Latest news with #Souter
The Herald Scotland
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
The most notorious building in Glasgow: a way forward
The actual owner, Derek Souter, got in touch with me the other day to put his side of the story. For 27 years, he says, his companies, USP and USI, have liaised with countless council officers and heritage officials to try to find a future for the building. He also says he remains committed to engaging constructively with the council to ensure the Halls are preserved and returned to long-term commercial sustainability – at minimal cost to the public purse, he insists, while ensuring a fair return for him and his companies. As for the council, it says the owners don't appear to be developing any viable scheme. Amidst all the details Mr Souter sent to me, it's hard to tell what the current position actually is, but I did ask him at one point if he'd show me round the place and he did and it was fascinating. You'll know already that the building is covered with scaffolding, obscuring all the Greek Thomson details it's famous for, which means you have to enter through the back of the vape shop on the ground floor. Once we were inside, we headed up the stairs where there were signs, dusty and faded, of all the previous lives the building has had: restaurant, bar, first-aid centre, inland revenue training school, even a cinema. It's hard to watch: buildings fading like this. Its exact condition is also hard to tell. Mr Souter showed me all over the place – we even went out on to roof where there are brilliant views of Buchanan Street and Central Station – and to my layman's eye, it looked dry and watertight and in pretty good nick. But it's been on the Buildings at Risk register since 1990 and the council says its condition has deteriorated significantly in recent years. Without some kind of intervention, they say, there's a serious risk of a significant failure in the fabric. On a busy street like Union Street, that is not good news; in fact, it's potentially dangerous news. Read more 'Key milestone' in efforts to return Egyptian Halls to full life | The Herald Glasgow's rubbish-bin millions: where has the money gone? 'Get it up ye Sturgeon!' The new front in the trans war So some kind of forcing of the process is welcome, and Mr Souter will be entitled to put forward his development plans along with everyone else. The idea he's talked about in the past is what he calls the Mackintosh-Thomson Mews, which would open up a thoroughfare from Central Station to Buchanan Street via the Egyptian Halls, the Lighthouse and Mitchell Lane. Mr Souter told me that some 13 years ago there was also a real opportunity to turn the Halls into a hotel but the funding fell through, funding being the key word here. The bottom line in this is money and who's going to come up with it. What seems clear – and everyone would appear to agree on this point – is that both private and public money will need to be involved. It's hard to see what kind of purpose or use would justify funding it entirely with public money (if you can think of one, let me know). As for private money, the sums simply would not add up for any kind of developer faced with a heritage building like the Egyptian Halls, the state it's in, and the kind of restrictions that would be put on developing it, for perfectly good reasons. So public and private money it is. Assuming this as the baseline, the list of potential futures for the Egyptian Halls isn't a long one. Retail is certainly out, apart from the bottom floor, the problem being that it would be hard to attract retailers to Union Street given the state it's in, and given the state the high street is in generally. This is the first place that a lot of visitors to Glasgow see when they emerge from Central Station and yet it's one of the worst streets in the city, thanks in part of course to the state of the Egyptian Halls. Anyway, it means that no retailer with money to invest (and they're rare now) would be interested in opening up on Union Street and spending the money it would need to get the Halls into decent shape. Inside the Halls (Image: Newsquest) The office option is also a non-starter. There was a time when the council thought big office complexes was the way forward for the city, and it earned them decent money for a bit. But then the pandemic hit and people started working from home and other people started 'working from home' and the city was basically filleted of its office population; they're all at home now in their slippers scrolling. Which means that even some limited office accommodation in a refurbished Egyptian Halls would probably be too much. Which leaves only one realistic option, the only way forward: residential, but even that is going to require some significant policy changes. The truth is there's a lot of new accommodation going up in the centre of Glasgow but it's all student flats because that's the only model that works at the moment. I spoke to Stuart Patrick, the chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, about this and his take was that you won't see better quality mixed residential development until the Scottish Government changes its policy on rent controls, which Mr Patrick believes could release hundreds of millions of pounds. The sums have to add up for developers basically, and that would include any potential developer of the Egyptian Halls. The council would also have to do their bit (i.e. put up some money) to support any residential development, on the basis that the Egyptian Halls is in a prestigious location (or what should be a prestigious location) and needs to look good so let's see which potential developers come forward and what ideas they have. In the meantime, all we can do is skulk under the scaffolding, look up in disappointment, or frustration, and try to imagine what this fine old building might look like one day. The brochure describes it as masterpiece of Victorian architecture. And it is. But look at it. Just look at it.
