Latest news with #Orkney
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Orkney Assassin unmasked: How schoolboy, 15, escaped justice for 14 years for racist point blank execution of Indian waiter - and whose parents STILL believe 'real' killer is out there
New details have been revealed about a schoolboy who swerved justice for 14 years after his racist murder of an restaurant waiter. Michael Ross went on to be hailed for heroics in the first Gulf War as he served as a Black Watch sergeant. He joined the famous Scottish regiment at the age of 17 and progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming the sergeant of a sniper platoon - and his service included a tour of duty in Iraq in which comrades were killed. But he remained free for years before being jailed for the shooting to death at point blank range of Shamsuddin Mahmood at an Orkney Islands restaurant in Scotland. Ross was finally brought to justice when jailed for life, aged 29, in June 2008 - found guilty of carrying out the killing as a 15-year-old teenager. Now a new investigation has shed new light on Ross, as he and his family continue to say he was wrongly convicted. He was ultimately found guilty of what was described as a 'savage, merciless and pointless' murder of Mr Mahmood. Yet his parents are continuing to insist he is innocent and the 'real' killer remains on the loose, as suggested in a new Amazon Prime Video documentary about the case. Ross is seen here as a 29-year-old defendant outside Glasgow High Court in June 2008 The killing of 26-year-old Mr Mahmood came on June 2 1994 when a masked man walked into the Orkney Islands' only Indian restaurant and 'executed' his victim before calmly walking away. Ross's trial in 2008 heard that, as a youth, he harboured extreme racist views that drove him to hunt down and murder one of the island's few Asian residents. he became the main suspect just months after the murder, but police did not have enough evidence to charge him. The breakthrough came when a new witness walked into Kirkwall police station in 2006 with a note saying he had seen the killer in public toilets on the night of the murder brandishing a gun and identified him as Michael Ross. Ross's lawyer Donald Findlay, defending, insisted it was unthinkable for a 15-year-old to have committed such a crime, suggesting the killing bore all the hallmarks of a 'professional hit'. But at the end of a six-week trial, jurors took just four hours to find Ross guilty of murder by a majority verdict. Ross was subsequently sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum of 25 years. He insists he is innocent of the killing - and last month told the Orcadian newspaper that he was 'doing a 25-year life sentence for something I didn't do'. His parents have also rallied to his defence in the new documentary called The Orkney Assassin that will be made available on Amazon Prime Video this Sunday. Promotional material ahead of the broadcast suggests there is still 'a shadow of doubt still lingering and dividing opinion in the Orkney Islands to this day'. Speaking to the programme-makers, Ross's mother Moira Ross recalls the moment she asked the then-teenager whether he was a killer after his initial arrest. She says: 'I remember him coming home with the detective and he went up to his room and sat there, and I did go up and ask him. 'I said, "Did you shoot that man?" - and he said, "No". I just can't get over the look on his face when I asked him that.' Mr Mahmood had been living on the Orkney Islands for just six weeks before his death and was planning to return home to Bangladesh to wed his fiancée. His brother, barrister Abul Shafiuddin, paid tribute at Ross's 2007 trial, saying of Mr Mahmood: 'He was our baby brother and at least we know the person who killed him will be punished.' Ross was also found guilty by majority of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of the murder weapon and changing his clothing. During the trial, it emerged that his policeman father Edmund Ross had been jailed for hampering the investigation by withholding crucial evidence. Advocate depute Brian McConnachie QC, told the court the prosecution's case against Ross was based on 'compelling, unanswerable' circumstantial evidence. When the guilty verdict was announced, Ross leapt from the dock and tried to escape before being led to the cells - having been wrestled to the ground by a court official. He had been one of 12 soldiers decorated for outstanding service in Iraq in 2005 and was even mentioned in dispatches for showing bravery following two improvised explosive attacks in north Babil. Yet his downfall eventually came when a new witness walked into Kirkwall police station in 2006 with a note saying he had seen the killer in public toilets on the night of the murder, brandishing a gun - and identified him as Michael Ross. Ross had been questioned as a 15-year-old in relation to Mr Mahmood's death, after two witnesses had suggested they saw him wearing the same balaclava and dark clothing as the murderer in woodland a fortnight earlier. But he was only charged with lying to police and interfering with a witnesses, receiving a four-year jail term in 1997. His eventual murder trial was told now the anonymous letter writer, later named as William Grant, told of seeing Ross in public toilets near the restaurant, clad in balaclava and dark clothes, on the night of Mr Mahmood's killing. Jurors also heard that Ross had told a fellow army cadet as a schoolboy that 'blacks should be shot' and had textbooks scrawled with swastikas, SS symbols and slogans suggesting 'death to the English'. His father Edmund Ross tells the new Amazon Prime Video documentary: 'I didn't believe it. 'I knew my son for all that years and he never showed any tendencies or anything like that that I would expect him to go out and shoot anyone.' The Orkney Assassin: Murder in the Isles is being made available to Amazon Prime Video viewers in the UK and Ireland on Sunday 8 June.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
