Latest news with #Vinnie
Edinburgh Live
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian bingo caller's heartwarming tribute to brother ahead of BGT final
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info East Lothian holiday park bingo caller Vinnie McKee is just one performance away from potentially clinching the title of this year's Britain's Got Talent champion. The 29 year old Glaswegian from Ruchazie is counting on Scotland's support as he prepares to take the stage in tonight's eagerly anticipated live final. Vinnie, who has been deeply affected by the loss of his brother Frankie last year to a suspected irregular heartbeat, believes his brother will be with him in spirit during his performance. The entertainer, who works at Dunbar's Thurston Manor Holiday Park, impressed with his rendition of The Proclaimers' classic 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)' at his audition and earned Simon Cowell's golden buzzer in the process. Vinnie said: "When I step on stage tonight my brother will be there with me and I will 100 per cent be singing for him." He recounted feeling his late brother's presence during the live semi-final, saying: "I felt Frankie beside me when I sang in the live semi-final. I spoke to him before I went on saying he better be on stage waiting for me as I could not walk out there myself and he was.", reports the Daily Record. Vinnie opened up about the profound impact his brother's passing had on his family, describing the past year as the most challenging period of their lives, but noted that BGT has brought them a glimmer of hope. He expressed how participating in BGT has been a beacon of light amidst the darkness, stating: "Losing him has been devastating for my whole family. Last year was the worst time of our lives but BGT has given us all something to be excited about. It's been a bit of light at the end of a very long tunnel." Reflecting on his journey to the final, Vinnie revealed the personal significance behind his audition song choice: "When I sang 500 Miles in my audition it was an ode to my brother and everything that has happened to our family." He confessed that while he didn't verbalise the tribute at the time, he believes the emotion resonated in his voice as he performed: "I didn't say that out loud at the time but I think everyone could feel and hear the emotion in my voice as I sang the words. "My mum, dad, sister, aunt and uncle will all be in the audience tonight and Frankie will be with me on stage cheering me on. I want to make him, my family and Scotland proud." Vinnie, who is gearing up to wow at this year's Pride of Scotland Awards, is set for a final showdown alongside LED dance squad The Blackouts, the youthful guitar wizard Olly Pearson, ping pong dance ensemble Ping Pong Pang and humourist Joseph Charm. Joining them in the quest for glory are vocalists Maya Giotea and Stacey Leadbeatter, the impassioned Hear Our Voice choir, nimble nine year old gymnast Binita Chetry, and drag artist songstress Jasmine Rice in the gripping race to clinch the talent show's top honour. While judges Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden, and Simon Cowell will put forth their critiques, the ultimate decision rests in the hands of the public; Vinnie is counting on passionate support from Scotland to claim victory. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Should he triumph, the soul-stirring crooner would become the second Scot to seize victory on the renowned ITV programme, echoing the success of Jai McDowell, who earned accolades as champion back in 2011. With his semi-final rendition of Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" leaving audiences captivated, Vinnie expressed: "I am so proud to be flying the flag for Scotland and it would be amazing if the nation got behind me tonight and voted." He added with heartfelt pride, "I feel like I have already won as reaching a final is a huge achievement for a wee boy from the East End of Glasgow." He revealed the shock of performing for millions compared to families at the holiday park: "This is the biggest thing I have ever done and I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure it is really happening. I'm used to singing in front of a room full of families in a caravan park and now I'm singing live in front of millions." Don't miss the Britain's Got Talent live final airing tonight on ITV1 and ITVX at 7pm.
