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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish Highlands 'luxury glamping pod break' you can book for 61% less
The site is situated along the North Coast 500 scenic driving route. A "luxury glamping pod break" in the Scottish Highlands is currently available to book for almost 60 per cent off. One previous guest described the accommodation as a "beautiful gem of a place". North Coast 500 Pods Brora is a holiday accommodation site situated in the Sutherland village of Brora. As the name suggests, it is located along the North Coast 500 scenic driving route. At the moment, a one-night stay at North Coast 500 Pods Brora can be booked for as little as £79 plus a £3.99 admin fee through Wowcher. This is a discount of 59 per cent, with the usual cost being £191. Meanwhile, there is also the option to stay for two nights. This is priced at £129—a 61 per cent discount from the standard price of £333.60. Visitors will stay in a "well-appointed" pod that is designed to fit up to four people. The modern glamping pods are set amidst peaceful Highland scenery. Inside, the pods feature fully equipped kitchenettes, modern en-suites, double beds, and fold-out sofa beds. They also include Bluetooth sound systems, Wi-Fi, USB sockets, and insulation and heating. Also included in the Wowcher deal is a breakfast hamper featuring "local treats". Guests will also receive a bottle of Prosecco upon arrival. Elsewhere, the site is home to one of the world's first ever 'wild' saunas. This is comprised of a renovated glamping pod kitted out with sauna facilities, offering views out over the wilderness. North Coast 500 Pods Brora may not appeal to holidaymakers looking for more traditional accommodation. In that case, Brora is home to popular hotels and inns. The Royal Marine Hotel is a historic four-star hotel that features 228 luxury bedrooms that have been updated with both contemporary and traditional furnishings. Meanwhile, the Sutherland Inn is a three-star family-run hotel in the centre of the village. On Tripadvisor, North Coast 500 Pods Brora has received predominantly positive feedback. The accommodation has a rating of 4.4 out of five based on 27 reviews. One review reads: "We stayed for one night whilst on the NC500 route. A beautiful gem of a place, well designed, fully functional kitchen, communal sauna and private hot tub which we made good use of. "Close to Brora for facilities but a welcome piece of tranquility. Superb all round." Meanwhile, a three-star review states: "The pod was nice and clean and modern but would have preferred a partition between living room and bedroom. Also a bathroom with a door would have been more convenient." Another happy guest shared: "Fantastic accommodation. Beautiful views. "Fitted to high standard and well equipped. Outdoor seating with each pod and use of shared sauna pod."
Metro
4 days ago
- Health
- Metro
I helped my friend through cancer - then mine came back
My appointment was late. I remember sitting in the waiting area thinking: If it's cancer, surely they wouldn't leave me hanging? Finally in the room, I expected the doctor to check my name, date of birth – but he didn't do that. Beside him were a couple of nurses, which seemed a bit overkill for my results to be nothing. That's when the doctor told me it was breast cancer. I had found a lump in my breast, close to my armpit, at the start of October half term in 2017. By December I had been scheduled for a lumpectomy. Subsequent scans and a biopsy showed the cancer hadn't spread to my lymph nodes; it was followed up with six rounds of chemotherapy, one every three weeks. I felt progressively worse as time went on. I lost my hair – it would just fall out of my head as I was walking down the hallway. I let the kids shave my head which, in the circumstances, was quite a nice way of doing it. My daughter Amelia, who was then six, plaited a piece, which she cut off and kept. I started being sick after the second session, and then the nausea started before I even got to the hospital because I knew what was coming. By session six, I ended up being admitted because I was vomiting non-stop. The next stage was radiotherapy, which I finished on August 10, 2018. It marked the end of my active treatment, and I was told I was clear of disease. The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. You should see a GP if you notice any of the following: