was accused of 'anti-English racism' by the Sun, a sensitive and delicate newspaper. "How could I hate people I love and work with?" she asked, adding that there was nothing racist about saying England was 'occupying and dominating' Scotland politically and economically. In 2021, responding to a tweet calling her 'pro-Union', Gray said she was 'pro anything that improves lives', adding: 'I'm just, like a lot of people, a bit lost.' Hey, turns out we're members of the same a long time, she 'didn't have the heart' for anger any more. Previously, she'd been confrontational 'just to see what happened', and enjoyed starting fights, 'particularly in print'. Bad idea. Lot of nutters out there. However, certainly 20-odd years ago, she would still get 'flamingly angry', her targets including the Catholic Church and fox-mangling, the peculiar 'sport' in which unhappy-looking hounds tear heavily outnumbered animals apart for the pleasure of aristocrats and social climbers on horseback. She'll still get involved if she sees someone in the street or supermarket behaving badly or abusively. It's called being a good citizen. Maybe X is the place for that now. In a recent post, after walking beside the Kelvin river, she noted 90% of walkers, cyclists and runners wearing headphones. What were they listening to? 'Who are these artists who out-sing hedgerow birds?' Good doesn't believe in yonder God and is disturbed by 'the dark clouds of religious fervour that are closing in again''. She has defined happiness as 'the successful fulfilment of duty' to husband, children, friends, family, while admitting this sounds 'hopelessly old-fashioned'. As do most good things.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Virgin River fans issue plea for unexpected season 7 reunion - and it's more likely than you might think
Netflix series Virgin River already has a star-studded cast, but fans are hoping that a seventh season will see the addition of a new character played by a TV icon The ensemble cast of Virgin River, which includes numerous television stalwarts, could be set to expand with the introduction of a new star in its anticipated seventh season. Devotees of the celebrated Netflix drama, centring on Mel Monroe (portrayed by Alexandra Breckenridge) and her romance with town bar proprietor Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), are eagerly awaiting the forthcoming series. In the interim, fans have been enthusiastically theorising and debating potential plot twists following the mysterious vanishing act of Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley) amidst Mel and Jack's nuptials. One fervent viewer took their theory to Reddit, suggesting a potential addition to the cast, which would also serve as a heartwarming reunion for ex-Stargate SG-1 actress Teryl Rothery, known for her role as Muriel St. Claire. An online discussion was sparked with the query: "Anyone have any particular actors they'd like to see guest star on the show for whatever reason?", reports the Mirror US. "This is purely self-indulgent on my part but since I grew up as a huge Stargate fan I'd love to see Amanda Tapping (Sam Carter) solely to get an onscreen reunion with Teryl Rothery since they were both on SG-1 together lol. "Afaik they're good friends irl too, so I think it'd be cute if they got a bit meta with it and had AT play some old actor friend of Muriel's who visits town for a few episodes." The character of Muriel has been through the wringer recently, grappling with breast cancer, leaving her and those close to her battling the emotional fallout of her illness throughout the previous season. She enjoyed the support of a new romantic relationship with Dr Cameron Hayek (Mark Ghanimé), but sadly, he ended things to reconcile with his former fiancée. Ghanimé is confirmed not to be returning as a regular in season seven, leaving a significant void in Muriel's ongoing storyline. Once again needing a shoulder to lean on, what could be more comforting than the return of an old friend for Muriel - or the introduction of a new one - portrayed by a familiar face? Get Netflix free with Sky from £15 Sky Get the deal here Product Description Not only are the duo still close, but Tapping even resides in Vancouver, where Virgin River is shot. Making a brief guest appearance or even staying on as a recurring character should be no issue for the Stargate legend, who shows no signs of ending her acting career anytime soon. Mel actress Breckenridge recently confirmed that filming for the seventh series will be finished "soon", so we could see more cast additions announced in the coming weeks. Could there be a surprise sci-fi reunion in the next series of Netflix's popular small-town romance? Keep your eyes open. Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
I'm locked in bitter row with neighbour over 12cm gap in privacy fence – now I'm having to sell my home… it's crushing
The feud over the fence has cost one neighbour £20,000 FENCED OFF I'm locked in bitter row with neighbour over 12cm gap in privacy fence – now I'm having to sell my home… it's crushing A WOMAN locked in a bitter row over a 15cm gap in a privacy fence has claimed she is having to sell her home. Muriel Middle, 79, has been battling her neighbour in court since 2023 over a 12cm gap in the boundary fence separating their two back gardens. Advertisement 4 Muriel Middle is locked in a court battle with her neighbour Alexander Miles Credit: Media Wales 4 The feud is centred on a controversial boundary fence Credit: Media Wales Muriel, who lives in Pontyclub, Wales, owes her neighbour Alexander Miles over £13,000 after the court upheld the case in his favour. However, the extra costs associated with the case mean that Muriel now owes nearly £20,000. The 79-year-old is a retired beauty technician and childminder who headed to court under the assumption that she would