New powers to shoot ravens after livestock attacks on Orkney
New powers to shoot young ravens in Orkney are being drawn up by Scotland's natural heritage agency following a spate of attacks on livestock. Farmers say the birds have killed and injured lambs, sheep and calves, caused distress to both the animals and those caring for them, and significant financial losses. In a meeting organised by farmers in the islands, NatureScot officials agreed current controls are not proving an effective deterrent. NatureScot believes it will be possible to introduce an area licensing scheme for Orkney by this winter and will update farmers later this summer. The BBC has approached the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for comment. Licences to shoot ravens are currently granted by NatureScot only where there is no other satisfactory solution. Shooters target juvenile birds, because breeding pairs are not associated with livestock have to demonstrate they have tried other scaring techniques and found them insufficient in reducing damage. NatureScot presented evidence that 34 licences had been granted in Orkney since 2016 covering 28 locations. This resulted in 124 ravens being culled, 58% of the number which was permitted. The farmers present said there was a lack of confidence in the current licensing regime, which includes restricting shooting permissions to specific fields. This means birds can simply fly to safety in nearby land. NatureScot's Director of the Green Economy, Robbie Kernahan, admitted this was "bonkers". He said new terms could be agreed that are more flexible. It is likely this will mean permission to shoot the birds over a wider area and for a longer period than currently permitted. During the meeting on Monday, Mr Kernahan told farmers: "I don't think there's ever been any doubt ravens can and do have a significant impact on livestock. "Where it becomes more interesting and challenging is what we do about that. It soon becomes clear there are not many alternatives to using lethal controls to scare them off."Farmer Douglas Paterson has been one of Orkney's loudest voices demanding action to control raven numbers. He said the birds have killed lambs and also sheep, which can be vulnerable and exposed when they roll onto their backs. Other farmers told NatureScot officials that the birds have attacked the tongues and feet of young calves, leaving them with devastating injuries. During the meeting a dead lamb was produced from a bag and placed in front of the officials as evidence of the to NatureScot's commitment to address Orkney's issue with ravens, Mr Paterson said: "I'm not 100% convinced it will happen, but if it does, I will be delighted. "It just remains to be seen how well NatureScot will deliver this. We will not let them off with doing nothing." Orkney is not the first place in Scotland, or the UK, to report problems with young ravens, which are the largest birds in the crow family in this country. Greater controls on raven populations have previously been introduced in Skye and Argyll. Mr Kernahan believes a more tailored approach in Orkney can now be said: "I think enabling control measures at the right time of year is key. "NatureScot will come up with licensing solutions enabling more flexibility so birds are taken a bit earlier across the islands where there are particular issues with attacks."We're committing to coming back by the end of the summer to explore that in more depth and have something in place by the back end of the year, in time for next winter." 'Clever birds' NatureScot say they would be gathering more data on the need for greater control of raven numbers, but it would not t let the need for further surveys be a barrier to action. However, Orkney wildlife expert Andy Mitchell said there was no significant increase in the number of raven nests, or the number of fledged young in the most recent surveys, though the last one was carried out in 2014. Mr Mitchell said: "I have seen no compelling evidence of ravens killing healthy lambs. NatureScot cannot and must not ride roughshod over licensing rules to accommodate a few farmers."Local shooter Robert Reid has experience of working within the current licensing regime on farms across Orkney. He believes a more flexible scheme which covers a greater area stands a better chance of success. "These birds are clever," he said. "They are very difficult to shoot. NatureScot told us about how far fewer birds are being taken than the current licenses permit. "In the current time limit it's very difficult to get close to them. "If we could shoot them throughout the year, we would be able to drop the number of young birds causing these problems and help the farmers save a few of their livestock." During the meeting NatureScot committed to a holding a similar meeting in Shetland, after hearing farmers there are suffering similar issues with ravens attacking their livestock.