a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples a lump or swelling in either of your armpits a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Via NHS. Afterwards, I thought: 'Right, time to move on; to start living our best lives'. I have a group of five school-mum friends, Debbie, Natalie, Sam and Steph and we would get together, eat pizza, drink Prosecco and occasionally plan some fundraising events for breast cancer charities – starting with a 1,000 mile bike ride in September 2018. We raised about £2,500 and it was really good for me to have something positive to focus on – I'm not very good at being still. Buoyed by the cycle, we took on muddy runs – not that all of us were thrilled about it. Some of my friends really like being clean and having their nails done, but they couldn't say no to the girl who had cancer. Reaching the five year mark after diagnosis really boosted my confidence; research suggests that five years clear of disease is a big step. Taking the cancer drug Tamoxifen was a daily reminder of what I'd been through but reaching that milestone was a bit of a sigh of relief. It was around this time I noticed Debbie was a little quiet; not her normal, chatty self. We had known each other for almost a decade, since our older two kids, now both 12, were in infant school, and our younger kids, Matthew and Libby, are both eight and thick as thieves. I was about to text her but before I could, my phone pinged with a message from her, telling she had found a lump. I was floored. Obviously, it took me back to getting my diagnosis but you just don't want anyone you know to have to go through cancer. I knew how it would impact her and her children: they were older than mine when I found out, and whereas I didn't even tell my then two-year-old son, her kids would understand everything. Debbie had a lump in her neck as well as her breast and the immediate worry was that it had already spread to other organs. Waiting for her results was agony. I didn't want to be that person pestering – but I've never checked my phone quite so much as I did that day. Mercifully, Debbie's cancer hadn't spread but she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Once Debbie got a treatment plan, I wanted to support her. Childcare was at the top of the list. There were some days, in the first week after each chemo session, that were really hard to drag myself to school. It was easy for me to collect Libby when I got Matthew and bring her back to ours for tea. When she started chemo, we worked out which days she tended to feel worse, and I took Libby to school, too. Discussing the importance of being breast aware, Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, wants women to know there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts. 'It's about looking and feeling regularly so any changes can be spotted quickly,' she said. 'The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be. 'Whatever your age, being aware of all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial – it's not just a lump to look out for. Other changes could be a nipple becoming inverted or a change in texture of the skin. 'While most symptoms won't mean breast cancer, if you notice anything unusual for you get it checked out by your GP. 'Anyone with questions can call Breast Cancer Now's nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit I still do that now every Friday – it's become our little ritual – because despite having completed treatment, Debbie has been badly impacted by the side effects. People often think that once you've finished chemo, you're done and out the other side. But I found the second lump in my armpit in the May half term last year (half terms aren't good for me!) and scans revealed that not only had my cancer returned, it had spread. It was in my lungs. I found out a few hours before the school fete. Debbie was in the midst of treatment, so Libby was coming with us. I remember walking around all these stalls, paying money for anything and everything but thinking, 'Oh, God…'. I spent a fortune on the Teddy Tombola for Libby – she must have gone home with about 20 of them – knowing that Debbie's husband, Andy, couldn't argue because I had cancer, again. Sarah and Debbie are fundraising for Breast Cancer Now and the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury Hospital. You can donate here I'm now having weekly chemo sessions. I have seen some reduction in size but treatment now is just to try and