Latest news with #Stevenson
The National
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Tiff Stevenson explores sex and politics at Edinburgh Fringe
The actress and comedian brings her new standup show, Post Coital, to the Monkey Barrel Hive from August 1 till August 24. The set weaves politics with modern existential anxieties, asking questions like how long a woman must stay sexy whilst positing that the UK Government must be on Ozempic since 'the economy is looking snatched'. Stevenson – who has appeared on shows like Mock the Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and the Bafta-winning series People Just Do Nothing – spoke with The National ahead of her return to the Fringe. READ MORE: Gogglebox axes only Scottish cast members after 3 years on TV screens 'It's a festival of ideas as much as it is art … and it's just the most exciting and creative place to be for the month of August', she said of her upcoming return to Edinburgh, where she has been amongst the best reviewed acts five times previously. 'There's still that feeling that when you pull in the train at Waverley station, you get a feeling of sickness in the pit of your stomach. You're like, 'oh, it's about to happen' – it's a mix of nervousness and excitement.' With this year's Fringe taking place in a political landscape which becomes more and more tumultuous by the day, Stevenson believes it's still important to be able to joke about serious topics. 'The main thing we have to do is err on the side of funny – lead with funny first and make people think second, because I think people now more than ever get turned off by thinking', she explained. 'As a left-wing person, we constantly focus on the minute differences that we have, rather than coming together as a whole in order to kind of make a cohesive change. 'These little, kind of micro-arguments that we have are not necessarily progressive. We have to be able to have difficult conversations, and we have to be able to dip into the grey areas to be able to try and make some headway. 'Comedy should be about making people think or showing them how you think and how you've got there, and they go away and ask some questions – no one wants to feel like they're being preached to.' She told The National that the show came from thinking about all of the 'wild and wacky ideas' that spring to mind once 'sex is out of the way'. (Image: Steve Ullathorne)'Maybe the UN should only meet after they've had a good shag', she joked. 'I feel like there's a lot of pent-up aggression in the world that could be released in a slightly healthier way, rather than firing penis shaped missiles and rockets. 'It feels very much like we're on the brink of World War Three at the moment, so I will be talking a bit about that in the show. There will be a combination, if I get it right, of personal, political and social themes.' Although Stevenson is English, both her father and her husband are from Scotland. She said her husband Paul, the director of Post Coital, keeps an eye on the 'sensibility' of things. 'We make sure we're not just plonking a show in Edinburgh that has nothing to do with Scotland or the people of Scotland', she said. In past shows, the comedian has touched on several slightly taboo subjects, like ageing in the public eye and our unhealthy dependency on the internet. Stevenson touched on the pressure of maintaining an eternal youth whilst speaking frankly about the lack of information and research on one of the biggest biological changes that women experience: the menopause. She said: 'I put a video out a few months ago about a perimenopausal vampire and people were saying 'Oh my God, you're putting yourself in an age bracket if you do that'. READ MORE: Study finds a third of boys believe revealing outfits are 'asking for trouble' 'I don't even know if I am menopausal and the reason that I don't know is because there's no information. 'All women have is asking other women, 'Have you had this?' 'Is this happening to you?' 'Do you feel angry all the time? I feel angry' and so on. 'That is a failing of all the medical institutions that there's no information available for women apart from us talking to each other, because the only the research only goes into illnesses and drug trials with men as the standard. 'So, it's hard, trying to understand the phases of life and what we go through without thinking 'this is everything and this totally defines me', as opposed to knowing that it's a part of life, and a part that we all move through.' Tickets for Post Coital are available through the official Edinburgh Fringe website. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Scoop
7 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Nigeria: Amid Record Hunger And Surging Insecurity, Emergency Food Assistance To Stall Entirely
23 July 2025 While WFP has been able to hold hunger at bay across northern Nigeria in the first half of 2025, funding shortfalls are jeopardising such efforts, with lifesaving programmes set to grind to a halt by the end of July. Without immediate funding, millions of vulnerable people will be left without food assistance as WFP's food and nutrition stocks have been completely exhausted, with the organization's last supplies leaving warehouses in early July. With lifesaving assistance set to end after the current round of distributions is completed, millions of vulnerable people will face impossible choices: endure increasingly severe hunger, migrate or even risk possible exploitation by extremist groups in the region. Children at risk 'Nearly 31 million people in Nigeria are now facing acute hunger, a record number,' said WFP Country Director David Stevenson, with children set to be among the worst affected if vital aid ends. With more than 150 WFP-supported nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states set to close if funding is not renewed, over 300,000 children under the age of two will lose access to potential lifesaving treatment. 'This is no longer just a humanitarian crisis,' he said. 'It's a growing threat to regional stability as families pushed beyond their limits are left with nowhere to turn.' Extremist groups In conflict-affected areas in the north, escalating violence from extremist groups is driving mass displacement, with some 2.3 million people across the Lake Chad Basin having been forced to flee their homes. As mass displacement strains already limited resources and pushes communities to the brink, the lack of emergency food assistance risks increasing recruitment by these groups. 'When emergency assistance ends, many will migrate in search of food and shelter. Others will adopt negative coping mechanisms, including potentially joining insurgent groups, to survive,' said Mr. Stevenson. 'Food assistance can often prevent these outcomes,' he added, as WFP urgently seeks $130 million to sustain food and nutrition operations through the end of the year.
