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Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Inside Scotland's 'cleanest town' that's home to Iron Age homestead and 17th Century fort
Home to around 7,000 people, town is packed with history and nature. While major cities like Dundee and Glasgow continue to struggle with growing levels of litter, studies have found that Shetland is setting an example for the rest of Scotland in cleanliness. A report from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful last year highlighted that 98.7 per cent of public spaces in Shetland are predominantly litter-free, the highest rate in the country. This remarkable achievement has earned Lerwick, Shetland's capital and main port town, the title of Scotland's cleanest town. It is home to around 7,000 people and serves as the largest settlement in UK's most northerly archipelago. Lerwick offers a perfect base for exploring the remote island chain. Situated almost equidistant between Aberdeen and Bergen in Norway, the town boasts a unique blend of Scottish and Nordic culture, historic charm and natural beauty. Visitors to Lerwick can explore some of the town's standout attractions, including Clickimin Broch, one of Scotland's best-preserved Iron Age structures. Located on the shore of Clickimin Loch, the broch complex showcases over a thousand years of settlement history. The broch tower itself still stands impressively tall, while the site is surrounded by a thick stone wall. A particularly intriguing feature is a sculpted stone on the causeway bearing a pair of human feet, believed to date back to the late Iron Age or early historic period. Experts suggest it may have been linked to ancient kingship or inauguration rituals. Another major landmark is Fort Charlotte, one of just three 17th and 18th century military bases in Scotland that still serve a military role, alongside Edinburgh Castle and Fort George near Inverness. Built between 1652 and 1653, its first incarnation was destroyed 20 years later during the Third Anglo-Dutch War. It was built in its current form in 1781 and named after Queen Charlotte. Though it never saw active combat following its reconstruction, it housed a garrison during the Napoleonic Wars and later served as a Royal Naval Reserve base. Between 1837 and 1875, it functioned as Lerwick's jail and courthouse, and was later used as a custom house and coastguard station. Despite now being surrounded by homes and streets in the centre of Lerwick, Fort Charlotte remains an important historical site, connected to the Anglo-Dutch Wars and the town's early development. Beyond its historic sites, Lerwick also offers an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife experiences. Visitors can go orca spotting in the surrounding seas or stay onshore to explore the island's diverse marine life. Lerwick even has its own beach, Bain's, just a short walk from the town centre. It has featured heavily in BBC crime drama Shetland, as it sits beside main character Jimmy Perez's home. Those seeking solitude can venture further to explore more remote beaches scattered across Shetland's mainland. Sumburgh, located at the southern tip of the island, is famed for its sweeping white sands - and you can also spot puffins there at certain times of the year. Spiggie Beach, also in the south, is praised for its crystal-clear waters, often compared to those of a Greek island, albeit with a cooler climate. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. St Ninian's Isle beach is one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Shetland. The sand causeway that links the mainland to the uninhabited St Ninian's Isle is the largest tombolo in the UK. Another popular Shetland bay is Skaw Beach, which takes you away from the mainland to the island of Unst. The beach, which is famous for being the most northerly in the UK, is backed by a meadow of wild flowers during spring and summer. After a day of sightseeing, visitors can enjoy a meal or drink in one of Lerwick's welcoming pubs and restaurants. The Lounge Bar, rated the top spot on TripAdvisor, is popular for its live music and relaxed atmosphere. For a bite to eat, No 88 Kitchen and Bar comes highly recommended, offering a unique fusion of Scottish, British and Philippine cuisine.