The Review Geek
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Untamed (2025) – Episode 2 'Jane Doe' Recap & Review
Jane Doe Episode 2 of Untamed Season 1 starts with a flashback to the day Jane Doe got shot. Her bag ripped, causing some medicine bottles to drop. She picked them up but missed one. She then hid a bag in an abandoned ice cooler and started walking. Out of nowhere, a stray bullet hits her. Presently, a reporter announces that the investigation into Jane Doe is still ongoing. The reporter also brings up another investigation. People are still looking for answers in the case of Sean Sanderson, a businessman who went missing. In the park, Kyle comes across more clues and finds the medicine bottle Jane Doe accidentally left behind. He notes that the cap has a golden X sign, similar to the tattoo on Jane Doe's body. At the office, Souter talks to Naya, curious about how she and her son are adjusting to their new surroundings. He also wants the tea about Kyle and how their partnership is working out. Naya mentions the bracelet, and Souter takes her to the storage room, where there is an entire box of similar bracelets. The discovery disappoints Naya, as it implies anyone could have given Jane Doe the bracelet. Turner calls her for an update and insists she keep following the lead. Kyle drives to town to talk to Teddy, a drug user who might have a lead on the medicine bottle and tattoo. Sadly, Teddy has no idea but promises to ask around. Kyle takes Teddy's stash and promises to return it if he gets him a lead. Later, he drops by a local hotel to study the carvings, which look similar to the drawings on the walls he found. It seems he has a complicated relationship with Lana at the front desk. At the hotel, he runs into Souter, who invites him for lunch. Souter brings up the case and asks Kyle to consider taking a different job. It seems Jill talked to Souter about her concerns for Kyle. The midnight calls have been worrying her. Souter is also worried about Kyle, but the latter insists he's fine. After lunch, Kyle calls Jill and asks her not to worry anymore. He promises to stop the midnight calls. Kyle drives back to his cabin only to find a lawyer waiting for him. The lawyer, Esther, is representing Sanderson's family, who are suing the park for wrongful death. Sanderson went missing five years ago, and Esther has questions about Kyle's involvement in the case. In particular, she is concerned about his state of mind at the time of the investigation. It turns out Sean disappeared a few months after Caleb's death. Kyle tries to answer Esther's questions professionally. The questions trigger his memories of loss and how he found Caleb's body floating in a river. Naya drops by to inform that the toxicology on Jane Doe came back clean. Kyle invites her to join him and takes her to the squatters' group. Unfortunately, the squatters refuse to cooperate even though one of them looks like she knows something. Kyle also asks about Abuelo. Abuelo is more of a drug peddler than the shaman he claims to be. Sadly, Abuelo is on one of his 'spiritual' walks to find his centre! However, one of the squatters mentions that a ranger named Deniro dropped by the previous day looking for Abuelo, too. After striking out at the squatters' camp, Kyle and Naya separate to follow different leads. Naya loses the horse and is late picking up her son. The lady mentions that Gael's dad called, causing Naya to leave her ex a message, warning him to stay away. In the meantime, Kyle tracks down Shane, a wildlife biologist. Shane has been looking for Abuelo, too. He believes there is a link between Abuelo and the sick deer. As Kyle asks more questions about Jane Doe, Shane clams up, saying he knows nothing. Kyle cleverly manages to fire Shane's gun and collect the bullet. He is hoping to run ballistics and compare the bullet to the one linked to Jane Doe's case. Kyle drops by the lab and begs Marlon to run the test and share the results only with him. Back in town, Teddy visits a tattoo shop to ask about the gold tattoo. The tattoo artist, Linson, insists that there is no such thing as a gold tattoo and kicks him out. Another guy listens to their conversation. Once Teddy leaves, Linson texts him. He asks Teddy to drop the issue, as nothing good will come of it. Sadly, later that night, Teddy is attacked and strangled in his car. The following day, the rangers attend Souter and Mary's 40th wedding anniversary. Milch tells Naya all about Caleb's death and how grief changed Kyle. It turns out a pervert took Caleb when he strayed from his group during a group hike. Unfortunately, they never found the guy. Grief led Kyle to hit the bottle hard, and if it were not for Souter, he would have lost his badge. Simultaneously, Kyle is jealous of Jill's new husband. It is also hard for him to see Gael, as the boy reminds him of Caleb. He checks out of the party early. Elsewhere in the park, a group of young people goes swimming. One of them comes across Teddy's body. Meanwhile, Kyle continues to follow Jane Doe's trail and comes across her footprint in the forest. He gets a call informing him of Teddy's death. Kyle drives to the crime scene and whilst there, Naya calls to inform him she has found Jane Doe. Thanks to her investigation, she discovered that Jane Doe was a young child who went missing years