keep the cancer stable. The other week at chemo someone asked how many weeks I had left. I told her that my treatment is ongoing and she replied, 'But, it can't just go on forever?' I said 'No, you're right, it can't,' and she started crying on me. The plan is just to keep going. I like to think I lived my life to the fullest before cancer, but now, when my son Matthew climbs into bed and asks to read a bit more of his book I say yes. I don't want to miss out on stuff. In some respects, because I know what lies ahead, I get the chance to live my best life. Some people will never get that. This world can be awful but I think we can all just do our own little bit to make it a little bit better. Last year, Debbie and I hosted an afternoon tea to raise money for Breast Cancer Now; we raised £12,000. We've just done another one and increased our total to £10,000. Half is going to Breast Cancer Now and the other half to the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury Hospital, where Debbie and I both had treatment. More Trending Debbie checks in with me every Monday to ask how I'm doing. But it's hard for her. My secondary diagnosis is a reminder about the risk of reoccurrence. She is having scans every year and already walking on eggshells – having the stage 4 girl up the road can't be helpful. But it's helped massively to be in each other's lives. I'm glad I could be there to support her, and likewise. We are still there for each other. View More » As told to Rosy Edwards Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: My drink was spiked – then I got a life-changing diagnosis MORE: I had high hopes for adult summer camp – then I went MORE: I escaped my ex – now our 8-year-old son is the one being abused Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I spent three days in Trentino – packed with glacier-blue lakes, pine-clad forests and jaw-dropping views
The air is pure, the walking incredible and the food divine HIGH AND DOLMIGHTY I spent three days in Trentino – packed with glacier-blue lakes, pine-clad forests and jaw-dropping views THEY say that the mountains change you. And after three days hiking the Via delle Valli in Trentino - with everything I needed strapped to my back - I believed them. Mostly because I still feel the climb in my thighs! Advertisement 9 Hiking brings gorgeous views on Val Nambrone 9 The stunning Dolomites in Trentino Italy Credit: Alamy Perched in Italy's far north, Trentino borders Austria and Germany, and is home to the dramatic Dolomite range and the soaring Italian Alps. Think jagged granite peaks, emerald lakes fed by glacier melt, and valleys so cinematic they make The Sound of Music look like Glasgow Green. We arrived just in time for the summer solstice, joining a small group for a mountain adventure that began with a hair-raising drive up narrow alpine roads, past pine forests and remote huts perched thousands of metres above sea level. The air hits differently up here - like champagne for your lungs. It's crisp, thin, and slightly terrifying when you're hoofing it uphill at altitudes you've never experienced before. Advertisement We began at 2,000 metres - over 600 metres higher than Ben Nevis, our own tallest mountain. No wonder my heart was thumping. But the payoff was immense. Around every turn was a view that made me reach for my phone to snap a picture, only to realise the camera couldn't quite capture the scale. Our base for two nights was Rifugio Cornisello, a rustic mountain hut that blends youth hostel charm with rugged alpine hospitality. 9 Rifugio Cornisello lights up the Dolomites Advertisement Supplies arrive by cable car; guests arrive on foot. Accommodation is shared and simple, bunkhouse-style, but the welcome is warm and the views are knockout. The smell of freshly oiled timber hits you when you enter Cornisello. We arrived on the first day of high-altitude season, which begins around June 20. Summer opening times are dictated by weather - snow can linger deep into spring. We toasted our arrival with Trentodoc, a punchy local sparkling wine (Prosecco's beefier cousin), and watched the sun melt behind the Dolomites from one of the world's most scenic beer gardens. Road trip to Dolomites in a motorhome Dinner was hearty mountain fare: Strangolapreti (spinach and breadcrumb dumplings, right), rivers of melted butter, cheese and cured meats - alpine fuel for serious walkers. Advertisement Trentino sits at the cusp between the traditional