Daily Record
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BGT finalist Vinnie McKee says his late brother will be with him in spirit when he takes to the stage tonight
The singer also reveals his joy at being asked to perform at this year's Pride of Scotland Awards HOLIDAY park bingo caller Vinnie McKee is one song away from being crowned the winner of this year's Britain's Got Talent. The 29-year-old from Glasgow's Ruchazie is hoping Scotland will get behind him when he takes to the stage in tonight's live final. And as he sings for the win Vinnie says his late brother Frankie, who passed away suddenly last year from a suspected irregular heartbeat will be there in spirit cheering him on. The caravan park entertainer, whose version of Proclaimers' hit 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) bagged him Simon Cowell's golden buzzer in his audition said: 'When I step on stage tonight my brother will be there with me and I will 100 per cent be singing for him. 'I felt Frankie beside me when I sang in the live semi-final. I spoke to him before I went on saying he better be on stage waiting for me as I could not walk out there myself and he was. 'Losing him has been devastating for my whole family. Last year was the worst time of our lives but BGT has given us all something to be excited about. It's been a bit of light at the end of a very long tunnel. Vinnie, who stormed into the final after winning the public vote in the semis, added: 'When I sang 500 Miles in my audition it was an ode to my brother and everything that has happened to our family. 'I didn't say that out loud at the time but I think everyone could feel and hear the emotion in my voice as I sang the words. 'My mum, dad, sister, aunt and uncle will all be in the audience tonight and Frankie will be with me on stage cheering me on. I want to make him, my family and Scotland proud.' Vinnie, who is set to perform at this year's Pride of Scotland Awards, will be joined in the final by LED dance crew The Blackouts, 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson, ping pong dancing troupe Ping Pong Pang and comedian Joseph Charm. Singers Maya Giotea and Stacey Leadbeatter, the Hear Our Voice choir, nine-year-old gymnast Binita Chetry and drag queen singer Jasmine Rice are also in the race for the talent show crown. Although judges Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell will be giving their opinion on each act, who wins will all come down to the public vote and Vinnie hopes Scotland will get behind him. If he is victorious the soulful singer will be the second Scot to win the hit ITV show - following in the footsteps of Jai McDowell who took top spot in 2011. Vinnie, whose semi final cover of Snow Patrol hit Chasing Cars wowed viewers, said: 'I am so proud to be flying the flag for Scotland and it would be amazing if the nation got behind me tonight and voted. 'I feel like I have already won as reaching a final is a huge achievement for a wee boy from the East End of Glasgow.' Vinnie admits his BGT journey is a world away from his day job at Thurston Manor holiday park near Edinburgh, where he runs kids' clubs and does the bingo calling and he's loving every minute. The performer, who would buy a retirement home for his parents Ann and Joe with the £250,000 prize money, said: 'When I started in the holiday parks, I really loved it. My dream was to be this singer who performs for people and gets them to listen to my own music, but the dream got further away over the years but now thanks to BGT is back and I'm living it. 'This is the biggest thing I have ever done and I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure it is really happening. I'm used to singing in front of a room full of families in a caravan park and now I'm singing live in front of millions. 'After my audition the clip went viral on YouTube and the most crazy part was that I overtook Lady Gaga and Beyoncé on the trending list. A few celebrities have also been posting me on their social media too. It's just crazy.' The former St Andrews RC Secondary School pupil added: 'I went into my old high school last week and was able to tell the kids that no matter where they come from or what their background is they should never let go of their dreams because just look at me. 'I would never have imagined my dreams would have come true the way they have and hopefully it's only the beginning. 'It has inspired me to just go for it and make singing my full-time job. If I could do this every day for the rest of my life I would never retire. It's my passion and my dream.' Vinnie, who is planning to get into a studio soon and record some songs, says he will be forever indebted to Simon Cowell. The singer, who would love to do a collaboration with the Proclaimers, said: 'I'm chuffed to be Simon's first ever Scottish golden buzzer. I couldn't believe it when he pushed it and the confetti started raining down. He told me it was the best rendition of 500 Miles he had ever heard. 