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Scotsman
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Tall Ship Race vessels arrive in Aberdeen ahead of four day spectacular
Jane Barlow/PA Wire The festival in Aberdeen is expected to attract around 400,000 people Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... Vessels taking part in the Tall Ships Races 2025 have begun arriving in Aberdeen ahead of a four-day festival. The race began in Le Havre in France in early July and the ships sailed round the coast to Dunkirk before travelling on to Aberdeen. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They will stay in Scotland until July 22 and the competing ships will then race to Kristiansand in Norway and finally to Esbjerg in Denmark, arriving there in early August. The festival in Aberdeen is expected to attract around 400,000 visits between Saturday and Tuesday. Around 50 ships from around the globe will be berthed at the quaysides, which will host a range of attractions from food and craft stalls to street performers and concerts, while visitors will also be able to board some of the vessels. Events will also take place elsewhere in the city, including an international crew parade on Sunday with more than 1,500 sailors expected to take part, exhibitions, free activities and art installations. On Tuesday, the ships will depart with a 'parade of sail' along the quayside and beach esplanade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scotsman revealed earlier this week that tall ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen due to current national and international legislation. The captain of the ship was born in Russia and sanctions introduced following the invasion of Ukraine mean the vessel cannot enter a UK port. Shtandart had originally entered to take part in race four between Kristiansand and Esbjerg. Jane Barlow/PA Wire The TS Shtandart has released an open letter to the port authorities stating: 'The sail training ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen. 'As a result, she and her crew have been excluded from the list of participants in the 2025 Tall Ships Races. Let us be absolutely clear: TS Shtandart is not a Russian ship. 'She does not fly the Russian flag. She is registered under the flag of the Cook Islands. She is owned by a Finnish citizen, operated by a German company and crewed by an international team. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'She has not visited Russia for more than 15 years and is neither owned, operated, nor funded – directly or indirectly – by any Russian entity or by the Russian Federation. 'Therefore, she does not fall under any categories listed in Article 57A of the UK Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations. 'The only remaining link to Russia is the captain's place of birth. He left the country over a decade ago and has since been a long-term resident and taxpayer in Germany. He has not returned to Russia in many years and has dedicated his life to education and youth development at sea. 'TS Shtandart carries no political message. She is not a threat nor a tool for propaganda. She is a floating school, an ambassador of peace, a bridge between generations and nations.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sail Training International said Aberdeen was not a confirmed stop for the ship and Shtandart's captain, Vladimir Martus, was fully aware of the situation. It said: 'Sail Training International confirms that it received communications from the ports of Aberdeen, Kristiansand and Esbjerg informing us that Shtandart was denied entry into their ports, due to current national and international legislation.
Extra.ie
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Golf inks...fore-ever: Superfan has heroes tattooed on leg
Now this is a golf superfan who really does have skin in the game. Jordan Black has been tattooed with the faces of some of Europe's best players ahead of the Open – and has won the approval of one of the stars inked on his leg. Earlier this year, Mr Black embarked on a challenge to get images of the triumphant 2023 European Ryder Cup team tattooed on his leg before the Open returned to Royal Portrush. Jordan Black from Carrickfergus. Pic: David Young/PA Wire The 35-year-old from Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, now has Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Aberg and captain Luke Donald all depicted on his left leg. While he will not have completed the set by the time the Open Championship tees off this morning, he is confident of doing so before the start of this year's Ryder Cup at the Bethpage Black course in New York in September, when Europe will once again battle the USA. And this week, he got a chance to show off the progress on his golfing body art to one of the greats, who is already inked on his leg. Jordan Black from Carrickfergus. Pic: David Young/PA Wire The Carrickfergus Golf Club member got a favourable reaction from Spanish two-time major winner Rahm when he met him at the conclusion of one of his practice rounds at Portrush. 'He says he loves it,' Mr Black remarked 'He's seen it and he really likes it. So it's nice to know that. I started it in February. 'I wanted to have it finished before the Open, but fell short of that deadline, but I'll get it finished for the Ryder Cup. Jordan Black from Carrickfergus. Pic: David Young/PA Wire 'I've got Rory, Shane, Tommy, Ludvig, Jon Rahm and Luke Donald so far.' Mr Black will be hoping to encounter some more of the game's star players when he returns to Portrush tomorrow to watch the second round action. 'I'm a massive golf fan, I've played for about 20 years,' he said. 'I'm going up on Friday with the family – I'm really looking forward to it.'
