Latest news with #StrathclydeUniversity
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Devil's Pulpit warning after student's body pulled from water in three recent incidents
Lomond Mountain Rescue Team were called again to the Devil's Pulpit on Tuesday, just six days after Marwan Saliaman Al Balushi drowned at the beauty spot. A warning has been issued to the public visiting a Scots beauty spot after mountain rescue teams were called to three incidents there in recent weeks, with the body of a student pulled from the water on one occasion. Lomond Mountain Rescue Team returned to the Devil's Pulpit on Tuesday, May 28, just six days after Marwan Saliaman Al Balushi drowned at the beauty spot. The latest medical emergency was reported at Finnich Glen, near the bottom on Conic Hill in Stirlingshire. The crew worked with a ranger from the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and family members to transport the latest casualty on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. No more information is available on their condition at this stage. On Wednesday morning a spokesperson for Lomond Mountain Rescue Team issued a warning over the deep pools with hazards not 'visible from the surface' at the Devil's Pulpit. They said: "Whilst we may have been quieter on social media, three of the recent callouts have been at Finnich Glen (The Devils Pulpit). "We understand the wish to visit this beautiful and interesting geological feature but would highlight that in addition to the parking/road traffic issues ~ there is no easy access to the gorge itself. "The main gully steps has suffered a further collapse and would not be recommended. In addition, the gorge edge has a number of areas that are loose and actually overhang the gorge. Despite the recent dry spell leading to an apparently low water level, there are a number of deep (2m to 3m depth) pools that can contain entrapments hazards that are not visible from the surface. "If visiting, please consider the potential consequences of a slip, wear appropriate footwear and above all stay safe." 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'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It comes after the body of Strathclyde University student Marwan was tragically recovered on Wednesday, May 21. The 21-year-old student from Oman was enjoying a day out with friends when disaster struck. It is understood Marwan attempted to cross a deeper section of the current and drowned. One friend tried to desperately save Marwan by jumping into the water to save him. Sadly despite their best efforts Marwan was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Heartbroken family pays tribute to ‘kind & intelligent' student, 21, who drowned at Scots beauty spot
The data science student had been on a trip with pals when tragedy struck 'DEEPLY SADDENED' Heartbroken family pays tribute to 'kind & intelligent' student, 21, who drowned at Scots beauty spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE heartbroken family of a student who tragically drowned at a Scottish beauty spot has paid tribute to the "kind and intelligent" young man. The 21-year-old, named locally as Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi, lost his life after encountering difficulties in the water at Finnich Glen, also known as the Devil's Pulpit, near Croftamie, Stirling. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Tragedy struck at the devil's pulpit - also known as Finnich Glen Credit: Alamy 5 Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi lost her life when he ran into difficulties in the water Credit: Facebook Marwan had been visiting the popular site with friends during what his family described as a 'joyful and memorable' outing. While attempting to cross a deeper section of the current, he tragically drowned. His family revealed that some of his friends were also trapped in the gorge but 'narrowly survived' the ordeal. Emergency services, including Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and mountain rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 May, following a report of concern for a person. One of Marwan's friends bravely jumped into the water in an attempt to save him but was sadly unsuccessful. A major recovery operation was launched, with water rescue units, police, and fire crews working together at the rural attraction. Eventually, a man's body was recovered from the water. Despite the efforts of medics, Marwan, who studied data science at Strathclyde University, could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. His shattered parents told STV News: 'Our son was full of life, love, and curiosity. "He went on this trip with his friends in high spirits, excited to explore nature. Tragic Loss: Scots Tourist Lewis Jack Found Dead in Australia 'We never imagined that this would be the last time we would hear his voice. 'Marwan was kind, intelligent, and brought light into every room he walked into. 'This loss has shattered our family. "I pray no other parent ever has to feel this pain.' Dr Ainsley Miller, mathematics and statistics coordinator, said the university community was 'deeply saddened' by the death. The teaching fellow said: 'As a student on the BSc Data Analytics programme, which combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science, Marwan demonstrated strong academic ability, particularly in mathematics and coding, and engaged thoughtfully with his studies. 5 His shattered family have paid tribute to the "kind and intelligent" lad Credit: Facebook 5 Marwan was studying data science at Strathclyde University Credit: Facebook The A809 between Croftamie and Finnich Toll and the B834 at the junction to the A81 was closed in both for emergency services access. The routes have since reopened. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 May, 2025 we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire. "Emergency services, including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and a mountain rescue team, attended and the body of a man was recovered from the water at Devil's Pulpit. He was pronounced dead at the scene. "There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
Glasgow Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
New Glasgow cafe that's been generations in the making
