Latest news with #NW
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Edinburgh institution Ali's Cave to close after 44 years
An Edinburgh institution which has been serving locals for more than four decades has announced it will close its doors for the final time this summer. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ali's Cave is one of the Scottish capital's largest independent stores and is a one stop shop for household, DIY and seasonal products. The family-run business arrived at Lothian Road in 1988 and has been a familiar sight to anyone that has lived in the capital since. But with recent years seeing a decline in footfall owing to changes to shopping habits and neighbouring offices relocating to different parts of the city, the owners behind one of Lothian Road's flagship shops have made the difficult decision to close in August. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Father and son, Anwar and Adnan Ulhaq have announced their legendary Edinburgh shop, Ali's Cave will close in the summer | NW Speaking to the Evening News, Anwar Ulhaq, who founded the business with his brothers, said: 'It is with a sad heart that we're having to close the doors. 'I'll miss coming in and seeing regular faces and this will be an emotional time, but everything moves on I suppose. Life changes and you've got to move on, but I will miss the conversations with the customers. 'Business trends have changed and the customer flow has decreased in the city centre. We used to depend a lot on office workers and I think that's the same for a lot of the trade in this area in city. But with fewer workers coming into the financial district, that has made it difficult for us to survive.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The family opened their first Edinburgh shop in South Bridge in 1981, before relocating to a larger venue in Lothian Road seven years later, where it became one of the city's most well-known shops. Ali's Cave first opened in Edinburgh's South Bridge in 1981. The shop name derived fro Anwar's father's name, Ahmed Ali Recalling the early days at South Bridge, the 67-year-old said: 'We wanted to provide a service for the local community so we could help them as much with all the products that they need for everyday use. We tried to provide value for money. 'We were so successful at Southbridge we thought we needed another unit and Lothian Road looked like the right site. Lothian Road was a lot quieter at that time - Earl Grey Street was mostly empty apart from Goldbergs at the back - but it was still good enough to trade and it got a lot busier later on.' Anwar's son and fellow co-owner, Adnan Ulhaq, said: 'I always wanted to carry on our family business because this shop has meant so much to so many people and means so much to our family. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We know a lot of regulars, including one lady called Charlotte who is 104 years-old and has lived in Grindlay Street her whole life. Customers like her become a part of the fabric to us and part of our family. 'The banter and rapport we have with the elderly is fantastic because while we may speak to a lot of people every day, we might be the only people they speak to every day so we always make them feel special. I think it's very important and I think that's why a lot of our customers keep coming back to us. 'The strength of Ali's Cave has seen us survive the recession in the 1980s, the 2008 crisis and Covid - we were always able to act very quickly on what our customers wanted. But due to the downturn in office workers coming in, with Standard Life being closed at the moment, with Aberdeen Asset being closed, with Capital House becoming a Premier Inn - there's a lot of empty offices in Edinburgh's financial hub at the moment. I think that has played a part in helping us make the decision to close down. Ali's Cave is set to close in early August, with the popular shop offering a 50 per cent discount on all products starting next week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sharing a final message to their loyal customers, Adnan said: 'Thank you very much for all the support over the years. You've made a small family feel very appreciated. As a small business we feel very fortunate to have built so many relationships throughout the community.'
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Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Scotsman
Edinburgh police investigating alleged rape at city park arrest 31-year-old man
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now A man has been arrested in connection with an alleged rape at an Edinburgh park. Sign up to the daily Crime UK newsletter. All the latest crime news and trials from across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The incident is alleged to have happened in Montgomery Street Park, in Leith, at 10.30pm on Tuesday, April 29. Emergency services were called to the scene and the area was taped off. Police launched an investigation and a 31-year-old man was later arrested and taken in for questioning. He has been released pending further investigation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A man has been arrested in connection with an alleged rape at an Edinburgh park. | NW Detective Inspector Chris McGlinchey said: 'Enquiries are continuing into a report of a serious sexual assault on a woman in the Montgomery Street area of Leith, around 10.30pm on Tuesday, 29 April, 2025. 'A 31-year-old man was arrested in connection and released pending further investigation. 'There will be an increased police presence in the area as enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.'
