Latest news with #TheCourier
The Courier
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Courier
Controversial Perthshire national park bid back in play as rival plan scrapped
Hopes have been revived for a new national park in Highland Perthshire. Perth and Kinross Council's 'Tay Forest' project was mothballed last summer when Galloway was named the preferred location for Scotland's third national park. But the Galloway bid was scrapped this week following 'significant opposition'. And that's raised the prospect of the Perthshire national park proposal being resurrected. The council told The Courier it is following events at Holyrood. 'We are awaiting further information from the Scottish Government,' said a spokesman. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon was asked about the chances for a Perthshire national park when she announced the Galloway scheme had hit the buffers on Thursday. Mid Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell said communities in Perthshire had shown 'majority public support' for the bid, despite an 'aggressive misinformation campaign'. And he asked: 'Will the government now re-engage with that bid for Scotland's third national park? 'Or has it simply given up on the idea altogether?' Ms Gougeon insisted the government was still minded to establish more national parks, providing it gets the process right. 'We reached the stage of introducing the proposal to designate Galloway as a national park only because it met all the criteria that had been established and consulted on,' she added. 'We are not looking to do that at the moment, but we remain open to doing so in the future.' The Perthshire national park bid was ruled out of the running by the Scottish Government last July. It would have stretched across almost 3,000 square kilometres of Perthshire, taking in the towns of Aberfeldy, Comrie, Crieff, Dunkeld and Pitlochry. The council held an eight-week consultation on the Tay Forest proposal and received around 350 responses to its survey. More than half of respondents (56.8%) agreed or strongly agreed with the idea. But critics said national park policies – such as beaver re-introduction – conflicted with the interests of local farmers and managers. The Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group branded the consultation response 'woeful' and mounted an angry protest outside the council's headquarters. Aberfeldy Community Council was supportive of the national park bid. Its chairman Victor Clements says the group will watch the next steps with interest. But he suggests there are other ways to invest in nature conservation without adding more layers of management. 'Instead of funding the administrative structures of a new national park, give the equivalent budget to Perth and Kinross Council, and let them fund nature conservation initiatives and a ranger service directly,' said Mr Clements. 'The council could also support farmers and landowners in doing the things they do want to do, as they have shown they can do in the past with the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme and other grant programmes.' The SNP signed up to a new national park as part of the power-sharing Bute House agreement with the Scottish Greens. It has since been scrapped too.
The National
6 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Dundee travel firm to auction off 10 buses after closing
The Dundee-based coach company, Fisher Tours, announced last week it would cease operating, with more than 20 staff members being made redundant. It has been reported that no formal liquidator or administrator has been named, and that drivers and mechanics with the now closed firm are still waiting for answers regarding unpaid wages, holiday entitlement, and redundancy settlements. Fishers Tours has now put 10 of its coaches on the auction website Sweeney Kincaid, which is due to go live in June. READ MORE: Labour has 'given up' on by-election amid SNP-Reform contest, says John Swinney Last Monday, drivers and mechanics were reportedly 'stunned' after they were informed that the company would cease trading on Friday, the same week. Fishers Tours had several long-standing contracts with local councils, including transportation agreements to take pupils to and from schools in Dundee and Angus, and is one of the biggest private coach hire companies in the area. According to The Courier, former staff at the firm were told pension payments had allegedly not been made by Fishers since the beginning of the year and that they were still waiting for answers regarding the company's liquidation. 'We're all still in limbo,' one driver told The Courier. 'We left on Friday with no paperwork and no replies to any of our emails asking for the information we need. 'This includes who the administrators are, what will happen to holidays and wages due, a letter of redundancy confirmation or pensions information. 'There are no case numbers yet, to apply for money owed. We were told there would be administrators by Tuesday morning. This hasn't happened. 'Now there are more than 20 lads all panicking. It's an absolute joke. 'All the buses were removed from the yard on Monday. 'How long do we have to wait? It's an absolute shambles.'
