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Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
'Alarm bells' moment for family of missing Greg Monks
The 38-year-old plant mechanic from Cambuslang, near Glasgow, disappeared in the early hours of Wednesday morning, May 28, while out with mates on the Albufeira Strip. However, he never returned. The last confirmed sighting of him was around 3:27am in the Cerro de Aguia area. According to Google Maps, this area is around an hour and 20 minute walk from the main strip in Albufeira. Greg's cousin Alison Fraser posted a statement on Facebook. It reads: 'I'm Greg's cousin and I'm here in Albufeira, this is the last official sighting of Greg at around 3.27am on Wednesday, May 28. 'He was walking by the villa, circling and in the direction of the arrow. Please share, particularly with any local residents' groups.' (Image: Alison Fraser/Facebook) READ MORE: New image emerges of Glasgow man missing in Portugal His parents and girlfriend, Nicole Ashleigh Kelso, have flown to the Algarve to assist in the search. In an interview with Sky News, Greg's sisters, Jillian and Carlyn, described the family's anguish. Jillian said: "We were contacted on Wednesday afternoon asking if there was any way we could track his phone because he hadn't come home from the night before. "This immediately raised alarm bells. It's just not like him. He wouldn't normally do something like this. "It had only been twelve hours since he was seen, but we were just so worried." Initially, police didn't take the missing person report seriously due to the short time since his disappearance, but as concern mounted, Portuguese authorities escalated the search. Jillian said police have since been 'working day and night' and 'using every resource they can' to find him. CCTV footage has shown Greg walking alone in the Cerro de Aguia area, a quiet, rural part of Albufeira filled with trees, rocks, and cliffs. (Image: Alison Fraser/Facebook) Jillian added: "The family flew out on Thursday evening just to try and get some answers. "The police had said he was seen on CCTV in a residential area, Cerro de Aguia. "He's been spotted twice walking alone on CCTV around there. It's residential and quite rural with a lot of trees and rocks and cliffs." Describing Greg as 'quiet, hardworking, and a great godfather and uncle,' Jillian said his girlfriend Nicole is 'heartbroken and trying to keep it together.' Carlyn added: 'He's a real family man. This just isn't like him. We're trying to hold each other up and keep fighting to find him.' The Glasgow Times reported last week that the family has made a public appeal for anyone in the Cerro de Aguia area with doorbell or home security footage between 2am and 5am on May 28 to come forward. READ MORE: Family of Glasgow man missing in Portugal in CCTV plea Jillian pleaded: "If you see his picture and know anything, any tiny little bit of information, just get in touch, let us know where he last was. Carlyn added: "If you live in the area or any of the surrounding areas and have any home security cameras or anything that could capture him travelling around, please check it." Greg was due to fly back to Scotland on May 30, but he never made the flight. We previously reported that a fundraiser was set up to support the family's search efforts. The GoFundMe has already raised over £21,000. READ MORE: Fundraiser launched for family of missing Glasgow man A statement published on the page reads: 'I have been asked by the family to set this up. Our son Greg Monks, 38, went to Portugal for a stag do on Tuesday, May 27. 'On their first night out, our son Greg never returned to his hotel and has now been reported missing for three days. 'We are desperately seeking Greg's safe return and need your help. There are professional search teams out looking for Greg, and the family have all flown out to try and help find him, but they don't know how long their stay will be. 'They are doing everything they can. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in our efforts to bring Greg home. 'Thank you for your support and prayers.' The Glasgow Times reported that Greg's disappearance had been reported to police, the hotel where he was staying, and the British Embassy in Portugal by his family. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing in Portugal and are in contact with the local authorities'. The GoFundMe page can be viewed HERE.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Taxi 'firebombed' on Glasgow street amid 'gang war'
The black cab was targeted outside of a property on Kingswood Drive in the city's Southside on Wednesday, May 28. Emergency services rushed to the scene in King's Park after being alerted to the blaze at around 11.10pm. The fire was put out, and no one was injured. READ NEXT: Scottish police data sparks fear of youth violence surge The Glasgow Times understands that cops probing the incident are keeping an open mind as to whether it is linked to the ongoing 'gangland war' in Glasgow and the East of Scotland. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We were made aware of a vehicle fire outside a property on Kingswood Drive in Glasgow around 11.10pm on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. 'The fire was extinguished, and no one was injured. Enquiries are ongoing.'
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow's Michelle McManus on her Robbie Williams duet look
The Baillieston-born singer took to social media to post a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the glamorous red and black gem-studded gown, created in collaboration with her stylist, Holly. Michelle revealed the look was a tribute to fellow Glasgow pop icon Lulu, who wore a similar outfit during her iconic performance of Relight My Fire with Take That. She captioned the video: "My stylist Holly and I had a dream to pay homage to Queen Lulu during her performance of Relight My Fire—and I think Holly nailed the brief." The outfit was fitting, as Michelle took the stage with Robbie Williams delivering a duet of Relight My Fire to an astonished crowd of 70,000 fans on the opening night of his Britpop tour. Ahead of the big night, Michelle admitted she felt more nervous performing with Robbie than she had been singing for the Pope. READ MORE: Glasgow's Michelle McManus duet with Robbie Williams She said: 'My happy place is when I sing, so the singing part is not the problem. The nervous part is singing to Robbie Williams in front of 70,000 people. 'When we did the Pope's visit in Bellahouston, it was 80,000—but singing for a bunch of cardinals and a Pope was slightly different from singing for Robbie Williams.' The memorable duet came about after an emotional on-air moment in March. READ MORE: Robbie Williams invites Glasgow singer to join him on stage The Glasgow Times reported that Robbie surprised Michelle with the invitation during an interview on her BBC Scotland radio show. As the interview wrapped up, Robbie asked unexpectedly: 'Would you like to come and sing with me in Edinburgh?' A clearly shocked Michelle responded: 'Sorry… What? What was that?' before emotionally accepting: 'Yes, I'm saying yes—I would love that. You are amazing. And you are an incredible human being. I meant every word I said before this even came up.'
