Latest news with #RobinsonCrusoe
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Two starving dogs rescued in Wychavon by wardens
Two starving dogs were "bags of bones" when they were rescued in Griffin, from the region's Dog Warden Service, said "heartless" owners would have deliberately starved the animals and watched them were found separately in the Wychavon area, which includes Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore, last month."It is cruelty beyond belief and these are just two of the many cases we face each week," said Ms Griffin. Wilma, a cocker spaniel-type, was so emaciated she could not stand and collapsed several times while trying to breathe, spending a week in intensive other dog, a bully-type breed called Robinson Crusoe, had every rib showing, Ms Griffin said."Heartless people intentionally starved these defenceless creatures and watched them suffer," she urged anyone with information about the dogs or the safety of any other pets to contact the service. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Herald Scotland
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland announces 25th year lineup
More than 150 free events will take place across Scotland from June 13 to 22, featuring artists and performers from more than 30 countries. This year's theme, Milestones, celebrates decades of cultural enrichment, renewal and welcome, made possible by providing sanctuary in Scotland. It pays tribute to the effort, creativity and coming together of so many to sustain this. The festival also seeks to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis, with numbers of forcibly displaced individuals continuing to rise due to conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read More: Among the events at the festival will be the premiere of Within the Fragments of Gurbet a specially commissioned film that maps Glasgow through the experience of five New Scots, including filmmaker Bircan Birol herself. Aberdeen will host Living Rhythms: Stories and Beats of Resilience, a vibrant celebration of refugee experience through storytelling, drumming and dance. In Dundee, a Ukrainian theatre group is staging a musical interpretation of Robinson Crusoe, exploring parallels between Crusoe's journey and the experience of forced displacement. There are a number of landmark collaborations between artists taking place across the festival, epitomised by the specially designed festival artwork by Yemeni artist Shatha Altowai and Palestinian artist Jude Ershead. Shapes, carefully stacked and balanced, represent the resilience and strength of refugees. As the layers build upon one another, they create a solid foundation – just as refugees, despite their diverse origins, come together to form strong, united communities. The patterns are inspired by traditional clothing, architecture, and crafts from Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Iran. Refugee Festival Scotland manager, Mónica Laiseca said: 'Milestones offer us a moment to reflect on the incredible journeys people have taken to find safety here in Scotland. This festival is a tribute to their courage and a celebration of the warm welcome and support they have received from local communities over the past 25 years. We mark years of championing New Scot creativity as a vital part of Scottish culture and recognising the invaluable heritage that has been carefully assembled over the last quarter of a decade which deserves to be meaningfully supported, lived and carried forward. The festival aims to bring people from different backgrounds together to meet, mix and get to know each other better and we hope this year's event inspires even more connection, creativity, and solidarity among people.' Scottish Refugee Council chief executive, Sabir Zazai said: 'Bringing people from different cultures together to build friendship, solidarity and a sense of shared community is more important than ever. Last summer, racist riots swept across parts of the UK, creating fear in refugee and migrant communities. None of us ever want to see anything like that again. By uniting against these acts of violence and hostility, we're showing that a better way is possible. 'We believe Refugee Festival Scotland is an antidote to the negativity and hostility that's started to characterise conversations about migration and about people seeking safety here. Join us in June to see hope and positivity in action as we celebrate the diversity of all Scotland's communities.' Refugee Festival ambassador Shahid Khan said: 'Refugee Festival Scotland is a celebration – not just of culture and diversity, but of possibility. It's a moment to stop and reflect on the journeys being made all around us. This year, let us honour every milestone reached – and work together to remove the barriers that still remain. 'Integration is not just about what newcomers do to adapt, it's also about what kind of society they're adapting to. The more we foster kindness, opportunity, and mentorship, the more milestones we'll see for all of us.'
