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The Herald Scotland
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish young women divided on Ash Regan's new bill
Pioneered in Sweden in 1999, the 'Nordic model' criminalises the act of buying sex while decriminalising its sale. The model was subsequently adopted by Norway, Iceland, Canada, Northern Ireland, France, Ireland and Israel. Some sex workers have criticised the proposed legislation, saying it could force them underground — and make their lives more dangerous. Regan, who argues that prostitution is undergirded by 'male violence against women', has said she wants her legislation to become law before the end of the current parliamentary session in 2026. Ash Regan introduced her 'Unbuyable' bill last week.A number of young Scottish women shared their thoughts on the bill with The Herald. AJ Whyte, from Stirling, said: 'I'm in two minds about it, honestly.' 'I think decriminalising it is the first step to protecting sex workers who are trapped in the industry. It's the same as abortion, it will always happen but decriminalising it helps with the stigma and allows more people to accept help.' Emily McKay, who is a fourth year University of Aberdeen student, agrees. 'In my opinion, most women don't turn to sex work unless they really have to', she said. 'It'd be more helpful to offer support to pull people out of poverty. I think it's sort of similar to abortion where criminalising it won't make it disappear. It just makes it harder for folk to find support and makes it more dangerous.' Beth Templeton, also from Aberdeen, backs the bill. She said: 'I think that Ash Regan's proposal appears as if it will protect sex workers. By putting the criminality on men who exploit these women, it protects women and targets the structural issue prostitution sits within, rather than further punishing the women. However, Beth did share one concern about the bill, noting: 'If there isn't increased protections for sex workers alongside this bill, there is the danger of these women being exploited further by men willing to pay a higher price for services. 'If they can pair it with other benefits and programs for work then it may well help.' Beth Templeton is a student at the University of Aberdeen. (Image: Supplied) According to the Scottish Government, the legislation would 'create a new offence of paying for sexual acts'. Currently, it is not illegal to buy sex in Scotland. However, it is illegal to run brothels, solicit or purchase sexual services in public, or cause others to join the sex industry. The legislation would repeal Section 46 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, effectively decriminalising the sale of sex in public. Historic convictions for prostitution would be quashed, and the Scottish Government would be required to provide 'assistance and support' for sex workers. Some young women have questioned Alba's role in crafting the legislation. Kirsten Koss told The Herald: 'Rather than criminalising and stigmatising what is often a symptom of social issues, Regan would do better to challenge the Scottish Government around its approach to resolving the issues that force women into sex work. 'Frankly, Alba is increasingly moving in a troubling direction when it comes to women. Policies such as these amount to misogyny, under the guise of 'protecting women from men'. 'Instead we should tackle the reasons that these men feel this behaviour is acceptable, and the societal issues that cause women to become victims of such treatment.' Kirsten Koss doesn't trust the motives behind the bill. (Image: Supplied) Arts student Eden Hally says that decriminalising sex work would be a positive for those working in the industry. They said: 'Sex workers face a working environment that can be extremely dangerous. When someone who does sex work faces abuse and rape and other forms of sexual assault, they may feel unable to disclose the abuse or seek justice due to the status of legality of their work. They are already a highly stigmatized group of people.' There has been robust debate over the efficacy of the Nordic model. Speaking to Good Morning Scotland, Regan compared Sweden, the first proponent of the approach, to Germany, which decriminalised sex work in 2002. Regan noted that no sex workers had been killed in Sweden this century, compared to Germany, where 99 have been murdered. However, a 2022 report by Amnesty International contends that a 2017 law criminalising the purchase of sex in Ireland did not protect sex workers from exploitation, but actually created a 'higher risk of abuse and violence' for sex workers. The report read: 'Sex workers frequently described being forced to engage in more risky behaviours as a result of client criminalization. 'Sex workers often do not engage with the police for fear of being charged with brothel keeping or other offences under the 2017 Act, despite the government's claims that it 'decriminalized' sex work.' Sex workers in Ireland say they are not comfortable approaching the police with concerns. (Image: TVP) Scottish Greens activist Iris Duane told The Herald that sex workers must be at the heart of any proposals. 'This bill, and bills like it, have operated in various contexts in other countries and proven it does not work', she said. 'Like many policy areas, this represents another attempt of our political elite to dictate to those living their lives, what does and does not keep them safe. 'Particularly in this case, it represents yet another attempt of wealthy politically privileged 'feminists', dictating to women based on little more than their idea of how the world should work - not how it works in actuality. 'It is incredibly important that policy in this area is led by the safety, dignity and autonomy of sec workers themselves, not on what our political elites think will be 'good for them'.' READ MORE on the 'Unbuyable' bill Beth agrees with Regan's view that prostitution is a systemic issue which 'perpetuates male violence'. She said: 'Regan does seem to recognise this so the protections for women need to be the same protections for women who are sexually assaulted/ abused. 'Although it is 'work' it is often work that has been due to limited choices for women and a lack of support within the system. 'There can't just be a blanket solution of criminalising men, there needs to be real work and effort put in for the protection of women.' Eden added: 'I don't think sex work should be encouraged, but it is also an inevitability in society. We must protect vulnerable people wherever they're at, and sometimes that means facing a morally grey area. 'When we can reduce the harm done to vulnerable people in society like sex workers through law, it may seem vulgar or like we're making it 'more acceptable', but I believe it prevents unnecessary deaths."
