Latest news with #ThePinch
Glasgow Times
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
BBC Scotland's first Gaelic TV producer Neil Fraser dies aged 86
Neil Fraser is best known for being BBC Scotland's first Gaelic language television producer. He has passed away aged 86, his family confirmed in a statement. Neil was born in Lochboisdale, South Uist, in 1938 and was brought up in Staffin on the Isle of Skye before moving to Glasgow in 1956. (Image: Supplied) He was educated at Glasgow University and worked briefly as a maths teacher, before joining the BBC as it was establishing its Gaelic department under Fred MacAulay. With the support of then-BBC director-general Alasdair Milne, Neil helped to give a voice to the Gaelic language on the national stage. As a television producer, his award-winning programmes included the Stone of Destiny drama The Pinch (1980), piping documentary The Glorious Effect (1980), Gaelic current affairs show Prosbaig, and Gaelic comedy Tormod Air Telly. During his time with BBC Scotland, Neil worked as head of current affairs and head of Gaelic. In the latter role, he was instrumental in the consolidation of the Gaelic radio services into Radio Nan Gaidheal in 1985. He became head of BBC Radio Scotland in 1987 before leaving the broadcaster in 1992. (Image: Supplied) After leaving, Neil went on to author a seminal government-commissioned report making the case for a Gaelic language channel. He became chair of MG ALBA, a new body which was established in 2003 to promote and support Gaelic broadcasting and media, where he oversaw the establishment of the channel BBC Alba. Neil also led the television course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, where he trained generations of talent who went on to make many award-winning films and programmes. He was also committed to piping, both as a board member of the John McFayden Memorial Trust and the Silver Chanter competition. His family said in a statement: "Our father was part of a pivotal generation that fought to reverse the damaging neglect of his native Gaelic language. "He became an archetypal Glasgow Gael: Neither fully at home in the city, nor the croft, uncompromisingly proud of his culture and language and also witheringly critical of anything – or anyone! – that trivialised or undermined it. "He was fiercely intelligent, charming, complex and generous, attributes that he harnessed in his efforts to make broadcasting one of the pillars of the survival of the Gaelic language." Patsi Mackenzie, a writer and screenwriter known for works such as An t-Eilean and An Clo Mor, and a former student of Neil's, added: "As young novices in broadcasting, Neil always gave praise and encouragement when we tried to get things right – and a gentle, helpful steer when we so often got it wrong! "He was a true mentor, generous to a fault and always with a glint in his eye. "His charismatic presence will be forever missed."
The National
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
BBC Scotland's first Gaelic TV producer Neil Fraser dies aged 86
Neil Fraser is best known for being BBC Scotland's first Gaelic language television producer. He has passed away aged 86, his family confirmed in a statement. Neil was born in Lochboisdale, South Uist, in 1938 and was brought up in Staffin on the Isle of Skye before moving to Glasgow in 1956. (Image: Supplied) He was educated at Glasgow University and worked briefly as a maths teacher, before joining the BBC as it was establishing its Gaelic department under Fred MacAulay. With the support of then-BBC director-general Alasdair Milne, Neil helped to give a voice to the Gaelic language on the national stage. As a television producer, his award-winning programmes included the Stone of Destiny drama The Pinch (1980), piping documentary The Glorious Effect (1980), Gaelic current affairs show Prospaig, and Gaelic comedy Tormod Air Telly. During his time with BBC Scotland, Neil worked as head of current affairs and head of Gaelic. In the latter role, he was instrumental in the consolidation of the Gaelic radio services into Radio Nan Gaidheal in 1985. He became head of BBC Radio Scotland in 1987 before leaving the broadcaster in 1992. (Image: Supplied) After leaving, Neil went on to author a seminal government-commissioned report making the case for a Gaelic language channel. He became chair of MG ALBA, a new body which was established in 2003 to promote and support Gaelic broadcasting and media, where he oversaw the establishment of the channel BBC Alba. Neil also led the television course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, where he trained generations of talent who went on to make many award-winning films and programmes. He was also committed to piping, both as a board member of the John McFayden Memorial Trust and the Silver Chanter competition. His family said in a statement: "Our father was part of a pivotal generation that fought to reverse the damaging neglect of his native Gaelic language. "He became an archetypal Glasgow Gael: Neither fully at home in the city, nor the croft, uncompromisingly proud of his culture and language and also witheringly critical of anything – or anyone! – that trivialised or undermined it. "He was fiercely intelligent, charming, complex and generous, attributes that he harnessed in his efforts to make broadcasting one of the pillars of the survival of the Gaelic language." Patsi Mackenzie, a writer and screenwriter known for works such as An t-Eilean and An Clo Mor, and a former student of Neil's, added: "As young novices in broadcasting, Neil always gave praise and encouragement when we tried to get things right – and a gentle, helpful steer when we so often got it wrong! "He was a true mentor, generous to a fault and always with a glint in his eye. "His charismatic presence will be forever missed."