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
First look at multi million pound Distillers One of One 2025 charity auction - including 'pill-like' oldest Laphroaig
The Distillers One of One has revealed the first old, rare and unique lots for its highly anticipated third auction, set to take place on Friday 10 October 2025 at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, in collaboration with Sotheby's. The landmark charity auction will bring together the Scotch Whisky industry in a shared spirit of generosity and support, featuring 40 lots from 36 donor companies. Since the initial auction in 2021, the Distillers One of One has established itself as the largest global charity auction of rare Scotch whisky ever staged. The commitment from donors has helped raise £4.3 million to date, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund, which aims to transform young people's lives in Scotland, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. Thanks to this vital support, over 3,300 young people have been engaged since 2022, with approximately 1,000 young people supported each year and funding delivered at an average of £1 million annually. The journey to lasting employability is often long and complex, and the sustained support provided through the Youth Action Fund has already led to 2,271 employability outcomes to date (June 2025), including employment, apprenticeships, further education, and structured volunteering. Equally important are the 16,462 soft outcomes - such as increased wellbeing, motivation, and resilience - and 12,617 progression milestones achieved, including literacy and numeracy qualifications, work placements, mentoring, and financial management training. These foundational achievements are critical stepping stones on the pathway to employment, and a testament to the life-changing impact this initiative continues to have on Scotland's young people. At an action impact review in April 2025, we heard from some of the young people who have been supported by the fund through charities - Street League Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Family Action in Rogerfield & Easterhouse (Fare), and the Talk About Trust. Louise Stevenson, Youth Action Fund manager, explained some of the challenges faced by young people these days, saying: 'Challenges include mental health anxiety which naturally peaks at transition points in your life. But referrals to mental health services for young people increased by 50% between 2020 and 2023. Men are so overwhelmed that they cannot leave the house or engage socially. "Community disconnection and a sense of belonging is critical to someone's well being, and yet, for many young people, the feeling of isolation is normal.' Ms Stevenson added: 'The Scotch whisky industry's willingness to use its most-valuable assets in this collective philanthropic endeavour is truly humbling and unparalleled in our experience. The industry is having a transformational impact on the lives of Scottish young people who are struggling and at risk of not achieving their potential.' Three of the young people who have been helped by the Fund and charities it supports included Lewis, who, through attending Street League (which uses sport to give support and skills) is now a personal trainer having undertaken higher education. "Before attending Street League, Lewis suffered from bad anxiety and struggled to leave his home. Now he's in his 'dream job' , one he 'couldn't have imagined doing five years ago.' Aberfeldy 49YO Single Cask Laphroaig capsule Royal Brackla 50 year old Ladyburn Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, said of the charity work so far: 'The work being done by the Youth Action Fund is truly impressive, and the results speak for themselves - the scale of impact is really incredible. '2025 has already brought its share of surprises and uncertainties on the global stage, and the whisky industry is feeling those effects too. That's why we are hugely grateful to all the donor brands and sponsors who have come together once again in support of this unique philanthropic endeavour, to keep raising funds for such a vital cause. 'Each donor is dedicating significant time, care, and resources to craft truly unique lots - and we can assure you, this year's line-up is raising the bar once more!' Jonny Fowle, global head of spirits at Sotheby's, added: 'Distillers One of One is the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury. It is remarkable that so many whisky brands have generously donated pieces of such high age, high quality and highly creative concepts, merging the most historic Scotch whiskies with breathtaking and innovative designs. 