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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘One of the all-time iconic moments' – Tributes pour in as Scottish athletics legend dies
His career highlight came at a famous home Commonwealth Games RIP LACHIE 'One of the all-time iconic moments' – Tributes pour in as Scottish athletics legend dies SCOTTISH athletics legend Lachie Stewart has sadly passed away at the age of 81. The running great's career highlight came when he won the 10,000m at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. 3 Lachie Stewart winning gold at the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games Credit: Getty 3 It was a massive moment for Scottish sport on home soil Credit: Getty 3 And tributes have come in from near and far after his sad death Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd Scottish Athletics described it as 'one of the all-time iconic moments for athletics in Scotland'. Stewart also competed at two other Commonwealth Games in Jamaica and New Zealand and also ran for Team GB at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. The Alexandria athlete – whose full name was Joseph Laughlin Stewart – stayed in the sport after having up his spikes, and was often seen presenting medals at events. He was voted into the Scottish Athletics' Hall of Fame in 2018 and is also in the wider Scottish Sports equivalent. Lachlan's son, Glen, shared the news of his dad's sad passing in hospital in Paisley after a short illness, adding that 'his hardest race has now been run and he will be greatly missed'. And the announcement brought tributes from far and wide. Scottish Athletics said: 'Everyone at Scottish athletics and within our community sends our thoughts at this sad time to Lachie's family and his many friends across the sport.' One admirer harked back to that famous day in 1970 as they wrote: 'I still remember that great race when he won the gold medal at the Commonwealth games.' The Scottish Running podcast said: 'They don't make 'em like that anymore. Legend & gentleman.' And Tricia Marwick, the former Presiding Officer at the Scottish Parliament, paid her own tribute. She wrote: 'Sad news. 'Next Usain Bolt' Gout Gout, 17, runs blistering sub-10sec 100m twice in same day 'I watched Lachie Stewart win the Commonwealth Gold medal on TV in 1970 in Edinburgh. "I was so proud. Thanks for such wonderful memories.' And athletics photographer Bobby Gavin said: 'Never meet your heroes? "After watching the 1970 Commonwealth Games this awestruck wee boy approached the Gold Medalist at Shotts Highland Games. 'He was polite and friendly, and in 2021 could still tell me the route & time. RIP Lachie, you were a catalyst for a love of athletics.' One athletics fan commented: 'Was in the Meadowbank Stadium with my Dad when Lachie Stewart won the gold medal at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games in 1970. 'A fantastic Scottish sporting memory. RIP Lachie and thank you.' Another well-wisher added: 'Sorry to hear of the passing of the great Lachie Stewart, Commonwealth gold winner 10,000m at Edinburgh 1970. 'Had the pleasure of meeting him when I worked in Maritime Heritage. 'He was a superb builder of model ships (superb doesn't do them justice). An absolute gentleman.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Sick Mohamed Fayed raped me before Harrods bosses forced me into abortion & then fired me, says victim in bombshell book
Belinda was invited to Fayed's private apartment - little did she know what horror awaited her behind closed doors 'RAPED' BY MONSTER Sick Mohamed Fayed raped me before Harrods bosses forced me into abortion & then fired me, says victim in bombshell book HARRODS fiend Mohamed Fayed raped an employee who was then pressured to have an abortion by store bosses, an explosive new book claims. Speaking for the first time, the woman using alias Belinda says a Fayed doctor helped arrange the termination of her baby after insisting: 'Harrods will pay for it.' 7 Mohamed Fayed raped an employee who was then pressured to have an abortion by Harrods staff, an explosive new book reveals Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 7 In The Monster of Harrods, author Alison shares Belinda's experiences which would scar her for life Credit: AFP When Belinda said she wanted to meet a friend to talk matters through, it is alleged the store's head of security strong-armed her into aborting and keeping it secret. The former perfume counter worker, who was left suicidal by her ordeal, reveals in new book The Monster Of Harrods: 'I had the abortion, they gave me an envelope with £1,000 in it — and told me that I no longer had a job.' She adds: 'I went home and I've never been back to Harrods since. 'Losing a baby like that was hard — no woman wants to have her rapist's baby — but I never had children. I was scarred by what I went through and sometimes think about how different my life might have been if I'd never gone to work at Harrods.' On Wednesday a group handed a letter to Downing Street calling for witnesses to be compelled to answer questions under oath about who covered up Fayed's offending. More than 500 women have come forward to say they were raped or sexually abused by Harrods and Fulham FC owner Fayed, who died in 2023 aged 94. If true, it would make him a predator on the scale of BBC beast Jimmy Savile, whose reign of terror emerged after his death in 2011. Belinda's ordeal began almost 30 years ago when she got a job at the store in Knightsbridge, London. She was soon noticed by Fayed and offered a promotion from the sales floor to the buying team, which was her dream A few days later, he invited her to his private apartment. Police launch probe into individuals who enabled Mohamed Al Fayed's campaign of sexual abuse In the book, by Alison Kervin, Belinda says: 'When I look back now, I wish I'd spoken to someone . . . anyone. But