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Travel + Leisure
02-06-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
Charleston, South Carolina's Newest Boutique Hotel Opens Today—With a Beautiful Courtyard and a Chic Cocktail Bar
The Nickel, Charleston's newest boutique hotel, opens on June 2 in the city's Cannonborough neighborhood. Guests can choose from 50 rooms and suites with residential-style features, such as full kitchens, washers and dryers, and dining and lounge areas. The hotel's guest-only all-day Bar Daniel serves morning espresso drinks and late-night cocktails. In late June, the hotel will introduce a rooftop bar offering small plates and cocktails along with panoramic views of the Charleston skyline. Charleston's Upper King Street draws locals and visitors for its charming mix of antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants—and it's about to get a lot buzzier. The Nickel, a new boutique hotel, opens June 2 in the city's Cannonborough neighborhood. On the heels of opening The Pinch just off King Street in 2022, The Nickel is the second Charleston hotel for Philadelphia-based Method Co., in partnership with owner and real estate developer Capital Square and Morris Adjmi Architects. The five-story new build encompasses 50 rooms and suites, a greenery-filled interior courtyard, a library, a rooftop bar, and a soon-to-open guest-only cocktail bar. 'The Nickel is our next love letter to Charleston—a bold continuation of a story that began with The Pinch,' says Daniel Olsovsky, Method Co.'s creative director, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . 'We broke ground in July 2022, just months after opening The Pinch, inspired by the creative momentum we saw pulsing through Upper King Street and the Cannonborough neighborhood.' The hotel takes its name from the French expression " c'est nickel," or 'it's impeccable," a phrase Olsovsky described as capturing 'something beautifully executed, just right, effortlessly polished. That spirit lives in every detail of the guest experience.' Upon checking in, guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail (with a spirit-free option available, too). Each of the residential-style guest rooms and suites comes with a full kitchen, featuring Bosch appliances and honed marble countertops, as well as washers and dryers, and dedicated dining and lounge areas. In-room mini bars are stocked with local and artisanal snacks. Envisioned by New York-based Morris Adjmi Architects, who led the building design and interior architecture, as well as Method Co.'s design arm, Method Studios, the hotel's decor seamlessly marries vintage and contemporary elements. Design touches include herringbone oak flooring, custom-designed king beds, and, in select rooms, private balconies overlooking its lush interior courtyard complete with wrought iron details, a wood-burning fireplace, and a tiered fountain. The hotel's dining offerings reflect its neighborhood's creative energy. Bar Daniel, the guest-only cocktail lounge named after Cannonborough founder Daniel Cannon, serves everything from morning espresso to late-night cocktails in an elegant setting of sage velvet banquettes and antique mirror walls. Come late June, the rooftop Rosemary Rose will open to the public, offering small plates and cocktails, along with panoramic views of Charleston's skyline and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Other highlights include a complimentary bike-sharing program and a guest pass to a nearby gym that features an 82-foot swimming pool and outdoor sports courts. The Parlour, an event space and listening room, has access to a private balcony overlooking the courtyard and a curated selection of vinyl records. Nightly rates at The Nickel Hotel start from $460, and you can book your stay at