IOL News
03-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Divorce and disinheritance: safeguarding your legacy in light of legal implications
NAVIGATING the post-divorce landscape can be challenging, both emotionally and legally. Many individuals focus on the immediate repercussions of their separation, often overlooking a critical aspect that could jeopardise their legacy: the terms outlined in their Last Will and Testament. One particular legal provision - Section 2B of the Wills Act 7 of 1953 - demands attention from those recently divorced, as it poses a significant risk to the inheritance plans intended for loved ones. Understanding the Legal Framework Section 2B of the Wills Act 7 of 1953 stipulates a three-month grace period during which any will executed prior to a divorce is treated as if the former spouse had predeceased the testator. This clause serves as a safeguard but can also become a liability for those overlooking its implications. After a divorce, if an individual passes away within this three-month window, the automatic exclusion of the ex-spouse from inheritance occurs unless the will explicitly demonstrates the intent to benefit the former spouse. The specific wording of Section 2B of the Wills Act 7 of 1953 (as amended) states: "If any person dies within three months after his marriage was dissolved by a divorce or annulment by a competent court and that person executed a will before the date of such dissolution, that will shall be implemented in the same manner as it would have been implemented if his previous spouse had died before the date of the dissolution concerned, unless it appears from the will that the testator intended to benefit his previous spouse notwithstanding the dissolution of his marriage." (Wills Act 7 of 1953, s 2B) Key Case Summary: JW v Williams-Ashman NO (2020) This pivotal case highlights the consequences of neglecting to update a will after divorce. In this instance, a woman named NW and her husband divorced shortly before she tragically passed away. The court ruled that her ex-husband could not inherit her estate because her will was interpreted under Section 2B, which effectively treated him as having predeceased her. Despite NW's prior intention to benefit her ex-husband, as indicated in a communication she sent before their divorce, the legal framework did not allow for such intentions to be considered due to the timing of her death. Consequently, her parents inherited her estate instead. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal implications that can arise from failing to address one's will post-divorce (Moonstone Information Refinery, 2025). Another Instructive Case: Louw NO v Kock and Others (2020) Another significant case that emphasises the importance of will revision post-divorce is Louw NO v Kock and Others (2020 (4) SA 335 (SCA)). This Supreme Court of Appeal case dealt with a complex situation where a testator had not updated his will after his divorce. In this case, Mr Kock and his wife were divorced in June 2016, but he had not amended his will, which had been executed in 2011 when they were still married. The will named his then-wife as the sole heir and executor of his estate. Tragically, Mr Kock passed away in October 2016, more than three months after the divorce was finalised. The central issue was whether Section 2B of the Wills Act applied in this situation. The Supreme Court of Appeal held that because Mr Kock had died after the three-month period stipulated in Section 2B, the provision was no longer applicable. Consequently, the will had to be executed as written, meaning his ex-wife inherited his estate despite their divorce. This case underscores that Section 2B offers only temporary protection. After the three-month grace period expires, the will returns to its literal interpretation, potentially resulting in an ex-spouse inheriting assets contrary to what might have been the testator's wishes following the divorce (Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 2021). Why awareness matters Despite the existence of this legal provision for over three decades, many people remain uninformed. In the aftermath of divorce, potential beneficiaries may inadvertently find themselves without any inheritance, while unintended heirs may receive the entirety of an estate. The cases highlighted above demonstrate the gravity of updating one's will post-divorce. Furthermore, while Section 2B provides a temporary safeguard, it is not comprehensive. It does not, for instance, address beneficiary designations in life insurance policies, retirement funds, or other financial products that operate outside the will. These designations require separate attention and updates following a divorce. The impact of intestate succession Should a person pass away without a valid will after divorce, the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987 applies. Under these circumstances, the estate would be distributed according to a predetermined formula that might not align with the deceased's wishes. The hierarchy generally begins with spouses and children, followed by parents, siblings, and other worth noting that under intestate succession, a former spouse has no claim to the estate unless specifically provided for in a valid will executed or re-confirmed after the divorce. This legal reality further emphasises the importance of maintaining an updated will that accurately reflects current intentions. Recommendations for action Given the stakes involved, it is vital to take proactive steps to ensure your will reflects your current intentions: Immediate update: as soon as divorce proceedings commence, seek to revise your will. Consider this as critical as any other aspect of your post-divorce life. Clarity in language: craft your will using precise language that leaves no room for misinterpretation. Clearly articulate your intentions regarding any former spouse. Comprehensive review: beyond your will, review and update all beneficiary designations on insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments. Regular revisions: make it a practice to review your estate plan periodically, especially after significant life events such as divorce, remarriage, or the birth of children. Seek professional guidance: engage the services of a legal expert specialising in estate law. Regular financial consultants may not possess the necessary expertise related to the nuances of wills and estates. Final consideration: your legacy at stake The choice to delay updating your estate plan is more than a minor oversight - it could lead to unintended consequences that affect your family's future. As demonstrated in both the JW v Williams-Ashman and Louw NO v Kock and Others cases, your legacy should not be treated lightly. The law provides certain protections, but these are limited in scope and duration. The responsibility ultimately falls on each individual to ensure their final wishes are properly documented and legally binding. Without due diligence, years of asset accumulation and careful financial planning could be undone by administrative oversight. Conclusion You are at a pivotal moment in safeguarding your financial future and that of your loved ones. Will you allow complacency to dictate the outcome of your estate, or will you take the necessary steps to secure your wishes? The legal provisions are clear, but your intentions must be defined expressly within your will. It is vitally important to act without delay to protect your legacy and ensure that your true desires are honoured. Estate planning should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Just as life circumstances evolve, so too should the legal documents that govern the disposition of your assets. By staying informed about the legal implications of major life events such as divorce and taking prompt action to update your estate plan accordingly, you can ensure that your legacy reflects your current wishes and priorities.