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Daily Record
Tiny Scottish island that is only accessible during low tide is filled with WW2 ruins
Less than six miles from Edinburgh, the island is one of 17 in Scotland that can be reached on foot at low tide Sitting less than six miles from the heart of Edinburgh, a tiny island has a remarkable history that belies its small size. And if you want to experience it first-hand, you'll have to pick your moment carefully, as it can only be reached on foot when the tide is out. Cramond Island is one of Scotland's more curious landmarks. Isolated and uninhabited today, the Firth of Forth tidal island's haunting quiet hides a past filled with amazing tales stretching from prehistory to the Second World War. The island, one of 17 that are walkable from the Scottish mainland, captured national headlines in 2011 when a man and woman became stranded after the tide came in, The Express reports. The story took a surreal twist when it emerged that the man's name was Daniel Defoe, a striking coincidence that led to comparisons with the namesake author of Robinson Crusoe, the classic adventure novel published in 1719. Though deserted for much of its history, evidence suggests Cramond Island held a special place in ancient times. Archaeological finds point to human activity dating back to the prehistoric era, and at least one burial cist has been discovered, hinting at its possible ceremonial or spiritual significance for early coastal communities. The island may also be the site of Urbs Iudeu, an early medieval fortress referenced by the Venerable Bede in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People. If true, Cramond Island would have witnessed a siege in 655 AD during one of the era's many power struggles. Centuries later, in 1596, it became the setting for a dramatic duel. Under the sanction of King James VI of Scotland, Adam Bruntfield challenged James Carmichael to single combat, accusing him of murdering his brother. Bruntfield emerged victorious. By the late 18th century, the island took on a quieter role. The British Wool Society used it for grazing sheep in the 1790s, and farming continued until 1904 when the last farmer, Peter Hogg, passed away. A ruined farmstead still stands today. While the structure appears on a map drawn in 1853, its precise origins remain uncertain. Cramond Island was pulled into the conflict of both world wars in the 20th century. In 1914, in the early days of The Great War, an anti-submarine net was installed, stretching between Cramond Island, Inchmickery, Inchcolm and the Fife coast, aiming to deter enemy vessels from navigating up the Forth. 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'. When the Second World War broke out in 1939, the island was once again fortified as military planners feared a German invasion via the Firth of Forth. An anti-boat boom was laid across the estuary from the island, and gun emplacements were constructed. A spotlight tower was also installed to sweep across the tidal causeway. That invasion never materialised, and following the war, the military departed, leaving behind the skeletal remains of bunkers, fortifications and other wartime structures that still stand in silent testament to its strategic past.
The Herald Scotland
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Restaurant on route popular with tourists put up for sale
A village in Fife situated on Largo Bay along the north side of the Firth of Forth, Lower Largo sits at the beginning of Fife's East Neuk, a popular tourist destination. The exterior. (Image: Shepherd Chartered Surveyors) The agent said: 'A historic fishing village, Lower Largo is the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the original Robinson Crusoe. It is now a popular tourist and residential location. 'The Aurrie café/restaurant and the Aurrie Mor events space are located on Main Street, right on the Fife Coastal path, a popular draw for walkers and cyclists. 'It has direct access to the Lower Largo beach. Several holiday let properties are within the immediate vicinity as well as The Railway Inn and The Crusoe Hotel.' The former church property which has been repurposed to create The Aurrie and has been trading successfully for the last four years. It retains its original features and appeal and provides an excellent business opportunity for those seeking food and drink premises with an associated events venue. The nearby Aurrie Mor comprises a 100-capacity events venue, hall, balcony, meeting room, storeroom and three WCs. Jonathan Reid, partner at Shepherd, said: 'Offering 50 covers plus external pavement seating, the Aurrie has a healthy year-round footfall of tourists, as well as local residents. 'Fully Fitted and ready to trade – and qualifying for 100% rates relief – the café/restaurant offers huge potential for a variety of operators. 'Our client is inviting rental offers in the region of £22,000 per annum for The Aurrie café for a negotiable period. The Aurrie Mor events space is available for an additional amount to be negotiated. 'Prospective tenants are invited to discuss the opportunity prior to submitting a summary business plan for their proposal.' Holiday park on 'serene shores' of Scottish bay The site overlooks the bay. (Image: ASG Comercial)A caravan park overlooking a picturesque Scottish bay has been brought to the market. The agent said the holiday park is 'set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and perched just above the serene shores of Gruinard Bay'. Leslie Callander, of ASG Commercial, said: 'This exceptional lifestyle business offers the rare chance to own not just a profitable venture, but a way of life. 'Located on the North Coast 500, Gruinard Bay Caravan Park is a thriving, seasonal campsite drawing global visitors eager to explore the wild beauty of Assynt and An Teallach.' The agent said £625,000 for the freehold is asked. Well-known Scottish city football pub The pubs is on the market. (Image: Cornerstone Business Agents) A pub next to two Scottish football stadiums has been brought to the market. The bar is also close to a park, the city centre and a range of popular tourist attractions. Cornerstone Business Agents said the Hill Bar, located towards the northern end of Hilltown in Dundee and close to where the street becomes Strathmartine Road, is a 15-minute walk from the centre of the city. It is also near Dundee United's Tannadice Park and Dundee FC's Dens Park grounds. A freehold guide price of £150,000 is sought. Hotel near world's fifth oldest golf course The hotel is well-placed. (Image: Drysdale and Company) A hotel with 52 rooms in a Scottish coastal town has been brought to the market. The agent said the business offers a 'well-established hotel with a loyal local customer base and strong corporate trade'. Drysdale and Company is handling the sale of The Park Hotel in Montrose, which it described as 'one of the leading hotels in the area'. The agent said: 'The Park is a well-established business situated in the attractive prime residential area between the town centre and the popular beaches, a short walk from the train station. 'This exceptional hotel presents a prime opportunity for hotel operators and investors seeking a reputable asset with significant growth potential.'