I didn't. I went up to his apartment and I was raped by him.' When she later realised she was pregnant she met Harrods doctor Wendy Snell — now dead — who told her that 'I should keep quiet about it and she'd arrange for me to have an abortion'. She was told she would have to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) but insisted she first wanted to discuss matters with a pal, the next day. But before she met the friend, in a South London cafe, she realised she was being followed by two men — one of whom she recognised as Harrods security chief John Macnamara. Belinda says Macnamara — now also dead — 'turned nasty' and made her sign the NDA, saying 'he knew where my parents lived'. I had the abortion, and they gave me an envelope with £1,000 in it and told me I no longer had a job Belinda In Fayed's lifetime, 21 women made allegations against him. Four were reports of rape, 16 of sexual assault and one of trafficking. The Met Police twice sent files for a charging decision to the CPS relating to three victims in 2008 and one other in 2015. On a further three occasions, in 2018, 2021 and 2023, the CPS was asked for what is called early investigative advice from cops. But no charges were ever brought. Last year, though, the Met said it was investigating at least five people it believes may have assisted or enabled Fayed's alleged offences. 7 When Belinda realised she was pregnant she met Harrods doctor Wendy Snell — now dead — who told her that 'I should keep quiet about it and she'd arrange for me to have an abortion' Credit: Medstars 7 Harrods security chief John Macnamara told Belinda she would be given money for an abortion and needed to sign an NDA Credit: PA The Met is being investigated by the police watchdog amid claims it failed to pursue him properly. In The Monster of Harrods, author Alison shares Belinda's experiences which would scar her for life. Belinda says: 'I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that Fayed ruined everything for me, for ever, the day he raped me.' She was working on the perfume sales floor when she found herself at the centre of Fayed's fantasies. Belinda says in the book: 'The chairman's personal assistant called and asked me to come to his office. 'He seemed genuinely impressed and said he could get me a job in the buying department, which was something I desperately wanted.' A few days later, Belinda was moved to the department. Then she was invited to Fayed's private apartment, and thought he might explain what her new role involved. 'SOILED GOODS' Little did she know what horror awaited her behind closed doors. She says that after the rape, she fled the apartment, past security guards, and ran home. Next morning she called in sick — and when she went in the morning after that, her desk had disappeared and she had been moved back to the sales floor. She says: 'I was soiled goods. I was made to feel disgusting, and I'd done nothing wrong other than be attacked by this man.' Two months went by, with Belinda hiding whenever Fayed went past. She says: 'I was worried if he saw me there he might sack me.' One day Belinda realised it had been ages since her period. She says: 'I went to the chemist's and bought a pregnancy testing kit. 'It was positive. I hadn't slept with anyone for months. I knew it must be my rapist's child. 'I felt scared, alone and terrified. I kept thinking that maybe the test was wrong. Then I made the most stupid mistake of my life. I went to see Dr Wendy Snell. "I told her I might be pregnant and she gave me a test to do. When it came back positive, I burst into tears and explained what had happened. 'She told me I should keep quiet and she'd arrange for me to have an abortion. Harrods would pay for it and no one would find out. She told me to come back next day and it would be arranged. "All I had to do was sign an NDA and the rest would be taken care of. 'At no time did she say, 'Do you want this baby?' That wasn't on the cards because it wouldn't have suited the chairman, and his views were all that mattered. 'I didn't go back the next day. I felt too nervous and confused. Instead, I phoned in sick and made a plan to meet a friend in a cafe to see what she thought I should do. 'I left home at 11am and realised straightaway I was being followed. 'As I got to the cafe in Putney, two men approached me. I recognised one from the store. I now know he was John Macnamara.' She was told she would be given money for an abortion and needed to sign an NDA. I went to the chemist's and bought a pregnancy testing kit. It was positive. I hadn't slept with anyone for months. I knew it must be my rapist's child Belinda But Belinda said she wanted to talk to someone first. She says: 'They turned nasty and said there was no time to mess around and I had to sign it straightaway. 'One — I think it was Macnamara — said he knew where my parents lived and would cause trouble if I breathed a word. "I was basically made to sign the NDA, then they said I was to leave for work as usual the next morning, and they would accompany me to have an abortion. My parents are both alive and neither knows.' 7 More than 500 women have come forward to say they were raped or sexually abused by Harrods and Fulham FC owner Fayed Credit: PA 7 BBC beast Jimmy Savile, whose reign of terror emerged after his death in 2011 Credit: Getty 7 The Monster of Harrods: Al-Fayed and the secret, shameful history of a British institution, by Alison Kervin, is on sale on June 5 Belinda says she had the abortion, was given £1,000 and told she was no longer a Harrods employee. She adds: 'The fact the doctor was in on it and was acting against my best interests was just awful. 'That vile organisation headed by a monster, it makes me want to scream and lash out. I wish he was still alive. I wish we could all go and kill him. 'How does one man get away with decades of abusing women and never get caught?'