ago. The Episode Review This is one of the most anticipated mystery thrillers from Netflix this year and judging from the first two episodes, we are in for some heart-breaking truths! For starters, Jane Doe was a missing child. I can't imagine the pain the news of her death will bring to her family. For years, they have probably been praying for answers. To find out that she was alive all this time, then lose her forever again, must be heart-wrenching. Still, if Jane Doe has been alive for all these years, could Sanderman be alive as well? Where has Jane Doe been, and what do the wall carvings mean? As for Kyle, we get to understand him more. The fact that Caleb's killer is still out there probably haunts him every night. Seeing Jill move on must also break his heart. He wants her to be happy, but he is jealous of Jill's new husband. Then we have Teddy; he was most likely killed by the guy from the tattoo shop. That guy was listening keenly to Teddy's conversation with Linson. Also, his tattoo looks eerily similar to Teddy's attacker. Why is this guy taking such measures? How is she linked to Jane Doe's case? Lastly, Naya might want to start looking over her back. Her ex is onto her, and he will show up soon. Is he violent? Why did Naya relocate from L.A.? Previous Episode Next Episode
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Justice David Souter and state constitutional law
Among scholars who study state courts and state constitutions, Justice David Souter was notable for the experience at the state level that he brought with him to the Supreme Court. (Photo by) Following retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter's passing last month, commentators memorialized the justice with appreciations of his analytical acumen and commitment to the role of neutral arbiter. Steven Vladeck, for instance, praised Souter for 'just how seriously he took his job as a justice — and a judge.' At the same time, however, as longtime Supreme Court observer Linda Greenhouse noted in The New York Times, Souter's 'name was on so few significant opinions and his profile at the court was so low that after his first few years, legal academia essentially stopped paying attention to him.' Not all of legal academia. Among scholars who study state courts and state constitutions, Souter was notable for the experience at the state level that he brought with him to the Supreme Court. During his tenure as a member of New Hampshire's highest court, that court contributed to the development of state constitutional law in significant ways. The Granite State stood at the forefront of the jurisprudential phenomenon known as the 'new judicial federalism' — the practice of state courts interpreting the individual rights provisions of their own constitutions independently of the Supreme Court's rulings on the parallel protections contained in the federal Bill of Rights. The new judicial federalism was inspired, in large part, by an essay published in the Harvard Law Review in 1977. Alarmed by the extent to which the Supreme Court was retreating from the robust protection of individual rights under the federal constitution, Supreme Court Justice William Brennan reminded readers that 'State constitutions, too, are a font of individual liberties, their protections often extending beyond those required by the Supreme Court's interpretation of federal law.' In other words, individuals and advocates should consider, in appropriate cases, the depth and reach of state constitutional individual rights provisions. The New Hampshire Supreme Court heard Brennan's call. In its 1983 decision in State v. Ball, the high court held that, when state constitutional issues are properly raised, the state courts have 'a responsibility to make an independent determination of the protections afforded in the New Hampshire Constitution.' To ignore this obligation, the court continued, would be to fail in the duty to defend the state constitution, which in turn would undermine 'the federalism that must be so carefully safeguarded by our people.' A commitment to the independent interpretation of the state constitution necessarily entails the development of approaches and modes of analysis suited to that particular constitutional context, which Justice Souter recognized in a 1986 case, State v. Bradberry. Souter had been appointed to the high court when the court issued its opinion in Ball, but he did not participate in the decision. Bradberry thus presented an opportunity for him to explain the stakes for state constitutional law in individual rights cases: 'If we place too much reliance on federal precedent,' he wrote, 'we will render the State rules a mere row of shadows; if we place too little, we will render State practice incoherent. If we are going to steer between these extremes, we will have to insist on developed advocacy from those who bring the cases before us.' Justice Souter's plea for support from the bar in state constitutional cases continues to resonate. In our treatise on state constitutional law, 'The Law of American State Constitutions,' my co-author Bob Williams and I referred to Souter's opinion in Bradberry as a definitive statement on the matter. In the book, we echoed the perspective articulated in his opinion: State courts that rely wholly on federal law in interpreting their state