Elle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
'She's Not The Most Graceful, But She's Relentless': Why Rachel Brosnahan Wanted To Play Superman's Lois Lane
Actor Rachel Brosnahan is no stranger to playing strong women — Midge Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Rachel Posner in House of Cards, Emily Donovan in The Courier. Now, the Golden Globe winner is adding one of ELLE's favourite comic book heroines to the list, as she takes on the role of Lois Lane in upcoming blockbuster Superman, starring alongside David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult. Brosnahan has a busy summer ahead of her, what with the film's world tour just around the corner. Though she still carved out time for a major fashion moment, heading to Rome this week for Dior's Cruise 2026 show, which was staged in the magical gardens of 18th century Villa Albani Torlonia. ELLE UK caught up with the actor to talk about her latest role, the style advice she swears by, and her go-to hotspots in Rome. I heard that Maria Grazia was requesting that the women wear white and loved how romantic this dress was. I've been wearing a lot of black lately so it was nice to wear something that felt softer. The lace makes the dress seem demure at first but it's also fairly see through so it feels like I have a secret. Always have to start with eye patches. Especially if fighting jet lag. The dress felt like it was calling for something as romantic as it was. I have naturally curly hair but rarely wear it so we wanted to embrace the curl but also pull it off my face. My hairstylist Jillian Halouska also tied a few small black and white bows in the back to hold it in place. Emma Day, my brilliant makeup artist, and I have worked together for many years and she always uses colour so beautifully. She suggested a coral Dior Rosy Glow blush and lip and pulled some into the eyes too. I'm obsessed with the Dior Addict Lip Glows because they give you a little bit of a stain but are still glossy. Skincare is the best makeup. Take care of your skin and then enhance your natural beauty with beautiful makeup. And to invest in timeless pieces that can be worn in different ways. Then you never have to worry about going out of style. My style is constantly evolving and I like to have fun with fashion. It's an opportunity to express yourself - who you are or who you want to be, even if just for tonight. I'm endlessly inspired by French Women. They're so effortlessly stylish. My dog chewed through the pocket of my favourite black leather jacket so I'm on the hunt for the perfect replacement. She's an icon and I'm standing on the shoulders of the brilliant women who helped bring her to life for different generations. I love that she's not always the most graceful in her pursuit, but that she's relentless in her quest for the truth. I think she's endured because it's inspiring to watch someone go to the ends of the earth for what they believe in. Sometimes literally in her case. It's also fun to watch someone like that get into trouble, which she often does, and have to rely on their own intelligence and instinct (and occasionally a Superman) to come out on top. I'm hesitant to give them away because I'll never be able to get in again! I'm always chasing the perfect gelato… I recently stumbled into La Strega Nocciola which is pretty fantastic. I went to Enzo al 29 a few years ago which is excellent but not a secret anymore! Da Francesco is also really good for pasta and pizza. I love to walk around Trastevere near the water and people watch. Rachel Brosnahan wears Christian Dior; Makeup: Dior Capture La Crème, Dior Capture Le Sérum, Dior Eye Patches, Dior Forever Hydra Nude 1,5N, Dior Forever Nude Bronze 03, Soft Matte Diorshow 5 Couleurs 557Brown Cachemire, Diorshow Overvolume 090 Overblack, Diorshow on Stage Crayon 099 Black, Diorshow Liquid Liner 096 Satin Black, Dior Backstage Rosy Glow 001 Pink, Backstage Rosy Glow Stick 001 , and Pink Dior addict Lip Glow 001 Pink. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
The Courier
a day ago
- Business
- The Courier
Broughty Ferry's Brook Street is thriving. What's the secret?
New data gathered by The Courier reveals that Brook Street in Broughty Ferry boasts a vacancy rate of 4.4% – well below the Dundee city average of 18.7%. As of May 2025, only four out of 94 units on the street were unoccupied. Not only is the area performing well compared to Dundee city centre, but it also shows stronger results when compared to Aberdeen, where the average vacancy rate stands at 19.4%, Perth, where it is 16.9%, and Inverness, where it is 10.7%. All of these statistics are based on DC Thomson high street trackers. The national picture is also positive. According to the most recent data from the Scottish Retail Consortium, gathered in 2023, the average vacancy rate across Scotland stands at 15.7%. Brook Street may be less vacant than Dundee city centre, but it is pretty equally matched when it comes to independent businesses, with 70% (63 of 90) of its occupied units being independent. In 2024, the Courier found that 69.05% of Dundee's occupied units were independent. While Brook Street exceeded the city centre average, it trailed behind streets like Union Street (96%) and Perth Road (88%). So, what is the secret to Brook Street in Broughty Ferry's success when it comes to its low vacancy rate? John Kerr, chairman of the Broughty Ferry Traders' Association – which is responsible for Gala Week and the Christmas lights switch-on – says that the area benefits from its 'historic affluence'. He explains: 'There's good community, great housing, great schooling and there's a beautiful location here. 