Geek Tyrant
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
MASTER AND COMMANDER: FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD Finally Sets Sail on 4K Blu-ray with Steelbook Edition — GeekTyrant
Director Peter Weir's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is finally getting the 4K treatment it deserves, and it's arriving with a stunning Steelbook edition that feels tailor-made for collectors and naval warfare geeks alike. Released in 2003, Master and Commander is an adaptation of several of Patrick O'Brian's novels, set during the Napoleonic Wars in 1805. It stars Russell Crowe as Captain Jack 'Lucky Jack' Aubrey and Paul Bettany as ship's doctor and naturalist Stephen Maturin. While it earned 10 Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture), the film's legacy has grown over time, now celebrated as one of the most detailed and grounded historical epics ever made. Crowe himself famously came to the film's defense in 2021, clapping back at a post that mocked the movie for not being exciting enough. He wrote: 'That's the problem with kids these days. No focus. Peter Weir's film is brilliant. An exacting, detail oriented, epic tale of fidelity to Empire & service, regardless of the cost. Incredible cinematography by Russell Boyd & a majestic soundtrack. Definitely an adults movie.' This is a film that prizes character, realism, and atmosphere over spectacle. The bond between Aubrey and Maturin gives the movie its emotional core, and Weir's attention to detail, from naval tactics to period-accurate wardrobe, cements it as a film that rewards viewers who appreciate craft. The new 4K Blu-ray drops on August 5 and comes equipped with Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos audio. The Steelbook packaging is also a highlight: featuring an illustrated cover of Captain Aubrey, a compass rose design on the back, and a moody interior shot of Crowe braving stormy seas—it has the look of a weathered maritime journal pulled from a captain's quarters. Bonus features include: Deleted Scenes Historical and Geographical Trivia Track Pop-Up Map For fans who want to experience it how it was meant to be seen, 20th Century Studios is hosting a special one-night-only 4K theatrical screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on August 1 as part of Beyond Fest. It's a rare chance to feel the full power of cannon fire and crashing waves on the big screen. If you already love this film, this release is a no-brainer. And if you've never seen it? Now's your chance to climb aboard.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Subway reads: 10 books you can carry on your commute to look cooler than you are
From a pleasurable experience to a statement, we have come to an age where reading is cool and flexible. Celebrities carry it along as an accessory, as a part of their aesthetic. But they are not the only ones who can be blamed for their vanity; everyday commuters are in on it too. They carry it for various reasons, be it to calm their social anxiety, avoid meeting eyes with people, or just try to look cool. But the phenomenon is not all for the worse; who knows, the performative reading might also inspire someone to read further. Here are a few books that will not only make you look cool but also add to your overall development. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Genre: Historical Fiction 'If everyone fought for their own convictions there would be no war.' A grand epic set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, War and Peace follows five Russian aristocratic families whose personal dramas unfold alongside history. With sweeping philosophical reflections on fate, war, and identity, Tolstoy blends love stories, political intrigue, and meditations on human nature. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy Genre: Literary Fiction 'It is curious how sometimes the memory of death lives on for so much longer than the memory of the life that it purloined.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Set in Kerala, India, this Booker Prize-winning novel tells the tragic story of fraternal twins Estha and Rahel, whose childhoods are shattered by caste politics, forbidden love, and generational trauma. . I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Genre: Memoir / Autobiography 'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' Maya Angelou's landmark memoir recounts her early life, growing up as a Black girl in the segregated American South. With unflinching honesty and lyrical grace, she explores trauma, identity, racism, and the power of words in shaping her voice. It's not just a story of survival—it's a testament to reclaiming one's narrative. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Genre: Absurdist Fiction 'I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.' One morning, traveling salesman Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect. As he becomes isolated from his family and society, Kafka explores themes of alienation, guilt, and dehumanization in this surreal masterpiece. Though brief, the story's existential weight and eerie symbolism have made it a cornerstone of modern literature. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari Genre: Nonfiction / History ' You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.' Harari takes readers on a sweeping journey through 70,000 years of human evolution—from prehistoric tribes to modern capitalism. With bold insights and a knack for storytelling, Sapiens tackles everything from biology and sociology to religion and economics. It challenges conventional thinking and offers a thought-provoking narrative on who we are and how we got here. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Genre: Historical Fiction 'One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.' Spanning three decades in war-torn Afghanistan, this moving novel tells the intertwined lives of Mariam and Laila—two women brought together by fate and suffering. Hosseini masterfully depicts resilience, love, and sacrifice amid violence and oppression. The story is both intimate and sweeping, with characters who stay with you long after the final page. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara Genre: Literary Fiction 'And so I try to be kind to everything I see, and in everything I see, I see him.' This devastating modern epic follows four college friends navigating adulthood in New York City, but it's really the harrowing story of Jude—brilliant, mysterious, and deeply wounded. Yanagihara doesn't shy away from trauma, chronic pain, or the complexities of survival, making the book as painful as it is profound. Coming of Age in Samoa by Margaret Mead Genre: Anthropology / Nonfiction 'The children must be taught how to think, not what to think. And because old errors die slowly, they must be taught tolerance, just as today they are taught intolerance.' Based on Mead's fieldwork in 1920s Samoa, this influential work challenged Western ideas about adolescence, sexuality, and culture. She documented how social norms are not biologically fixed but shaped by culture, sparking debate across anthropology and beyond. Though some of her conclusions have been contested, the book remains a foundational text. 1984 by George Orwell Genre: Dystopian Fiction 'Big Brother is Watching You.' In Orwell's dystopian future, individuality is crushed, surveillance is absolute, and even thoughts are policed. 1984 follows Winston Smith as he quietly rebels against the oppressive regime of Big Brother. With chilling relevance today, the novel explores propaganda, language manipulation, and totalitarian control. It's a sharp, compact statement piece. Holding it in public screams 'I see through the system'—and invites nods from fellow book nerds across the train car. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath Genre: Semi-Autobiographical Fiction 'I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart: I am, I am, I am.' Sylvia Plath's only novel is a semi-autobiographical account of Esther Greenwood, a young woman whose promising life unravels under the weight of depression and societal expectations. With sharp, dark humor and poetic intensity, The Bell Jar explores mental health, gender roles, and the search for identity.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views & €10 tickets
TAKE a look at the Irish cable car that's the only one in Europe that crosses the open sea in Europe – and it's just three hours from the capital. Dursey Island is a part of the Beara Way walking trail - and has only a few permanent residents. 4 Dursey Island is a part of the Beara Way walking trail Credit: Getty 4 You can take in the sights by walking or cycling the Dursey Island Loop Credit: Getty 4 Ireland's only cable car runs at about 250m above the sea and can carry up to six passengers at a time Credit: Getty The popular west They wrote on "It connects the Beara Peninsula in County Cork to Dursey Island; a remote, windswept place of stone walls, grazing cows and just a handful of residents. Read more in Travel "Even the island postman takes the cable car to do his rounds - because when your delivery route involves flying over the ocean, you know you've got one of the most dramatic commutes in Ireland. "Equal parts peaceful and exhilarating, this ride is a must-do on your "Save this post to add Dursey Island to your bucket list." ISLE BE THERE Dursey Island is just 6.5km long and 1.5km wide - and the most south-westerly island off the Irish coast. Most read in News Travel The tiny island used to have hundreds of residents across three villages - Ballynagallagh, Kilmichael and Tilickafinna - but that's dropped over the years to just a handful of full-time residents, as well as farmers and a few 7 TOURIST DESTINATIONS - EVERGREEN LISTICLE The island is a birdwatcher's paradise with a nesting colony of seabirds, including rare species from Siberia and America. And there's plenty of history to soak up on Dursey, with a Signal Tower on the highest point of the island that was built over 200 years ago during the Napoleonic Wars. There are ruins at the church of Kilmichael - said to have been founded by monks from Skellig Rock - as well as O'Sullivan Beare's castle, from where islanders were thrown into the sea by English soldiers back in 1602. You can take in the sights by walking or cycling the Dursey Island Loop. But a stay on the island will take you back in time, as there's no shops, pubs, restaurants or wifi. So visitors are advised to stock up and bring food and water for any RIDE ON Ireland's only cable car runs at about 250m above the sea and can carry up to six passengers at a time. The journey to the island takes about 10 to 15 minutes. When it reopens in the coming weeks, it leaves the mainland from Ballaghboy on the tip of the Beara peninsula with several daily services across to Dursey. The cable car - which first opened back in 1969 - is the only cable car that traverses open seawater in all of Europe. Adult tickets are as low as €10 per adult, and children under 16 can take the tour for as cheap as €5. And children under three do not need a ticket and get to enjoy Dursey Island free of charge. 4 The popular west Cork island is known for its glorious views of the mountain ranges and colourful villages off the Beara Peninsula Credit: Getty
BBC News
03-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dover's forts from Napoleonic Wars being restored
A series of hilltop forts built to defend England during the Napoleonic Wars are being preserved to ensure their legacy can live Western Heights comprise a number of forts linked by miles of ditches on the western hilltop above Dover, is one of the most important fortifications in Britain and was used as barrack accommodation during World War One and Two, however had become overgrown and a hotspot for antisocial behaviour in recent teams are now one year into a three-year project to remove vegetation and restore the land, which is revealing hidden buildings and making the area safer. Western Heights began as field fortifications during the American Revolutionary War, was strengthened and extended during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, extended again in the 1860s and completed in the the most impressive features is the Grand Shaft, built in the Napoleonic Wars to link the barracks on Western Heights to the harbour. Parts of the site, however, were neglected, but after a joint grant of £298,000 from Historic England and Dover District Council, extensive work has been carried out by Western Heights Preservation Society and White Cliffs Countryside Partnership to bring them back to recently, the Gun Shed area, which had been a target for antisocial behaviour, has been cleared and vegetation removed from buildings at St Martin's is now also signage and solar-powered CCTV on Wright, the council's member for corporate property, said: "The Western Heights is one of the district's most impressive sites and we are using this project to help us better understand its significance and wider importance to the town."Ms Wright added that the project was an opportunity to "enhance and continue to protect the area, and to maintain it as a destination of national and international significance".Restoration works are expected to continue for another two years.