North Wales Chronicle
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Chronicle
Gwynedd: Government won't explain graduated driving licences stance
Crystal Owen's 17-year-old son, Harvey, was one of four teenagers who died when their car rolled into a ditch in Gwynedd in 2023, while Jo Alkir's 17-year-old daughter, Olivia, was killed following a crash between Ruthin and Clawddnewydd in 2019. Ms Owen started a petition in October 2024, which has received more than 108,000 signatures and proposes the following 'reasonable changes': Both Ms Owen and Ms Alkir, along with other parents who lost their children in car crashes, delivered the petition to 10 Downing Street in April, despite the Department for Transport (DfT) reiterating that it is not considering GDLs. Bereaved parents, who have all lost their children in car accidents, delivering a 100,000-signature petition to Downing Street, London, calling for stricter licensing laws for young drivers. (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) The Free Press has made multiple requests to the DfT to interview Lilian Greenwood MP, the minister for future of roads, but all have been unsuccessful. Mrs Greenwood publicly supported a bill for GDLs introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP in May 2024 (prior to last year's general election), but said at a parliamentary debate in January that the government is not considering them. The Chronicle/Free Press also asked, in an email to the DfT's press office, why it is not considering GDLs, why Ms Greenwood previously supported GDLs but has changed her stance, and why the DfT has yet to publish its findings from its Driver2020. Proud to be a supporter of @kimleadbeater's Bill. There is good evidence that GDL could save lives and it deserves proper consideration by government. No one has done more to push this onto the UK political agenda than @ian_m_greenwood. The DfT responded by saying: 'Every death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way. 'Whilst we are not considering GDLs, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are considering other measures to tackle this problem and protect young drivers." The DfT previously provided the same statement to the Free Press in October and January. Harvey Owen (Image: Submitted) Olivia Alkir (Image: Submitted) At January's parliamentary debate, Mrs Greenwood said that 'recent statistics show an 80 per cent decrease in the number of young drivers killed on our roads since 1990'. But Ms Owen said: 'The government are being misleading with the 80 per cent 'reduction'. 'Young driver fatalities are driven by three factors. The most important one in reducing fatalities has been the impact of newer, safer cars. 'Affordability is the second factor. In 1990, 54 per cent of males under 21 held a full driving licence. In 2023 that had fallen to 29 per cent. 'Demographics is the third factor. In the 2010s, there was a reduction in young adult. By 2030, the number of 18-year-olds is projected to increase by 25 per cent.' Crystal Owen (Image: Newsquest) Government statistics show that, in the UK in 2023, the rate of killed and seriously injured (KSI) casualties per billion miles was four times higher for male car drivers aged 17 to 24 than all car drivers older than 25. Meanwhile, 90 young drivers and 200 passengers and other road users were killed in 2023 in crashes involving young drivers. KSI casualties in crashes involving a young driver has started to rise – from 3,987 in 2020, to 4,959 in 2023. Ms Owen's and Ms Alkir's campaigning has also received the backing of organisations such as the AA and the RAC – the latter has said GDLs 'could help save lives on the country's roads'. Both mothers are also part of Forget-Me-Not Families Uniting, a group of almost 200 bereaved families who have lost young loved ones in similar circumstances. Ms Owen has also rejected suggestions that GDLs would 'penalise' young drivers. L: Harvey Owen. R: Crystal Owen (Image: NWP/PA) 'Teenagers being able to drive solo for six months after passing their practical test will give them the opportunity to be mobile and gain experience,' she said. 'If the change in demographics results in an increase in the number and cost of road collisions, driving will become less affordable for young adults. 'Not protecting young drivers has created a vicious circle that makes driving increasingly unaffordable for most young adults. 'Driver2020 was paid for with taxpayers' money, so why are we not seeing what they have done with the money? Why is the taxpayer paying for this research to be done if we're not being shown the results of it?' Another new measure that has been discussed is that all cars must be fitted with a tool that could smash open a window if a car is trapped, to allow occupants to escape. In 2022, a film about Olivia Alkir, called Olivia's Story, was made by North Wales Police in a bid to deter young drivers from reckless behaviour on the roads. The film features dashcam footage of the cars involved in the 2019 crash, alongside a recording of Jo Alkir at the scene as she begs her daughter to live. Ms Alkir said: 'Why is the government allowing young novice drivers to be allowed to carry passengers, just after they have passed their test, knowing that they are a distraction? 'Arrogance, ignorance and selfishness kills. 'It has been proven that, in Canada, GDLs have prevented the deaths of young drivers (in April, it was reported that deaths in Canada among 16-to-19-year-old drivers have fallen by 83 per cent). 'Why is the government ignoring this?' Liz Saville Roberts is the Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, the constituency in which Harvey Owen and his three friends died in November 2023. She has since met Ms Owen and expressed her support for her campaigning. Liz Saville Roberts and Crystal Owen (Image: Submitted) Mrs Saville Roberts said: 'It is very disappointing that the DfT are seemingly unwilling to consider GDLs as a means of curbing accidents and fatalities amongst newly qualified drivers, when there is ample evidence that such a measure would help save lives. 