easily win. However, now, the cost of the court ruling has forced her to sell her house to her daughter to raise some cash. Advertisement Read More on UK News DEADLY DOG ZONES Map reveals UK's 'danger dog' hotspots with 114 hell hounds seized a week The delay in making that payment meant the case appeared back before Cardiff Civil Justice Centre last week which Sam Middle, Ms Middle's daughter, attended in her place. Sam, a firefighter for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'This has absolutely crushed us. "It has left my mother, who has worked all her life, needing to sell her home. "She was too old to remortgage the house so she is in the process of selling the house to me to free up funds. Advertisement "None of this should ever have happened. It's over a small part of a fence.' Alexander had removed part of the fence between the two houses while he was building an extension to his own property. My fence had massive gaps and the neighbours could see right through - an eBay buy gave us instant privacy However, the Middles claimed that he was trying to access a drainpipe which had been theirs before the fence was removed. Disputes between Muriel and Alexander became so heated that the police were called multiple times and she eventually decided to take matters into her own hands. Advertisement Muriel instructed a contractor to fill the gap in the fence with panels, prompting Alexander to hit back by threatening court actions. He claimed that Muriel had inserted panels into his own fence which did not match the other sections in size or colour. The 79-year-old refused to back down, despite being told that the case could cost her "thousands". Both parties claim they tried to come to a resolution outside of court but said it was impossible to reach a solution. Advertisement Mr Miles sought damages for Muriel undermining the foundations of the fence. Meanwhile, they argued that the additional panels provided privacy and security. 4 Ms Middle has been forced to sell her house to her own daughter Credit: Media Wales Sam also claimed that a 12cm gap in the fence still meant that the drainpipe could easily be accessed, though Alexander disputed this. Advertisement In a statement read in court, Muriel said: 'How I find myself in court defending myself I do not understand. 'I have done nothing wrong and broken no laws. 'I've not had the easiest life. 'My first daughter and my husband died and I was left to raise my remaining daughter on my own. Advertisement 'As devastating as that was I can honestly say I have never encountered the stress this has put me under.' Despite spending thousands on a surveyor report, the Middles were told that it was unusable in court since they had claimed that they wouldn't need expert evidence. 4 The fence has a 12cm gap which has caused chaos Credit: Media Wales Sam also claimed her mother was not computer-literate and had struggled through the process with little help from the court. Advertisement In July hearing, it was determined that Mr Miles is the owner of the fence. Ms Middle said it has now left her in a very difficult position. She said: 'I've scrimped and saved all my life. "I've worked 53 years to make sure I could leave Sam a property without a mortgage and this has forced me into a situation where I've lost that. Advertisement 'That really sticks in my throat. 'I've never been in debt in my life to now. I'm so upset about it. It's left me in such a state. 'This whole thing has completely destroyed me. I now don't do anything at all.' When approached by WalesOnline, Mr Miles said the court's judgment was clear and he did not want to be quoted further.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- The Sun
I'm locked in bitter row with neighbour over 12cm gap in privacy fence – now I'm having to sell my home… it's crushing
A WOMAN locked in a bitter row over a 15cm gap in a privacy fence has claimed she is having to sell her home. Muriel Middle, 79, has been battling her neighbour in court since 2023 over a 12cm gap in the boundary fence separating their two back gardens. 4 4 Muriel, who lives in Pontyclub, Wales, owes her neighbour Alexander Miles over £13,000 after the court upheld the case in his favour. However, the extra costs associated with the case mean that Muriel now owes nearly £20,000. The 79-year-old is a retired beauty technician and childminder who headed to court under the assumption that she would easily win. However, now, the cost of the court ruling has forced her to sell her house to her daughter to raise some cash. The delay in making that payment meant the case appeared back before Cardiff Civil Justice Centre last week which Sam Middle, Ms Middle's daughter, attended in her place. Sam, a firefighter for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'This has absolutely crushed us. "It has left my mother, who has worked all her life, needing to sell her home. "She was too old to remortgage the house so she is in the process of selling the house to me to free up funds. "None of this should ever have happened. It's over a small part of a fence.' Alexander had removed part of the fence between the two houses while he was building an extension to his own property. My fence had massive gaps and the neighbours could see right through - an eBay buy gave us instant privacy However, the Middles claimed that he was trying to access a drainpipe which had been theirs before the fence was removed. Disputes between Muriel and Alexander became so heated that the police were called multiple times and she eventually decided to take matters into her own hands. Muriel instructed a contractor to fill the gap in the fence with panels, prompting Alexander to hit back by threatening court actions. He claimed that Muriel had inserted panels into his own fence which did not match the other sections in size or colour. The 79-year-old refused to back down, despite being told that the case could cost her "thousands". Both parties claim they tried to come to a resolution outside of court but said it was impossible to reach a solution. Mr Miles sought damages for Muriel undermining the foundations of the fence. Meanwhile, they argued that the additional panels provided privacy and security. 