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Princesses, presidents & pop stars all captured by Sun legend Arthur Edwards as he receives lifetime achievement award
IN the world of press photography there are legends – and then there is Arthur Edwards. Our royal photographer has been on The Sun's staff for 50 years, and in that time he has become a household name for his brilliant pictures. 15 Sun snapper Arthur Edward with the press pack on the day PM Margaret Thatcher quit in 1990 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd And to mark his incredible career, He received the honour for a feat in national newspaper history that is unlikely ever to be repeated. In half a century working for Britain's favourite newspaper, lorry driver's son Arthur has visited 120 countries to take photos – not only of the royals, but also many of the world's best-known faces. Today he shares some of his favourite pictures – a tiny fraction of the thousands he has taken for readers of The Sun since he joined the staff in December 1974. READ MORE ON THE ROYALS Lady Diana Spencer, 1981 Probably Prince Charles was a nursery assistant. But I didn't know where she worked, so I went to three pre-schools in West London before I came across the Young England Kindergarten in Pimlico. 15 With a bit of luck and sunlight, Arthur Edwards captured his most iconic photo of Diana at a Pimlico nursery Credit: The Sun I knocked on the door and asked the principal: 'Does Lady Diana Spencer work here?' When she said yes, I asked if Diana would pose for a photograph for The Sun. Diana agreed, but she wanted to have two of the children with her. Most read in The Sun Suddenly the sun came out. With the help of God's light, an ordinary photo became a fabulous picture. Margaret Thatcher and her cat, 1978 I was sent to Flood Street in Chelsea , where Mrs Thatcher lived when she was leader of the Opposition. Prince Harry & Meghan make money trashing the Royals - why should we pay for his security? | Royal Exclusive Show It was the Sunday before the 1978 Tory Conference and The Sun's Editor asked if I could get a picture of Mrs T writing her speech. 15 She was known as 'Thatcher the Milk Snatcher', but the Iron Lady showed her soft side in 1978 – as Arthur snapped her sharing a quiet moment and a saucer of milk with a cat Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun She looked so young back then and happily posed for a photo. But when she was seeing me off later, a cat jumped up on the wall. I saw the soft side of our future Prime Minister – who would become known as Despite being nicknamed Thatcher the Milk Snatcher when she was Education Secretary and ended free school milk for children, she happily poured some into a saucer for the cat. It made a couple of brilliant pictures. David Beckham getting his OBE, 2003 I have photographed David many times, and he has always been a superstar. Nothing is too much trouble for him. 15 David Beckham kisses Victoria on the nose after getting his OBE in 2003 – a sweet moment captured when she refused to smile for the camera Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun When he received his OBE from the late Queen, I asked his wife Victoria to smile. But she never does, and she looked at me as if I was asking her for a thousand pounds. So David just kissed her on the nose, which I thought was lovely, and it made a great picture. Sir Paul McCartney, 2001 He was promoting some scarves that his wife Linda had designed. But the photo call at Kew Gardens was so chaotic that he walked away. 15 Sir Paul McCartney pulls a lemon from his pocket and poses with a smile in 2001 – telling Arthur, 'Call me Macca' Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun Back then, The Sun was starting to print colour pages, and I was desperate for a bright photo that would get into the paper. So I waited outside the main pavilion until he came out, and I said: 'Excuse me, Sir Paul.' He replied: 'Call me When he realised what I wanted, he pulled a lemon out of his pocket and posed happily for this very colourful picture. Donald Trump, 2016 During his first campaign for the US presidency in 2016, he was at his Turnberry golf course in Scotland. I tried to get a photo that was different, so I took him with a copy of that day's Sun. 15 Donald Trump at Turnberry in 2016 – Arthur secretly thought he didn't have a prayer of winning the presidency… how wrong can you be? Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun I asked him to take his hat off but he said no, adding that his hair wasn't good, and he would not do it. On the plane home, I said to my colleague, The Sun's Chief Feature Writer Oliver Harvey: 'I don't think he's got a prayer in the election.' How wrong can you be? Prince Charles and Ronald Reagan, 1981 I was in Wellington, New Zealand, at the start of a world tour with Prince Charles when we heard the shocking news that US President Ronald Reagan had been shot. The royal tour was due to end in Washington DC, and after the assassination attempt, we assumed that leg would be cancelled. 