Decked out in black and orange signage, the eye-catching logo shows coffee spilling onto a vinyl record. The words 'championing coffee and records' tell me my ears and tastebuds are in for a treat. Walking in, I'm greeted by the beaming smile of Alessandro Alonzi, the 22-year-old owner of the fledgling coffee spot, who's just started cleaning up shop for the day. He put a record I'd picked to be played in the space that week, The Midnight Organ Fight by Frightened Rabbit, on the turntable. As we chatted over the 14 songs, I was given an insight into just how much the cafe means to him and how it's been a long time coming. New Glasgow cafe that's been generations in the making (Image: Anthony Flett @ Sweeping up shop and rousing up the rich coffee aromas already seeping into the pores of the cafe, Alessandro explains that running a place like this is 'in his DNA'. He comes from a long line of Italians who've owned and run a variety of businesses, from chip shops to newsagents and, of course, coffee shops. Producing a photo of his Nonna (Grandmother) Nilda, 90, working behind one of the shop's counters in the 70s, Alessandro proudly shows a photo of them together in Revival when it opened. READ MORE: I tried Glasgow's new viral TikTok spot - but what is it exactly? He studied Business at Strathclyde University, and as part of the course, he took a 'family business' module that explained how the entrepreneurial spirit is carried through generations. Being brought up around those businesses had a big impact on him, Alessandro explained: 'I grew up hearing stories about my Nonna's business and then my first job, when I was about 12 or 13, was working every Saturday in my Nonno's shop selling sweets and ice cream.' Alessandro's Nonna, Nilda, working in a shop in the 1970s (left) and her with Alessandro (right) (Image: Supplied) Being paid five pounds for three hours of work in Edinburgh gave him more than pocket money; it was enough to ignite a spark in him and start his journey to Revival. Paolo, his dad, took him out for coffee as a teenager, and the love affair was born. His parents have recently moved to Glasgow, and Alessandro admits the cafe dream came from his dad, who's taking every opportunity to enjoy his caffeine creations after giving him the push he needed to start the business. Alessandro said: 'It was one of those Scottish moments of being too humble or scared to be seen as ambitious. I used to say I wanted to do this when I graduated, and I'd laugh and put myself down that way. READ NEXT: Arrests after Glasgow restaurants and fast food shops raided 'But at some point, I said to myself that I needed to do this, and my dad had a wee chat with me and was like 'either commit to this or go and look for a job', and here we are taking the plunge.' The passion he has for the business comes through in every word. Flipping over to side B of the record, Alessandro reveals plans to 'keep pushing forward.' He said: 'It's been a dream come true opening here, but now that I have, I don't want to just open and settle. Because it's a different concept, there's so much I can do with it, especially the vinyl side of things.' Revival's community-building focus has cemented the vinyl concept with regulars. Only a few months in, Alessandro's ran customer-picked record submissions to ensure the records always bring something new to the space. He's already planning collaborations with some local record shops and is feverishly working on other ideas he's keeping under wraps for now. Revival Cafe, located at 43 Hyndland Street (Image: Newsquest) In addition to running the cafe, Alessandro is a Hyrox competitor and will compete in the World Championships in Chicago later this year. With fitness being his passion and coming together to put yourself through your paces being a great bonding exercise, Revival Run Club was started up as the cafe opened. Led by Emily Gallacher, the run club has helped build the community around the cafe. Catching up with her as she visited the cafe, she said the importance of this is not lost on her: 'There's been great support for it. Every week, it's been building. It was an important part for Alle when it started. He wanted it to be more than a coffee shop—he wanted to build a community, which from day one he's managed to do.' As the crackle of the needle coming to the end of the record flows through the cafe, it signals the end of my stop in Revival. I can't help but ask as I'm about to head out the door to enjoy the evening sun, about which record holds a special place in Alessandro's heart as his favourite. After much deliberation, he narrowed it down to Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. He's seen The Boss live twice already and hopes to catch him again this year.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Determined Glasgow student earns degree while caring for mum battling cancer
A young man who cares for his mum battling cancer has been able to complete his degree thanks to a bursary. Wheatley Homes tenant David Burns, 28, who lives in the south side of Glasgow, received a bursary in 2024 from the Wheatly Foundation, the group's charitable trust. The bursary aims to ease students financial burden, to help with the expense of studying for an HNC, HND, undergraduate degree, or postgraduate course. David has been caring for his ailing mum ever since she was diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to the bursary he received, he was able to complete his studies without the struggle of additional financial stress. He has now successfully completed his degree in electrical and electronic engineering at Strathclyde University. Read more: New Glasgow-inspired wellbeing wallpaper unveiled by SAMH He said: "The bursary from Wheatley Foundation helped me with the cost of travel, which became much more expensive when peak fares were reintroduced, as well as the costs of study materials and some new tech to help me study. "It made things a lot less stressful, as I didn't need to worry about money as much. "It also helped bridge the gap between Student Awards Agency Scotland payments." Wheatley Group has now opened its bursary programme for 2025. The programme offers bursaries of up to £1,500 a year for full-time students and up to £750 for part-time students. It is open to customers living in homes owned by Wheatley Homes in the central belt and in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as tenants of Loretto Housing, and people who live in a home factored by or rented from Lowther. Read more: Nurse gears up to take part in global motorcycle event Professor Paddy Gray OBE, chair of Wheatley Foundation, said: "Since 2016, the scheme has helped 482 people to go on to further education and get the qualifications they need. "Our bursary programme is another way Wheatley Foundation can help people in our communities achieve their dreams." Applications for the scheme will be open until June 30, 2025. More information on the bursary programme is available by emailing bursaries@ or visit the Wheatley Group website.