IOL News
03-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Divorce and disinheritance: safeguarding your legacy in light of legal implications
NAVIGATING the post-divorce landscape can be challenging, both emotionally and legally. Many individuals focus on the immediate repercussions of their separation, often overlooking a critical aspect that could jeopardise their legacy: the terms outlined in their Last Will and Testament. One particular legal provision - Section 2B of the Wills Act 7 of 1953 - demands attention from those recently divorced, as it poses a significant risk to the inheritance plans intended for loved ones. Understanding the Legal Framework Section 2B of the Wills Act 7 of 1953 stipulates a three-month grace period during which any will executed prior to a divorce is treated as if the former spouse had predeceased the testator. This clause serves as a safeguard but can also become a liability for those overlooking its implications. After a divorce, if an individual passes away within this three-month window, the automatic exclusion of the ex-spouse from inheritance occurs unless the will explicitly demonstrates the intent to benefit the former spouse. The specific wording of Section 2B of the Wills Act 7 of 1953 (as amended) states: "If any person dies within three months after his marriage was dissolved by a divorce or annulment by a competent court and that person executed a will before the date of such dissolution, that will shall be implemented in the same manner as it would have been implemented if his previous spouse had died before the date of the dissolution concerned, unless it appears from the will that the testator intended to benefit his previous spouse notwithstanding the dissolution of his marriage." (Wills Act 7 of 1953, s 2B) Key Case Summary: JW v Williams-Ashman NO (2020) This pivotal case highlights the consequences of neglecting to update a will after divorce. In this instance, a woman named NW and her husband divorced shortly before she tragically passed away. The court ruled that her ex-husband could not inherit her estate because her will was interpreted under Section 2B, which effectively treated him as having predeceased her. Despite NW's prior intention to benefit her ex-husband, as indicated in a communication she sent before their divorce, the legal framework did not allow for such intentions to be considered due to the timing of her death. Consequently, her parents inherited her estate instead. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal implications that can arise from failing to address one's will post-divorce (Moonstone Information Refinery, 2025). Another Instructive Case: Louw NO v Kock and Others (2020) Another significant case that emphasises the importance of will revision post-divorce is Louw NO v Kock and Others (2020 (4) SA 335 (SCA)). This Supreme Court of Appeal case dealt with a complex situation where a testator had not updated his will after his divorce. In this case, Mr Kock and his wife were divorced in June 2016, but he had not amended his will, which had been executed in 2011 when they were still married. The will named his then-wife as the sole heir and executor of his estate. Tragically, Mr Kock passed away in October 2016, more than three months after the divorce was finalised. The central issue was whether Section 2B of the Wills Act applied in this situation. The Supreme Court of Appeal held that because Mr Kock had died after the three-month period stipulated in Section 2B, the provision was no longer applicable. Consequently, the will had to be executed as written, meaning his ex-wife inherited his estate despite their divorce. This case underscores that Section 2B offers only temporary protection. After the three-month grace period expires, the will returns to its literal interpretation, potentially resulting in an ex-spouse inheriting assets contrary to what might have been the testator's wishes following the divorce (Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 2021). Why awareness matters Despite the existence of this legal provision for over three decades, many people remain uninformed. In the aftermath of divorce, potential beneficiaries may inadvertently find themselves without any inheritance, while unintended heirs may receive the entirety of an estate. The cases highlighted above demonstrate the gravity of updating one's will post-divorce. Furthermore, while Section 2B provides a temporary safeguard, it is not comprehensive. It does not, for instance, address beneficiary designations in life insurance policies, retirement funds, or other financial products that operate outside the will. These designations require separate attention and updates following a divorce. The impact of intestate succession Should a person pass away without a valid will after divorce, the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987 applies. Under these circumstances, the estate would be distributed according to a predetermined formula that might not align with the deceased's wishes. The hierarchy generally begins with spouses and children, followed by parents, siblings, and other worth noting that under intestate succession, a former spouse has no claim to the estate unless specifically provided for in a valid will executed or re-confirmed after the divorce. This legal reality further emphasises the importance of maintaining an updated will that accurately reflects current intentions. Recommendations for action Given the stakes involved, it is vital to