'I have previously raised this matter with the UK roads minister to seek clarity as to what the UK government is doing to improve road safety amongst young drivers - including the merits of a staged approach of gaining full driving privileges. 'We know that young people are disproportionally affected by road accidents therefore the UK government should be actively considering all options to reduce deaths amongst newly qualified drivers. 'I would like to reaffirm my support to those campaigning to improve road safety and highlight the devastating consequences of accidents amongst young drivers including Crystal Owen and Jo Alkir, who have shown immense courage in the face of terrible loss. 'I would encourage the government to work with campaigners and listen to those who have lived experience of this devastating issue as they commence work on their Road Safety Strategy.' The DfT is expected to publish its Road Safety Strategy in due course.
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Keir Starmer fails to rule out bringing in tax on pension contributions
At the final Prime Minister's Questions before the summer break, Starmer would not be drawn on whether the Chancellor would impose taxes on pension contributions. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch asked the Prime Minister: 'We know the Chancellor is launching a review into pension contributions. It's as clear as day why this is – it is because the Government is considering taxing them. READ MORE: Fresh headache for Rachel Reeves as inflation jumps to 18-month high 'Does the Prime Minister agree with me that a tax on pension contributions is a tax on working people?' Starmer replied: 'We made absolutely clear manifesto commitments which she asked me about last week and we're keeping to. I'm not going to write the budget months out.' (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) It comes after the SNP raised questions about whether the scope and level of VAT could be changed, as Rachel Reeves (above) seeks to plug holes in her budget to meet her self-imposed fiscal rules. The Chancellor has pledged to have taxes cover day-to-day public spending and to get debt falling as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). READ MORE: Richard Murphy in explosive spat with BBC presenter over 'pro-Union bias' Debt is rising as a percentage of GDP and official forecasts project it will top 270% by 2070 – and top economists have warned that the 'fiscal headroom' left by Reeves's plans is too narrow to meet future shocks. She has also found herself with less room for manoeuvre after controversial cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment and disability benefits were scrapped.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
John Torode breaks silence on being sacked from MasterChef
The celebrity chef, 59, is the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review into the behaviour of co-presenter Gregg Wallace. It was revealed by the BBC and producers at Banijay UK on Tuesday (July 15) that his contract will not be renewed. However, Torode has since issued a statement on the sacking, saying he had not heard from the BBC or the production company Banijay UK, and repeated that he still had no recollection of the accusation against him. John Torode has been sacked from MasterChef (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) John Torode breaks silence on being sacked from MasterChef In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, the TV chef said: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. "The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. "I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in the last few days seem to have prevented that.' He went on to say that Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials, which he recently filmed, 'will be my last'. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows. The statement concluded: "Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. "I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. "Thank you for the many years of MasterChef." What are the allegations against John Torode? Australian-born chef John Torode first began presenting the BBC cooking contest MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night (July 14), it was confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into Wallace's behaviour while filming the programme over 19 years. Wallace stepped away from his role on MasterChef in 2024 while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. A report found that 45 out of 83 allegations made towards ex-MasterChef star, Gregg Wallace, were substantiated (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire) A report led by law firm Lewis Silkin, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode previously said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the 'serious racist term' the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used, after it was announced his contract on MasterChef would not be renewed. When asked what Torode said, Davie replied: 'I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly, it was a serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.' Confirming Torode's exit, a Banijay spokesperson said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. "Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef." Recommended reading: A BBC spokesperson added that the allegation against Torode 'involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace' which was 'investigated and substantiated' by the independent investigation led by Lewis Silkin. They said: 'John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.'