Times
23-05-2025
- Times
Plans for Venice-style tourist fees extended to Isle of Skye
More Scottish islands are considering a Venice-style tax on visitors as local authorities look to cope with booming summer tourism. This month senior officials in Orkney said they would prefer a point-of-entry levy for everybody who gets off a plane, ferry or cruise ship on the archipelago, including day trippers. Now Highland council has signalled an interest in this kind of payment for its islands, which include the globally trendy Skye. Scotland has already legislated for councils to impose levies on overnight stays in hotels and holiday lets. Now the government is consulting on additional taxes on cruise ship passengers — and is asking local authorities how they would feel about a point-of-entry levy. In a paper to go before councillors this week, officials suggested such a scheme might help them to tax motorhomes, which are not subject to existing tourism taxes. They said: 'The Scottish government's consultation invites views on a potential point of entry levy for local authorities with islands. 'This could involve giving local authorities with islands discretionary powers to charge a levy on those arriving to visit an island, regardless of the means of transport by which they arrived. While more discussion is required with the Scottish government to confirm the definition and policy intent of points of entry, should such powers be legislated, then this may provide the legislative vehicle to levy motorhomes and campervans. 'To ensure the levy is properly understood by all, the naming of the levy will be important, particularly given a point of entry levy could potentially apply regardless of the means of transport.' • I paid £800 for one night in Skye — is this our tourist legacy? Skye is linked to the mainland by a bridge while other Highland islands, such as Eigg and Rum, are connected by ferries. The Orkney authorities believed a point-of-entry tariff would be easier to collect than an overnight one because there were very few transport operators, including cruise operators. The islands can struggle to cope with visitors. Their capital Kirkwall sometimes doubles in population due to cruise ships. There have been problems handing the sheer volume, including providing toilet facilities at big attractions, such as the neolithic Ring of Brodgar. Not everyone supports cruise ship levies. A study by the Port of Cromarty Firth highlights the potential for the policy to harm Scotland's reputation as a tourist destination. There were more than 100 ships which visited the Invergordon port last year and those collectively carried 213,000 passengers. The port estimates that activity contributed to £19 million of direct spending in the Highlands. • Death of the staycation? Why Scots can't afford to holiday at home In its submission to a Scottish government consultation on a new tax, the port warns the money raised would not offset a drop in passengers and spending. Holyrood ministers are looking at giving local authorities powers to introduce a charge which could be £5 per passenger. The port believes that tariff would increase costs for cruise ships by more than 20 per cent and reduce visits by at least 10 per cent. Under that scenario the levy would raise about £863,000 but result in a spending drop in the local economy of £2.4 million. A 30 per cent fall in vessel numbers would result in £671,000 of tax being collected but revenue would shrink by £7.3 million. Alex Campbell, the chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth, said: 'If the Highlands introduces a levy locally while other areas visited by cruise ships do not, this will displace visitors and revenues to other parts of Scotland with the local Highland communities losing out. 'The cruise industry makes a much-needed multimillion-pound contribution to the Highland economy every year and provides a vital source of income to a wide range of businesses. 'In turn, through the wages of workers and employees and the profits generated by the supply chain that benefits from cruise, it raises tax revenues for Scottish and UK governments.' The Scottish government estimated there were about 1,000 cruise ship visits last year bringing in 1.2 million passengers. That was up from 2019 when 893 vessels brought 817,000 people.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
9 coastal homes a stone's throw from the beach