take proactive steps to ensure your will reflects your current intentions: Immediate update: as soon as divorce proceedings commence, seek to revise your will. Consider this as critical as any other aspect of your post-divorce life. Clarity in language: craft your will using precise language that leaves no room for misinterpretation. Clearly articulate your intentions regarding any former spouse. Comprehensive review: beyond your will, review and update all beneficiary designations on insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments. Regular revisions: make it a practice to review your estate plan periodically, especially after significant life events such as divorce, remarriage, or the birth of children. Seek professional guidance: engage the services of a legal expert specialising in estate law. Regular financial consultants may not possess the necessary expertise related to the nuances of wills and estates. Final consideration: your legacy at stake The choice to delay updating your estate plan is more than a minor oversight - it could lead to unintended consequences that affect your family's future. As demonstrated in both the JW v Williams-Ashman and Louw NO v Kock and Others cases, your legacy should not be treated lightly. The law provides certain protections, but these are limited in scope and duration. The responsibility ultimately falls on each individual to ensure their final wishes are properly documented and legally binding. Without due diligence, years of asset accumulation and careful financial planning could be undone by administrative oversight. Conclusion You are at a pivotal moment in safeguarding your financial future and that of your loved ones. Will you allow complacency to dictate the outcome of your estate, or will you take the necessary steps to secure your wishes? The legal provisions are clear, but your intentions must be defined expressly within your will. It is vitally important to act without delay to protect your legacy and ensure that your true desires are honoured. Estate planning should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Just as life circumstances evolve, so too should the legal documents that govern the disposition of your assets. By staying informed about the legal implications of major life events such as divorce and taking prompt action to update your estate plan accordingly, you can ensure that your legacy reflects your current wishes and priorities.
The Guardian
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Nikki Amuka-Bird: ‘I'd have drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race play me in the film of my life'
Born in Nigeria, Nikki Amuka-Bird, 49, studied at Lamda and began her career with the RSC. In 2017, she was Bafta nominated for her role in the BBC adaptation of Zadie's Smith's book NW. The same year, she played the lead in the Donmar's production of Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea. Her recent television work spans Armando Iannucci's comedy Avenue 5; the action series Citadel; and I, Jack Wright, which is on U&Alibi. She is divorced and lives in London. What is your greatest fear? I'm quite scared of bats. I'm just seeing rats with wings – no, thanks. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Lack of confidence masquerading as perfectionism. What was your most embarrassing moment? Being an actor is inherently embarrassing. You have to embrace it. Aside from property, what's the most expensive thing you've bought? A business-class flight. Pure indulgence. What is your most treasured possession? I inherited my mother's home in Antigua – so many wonderful memories there. Describe yourself in three words Optimistic, creative, resilient. What makes you unhappy? Small talk on long journeys. What do you most dislike about your appearance? The gap between my two front teeth. I keep trying to fix it and my teeth keep springing apart again. If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose? Blockbuster Video and the ritual of picking and savouring which films you're going to watch at the weekend. Who would play you in the film of your life? I'd like it to be a 'Rusical' and have drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race play me at different points in my life. What is your most unappealing habit? People-pleasing. What scares you about getting older? Not being flexible enough to dance freely. Who is your celebrity crush? Tilda Swinton. What is the worst thing anyone's said to you? In a rehearsal just after graduating from drama college, I say my lines to an older actor. He pauses, turns to the director and says: 'I'm sorry, but is she going to do it like that?' What do you owe your parents? I learned from watching my mother to disregard the limitations others place on you. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why? Anyone whose party I said I'd go to and didn't turn up. I can get quite socially anxious at times. What or who is the greatest love of your life? My mother. I owe everything to her. What does love feel like? Like everything is in high definition, and life is on your side. What was the best kiss of your life? I had a first kiss on my birthday once that I'll never forget. Which living person do you most despise, and why? I try to steer clear of hatred – it only eats you up inside. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Onwards and upwards. When did you last cry, and why? Probably watching some poor abandoned cat or dog being nursed back to life by a stranger on YouTube.