4 Sam also claimed that a 12cm gap in the fence still meant that the drainpipe could easily be accessed, though Alexander disputed this. In a statement read in court, Muriel said: 'How I find myself in court defending myself I do not understand. 'I have done nothing wrong and broken no laws. 'I've not had the easiest life. 'My first daughter and my husband died and I was left to raise my remaining daughter on my own. 'As devastating as that was I can honestly say I have never encountered the stress this has put me under.' Despite spending thousands on a surveyor report, the Middles were told that it was unusable in court since they had claimed that they wouldn't need expert evidence. 4 Sam also claimed her mother was not computer-literate and had struggled through the process with little help from the court. In July hearing, it was determined that Mr Miles is the owner of the fence. Ms Middle said it has now left her in a very difficult position. She said: 'I've scrimped and saved all my life. "I've worked 53 years to make sure I could leave Sam a property without a mortgage and this has forced me into a situation where I've lost that. 'That really sticks in my throat. 'I've never been in debt in my life to now. I'm so upset about it. It's left me in such a state. 'This whole thing has completely destroyed me. I now don't do anything at all.' When approached by WalesOnline, Mr Miles said the court's judgment was clear and he did not want to be quoted further.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
I'm locked in bitter row with neighbour over 12cm gap in privacy fence – now I'm having to sell my home… it's crushing
A WOMAN locked in a bitter row over a 15cm gap in a privacy fence has claimed she is having to sell her home. Muriel Middle, 79, has been battling her neighbour in court since 2023 over a 12cm gap in the boundary fence separating their two back gardens. 4 Muriel Middle is locked in a court battle with her neighbour Alexander Miles Credit: Media Wales 4 The feud is centred on a controversial boundary fence Credit: Media Wales Muriel, who lives in Pontyclub, However, the extra costs associated with the case mean that Muriel now owes nearly £20,000. The 79-year-old is a retired beauty technician and childminder who headed to court under the assumption that she would easily win. However, now, the cost of the court ruling has forced her to sell her house to her daughter to raise some cash. Read More on UK News The delay in making that payment meant the case appeared back before Cardiff Civil Justice Centre last week which Sam Middle, Ms Middle's daughter, attended in her place. Sam, a firefighter for "It has left my mother, who has worked all her life, needing to sell her home. "She was too old to remortgage the house so she is in the process of selling the house to me to free up funds. Most read in The Sun "None of this should ever have happened. It's over a small part of a fence.' Alexander had removed part of the fence between the two houses while he was building an extension to his own property. My fence had massive gaps and the neighbours could see right through - an eBay buy gave us instant privacy However, the Middles claimed that he was trying to access a drainpipe which had been theirs before the fence was removed. Disputes between Muriel and Alexander became so heated that the police were called multiple times and she eventually decided to take matters into her own hands. Muriel instructed a contractor to fill the gap in the fence with panels, prompting Alexander to hit back by threatening court actions. He claimed that Muriel had inserted panels into The 79-year-old refused to back down, despite being told that the case could cost her "thousands". Both parties claim they tried to come to a resolution outside of court but said it was impossible to reach a solution. Mr Miles sought damages for Muriel undermining the foundations of the fence. Meanwhile, they argued that the additional panels provided privacy and security. 4 Ms Middle has been forced to sell her house to her own daughter Credit: Media Wales Sam also claimed that a 12cm gap in the fence still meant that the drainpipe could easily be accessed, though Alexander disputed this. In a statement read in court, Muriel said: 'How I find myself in court defending myself I do not understand. 'I have done nothing wrong and broken no laws. 'I've not had the easiest life. 'My first daughter and my husband died and I was left to raise my remaining daughter on my own. 'As devastating as that was I can honestly say I have never encountered the stress this has put me under.' Despite spending thousands on a surveyor report, the Middles were told that it was unusable in court since they had claimed that they wouldn't need expert evidence. 4 The fence has a 12cm gap which has caused chaos Credit: Media Wales Sam also claimed her mother was not In July hearing, it was determined that Mr Miles is the owner of the fence. Ms Middle said it has now left her in a very difficult position. She said: 'I've scrimped and saved all my life. "I've worked 53 years to make sure I could leave Sam a property without a mortgage and this has forced me into a situation where I've lost that. 'That really sticks in my throat. 'I've never been in debt in my life to now. I'm so upset about it. It's left me in such a state. 'This whole thing has completely destroyed me. I now don't do anything at all.' When approached by WalesOnline, Mr Miles said the court's judgment was clear and he did not want to be quoted further.