'These lots incorporate everything imaginable, from glass art and tailoring to watercolours and photography. Being entrusted, once again, to present these whiskies to the world's most dedicated collectors, all to raise money for a worthy cause, is a privilege.' Lots this year include: 'The Glen Grant Eternal 77-Year-Old", a rare single malt Scotch whisky presented in a handblown glass magnum decanter; 'The Glenlivet SPIRA', this single malt is presented in the timeless Spira decanter ('spiral' in Latin), an artistic vessel inspired by the dance of the vapours within The Glenlivet's stills and the flowing River Livet; the 'Laphroaig Capsule' - a 40-year-old Laphroaig created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981 and presented in a flawless, green 1.5l crystal decanter, hand-blown by Glencairn crystal; the 'Aberfeldy 49 Year Old Single Cask' bottling, which has been exclusively selected for the Distillers One of One Auction 2025 and 'Ladyburn One of One 2025 - Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw' was selected the entry for the Distillers One of One 2025 auction: a single bottle that has been drawn from Cask 102092.
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
First look at multi million pound Distillers One of One 2025 charity auction - including 'pill-like' oldest Laphroaig
The Distillers One of One has revealed the first old, rare and unique lots for its highly anticipated third auction, set to take place on Friday 10 October 2025 at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, in collaboration with Sotheby's. The landmark charity auction will bring together the Scotch Whisky industry in a shared spirit of generosity and support, featuring 40 lots from 36 donor companies. Since the initial auction in 2021, the Distillers One of One has established itself as the largest global charity auction of rare Scotch whisky ever staged. The commitment from donors has helped raise £4.3 million to date, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund, which aims to transform young people's lives in Scotland, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. Thanks to this vital support, over 3,300 young people have been engaged since 2022, with approximately 1,000 young people supported each year and funding delivered at an average of £1 million annually. The journey to lasting employability is often long and complex, and the sustained support provided through the Youth Action Fund has already led to 2,271 employability outcomes to date (June 2025), including employment, apprenticeships, further education, and structured volunteering. Equally important are the 16,462 soft outcomes - such as increased wellbeing, motivation, and resilience - and 12,617 progression milestones achieved, including literacy and numeracy qualifications, work placements, mentoring, and financial management training. These foundational achievements are critical stepping stones on the pathway to employment, and a testament to the life-changing impact this initiative continues to have on Scotland's young people. At an action impact review in April 2025, we heard from some of the young people who have been supported by the fund through charities - Street League Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Family Action in Rogerfield & Easterhouse (Fare), and the Talk About Trust. Louise Stevenson, Youth Action Fund manager, explained some of the challenges faced by young people these days, saying: 'Challenges include mental health anxiety which naturally peaks at transition points in your life. But referrals to mental health services for young people increased by 50% between 2020 and 2023. Men are so overwhelmed that they cannot leave the house or engage socially. "Community disconnection and a sense of belonging is critical to someone's well being, and yet, for many young people, the feeling of isolation is normal.' Ms Stevenson added: 'The Scotch whisky industry's willingness to use its most-valuable assets in this collective philanthropic endeavour is truly humbling and unparalleled in our experience. The industry is having a transformational impact on the lives of Scottish young people who are struggling and at risk of not achieving their potential.' Three of the young people who have been helped by the Fund and charities it supports included Lewis, who, through attending Street League (which uses sport to give support and skills) is now a personal trainer having undertaken higher education. "Before attending Street League, Lewis suffered from bad anxiety and struggled to leave his home. Now he's in his 'dream job' , one he 'couldn't have imagined doing five years ago.' Aberfeldy 49YO Single Cask Laphroaig capsule Royal Brackla 50 year old Ladyburn Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, said of the charity work so far: 'The work being done by the Youth Action Fund is truly impressive, and the results speak for themselves - the scale of impact is really incredible. '2025 has already brought its share of surprises and uncertainties on the global stage, and the whisky industry is feeling those effects too. That's why we are hugely grateful to all the donor brands and sponsors who have come together once again in support of this unique philanthropic endeavour, to keep raising funds for such a vital cause. 