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
One-bed flat near bustling Scots city centre on sale for just £27,000 – but there's a catch
The pad is described as a 'superb opportunity' for prospective buyers BARGAIN BUY One-bed flat near bustling Scots city centre on sale for just £27,000 – but there's a catch A ONE-bed flat near a Scots city centre has hit the market for just £27,000. The home situated on Merkland Road, Aberdeen, is described as a "superb opportunity". 4 A one-bed flat in Aberdeen has hit the market for just £27,000 Credit: Auction House Scotland 4 It comes with a spacious lounge, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom Credit: Auction House Scotland 4 The flat is in need of serious upgrading, which is reflected in the asking price Credit: Auction House Scotland 4 The location also offers excellent transport links Credit: Auction House Scotland It comes with a spacious lounge, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and entrance hallway. The pad is located near local amenities such as shops, cafes, bars and restaurants as well as the city's Union Square shopping centre. However, the flat is in need of serious upgrading, which is reflected in the asking price. There is a huge hole in the ceiling of the kitchen, and stained wallpaper can be seen covering the interior walls. Upon completion of works, the flat could be rented out for approximately £5,684 per year. A description from Auction House Scotland reads: "Going under the hammer is this superb opportunity to acquire this first-floor one-bedroom flat on Merkland Road, Aberdeen. "The accommodation is accessed by secure entry and comprises an entrance hallway which leads to a spacious lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. "The property will benefit from some works, but on completion would rent for £5,684 per annum as per local housing allowance rates. To ensure you do not miss out on this opportunity, early viewing is highly recommended." It adds: "The property is conveniently located nearby all local amenities such as shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, the popular Union Square shopping centre is also not far. "The University of Aberdeen is just a two-minute drive from the property. This location also offers excellent transport links from Aberdeen train station and road links to Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond." Inside colourful flat in seaside town featured on Scotland's Home of the Year The flat will go under the hammer for £27,000 on Thursday, June 5 at 2pm. To find out more, visit the Auction House Scotland website.
Edinburgh Reporter
23-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Doctor honours mother's memory with marathon for rare cancer research
When Roberta Garau's mother died from a rare cancer ten years ago, her daughter promised that she would help people like her in the future. Now Roberta, 31, is a doctor and will run the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday in her memory. Her mother Valeria, living in Italy, had sudden symptoms of heavy bleeding and went to A&E. A growth in her uterus was found. Within a few weeks, she had been diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma. Valeria – a researcher who analysed biological data – had an operation to remove the cancer, but it later spread to her lungs and, aged 60, she died in 2015. Roberta Garau Roberta was a student at the University of Aberdeen at the time. She said: 'My mum was an incredible woman – extremely intelligent, hard-working and fun to be around. 'I think about her every single day, and I miss all our conversations. I wish she could have seen the fruits of all her hard work parenting and been there for all my adult life milestones. ' I promised her I would do my best to help people like her in the future. I've since become a doctor, and I am training to be a surgeon with a special interest in cancer, and I am pursuing a PhD in cancer research.' Roberta, from Edinburgh, has just completed a year as President of the Association of Surgeons in Training. She is currently undertaking a PhD looking at colorectal carcinogenesis. Roberta Garau On Sunday, she will be taking part in her first ever marathon for charity Sarcoma UK. She said: 'I remember the difficulty when my mum was the only one with her rare subtype of sarcoma in our town in Italy. She did not have a community or a support network which could give her advice and support. Sarcoma research needs more funding and attention. 'I am fundraising for Sarcoma UK because it provides a community of people with a rare cancer and their family a lifeline for information, support and much-needed research funding.' Sarcoma UK's Ambassador in Scotland, Shelagh Alison, said: 'Dr Garau's dedication to sarcoma awareness represents exactly what we need – passionate individuals who understand both the medical challenges and personal impact of these rare cancers. 'Her journey from a daughter's promise to becoming a surgeon and researcher embodies the determination required to advance sarcoma understanding, support and treatment. 'Every stride she takes in the Edinburgh Marathon helps shine a light on these under-researched cancers and brings hope to patients and families currently facing the issues Valeria experienced. 'We're incredibly grateful for champions like Roberta who transform personal loss into powerful advocacy.' To donate to Roberta, go to Like this: Like Related
The National
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Documentary on Scottish clan crowning may hold 'grain of truth'