Mediterranean diet of fresh olive oil, vegetables and fish, and the hardier Alpine staples of bread, meat, and butter. You can tell how far up the mountain you are by whether you're served oil or butter with your toast! The next morning, our hosts urged us to rise early for the solstice sunrise. I peeked through the curtains just after 4.45am, staring across a glacier-fed lake as the peaks turned pink in the morning light. Utterly still. Utterly humbling. The weather changes rapidly at this height. While the UK was in a heatwave, we were wearing hats and fleeces as clouds rolled over the top of us - it's important to pack for all seasons up here. 9 Jennifer drinks in the mountains views Credit: Supplied Advertisement The reason for the hike, however, was to experience part of a new initiative - La Via delle Valli - to open up Trentino's lesser-known valleys to hikers and promote slow, sustainable tourism the Inspired by routes like the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal, the idea is that you can return again and again, collecting rubbings in a 'mountain passport.' Trails in the region are marked with red-and-white symbols, and there's something for everyone. You don't need to be a mountain goat - from gentle lake loops to Munro-level hikes and, for the brave, rope-and-axe climbs. Regardless of skill level, all roads lead back to the rifugio, where boots are kicked off beside a year-round fire and hikers from around the world swap stories over dumplings and fine Italian wine. Advertisement After exploring the local trails near Cornisello, we hiked deeper into the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, learning about conservation efforts from a local forest ranger. 9 Astonihsing Adamello Brenta Natural Park 9 Jennifer bedded down at the rustic Rifugio Segantini The area is famous for its wildlife - our group spotted curious marmots while enjoying lunch al fresco and avoided any encounters with the region's 100 wild bears, who live peacefully alongside humans. Advertisement In the morning, we packed our bags and climbed another 400 metres to Rifugio Segantini, perched above Lago Nero and surrounded by the towering Dolomites. The trail between the two huts edged along the black lake, before ascending through snow and mist to gain close-up views of Cima della Presanella's highest peak (altitude: 3,558m). It took us around 90 minutes, stopping for pictures along the way. The clouds parted just as we stopped for a quick lunch, revealing the summit in full. 9 Scatto di Righi Manuel in Val Benolina Credit: Righi Manuel Advertisement 9 Lago Nero is one of the most photographed lakes in Trentino - and italy Rifugio Segantini may have been our endpoint for the night, but it's also the starting point for many hikes, including routes for experienced mountaineers. Some of our group ventured out again after lunch. I stayed behind with my Kindle, watching the clouds drift below us from the refuge window as I took in the inversion. Just when we thought we couldn't get more remote - here we were. No roads, no cars - only a tiny supply cable car. The altitude here peaked at 2,345 metres. Advertisement The hut is basic but has all you need: a bar, a kitchen, a drying room, and a bookshelf. And that's the point. I couldn't have felt further from the hustle and hassle of the city. After a hot meal and an even hotter shower, I crawled into my bunk early, heart thumping again as I adjusted to sleeping at altitude for the first time. 9 Jennifer leaves Rifugio Segantini, Credit: Supplied And next morning? The only way down was a rocky trail. The descent brought more cinematic views - though I was grateful gravity was finally on our side. Advertisement We passed through quiet valleys where cows and calves grazed peacefully, their bells echoing across the hills like wind chimes. The soundtrack of Trentino. Locals say there are 50 valleys in Trentino - and once you hike them all, you become one of them. We only did a few. But I'm already hooked. The colours here are dialled up to 11: turquoise lakes that look Photoshopped, glacier-striped cliffs, and wide blue skies. If you're after a wild, high-altitude escape with proper food and endless views, the mountain huts offer camaraderie for walkers of all experience levels - and a deep sense of accomplishment at the end. Advertisement Just bring good boots, poles, and a backpack that won't break your back. And maybe learn how to say 'my legs hurt' in Italian!