'During the audition I was trying not to look at the audience but I caught Simon's eye at one point and he was smiling. He was so lovely to me afterwards too. 'When I was standing on the stage in the semi-final and my VT was playing I looked down at the judges and Simon smiled at me and said, 'You've got this.' He also gave me the thumbs up. 'Knowing that he was rooting for me meant so much and I want to continue to make him proud as he took a chance on me and gave me the golden buzzer.' He added: 'I'm ready to give the performance of my life tonight so keep everything crossed for me. Bring it on! I've never been so prepared and I'm raring to go. 'I can't reveal what song I will be singing in the final but it's my twist on a classic by a well known band and I think folk should have their tissues at the ready.' Vinnie says he is also excited about performing at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises on June 23. He said: 'I am over the moon and thrilled to have been asked to sing at the Awards and celebrate the nation's unsung heroes. Knowing that I will also be performing in front of some of the biggest names in Scotland is just unreal. 'It will be my first performance back home after appearing in the BGT final and I will be singing the Proclaimers' classic that kicked it all off so it's going to be extra special. I can't wait.' - The Britain's Got Talent live final will be on ITV1 and ITVX tonight at 7pm
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
BGT finalist surprise gig at Glasgow Central Station
Vinnie McKee took to the station piano to sing Never Enough from the hit musical The Greatest Showman. We previously reported that the 24-year-old bingo caller became a national sensation after Simon Cowell hit the golden buzzer during his audition. READ MORE: Glasgow bingo caller makes Britain's Got Talent final READ MORE: Vinnie McKee performs at Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow The proud Glaswegian from Ruchazie moved both judges and viewers with his powerful rendition of Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars, earning him a spot in this year's final. Before heading off to London for the BGT grand finale on Saturday, May 31, he gave fellow Glaswegians one last emotional performance at the station that helped shape his journey. We sent off one of Glasgow's own this morning- @vinniemckeeuk is off to the Britain's Got Talent finals!! 🎤 But not before giving us one last performance on the station piano.👏🎹 Best of luck Vinnie- Glasgow's behind you all the way!💙#BGT #GlasgowCentral@AvantiWestCoast — Glasgow Central (@NetworkRailGLC) May 28, 2025 Glasgow Central Station shared footage of the moment on social media, writing: "We sent one of Glasgow's own off this morning - Vinnie McKee is off to the Britain's Got Talent finals! "But not before giving us one last performance on the station piano. "Best of luck, Vinnie- Glasgow's behind you all the way."
Pembrokeshire Herald
7 days ago
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh conservationists on mission to help save endangered African vultures
CONSERVATIONISTS in rural Wales could be set to play a crucial role in saving endangered vultures thousands of miles away in Africa. The Horstmann Trust in Carmarthenshire has been breeding vultures for more than 40 years, while Falconry Experience Wales at Adfa, near Newtown, Powys welcomed their first two Hooded Vultures two years ago. Barry Macdonald and Luce Green, owners of Falconry Experience Wales, an award-winning raptor conservation and education attraction, hope to start breeding their two-year-old Hooded Vultures, Togo and Hope, within the next four years. It's hoped that their chicks will eventually be part of the wider conservation programme and also released into the wild in Africa, should the situation improve there. The Welsh conservation work could be crucial to the survival of vulture species. In the last 20 years, vulture populations have crashed by up to 99.9% and nearly 70% of the 23 vulture species are now threatened with extinction. Of the 16 African and European vulture species, 11 are facing extinction. Globally, of the 23 species, 14 are threatened with extinction, including the largest of all the flighted birds, the condors. Falconry Experience Wales also owns Vinnie, an African White-Backed Vulture, the population of which has plummeted by 95%, as part of its collection. The plight of species in South Africa was brought into sharp focus last week when 123 of – 102 White-Backed Vultures, 20 Cape Vultures and one Lappet-Faced Vulture, all listed as endangered or critically endangered – were poisoned in the Kruger National Park. Poachers increasingly use agricultural toxins to target high-value species – not just vultures, but also lions whose body parts are in growing demand for traditional medicine. The UK's only dedicated vulture breed for release conservation charity, The Horstmann Trust is home to some of the world's largest known captive populations, including Hooded, Egyptian and bearded vultures and Andean condors. The trust focuses on conservation breeding of vultures