Professor Alison Lumsden, a senior lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and co-director of the Walter Scott Research Centre, who featured in the Meet the Buchanans documentary, said there could be 'some truth' in the authentication of how the clan's inauguration was held. The feature-length documentary follows the planning of the inaugural three-day bonanza and ceremonial regalia, where Mike Buchanan is crowned as the clan's first chief in around 340 years. The 'off-beat' film aims to explore the hidden world of wealth and privilege, while providing a sideways look at how Scottish tradition, heritage, and identity are created, as it follows Mike's family throughout the three-day bash. READ MORE: US megastar raises eyebrows in Scotland with tour name Lumsden was invited to attend the Clan Buchanan inauguration after Mike's wife Paula found some old letters from Scott to their family's ancestors who lived on the Cambusmore Estate, Perthshire. Paula wanted Lumsden to speak about how Scott had depicted Scottish clans in his writing at the celebration. 'At first, I kind of was a bit cautious to do that because, to be honest, I wasn't quite sure what was involved with the inauguration and what it was about,' Lumsden said. She added: 'I said yes, but I wanted to see the letters first. 'So, I went to Cambusmore to look at the Scott letters and to get a sense of them so that I could include some of that in the talk that I gave.' Lumsden explained that there was a 'clear connection' between the legendary Scottish writer Scott and the family at Cambusmore, as he had visited the estate a 'fair few times' and had written to them as well. She added that Scott (above) 'may well have' drawn on some inspiration from Cambusmore Estate for his world-renowned narrative poem, Lady of the Lake. Lumsden said that Paula, who is seen in the documentary as the driving force behind the idea of the inauguration, shared some parallels with Scott in how she interrupted Scottish tradition. She said: 'I've worked in academia my whole adult life, and what you do get quite often is 'Scott was just making up things, that he made up this, and then he made up that', but none of that is entirely true. 'Scott's not just making up things, he's drawing on traditions. Lumsden added: 'Certainly, he popularises those things, because those things are spread around the world are large due to Scott, but he's not making them up out of nothing. 'And I think the other thing that's interesting is, I think that was similar with the Buchanans.' Paula decided to host an inauguration for her husband after reading about how clan chief crowning ceremonies predated the monarchy and were an 'amazing' big celebration. After doing more research and with the help from other Buchanans on the other side of the world in Australia, Paula set about trying to authentically recreate as much as she possibly could for the inauguration. Her planning included commissioning a new set of clan jewels, coronet, sword, rod, and even a stone throne for her husband to sit on for the big occasion. (Image: Meet the Buchanans) Lumsden said: 'I mean, we have no idea what actually happened in the dim and distant past when a chief was made a chief, but Paula was looking at some authorities and accounts of the Highlands that said they sat upon some kind of stone and that something was placed on their head. 'So, she was looking at those kinds of authorities and thinking, 'OK, that's what we've got to go on, so this is what we'll do with it'. 'I think that there is some sort of grain of truth, or actually sometimes there is more than a grain of truth, and then it is how it is interpreted.' Lumsden added: 'Scott was often accused of having made up a version of Scotland, and I think that's a curious concept because it presupposes that somehow there's a real Scotland out there that we can all agree upon and that Scott's doing something else. 'I'm always very curious as to know what that real Scotland that we all agree upon is meant to be.' The documentary is now touring across Scotland along with a Q&A panel including the film's producer and co-director, Barbara Orton, and personalities from local heritage and history groups, and contributors to the film, including Lumsden. (Image: Meet the Buchanans) Viewers will witness 'tartan-mad' Buchanan enthusiasts from countries like America, Australia, and even Mexico descend onto the Perthshire estate to take part in the celebration and learn more about their family roots. Orton said that the film delves into how history feeds into establishing traditions, how these traditions feed into establishing a country's identity, and how this identity is portrayed to the world. The Bafta award-winning producer added that the film shows how people make different interpretations of history and how that results in different traditions being formed. Orton said: 'Alison's contribution contextualises some of the big themes in the film. 'It's exploring how history is made (up), in this case - as ancient sources were in such short supply. 'I had come across the 'The Invention of Scotland' the famous book, by historian Hugh Trevor Roper, his ideas underpinning some of the historical themes in the film for me, which Prof Alison so eloquently explores, while at the same time managing to tie this into the modern search for connection and belonging theme that I hope has been brought out in the film. Orton (below) added: 'Paula's source for the ceremony came from a description of an 'inauguration' ceremony of Pictish chiefs as the basis for their Clan inauguration ceremony. (Image: Supplied) 'Found in the book 'The Clans, Septs, and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands' by Frank Adams. She reads it out from this very book in the film. 'The Pictish chief is led by the clan bard to a stone, where he sits. She elaborates it into a modern throne, with their family crest. But who knows where Frank A got his info?'