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow's Michelle McManus duet with Robbie Williams
The Baillieston-born singer joined her longtime friend on stage at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium, treating the 70,000-strong crowd to an electrifying duet of Relight My Fire. The performance brought the audience to its feet in a roaring ovation. The setlist included a string of Robbie's biggest hits, such as Angels, Rock DJ, and Let Me Entertain You, creating an unforgettable night for fans. Ahead of the performance, Michelle admitted she was more nervous singing in front of Robbie than she had been when performing for the Pope. She said: 'My happy place is when I sing, so the singing part is not the problem. The nervous part is singing to Robbie Williams in front of 70,000 people. 'When we did the Pope's visit in Bellahouston, it was 80,000—but singing for a bunch of cardinals and a Pope was slightly different from singing for Robbie Williams.' READ MORE: Glasgow singer Michelle McManus on duet with Robbie Williams The Glasgow Times reported that back in March, Robbie surprised Michelle with the invitation during an interview on her BBC Scotland radio show. As the interview wrapped up, Robbie asked unexpectedly: 'Would you like to come and sing with me in Edinburgh?' A clearly shocked Michelle responded: 'Sorry… What? What was that?' before emotionally accepting: 'Yes, I'm saying yes—I would love that. You are amazing. And you are an incredible human being. I meant every word I said before this even came up.' READ MORE: Robbie Williams invites Glasgow singer to join him on stage (Image: Michell McManus Instagram) Following the performance, Michelle shared a photo of the moment on her Instagram Stories, showing her and Robbie singing together on stage. She captioned it simply: 'This diva though.' Robbie also shared post on social media sharing his love for Scotland. Sharing a striking photo from the concert, he captioned the post: 'Scotland – I love you. "That was an incredible opening night. Until next time. Rob x' The comments section quickly filled with love from fans who were blown away by the show. One wrote: 'Rob is the best.' Another added: 'You were on fire. Absolutely incredible show.' A third fan declared: 'What a night. THE KING OF ENTERTAINMENT!' The surprise duet marked a memorable highlight of the tour's kickoff and a proud moment for fans of both artists.
Glasgow Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
ScotRail warning to Glaswegians for Robbie Williams gig
With thousands expected to attend on Saturday, May 31, ScotRail is taking measures to help concertgoers travel smoothly. To support the surge in demand, the rail operator is adding extra carriages on key routes in and out of Edinburgh Waverley wherever possible, along with additional late-night services to Glasgow. READ MORE: Warning as no trains to run on busy Glasgow Central route Gates open at 4pm, with the show set to begin at 6pm. ScotRail is advising concertgoers to travel early, as trains and stations—particularly Haymarket—will be much busier than usual from the afternoon onward. After the concert, fans are encouraged to walk quickly to Haymarket Station and join the designated queuing area on Haymarket Terrace, where staff will direct them to the appropriate platform. To avoid delays, customers are strongly advised to buy return tickets in advance using the ScotRail app. Alcohol restrictions will be in place at stations and on trains throughout the event. READ MORE: Robbie Williams drops teaser ahead of Murrayfield gig As excitement builds, the pop icon teased fans with a black-and-white Instagram post reading: 'Four days… BRITPOP Tour hits the road in Edinburgh this Saturday. "All dates and tickets at the link in bio.' Fans were quick to respond, flooding the comments with messages like: 'Can't wait to hear this live!' and 'See you on the road!' READ MORE: Robbie Williams invites Glasgow singer to join him on stage But the biggest surprise may be the appearance of Baillieston-born singer and Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus. We reported back in March that the Glaswegian star is expected to join Robbie on stage, following a personal invitation from him during an interview on her BBC Scotland radio show. As the conversation wrapped up, Robbie asked: 'Would you like to come and sing with me in Edinburgh?' A visibly stunned Michelle replied: 'Sorry… What? What was that?' Moments later, she accepted: 'Yes, I'm saying yes—I would love that.' The Glasgow Times reported last week that in an unexpected move, Robbie slashed ticket prices as part of a 72-hour Surprise Seat Ticket Offer. Announced via email, the deal allowed fans to purchase randomly assigned seats for just £42.50, all fees included. READ MORE: Robbie Williams slashes ticket prices for only Scottish date While many welcomed the more affordable pricing, some fans expressed frustration over the timing. One disappointed concertgoer commented: 'At one point, the standing tickets were £180, but they weren't selling. "I paid £100 for mine—it's frustrating that early supporters end up paying more.' With added trains, special guests, and price drops, Robbie's Murrayfield show is shaping up to be one of Scotland's most talked-about gigs of the summer.