When the sun comes out there's no better place to be than beside the seaside – ideally unwinding on a beautiful beach. Whether you're relocating within the UK or hunting for a holiday home abroad, check out these coastal properties, each with a beach in easy reach. A new community of spacious two- and three-bedroom villas in a pretty fishing village just over an hour from Faro airport. They are suitable for use as permanent residences or second homes and hug a hillside that gently slopes down to a sandy beach. All have balconies and terraces, and amenities include a swimming pool with children's section, a playground, padel courts and an outdoor gym. By Kronos Homes. B-listed Holborn Head Lighthouse was constructed in 1862 and originally comprised two keepers' flats with a tower and its warning light above. It ceased operating in 2003 and three years later was bought by the current owners who converted it into a unique home looking out over Scrabster beach and harbour and towards Orkney. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are on the ground floor, a living, living and dining room occupy the first floor, and the three-storey tower contains an office, observatory and external viewing platform. Through Galbraith. Read more: 9 apartments with impressive outside space Spinnakers is a modern art deco-inspired house a short walk from the village's sandy beaches. The main living areas are on the first floor to maximise the panoramic views of St Michael's Mount and out to sea, and it has three ground floor bedrooms, a self-contained annex in the basement, and a fabulous roof terrace with tons of room for socialising and a contemporary pod for shelter. Get in touch with Rohrs & Rowe. Set against a backdrop of mountains and overlooking Cardigan Bay, Plas Tanwg has direct access to Llandanwg beach where there's a family-run café. The contemporary crescent-shaped house incorporates four bedrooms suites, a one-bedroom annex and a vast open plan kitchen, living and dining area with wall-to-wall bifold doors. Find out more from Jackson-Stops. This three-bedroom apartment is on the top floor of a purpose-built block with direct access to three and a half miles of golden beach at Saunton Sands. It includes three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sleek kitchen and an open plan living area with three sets of double doors opening on to a full-width balcony. The shower and dog-washing area in the garden are bound to be very useful. Via Knight Frank. Read more: 8 luxury homes for big-budget buyers You're unlikely to find a home closer to the shoreline than this roomy villa, part of a terrace with its own stretch of private beach which only residents can use. Completely refurbished using natural materials throughout, the house features a grand entrance hall, four bedrooms and a 40-foot long all-in-one kitchen, living and entertaining area. Full height sliding doors lead out to a wide beach-level deck and you can watch the sun setting over the sea from the rooftop terrace. Through Fine & Country. Once the home of entertainer Max Bygraves, Panaroma House sits on a clifftop on the edge of Sandbanks, Britain's priciest coastal location. The 7,300 of living space includes seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, three reception rooms, cinema and games room, and the garden contains several areas for sitting and enjoying the views. A footpath moments from the front door winds down to the promenade and its Blue Flag sandy beaches, though it's a steep climb up. From Savills. Read more: 9 celebrity homes with star quality The largest villa in an exclusive gated resort on the island where the third series of The White Lotus was filmed. Overlooking a coral cove, it has eight bedrooms, huge open plan living spaces and an infinity pool and comes fully furnished. Residents have use of a private beach and services such as chefs, personal trainers and yoga instructors if required. For more information Visit Samujana. Privacy and proximity to the sea are among the many attractions of Villa Monte Carlo, built in a prime location in a village known for its crystal clear waters, beach and snorkelling. This traditional Mediterranean-style house is fully geared up for indoor/outdoor living and a steady stream of visitors, incorporating expansive entertaining areas, south-facing terraces, a swimming pool and a bathing platform. With a main bedroom suite, three guest suites and a second floor tower room that could be used as a study or extra bedroom, it sleeps at least 10 people in the lap of luxury. Via Engel & Volkers. Read more: The world's 10 best cities to live in revealed How to choose where to live as you get older The pros and cons of getting a mortgage into your 70s
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
9 coastal homes a stone's throw from the beach