constitutional rights protections risk diminishing those protections, while too little respect for federal precedent risks isolating a state's law from the larger, national discourse about the meaning of common individual rights provisions. His experience with state constitutional law and the new judicial federalism distinguished Justice Souter's career from that of most of his fellow U.S. Supreme Court justices, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court's commitment to fostering independent state constitutional interpretation in State v. Ball has distinguished it from other state courts. In Bradberry, Justice Souter maintained that the commitment represents but an initial step toward reckoning with state constitutional text. In ascertaining the meaning of the state's charter, Souter advised, the state's courts should expect to rely on counsel representing each side of a case to illuminate the text. Such advocacy allows judges to consider the full range of interpretive possibilities that may lie in particular provisions of the New Hampshire Constitution — and creates an alternative to relying exclusively on the views of nine judges in Washington, D.C., who are tasked with construing a similar but fundamentally different constitution
Edinburgh Reporter
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Local Talent in the Spotlight: Stockbridge's Celebration of Scottish Creativity
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Stockbridge art district, Graystone Gallery has established itself as a vital platform for contemporary Scottish artists, balancing a showcase of established names with emerging talents through its ambitious exhibition programme. The gallery, which hosts a large number of exhibitions annually at 52 Hamilton Place, has become a cornerstone of the local art scene with its carefully curated catalogue of shows. Its approach of presenting both solo exhibitions and thoughtfully curated group shows creates a dynamic environment where artistic traditions evolve through fresh perspectives. The gallery believes in creating conversations between different generations of Scottish artists. Each exhibition is curated to highlight these connections while celebrating the distinctive voice each artist brings to contemporary Scottish art. May & June Exhibition Highlights the Coastal Influence on Scottish Art The gallery's current exhibition, 'Time & Tide: A Solo Show by Kerry Souter' (running until June 8th, 2025), exemplifies the gallery's commitment to showcasing distinctive Scottish artistic voices. Souter's mixed-media paintings evoke the Scottish coastline, using texture, colour, and abstraction to mirror nature's rhythms and patterns. This isn't Souter's first feature at the gallery: her previous exhibition 'A Kiss of the Sea' in 2024 demonstrated her ongoing abstract exploration of coastal themes. The current show deepens this investigation, offering a contemplative exploration of nature, memory, and the passage of time through her distinctive artistic lens. The exhibition presents a compelling case for how the Scottish landscape continues to inspire contemporary artists, who interpret familiar scenes through innovative techniques and perspectives. Spring Exhibition Celebrated the Diversity of Scottish Artistic Approaches Earlier this season, the gallery presented its 'Spring Exhibition: A Sunlit Reminder of Warmth to Come' (April 10 – May 4, 2025), a group show that embodied the gallery's philosophy of showcasing multiple artistic voices in conversation with each other. This vibrant exhibition followed 'Worlds in Colour: A Vivid Exploration of Art and Imagination' (March 7 – April 5, 2025), which featured bold, expressive works that demonstrated the diversity of contemporary Scottish art beyond traditional landscape representation. The early months of 2025 also saw 'Palettes and Perspectives: Natural Beauty Through Unique Lenses' (January 31 – March 2, 2025), a thematic exhibition exploring how different artists interpret the natural world through their individual artistic approaches. Showcasing the Range of Scottish Artistic Talent The gallery represents over 60 contemporary artists working across various mediums and styles. From the atmospheric urban landscapes of Leon Anderson and Wendy Davidson to the textural coastal scenes of Kerry Souter, the gallery offers a comprehensive view of Scotland's vibrant contemporary art scene. Other notable artists in the gallery's roster include Fanny Arnesen, known for her ethereal abstract works; Rosanne Barr, whose landscapes capture the distinctive Scottish light; and Poppy Cyster, whose vibrant abstracts often reference natural forms and patterns. The gallery's ceramics collection features exceptional work from artists like Adrian Bates, David Binns, and Jo Gifford, demonstrating how Scottish artistry extends beyond canvas to functional and sculptural three-dimensional forms. Beyond Traditional Exhibition Spaces Graystone Gallery has expanded its reach through innovative partnerships, including collaborations with the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. Recent hotel exhibitions have included 'Pieces of Home' by Gill Knight (October 2024 – February 2025) and 'Dapper Dogs & Downtown' featuring Leon Anderson and Wendy Davidson (June – October 2024). These satellite exhibitions extend the