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hamilton care home chef triumphs in national awards
Abbeydale Court head chef Robert Sorbie tasted success as he was crowned the overall winner at the nationwide Great British care awards A Hamilton chef has been named the best in Britain for the special menus he creates for residents at a local care home. Robert Sorbie tasted success at the national final of the prestigious Great British care awards, where he was served up with the title of national chef of the year in recognition of his work at Abbeydale Court on Strathaven Road. He impressed judges with his themed celebration menus and freshly-prepared meals, with his delighted colleagues saying: 'This award reflects the love and care he pours into every plate he serves.' Robert, who has been head chef at Abbeydale Court for the past eight years, took the top award after qualifying for the UK final by winning the Scotland and North-East regional heat in November – and then went on to take the national crown at the overall finals in Birmingham, hosted by Vernon Kay. He said: 'I was judged on various skills which included producing and presenting meals prepared for events throughout the year such as Burns night, Valentine's day, Easter, St Patrick's day, Halloween, St Andrew's day, Christmas and new year – themed nights give me great pleasure and satisfaction, and all meals are prepared and cooked with fresh produce. 'I was interviewed by a panel of professional judges and was fortunate be selected as regional winner and I was very excited to reach the national stage of the competition. Winning is a great achievement and filled me with a sense of pride and joy to bring the award back to Hamilton [and] the residents of Abbeydale Court.' Robert first began his culinary career aged 16 as an apprentice baker, attending college part-time to earn his qualifications and within six years having progressed to become an assistant manager. He then enrolled in evening courses at Glasgow College of food technology, gaining professional cookery qualifications including an HNC and HND on his way to becoming a chef, going on to become a pastry chef at Strathclyde University's former Jordanhill campus. Robert worked his way up to sous chef and eventually to head chef, spending an impressive 21 years in the role before moving into his current role at the Hamilton care home where he is a popular member of staff and has been celebrated by colleagues, residents and families. A spokesperson for Abbeydale Court said: 'Robert's win is a remarkable achievement for the entire Hamilton community. This prestigious national accolade recognises exceptional talent and dedication within the care sector [and he] competed against some of the best chefs in care settings across the UK, emerging as the national winner. 'Robert is renowned for his passion for food and commitment to improving the lives of elderly residents through creative, nutritious, and person-centred meals. 'His meals are about more than nourishment – they're about comfort, memory and community, and his approach goes far beyond the kitchen; he sees food as a tool to enhance wellbeing, bring joy, and uphold the dignity of those in care.' Abbeydale's spokesperson added: 'His win shines a spotlight on the important role catering plays in social care and serves as an inspiration for chefs and care professionals nationwide. 'The team at Abbeydale Court, along with residents and families, are immensely proud of Robert's achievement – an inspiring example of excellence in care right at the heart of Hamilton. Head chef Robert has worked at the 109-bed home since November 2016 and delights residents with not only a fresh, homemade daily menu, but also 'takes pride in preparing food for family occasions, birthday celebrations, and private dining experiences for residents and their loved ones'. Judges described him as 'an asset to the care sector' as he impressed with his wide and varied menus, worthwhile mealtimes, healthy food choices, catering for special dietary requirements, hygiene and sustainability, as well as using local produce and linking in with residents' activities. They praised his 'passion for culinary excellence and his dedication to bringing joy to residents' – and his award citation ahead of the final read: 'He is always looking ahead to the next internal event to ensure it's a memorable experience for both residents and their families, and adapts day-to-day menus freely to ensure everyone's nutritional needs are met.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