When the sun comes out there's no better place to be than beside the seaside – ideally unwinding on a beautiful beach. Whether you're relocating within the UK or hunting for a holiday home abroad, check out these coastal properties, each with a beach in easy reach. A new community of spacious two- and three-bedroom villas in a pretty fishing village just over an hour from Faro airport. They are suitable for use as permanent residences or second homes and hug a hillside that gently slopes down to a sandy beach. All have balconies and terraces, and amenities include a swimming pool with children's section, a playground, padel courts and an outdoor gym. By Kronos Homes. B-listed Holborn Head Lighthouse was constructed in 1862 and originally comprised two keepers' flats with a tower and its warning light above. It ceased operating in 2003 and three years later was bought by the current owners who converted it into a unique home looking out over Scrabster beach and harbour and towards Orkney. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are on the ground floor, a living, living and dining room occupy the first floor, and the three-storey tower contains an office, observatory and external viewing platform. Through Galbraith. Read more: 9 apartments with impressive outside space Spinnakers is a modern art deco-inspired house a short walk from the village's sandy beaches. The main living areas are on the first floor to maximise the panoramic views of St Michael's Mount and out to sea, and it has three ground floor bedrooms, a self-contained annex in the basement, and a fabulous roof terrace with tons of room for socialising and a contemporary pod for shelter. Get in touch with Rohrs & Rowe. Set against a backdrop of mountains and overlooking Cardigan Bay, Plas Tanwg has direct access to Llandanwg beach where there's a family-run café. The contemporary crescent-shaped house incorporates four bedrooms suites, a one-bedroom annex and a vast open plan kitchen, living and dining area with wall-to-wall bifold doors. Find out more from Jackson-Stops. This three-bedroom apartment is on the top floor of a purpose-built block with direct access to three and a half miles of golden beach at Saunton Sands. It includes three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sleek kitchen and an open plan living area with three sets of double doors opening on to a full-width balcony. The shower and dog-washing area in the garden are bound to be very useful. Via Knight Frank. Read more: 8 luxury homes for big-budget buyers You're unlikely to find a home closer to the shoreline than this roomy villa, part of a terrace with its own stretch of private beach which only residents can use. Completely refurbished using natural materials throughout, the house features a grand entrance hall, four bedrooms and a 40-foot long all-in-one kitchen, living and entertaining area. Full height sliding doors lead out to a wide beach-level deck and you can watch the sun setting over the sea from the rooftop terrace. Through Fine & Country. Once the home of entertainer Max Bygraves, Panaroma House sits on a clifftop on the edge of Sandbanks, Britain's priciest coastal location. The 7,300 of living space includes seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, three reception rooms, cinema and games room, and the garden contains several areas for sitting and enjoying the views. A footpath moments from the front door winds down to the promenade and its Blue Flag sandy beaches, though it's a steep climb up. From Savills. Read more: 9 celebrity homes with star quality The largest villa in an exclusive gated resort on the island where the third series of The White Lotus was filmed. Overlooking a coral cove, it has eight bedrooms, huge open plan living spaces and an infinity pool and comes fully furnished. Residents have use of a private beach and services such as chefs, personal trainers and yoga instructors if required. For more information Visit Samujana. Privacy and proximity to the sea are among the many attractions of Villa Monte Carlo, built in a prime location in a village known for its crystal clear waters, beach and snorkelling. This traditional Mediterranean-style house is fully geared up for indoor/outdoor living and a steady stream of visitors, incorporating expansive entertaining areas, south-facing terraces, a swimming pool and a bathing platform. With a main bedroom suite, three guest suites and a second floor tower room that could be used as a study or extra bedroom, it sleeps at least 10 people in the lap of luxury. Via Engel & Volkers. Read more: The world's 10 best cities to live in revealed How to choose where to live as you get older The pros and cons of getting a mortgage into your 70sError while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