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Loose Women's Ruth Langsford's 'go-to summer cocktail' recipe step-by-step
The TV star, 65, unveiled her favourite summer cocktail on Instagram There's no finer time for a cocktail than summer. And now, Ruth Langsford has unveiled her go-to recipe that's best enjoyed amidst sunny British weather. While you might envision a Piña Colada or Mojito, the Loose Women star instead took viewers through a tutorial to make her favourite Limoncello Spritz. This involves just a handful of ingredients and takes minutes to make. "Hello and welcome to Ruth's happy hour," she said in an Instagram video earlier this week. "Now, I know a lot of people's go-to summer drink is an Aperol Spritz. Mine is a Limoncello Spritz. "So, I'm just going to put one together and show you what I do." First and foremost, Ruth popped a couple of ice cubes in some cocktail glasses before topping these up with some Limoncello - the key staple of this drink. While the star, 65, didn't exactly measure how much was put in, she stopped when the glass appeared just under half-full. Ruth explained: "I mean, you can do proper measurements - but you know. "I just go by eye. Good old slug of Limoncello - isn't that a pretty bottle? I love Prosecco anyway on its own, but this is a really fresh lemony [drink]." Popping open the bottle of Prosecco, Ruth poured some into each glass. She then followed this up with some Schweppes soda water - but only a little. "Okay, so then we are going in with Prosecco," she continued. "[Then] Schweppes, because I think it's the nicest, fizziest one. If I could actually undo it. Not too much, don't want to dilute everything. "And then this is a little hack of mine. I put all my lemon slices, I cut them, I put them in the freezer, put them in a little box, and then they are all done. And then they are like a lemon ice cube then. I do a couple of those - presentation is all Ruth. "Fresh mint - and there you go. Limoncello Spritz. Cheers, everyone." Ruth's summer cocktail was quickly showered with countless comments on Instagram, with many fans eager to try the recipe for themselves. One person wrote: "I LOVE Limoncello Ruth so deffo be trying this cheers." Meanwhile, another person added: "Definitely going try, all supplies are bought," as someone else said: "That looks delicious." Ruth's Limoncello Spritz ingredient list As outlined in Ruth's video tutorial, the star uses: Limoncello Schweppes soda water Ice cubes Prosecco Frozen lemon slices Mint leaves Captioning the video, Ruth also added: "It's light, refreshing and really easy to make. I don't bother using strict measurements but try and follow the 3-2-1 rule… 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Limoncello, 1 part soda water. "My top tip? Frozen lemon wedges. They keep your drink chilled without watering it down and add a lovely zingy twist!"
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
Young mum who didn't strap baby into seat properly guilty of manslaughter
A mum who didn't strap her baby into a car seat properly before her drunk friend got behind the wheel has been convicted of manslaughter. Taylor Kiely was 19 when she travelled to Clacton beach in Essex with her friend Stevie Steel and her six-month-old son Harry on July 13 2022. They also brought three bottles of Prosecco with them, which Kiely and Steel drank over the course of several hours at the seaside. When the group set off home, Kiely got into the passenger seat in front of Harry in a rear seat, with Steel driving. As they drove away from the coast, the Ford Focus rolled and ended up on its roof – with Harry thrown from his seat through an open window. Later that night, the baby died from 'unsurvivable' injuries including a skull fracture. A key witness at Kiely's trial said it was 'highly likely' the straps of Harry's seat had not been secured before the group left the beach. Prosecutor Alex Stein told jurors Kiely, now 22, 'loved her child' and there is 'no evidence to suggest that she was anything other than a loving and caring mother' to Harry. Mr Stein said: 'Whatever happened that day, she certainly did not mean for it to happen.' A 999 call made after the collision was played to jurors. Kiely appeared to wipe her eyes and cry in the secure courtroom dock whilst the audio was played. Neighbours rushed out to attend the scene immediately after hearing the incident. One of them, a retired paediatric nurse, spoke to the call handler and provided some of the immediate care towards Harry. During this Kiely was said to have been heard saying 'my baby, my baby, is my baby okay'. Chelmsford Crown Court heard Steel's former partner Mitchell Bassett had earlier visited the group on the beach and offered to give them a lift away when they were done. Judge Robert Jay said: 'Alarm bells should have been ringing in your head at that point. 'You knew how much Stevie had drunk. You could and should have taken up Mitchell's offer. 'A mother should not agree to travel with a drunk driver.' More Trending Steel has previously admitted causing death by careless driving while over the drink drive limit. The judge told Kiely it was 'obvious to everyone in this courtroom that you were a very good mother to Harry in all respects' and the child's dead was the result of a single failure. The court heard the defendant had given up her job as a carer and now has a four-month-old baby. Kiely was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence yesterday and given a two-year suspended jail sentence. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Cruise ship worker jumps overboard after 'stabbing female colleague' MORE: New arrest in cold case of mum killed 30 years ago walking home from shops MORE: Young people are falling through the cracks when it comes to sexual abuse and it's killing them