15 Charles joked about the persistence of the British press, after the snapper asked President Regan to stand for a shot - despite a recent assassination attempt Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun But by the time we had visited Australia and Hawaii, President Reagan had recovered, and his first official meeting was with the prince at the White House. They were sitting by the fireplace and I asked them both to stand up. Reagan, who was still frail, could not believe what I'd asked. But Charles stood up and said: 'The British press – they are so persistent.' Prince Philip, the Queen and Zara Phillips in carriage, 1984 Every year Philip competed at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The Queen and their granddaughter Zara are on his carriage. 15 Prince Philip competes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1984, with the Queen and granddaughter Zara Phillips cheering from his carriage Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun Philip's biggest fan was his wife, who suffered every fault and every mistake he made – but when he won, she always cheered the loudest. Harry and the hand mark, 2015 This is the moment he got his revenge on me for revealing during New Zealand's breakfast TV that he was losing his hair. 15 Harry takes his revenge for Arthur revealing the prince's thinning crown Credit: PA:Press Association 15 Harry's purple handed artwork We were visiting a youth club where the youngsters asked him to do a hand print on the wall in purple paint. He did – then placed his hand firmly on my head. Prince Charles with Tom Jones and Lionel Richie, 2019 I seem to have been taking pictures of Tom Jones all my life, from his early days in Wales to last year's D-Day celebrations in Normandy. Although he is quite old now, like Elvis, Sir Tom has never lost that fabulous voice. 15 Prince Charles with his great friend Tom Jones and Lionel Richie in Barbados, 2019 - a rare snapshot of music legends and royalty together Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Brian May on Buckingham Palace roof, 2002 Queen guitarist Not many people bothered to photograph it because there was a star-studded line-up to come, including Cliff Richard, Ozzy Osbourne and Paul McCartney. 15 Brian May rocks Buckingham Palace roof, 2002, playing the National Anthem to kick off the Golden Jubilee concert - a shot that led to friendship and tea with the Queen guitarist Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun Afterwards, Brian asked if he could use my picture of him finishing in triumph – playing the guitar that his dad had made for him – on his social media. Naturally I said yes, because he had done such a brilliant job under immense pressure. Later, Brian invited me to tea and we became quite good friends. Tony and Cherie Blair, 2005 I went along to Downing Street with our political editor Trevor Kavanagh who was interviewing the Prime Minister in the beautiful garden. 15 Cherie Blair asked for a photo with Tony — Arthur said, 'Give him a hug' His wife Cherie asked if they could have a picture together? I said 'give him a hug'. They loved the photo so much the Blairs gave a signed copy to every visitor to No10. I've got a signed copy of it at home. Mother Teresa, 1980 Prince Charles went to visit Mother Teresa in Calcutta and pray with her, which of course we couldn't photograph. 15 Of all his rich and famoous subjects, Arthur says Mother Theresa was the most humble, compassionate person But I photographed her these orphans who had been abandoned on the streets and this wonderful woman, who is now a saint, took them in. Of all the famous people I've photographed, she was the most humble, compassionate person. I am so lucky to have met her. Princess Anne and Gorbachev, 1980 I have been to the Kremlin a few times, including once when I photographer Diana Ross there. 15 Princess Anne meets President Gorbachev at the Kremlin in 1980 This time I went with Princess Anne who visited the USSR space centre before meeting
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
The little-known ‘off grid' waterfall swim spot with historic gardens and tiny cottage just 1.5 hours from Dublin