Scotsman
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Uncharted Island by Olga Wojtas review: 'a delightful novel'
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers 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... Given how crazy much of the world today seems, it's strange that there seem to be fewer light-hearted comic novelists than was the case 60 or 70 years ago. Happily, a few dare to lift their head over the parapet. One is Olga Wojtas. Her short, elegant novels feature the Morningside librarian Shona McMonagle, the now middle-aged former prefect at Miss Blaine's School for Girls, first brought to wider notice by an earlier alumna Miss Muriel Spark in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Miss Blaine and Shona spend some of their time removing and concealing copies of this scandalous novel and in deploring its promotion by Miss Spark's biographer Alan Taylor, himself once a librarian and therefore a man who should have known better. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is by the way and when we first come on Shona she is reading Defoe's Robinson Crusoe and finding it deplorably dull. She learned high standards at Miss Blaine's School for Girls. She has reason for her low opinion of Crusoe, for she herself is an accomplished and remarkable traveller, whose adventures are very much livelier than poor Crusoe's, for Miss Blaine dispatches her not only to distant lands but to times past. With commendable restraint, Wojtas dismisses the remarkable achievement in a brief, off-hand manner. Splendid and very welcome; no tedious pseudo-science. Her last excursion into the past took her to early Renaissance Venice, and a dangerous time she had there. Happily her excursions last for only a week, perhaps as long as the Morningside Library will spare her, and this time she is whisked to an island in the Baltic, where at first she encounters ship-wrecked mariners lurking in caves. They know nothing of the settlement across the hills but are in terror of a monster out for their blood. Even Shona's good Morningside sense can't persuade them that monsters are mythical creatures. At least one of the shipmates has been murdered. It must have been the monster's work and fear confines them to their separate caves. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On the other side of the island Shona finds a settlement of indigenous people, one of them a striking and commanding woman who has a surprising knowledge of aspects of Scottish history. Shona communicates easily with the locals – as indeed with the ship-wrecked sailors – because she has a remarkable knowledge of varieties of Scandinavian, Danish and German dialects, evidence no doubt of the high quality of her education. Still, she doesn't get everything right. She thinks for instance that the woman who calls herself a detective may actually be the murderer of the shipwrecked sailor. The settlement is very agreeable, though the teabags are made with sheep's wool. There is an agreeable lady choirmaster, a charming girl who keeps a craft shop, a surly farmer and the councillor, a dim bureaucrat drawn, I like to think, from Edinburgh life. Olga Wojtas | Lisa Ferguson for The Scotsman It is all charming and often amusing, but Wojtas never forgets that the novel tells a story. Some authors of comic novels have often forgotten this and their novels are the feebler for it. Elements of the plot may be silly, as some are here, but the plot is needed to keep things moving; and Wojtas understands its importance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's a delightful novel and a cunning piece of craftsmanship, a novel to make you smile and – remarkably today – laugh out loud. The tone is so light and assured I found myself thinking of the great black and-white Ealing comedies – The Lavender Hill Mob and, appropriately for Wojtas's theme, A Passport to Pimlico. She brings off her fantasy in such a natural way it doesn't seem fantastic at all. Actually, there are times when the light-footed prose and well controlled imagination recall the early novels of Muriel Spark herself. Perhaps when Miss Blaine wasn't about, her favourite prefect surreptitiously delighted in the early Spark novels such as Memento Mori and The Ballad of Peckham Rye. She may even have smuggled a copy of Miss Brodie's scandalous Prime of Miss Jean Brodie into her bedroom. Be that as it may, her prose often echoes Spark's. High praise of course. This book is delightful fun anyway, and considerably more lively than Robinson Crusoe.