gallery's influence beyond Stockbridge, introducing Scottish contemporary art to new audiences in unexpected settings. On top of that, the gallery's 2024 programme included participation in the Edinburgh Art Fair, further demonstrating its commitment to promoting Scottish art through various platforms and contexts. Stockbridge as a Cultural Hub Graystone Gallery's dynamic exhibition programme contributes to Stockbridge's growing reputation as a cultural destination within Edinburgh. The district, known for its independent businesses and village-like atmosphere, has developed a concentrated art scene that attracts visitors throughout the year. Stockbridge offers the perfect environment for engaging with art in a less intimidating setting than larger institutions. The walkable nature of the district encourages visitors to explore multiple galleries and discover diverse Scottish artistic voices. The gallery's location at 52 Hamilton Place places it within walking distance of other cultural attractions, creating natural foot traffic from both local residents and visitors exploring the area. Building Relationships Between Artists and Collectors Beyond the exhibition schedule, Graystone Gallery has developed a reputation for fostering meaningful connections between artists and collectors through its regular programme of artist talks, demonstrations, and private viewings. The gallery believes art appreciation deepens through understanding the creative process and artistic intention. Their events programme creates opportunities for collectors to engage directly with artists in comfortable, approachable settings. This approach has proven particularly effective in supporting emerging artists, creating platforms where their work can be discovered by collectors who might initially visit to see more established names represented by the gallery. Looking Ahead to Summer and Beyond As spring moves into summer, Graystone Gallery will continue its commitment to showcasing Scotland's artistic talent. Following Kerry Souter's solo exhibition, the gallery will introduce new shows that maintain its balance of established and emerging voices. As Graystone Gallery continues to develop its exhibition programme, its commitment to balancing established and emerging Scottish talent remains central to its mission. Future plans include expanding its digital presence to reach wider audiences while maintaining the personal approach that has defined its physical space. Edinburgh has always been a city where artistic tradition and innovation coexist. The gallery's exhibition programme aims to capture that dynamic, celebrating Scottish artistic heritage while looking firmly towards its future. With its thoughtful curation and commitment to artist development, Graystone Gallery has established itself as an important platform for contemporary Scottish creativity, contributing significantly to Stockbridge's cultural landscape. Graystone Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, at 52 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh. For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions, visit Like this: Like Related
Press and Journal
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Video: Kellands School pupils celebrate Dons victory with football-inspired lesson
A video of pupils and staff at an Inverurie primary school celebrating the Dandy Dons has attracted much attention online. After Aberdeen FC won the Scottish Cup, Kellands School decided to mark the occasion with a red and white day. Pupils from P1 to P7 donned the team colours to create a sea of red and white across the school. Teachers organised a variety of fun activities and even a Dons-inspired lesson, with depute head Alan Souter helping one class expand their knowledge of the squad. A video of the 'daft' lesson now has more than 250,000 views on Facebook. 'A few of us here are quite big Dandies so we obviously wanted to celebrate the game,' Mr Souter told The Press and Journal. 'I teach one of the classes on a Monday so I came in with my full kit on. 'The lesson was to wind up one of the other teachers, who is a Rangers fan. 'I said to the class 'let's play a little joke' and they were all on board. 'What you see in the video is two minutes after we came up with the idea. 'It was just a bit of fun. 'They did have proper spelling words as well!' The staff at Kellands School have been shocked to see how much attention the video has gained online. 'We're in our own little world running a primary school,' Mr Souter said. 'But it's been really nice – and most of the feedback has been very complimentary. 'We have lots of close links with the club, so it felt amazing to celebrate. 'It's mad that it's gone a bit viral.' Deputy head teacher Caroline Brunton added: 'We had a long-term relationship with the Aberdeen FC Community Trust and we've always maintained close links with the club. 'A lot of the kids are football fans, and we really push sport at the school, so it's nice to make a big deal of it with the kids. 'Lots of the children were at the game. 'One of our P5s was even a mascot.' The teachers said the school was 'buzzing' as they celebrated the Dons winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in 35 years. And to end the day, all of the classes came together to enjoy a Dandies Disco in the playground.