IF you're looking for a hidden gem to explore during the summer season, look no further than this off grid waterfall. Just one and a half hours from 4 The picturesque waterfall is definitely worth a visit Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 4 Pathways lead to a cottage orne Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 4 It's perfect to reconnect with nature Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd Located in This waterfall and surrounding site is described as "a pristine example of a romantic-era The waterfall and garden have remained untouched for over 200 years, allowing you to enjoy the stunning site in its original form. The tumbling waterfall rushes towards a stream and pathways lead to a cottage orne. READ MORE IN TRAVEL You'll see tiny bridges sitting among trees planted in the 18th century, which include types like wild fox-gloves and ferns. This historic landmark shows what life was like in the romantic era back in the 1790s. And the gardens have been listed as an Irish Heritage Garden. It was also awarded assistance in 1993 by the European Union Cultural Commission. Most read in City The VisitKilkenny website reads: " Go 'Off the Grid' this summer and visit Kilfane Glen & Waterfall, we promise you'll leave a happier person ." The waterfall and gardens is located just 3.2km north of Thomastown in Co Kilkenny. NATURAL LANDSCAPE The garden covers 15 acres of easily accessible natural landscape. The team charges an admission fee of €7 per person to the garden to keep it maintained. Dogs are not allowed to visit Kilfane Glen & Waterfall, according to The site can be reached by car, and it has a number of car parking spaces for guests. And it's not the only historical garden in the county. Other nearby gardens of historic significance include Altamount, Haywood (Luyteens), Mount Juliet, Woodstock and Ballymaloe Kitchen Gardens. ANOTHER STUNNING WATERFALL Also close by is another stunning waterfall that is worth a visit. Poulanassy Waterfall is located just outside Kilkenny. It is surrounded by forestry and overhanging trees, making it perfect for someone who wants to reconnect with nature. Or, head there with The waterfall's pool is the ideal spot for a peaceful swim. And during the summer, guests have access to the site's picnic areas and portable BBQs. The site has a car park that can fit around 25 cars, and it's a short walk to the waterfall from here. 4 The site is described as 'off grid' Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Little known ‘off grid' waterfall swim spot with historic gardens and tiny cottage just 1.5 hours from Dublin
IF you're looking for a hidden gem to explore during the summer season, look no further than this off grid waterfall. Just one and a half hours from Advertisement 4 The picturesque waterfall is definitely worth a visit Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 4 Pathways lead to a cottage orne Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 4 It's perfect to reconnect with nature Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd Located in This waterfall and surrounding site is described as "a pristine example of a romantic-era The waterfall and garden have remained untouched for over 200 years, allowing you to enjoy the stunning site in its original form. The tumbling waterfall rushes towards a stream and pathways lead to a cottage orne. Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL You'll see tiny bridges sitting among trees planted in the 18th century, which include types like wild fox-gloves and ferns. This historic landmark shows what life was like in the romantic era back in the 1790s. And the gardens have been listed as an Irish Heritage Garden. It was also awarded assistance in 1993 by the European Union Cultural Commission. Advertisement Most read in Travel Exclusive The VisitKilkenny website reads: " Go 'Off the Grid' this summer and visit Kilfane Glen & Waterfall, we promise you'll leave a happier person ." The waterfall and gardens is located just 3.2km north of Thomastown in Co Kilkenny. NATURAL LANDSCAPE The garden covers 15 acres of easily accessible natural landscape. The team charges an admission fee of €7 per person to the garden to keep it maintained. Advertisement Dogs are not allowed to visit Kilfane Glen & Waterfall, according to The site can be reached by car, and it has a number of car parking spaces for guests. And it's not the only historical garden in the county. Other nearby gardens of historic significance include Altamount, Haywood (Luyteens), Mount Juliet, Woodstock and Ballymaloe Kitchen Gardens. Advertisement ANOTHER STUNNING WATERFALL Also close by is another stunning waterfall that is worth a visit. Poulanassy Waterfall is located just outside Kilkenny. It is surrounded by forestry and overhanging trees, making it perfect for someone who wants to reconnect with nature. Or, head there with Advertisement The waterfall's pool is the ideal spot for a peaceful swim. And during the summer, guests have access to the site's picnic areas and portable BBQs. The site has a car park that can fit around 25 cars, and it's a short walk to the waterfall from here. 4 The site is described as 'off grid' Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd Advertisement