'It's served very well by the aesthetics of where it is positioned within the north east as well. 'And let's not also forget the fact that within Broughty Ferry and Dundee and the north east itself, we enjoy this beautiful climatic ecosystem, which extends the summer days.' Businessman John, who owns 45 Black Hound Distillery in Douglas with his wife Kerrie, says that Brook Street is also boosted by its easy-to-access location. '[Brook Street] is greatly positioned with regard to housing,' he says. '[There is a] natural sort of relationship of how people migrate from where they live into the town and into Brook Street itself. 'Its relationship with bus routes [and] its relationship with the train station gives fantastic access from – not only the locals and those who can get access to it directly – but incoming footfall from neighbouring places such as Montrose, Arbroath and obviously Dundee and Perth.' Amber Cochrane, who opened real estate business Verdala on Brook Street with Scott Bremner in 2020, thinks much of its success is down to the strong community. She says: 'Broughty Ferry has become a hub, and it's become very centralised, and it's very focused on businesses supporting one another, and it feels very friendly. 'The businesses are all very approachable, and I think that's got quite a big part to do with it.' Amber, who looks after communications at the Traders' Association, believes that plentiful free on-street parking in the area (something that is not so readily available in Dundee city centre) also helps businesses thrive. 'We often have conversations at the Traders' about the ease that parking provides for nipping into shops,' she says. 'Locals can get everything from last-minute panic presents to a full summer BBQ.' The Traders' have commissioned a survey to be conducted by industry experts at Strathclyde University this summer to track the impact of this readily available parking on business success. This comes as Dundee City Council mulls over on-street parking charges. The £18m Broughty Ferry active route has also helped to boost general footfall in the area, Amber says. 'The whole development of the Esplanade, I feel, particularly from the tourism perspective, has really added to Brook Street. The Courier's data reveals that the majority of occupied units on Brook Street are shops (40%), while only 23.3% are food and drink establishments. In contrast, across the city centre's high streets, an average of 29.5% are shops and 37.2% are food and drink venues. Specifically in terms of independent businesses, of all the shops on the Dundee high streets in March 2024, only 56.8% were independent. Meanwhile, in Broughty Ferry, 63.8% of shops were independent. But of the food and drink units, 76.2% were independent in Broughty Ferry, while in Dundee city centre, 83.8% were independent. One independent food and drink venue on Brook Street is The Selkie. Kelly-Anne Fairweather, who owns a restaurant of the same name on Exchange Street in Dundee city centre, opened the Broughty Ferry eatery in 2023. Why did the restaurateur, who also runs nearby Sol Y Sombra on Gray Street, choose Brook Street for her business? 'The unit was empty for eight years before we went into it, ' she says. 'So it was a bit of a gamble. 'But for us, it was about being part of the independent-type vibe. 'And for us, the demographic of who was using that street was quite important. 'It was predominantly women 35 plus who were shopping in Broughty Ferry. 'We know that's our target market – [people with] a little bit more disposable income.' Kelly-Anne also feels that Broughty Ferry attracts people who are looking for an 'experience'. It's not just about spending money. 'It's a sunrise-to-sunset kind of place,' she explains. 'You can go for a coffee at half seven in the morning, whether that's Gracies or whatever. 'And then you can be in the pub, or somewhere like Sol y Sombra, until midnight. 'And then amongst that, it's got everything you need. And Broughty Ferry is always attracting new businesses. Derek McCammon opened his furniture store, The Living Room, on Brook Street in May 2024. How has his first year in business been? 'It has been a lot better than I anticipated it was going to be,' he says. 'The local people have been fantastic: really, really supportive.' Derek adds that Broughty Ferry's reputation as a tourist destination also boosts footfall. 'I've also had quite a lot of customers coming from as far away as Aberdeen, Inverness and Stirlingshire, as well as people who are up on holiday from England. 'So Broughty Ferry is drawing in quite a crowd from all over, which is lovely.' All data is gathered on foot by DC Thomson reporters and analysed by its data team, which means that it may be subject to some human error. Each occupied business was manually checked to determine whether it was an independent business or a chain. Businesses with multiple locations were deemed independent if they were only based in Scotland and/or were specifically registered to Tayside addresses. Otherwise, they had a single location, which again was registered within Scotland.