Black America Web
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Celebrate World Whisky Day 2025 With These Excellent Selections
This Saturday (May 17), World Whisky Day takes place, and whisky lovers around the globe will hopefully have some pours of their favorite tried and true drams with family and friends. For World Whisky Day 2025, CASSIUS is leaning into whisky made in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, and we'll shine a light on American and Irish whiskey at a later time. Now that I'm a year removed from this World Whisky Day post, I've gotten more exposure to whisky made in the aforementioned nations. Armed with a bit more knowledge about the wide world of whisky, I feel confident suggesting the bottles I've compiled in this particular roundup. I'll share what I wrote last year as a primer: …the term whisky applies to spirits made in Scotland, Japan, or Canada, while whiskey applies to spirits made in the United States and Ireland. Adding to this, bourbon can only be made in the United States and must feature a mash bill of 51 percent corn before other grains are introduced. Further, Kentucky bourbon, as you might get from the name, can only be called as such if it's made in the state. Enough nerding out about that for now. Let's get into the history of World Whisky Day. The holiday was officially established in March 2012 by University of Aberdeen student Blair Bowman, who was 21 at the time. According to Whiskey Partners, Bowman was studying in Barcelona and remarked that whiskey didn't have a global holiday like other adult beverages, so he took it upon himself to create a website to get the ball rolling. After researching the holiday more, I'm comfortable in saying that Bowman was not considering American or Irish-made whiskey in his celebration, and last year, I did include whiskies from all over the world. This year, I'm sticking to the whisky guns and only featuring juice without the 'e.' I would like to return to the space and share what I've learned about Scotland's different whisky-producing regions at a later date. For now, I hope you discover a new favorite or see a familiar brand in our World Whisky Day 2025 roundup. Cheers! — Photo: Source: Motortion / Getty Celebrate World Whisky Day 2025 With These Excellent Selections was originally published on Source:D.L. Chandler Aberfeldy is a Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky known as the 'Golden Dram' due to its color but also because of its water source, the Pitilie Burn, which contains tiny bits of gold. I've had the entire core range of Aberfeldy and while they're all excellent, I always go back to the 12 Year expression for my sunset dram. Learn more here. Source:Ardbeg I've had my fair share of Ardbeg whisky and of the brand's premium Single Malt Scotch offerings, and I've become a huge fan of its Uigeadail expression. Uigeadail (Oog-a-dal) is a non-age statement whisky aged in Oloroso Sherry and Ex-Bourbon Casks barrels featuring a lot of peat. I always feel classy having a glass of Uigeadail. Learn more here. Source:Crown Royal As I grew up in a particular type of neighborhood in a particular fashion, I would see my uncles and his friends having backyard parties with plenty of purple bags of Crown Royal's core whisky on deck. As I'm older and with refined tastes, I appreciated my few encounters with Crown Royal's higher-end Reserve expression. This weekend, I'll be checking out Crown Royal's limited-edition Marquis expression, so stay tuned for that. Learn more here. Source:Glenfiddich Glenfiddich is a distillery that produces Single Malt Scotch whisky in Scotland's Speyside region, and their 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish is a fine start to learn about the brand. At 86 proof, I often wonder how the whisky would taste with at, say 95 or so, but this pours a solid dram. Learn more here. Source:Glenglassaugh Glenglassaugh specializes in Scotch whisky crafted off the coasts of Scotland, named after a village near the brand's distillery. At just under 100 proof, the Portsoy, part of Glenglassaugh's core expression, this whisky has some of those briny notes from the coastal winds. Aged in former sherry, bourbon, and port casks, all of those sweet notes from the used barrels still shine through the peat smoke. This is a winner. Learn more here. Portsoy whisky day,glenglassaugh portsoy Source:Glengoyne I am completely new to the Glengoyne brand as of the last 48 hours. I don't have the deepest of dives just yet, and what I can say is that this Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky is worth seeking out. There is no peat, which is an aspect of most whiskies produced in that region, but I suppose Scotch drinkers know this going in. It's also priced just right despite being an adequately aged product. Learn more here. Source:Glenmorangie I know that experienced Scotch whisky drinkers can appreciate a bracing, biting sip in their drams, but for folks still getting their training wheels on, finding something easy to sip is a great way to learn. The Glenmorangie 12 Year Old The Original expression is part of the famed Highlands distillery's core lineup and is an affordable sipper that doesn't fuss about too much. It's also pretty sneaky, so make those pours sensible. Learn more here. Source:Suntory The House of Suntory specializes in an array of spirits produced in Japan, including its award-winning Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies. I am actually more familiar with Suntory's Japanese gin than I am their whisky, but I've had plenty of Harmony as my neighbors always have it stocked. It is a blend of whiskies produced in Japan, and it's an easy sipper neat or on the rocks. Excited to learn more about this brand in the future. Learn more here. Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky, whisky day,hibiki japanese harmony Source:Isle of Skye Isle of Skye produces a wide range of whisky, and their 8 Years Old expression is the only one I've tried thus far, fairly recently at that. This bottle features whisky from the islands and the Speyside region, and there's a nice amount of smoky peat in there. Priced for budget consumers, it certainly doesn't drink that way. Learn more here. Source:Monkey Shoulder Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky is said to be made strictly for mixing, and it does a great job as a base for the Old Fashioned, a Whisky Sour, or a Rob Roy. I've even started to have a pour over a large rock and it still kicks adequate ass. Learn more here. Source:Old Parr Old Parr keeps it simple with just two expressions in its lineup: Aged 12 Years and Aged 18 Years. I've had both, and this is a really approachable whisky for people still learning the category, like myself. Also, the 12 makes a killer highball, which is my preferred way to have it. Learn more here. Okay, so I said I wasn't going to feature any American whiskey. Please note the 'e' in that sentence. Beyoncé's SirDavis is an American Rye whisky (their spelling) with a mashbill of 51 percent rye and 49 percent malted barley. To some, that much spicy rye in a dram might turn off some, but SirDavis was created under the watchful eye of Dr. Bill Lumsden, who has worked with Scotch whiskey brands Ardbeg and Glenmorangie. I say this qualifies as whisky without the 'e' and is a dram that works well with the sherry cask finish. My whisky purists are certainly balking at this, but I'm supporting this loud and proud, because, Black, first of all, and secondly, it's Beyoncé! Learn more here. Source:Smokehead I recently had a bourbon finished in barrels that previously held tequila, and the results were pleasant. Smokehead's Tequila Cask Terminado expression pairs single malt in former tequila barrels, and the dance of the famed Mexican spirit's vegetal notes alongside the peated whisky works well despite not being a proof bomb. Personally, the lower proof works for me. Learn more here. Source:The Balvenie The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old is one of the Highlands Single Malt Scotch whisky producer's core offerings and nails its rum cask finishing concept. This isn't the first whisky to use barrels that previously held rum for maturing, but it does stand far apart from most. Learn more here. Source:The GlenDronach The GlenDronach is a Single Malt Scotch whisky from Scotland's Highland region, and aged for 12 years in Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. This is a sweeter style of whisky, and could be a nice gateway for new Scotch drinkers. I've only had their 12 year as I'm not at all a baller like that. I will vouch for this bottle. Learn more here. Source:The Macallan The Macallan is a notable name in the world of Single Malt Scotch whisky and for good reason. I've had all of the brand's core collections and even some of its limited edition releases due to associates who also love The Macallan's classic whisky offerings. I'm featuring the Double Cask 12 Years Old expression as it's readily available and showcases what this brand's whisky is all about from the ground floor. Learn more here. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