'Each donor is dedicating significant time, care, and resources to craft truly unique lots - and we can assure you, this year's line-up is raising the bar once more!' Jonny Fowle, global head of spirits at Sotheby's, added: 'Distillers One of One is the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury. It is remarkable that so many whisky brands have generously donated pieces of such high age, high quality and highly creative concepts, merging the most historic Scotch whiskies with breathtaking and innovative designs. 'These lots incorporate everything imaginable, from glass art and tailoring to watercolours and photography. Being entrusted, once again, to present these whiskies to the world's most dedicated collectors, all to raise money for a worthy cause, is a privilege.' Lots this year include: 'The Glen Grant Eternal 77-Year-Old", a rare single malt Scotch whisky presented in a handblown glass magnum decanter; 'The Glenlivet SPIRA', this single malt is presented in the timeless Spira decanter ('spiral' in Latin), an artistic vessel inspired by the dance of the vapours within The Glenlivet's stills and the flowing River Livet; the 'Laphroaig Capsule' - a 40-year-old Laphroaig created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981 and presented in a flawless, green 1.5l crystal decanter, hand-blown by Glencairn crystal; the 'Aberfeldy 49 Year Old Single Cask' bottling, which has been exclusively selected for the Distillers One of One Auction 2025 and 'Ladyburn One of One 2025 - Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw' was selected the entry for the Distillers One of One 2025 auction: a single bottle that has been drawn from Cask 102092.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
50 years ago: Summer floods leave Inverclyde under water after long dry spell (1975)
FROM OUR ARCHIVES... PEOPLE throughout the area were today counting the cost of damage caused yesterday when torrential rain swept through several homes and shops. Areas badly hit by the flooding included Woodhall, where two families had to be rescued yesterday afternoon from their ground floor houses at 17 Woodhall Terrace. Water started coming up through the floors of the houses as the rain continued throughout the day. (Image: Archive) (Image: Archive) By late afternoon both families - Mr and Mrs Mitchell and their nine-year-old son, and Mr and Mrs Stevenson and their little daughter of 18 months - had to be rehoused. At Branchton an electric substation was struck by a flash of lightning and put the switch gear control out of action. As a result, thousands of homes throughout Branchton, Braeside and Larkfield were without electricity supplies for several hours. (Image: Archive) In Gourock 15 yards of tarmac was lifted from the road surface at the junction of Rodney Road and Clyde Road because drains were unable to cope with the amount of water gushing from the hill. Further west in Gourock traffic was being diverted and controlled by police at Ashton Road where the water was well over a foot deep in places. Homes in this area were particularly badly hit, too, when shortly after the downpour began at 9.30am, thousands of gallons of water rushed from the hill behind and poured into the ground floors of many houses. Other Archive News 50 years ago: Greenock boy given driving award by Formula One champion (1975) 75 years ago: Three Greenockians meet thousands of miles from home (1950) 50 years ago: IBM workmates combined to create Inverclyde masterpieces (1975) Also badly hit by the floodwater was the Gantock Hotel. Several car drivers were in difficulties and found themselves stranded in many areas because of the high level of the water. Many of the calls for help came from Larkfield district, where at Cumberland Road police were diverting traffic. One car had to be abandoned after the water rose to steering wheel level. (Image: Archive) (Image: Archive) Floods were also extensive in Robert Street, Port Glasgow, during the late afternoon and police were called out to control traffic jams. Traffic diversions were put into operation immediately and all vehicles were re-routed via Heggies Avenue and Clune Brae. As the rain continued into today, it looked as if the only happy people in the area would be the Lower Clyde Water Board, who have been keeping a watchful eye on the state of the reservoirs during the recent long hot spell. This article was first published on July 15, 1975.