The Courier
a day ago
- Politics
- The Courier
Michael Marra: Dundee's humble champion is fighting for fairness, community, family and lasting change
If there's one thread running through Michael Marra's life and politics, it's a deep-rooted belief in fairness, community and the quiet strength of collective action. The Dundee-based North East Scotland Scottish Labour MSP is currently the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance. But long before Holyrood, he was marching for miners' rights as a child, raised in a household shaped by trade unionism, Catholic social teaching, and the melodic storytelling of his uncle – the legendary musician Michael Marra. Now 45, the MSP and former Lochee councillor speaks with the clarity of someone who has witnessed inequality firsthand – whether among the terraces at Tannadice, in Dundee classrooms where both his parents taught, or in the everyday struggles of his constituents. His politics embody practical socialism: less about slogans, more about delivering policies that make a 'real' difference. He's driven by putting money into people's pockets, investing in public services and rebuilding trust in a system many feel has left them behind. But when asked if he has ambitions to lead Scottish Labour, the self-described 'badly lapsed Catholic' and 'radical pragmatist' says it's not something he is 'actively pursuing'. 'Firstly, there's no vacancy at the moment – and I hope it stays that way,' he says in an interview with The Courier, speaking before Anas Sarwar was 'race baited' this week by Reform leader Nigel Farage. 'Anas (Sarwar) is a brilliant, charismatic, politically astute leader. 'Despite the current challenges – like the splintering of the anti-SNP vote – there's no one better placed to deal with them.' But while he doesn't rule out vying for party leadership in future, the father-of-three makes it clear he'd be reluctant to take on the role while his family are young. 'If it were to happen, it would be a long way off,' he adds. 'With my two youngest children at the ages they are, I couldn't do it. 'I've seen Labour leaders put in unbelievable work here in Scotland – often with little electoral reward, but with huge personal sacrifices. 'My children are in their early teens, and they need me now. Sometimes I don't feel I give them enough as it is.' Michael has strong views on international affairs, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza. But it's building a more equal society at home that truly drives him. That core motivator was powerfully reflected when he recently voted against assisted dying legislation at Holyrood. His decision wasn't influenced by his 'lapsed Catholic' faith, as some might assume. Instead, he explains, it stemmed from a deep concern that assisted dying could place a heavier burden on the poor and disabled. Until that fundamental imbalance is addressed, he cannot in good conscience support such a measure. This conviction underpins not only his stance on assisted dying but also his broader worldview, centred around what he calls 'Dundee first.' Born and bred in Dundee, Michael's roots run deep in the city's working-class and Irish immigrant history. His great-uncle was the secretary of the Labour Party in Dundee for 30 years. His great-uncle's father Nicholas Marra, meanwhile, founded both the Independent Labour Party in Dundee and the Jute and Flax Workers' Union. Growing up in a household where both parents were schoolteachers and active trade unionists, social justice and solidarity were lived realities. From marches organised by his dad during the miners' strike to organising holiday camps for children from Fife, activism and a belief in collective progress were part of his childhood. The Dundee of his youth was a city marked by economic hardship but also by community resilience and a fierce pride in local identity. Michael attended St Joseph's Primary and then St John's High School. He vividly remembers classmates who went on to be devastated by drugs and deprivation – a stark reminder of the city's persistent inequalities. He joined the Labour Party as a university student in Glasgow, initially hesitant due to New Labour's perceived shift to the right under Tony Blair. 'I wasn't a Blairite,' he admits. 'My sister joined before me.' But for Michael, Labour remains a vehicle for tangible improvements to ordinary people's lives. Asked if 'soft left' is an accurate description of his politics, he replies: 'I have a radical vision for a fairer economic future. 'I don't believe in the nationalisation of the top FTSE 500 kind of thing – I was never enamoured by Corbynism. I thought it was a pathway to electoral doom. 'But essentially I'm a socialist who wants to see significant progress on equality.' As Scottish Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, he focuses heavily on financial inclusion. He is critical of what he calls 'chaotic' SNP budget management and 'waste'. On the relationship between Scottish Labour and the UK party, he highlights the autonomy of the Scottish branch while stressing shared interests. He works closely with Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Michael, who previously worked for Oxfam, supports a two-state solution and a free Palestine when it comes to the Israel-Gaza conflict. While acknowledging the trauma of the October 7 attacks on Israel, he describes recent Israeli state actions as 'completely unacceptable' and is sickened by the 'horrific' humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His family's ties to Palestine run deep. His father is active in Dundee's Nablus Twinning Association, and his late colleague Ernie Ross was a long-time supporter of Palestinian solidarity. On a lighter note, Michael is an avid Dundee United fan who's delighted to see the club back in Europe. A season ticket holder in the Eddie Thompson stand where he sits with his football 'fanatic' son and dad, he speaks warmly of the club's recent successes and the passionate atmosphere at matches. But the legacy of his late uncle Michael Marra, the celebrated musician, also looms large. 'Mick was a storyteller who captured the spirit of Dundee – its people and its struggles,' he says. 'We didn't always agree politically, but he was kind, caring, and proud when my sister entered politics.' Though he describes himself as a 'badly lapsed Catholic,' faith remains a cultural touchstone. Michael is deeply concerned about the rise of populism and right-wing politics globally. He links this shift to the atomising effects of social media, which promotes individualism over community. Locally, he takes pride in Dundee's strong community spirit and its tradition of female-led activism. Yet he remains worried about persistent challenges: child poverty, drug addiction, and economic decline. He also campaigns on issues close to Dundee's heart, such as supporting footballers with dementia. Asked about his hopes for the future, Michael is clear: 'I want more and better jobs in Dundee. I want schools to improve, young people to get work, and a more equal Scotland where people feel at ease with themselves. If politics can help make that happen, I'd be happy.' And his dream when that day comes? 'I'd be quite happy sitting at Tannadice with my grandchildren and not being recognised by anybody!'