and scientific research into their health and incubation. Its work directly supports other vulture conservation organisations around the world. Vultures are the ultimate agents of balance in the ecosystems and are nature's waste disposal experts. They clean up animal carcasses quickly and efficiently to limit the spread of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens including rabies, anthrax and cholera. The direct and indirect actions of people are the largest single contributing factor to the dramatic decline in vulture numbers. Poisoning, poaching, powerlines, use in faith based medicine and loss of habitat are just a few examples. Poachers often poison vultures because they signal to rangers when an elephant, rhino or lion has been illegally killed. Barry and Luce are collaborating with the Horstmann Trust, who manage the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) for Hooded vultures, and hope that their pair and future offspring will play an important role within that programme. Vinnie the African White-Backed Vulture 'We have been aware of the persecution of vultures for years, but the situation has become much more critical,' explained Barry. 'If it deteriorates to a point where these vultures are almost extinct in Africa, then the birds bred in captivity will be the only population to help the breed recover.' Falconry Experience Wales has raised more than £5,000 to pay for GPS trackers to be attached to four Hooded Vultures in West Africa, so that researchers can monitor their movements for up to five years. They continue to raise funds for up-to-date surveys, ongoing vital research and poison response action kits. The specially made trackers are attached to a harness on the birds and Barry plans to fly to Africa with a Spanish colleague, hopefully early next year, to fit them on the host Hooded Vultures. Despite the crisis in Africa, he says there is hope. Asia saw a 99% decline in the vulture population a few years ago, as a result of a drug given to cattle which poisoned the birds when they fed on carcasses. The loss of vultures is believed to have directly contributed to the deaths of half a million people due to the spread of diseases. However, the Asian vulture population is recovering now that people understand their vital eco-cleansing role. Replacing vultures in the wild is not a quick fix. Barry explained that vultures don't begin breeding until aged five to seven years and only raise one chick if successful. 'We have never bred birds before at Falconry Experience Wales, so this will be a new venture for us,' he added. 'It's only because of the threat of extinction that we have become involved. 'Our pair of Hooded vultures were bred in captivity in the UK but their ancestry is Guinea in West Africa.' In addition to the vultures, Barry and Luce have also recently welcomed a Steller's Sea Eagle, one of the world's largest eagles which is classified as vulnerable by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. The declining population is believed to be between 3,600 and 4,670 mature individuals, including 1,900 breeding pairs. The Steller's Sea Eagle breeds in Russia and over-winters in Northern Japan. Falconry Experience Wales is a member of MWT Cymru, an organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Picture at top of page: Luce Green with Hooded Vulture Togo at Falconry Experience Wales
Powys County Times
24-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
How Powys conservationists are saving an endangered vulture
Conservationists in Powys are playing a part in saving a species of endangered vultures, thousands of miles away from their home in Africa. Falconry Experience Wales, based in Adfa near Newtown, welcomed their first pair of Hooded Vultures, Togo and Hope, two years ago and now hope to start breeding within the next few years. Conservation efforts are being made because of the 16 African and European vulture species, 11 are facing extinction, with populations crashing over the past 20 years. Barry Macdonald and Luce Green, owners of Falconry Experience Wales hope the chicks will be part of a wider conservation programme and eventually released into the wild in their home of Africa if the situation improves there. Barry and Luce are collaborating with the Horstmann Trust, the UK's only dedicated vulture breed for release conservation charity and hope the pair will play a crucial role in conservation efforts. Barry said: 'We have been aware of the persecution of vultures for years, but the situation has become much more critical. 'If it deteriorates to a point where these vultures are almost extinct in Africa, then the birds bred in captivity will be the only population to help the breed recover.' 'We have never bred birds before at Falconry Experience Wales, so this will be a new venture for us. 'It's only because of the threat of extinction that we have become involved. 'Our pair of Hooded vultures were bred in captivity in the UK but their ancestry is Guinea in West Africa.' The plight of species in South Africa was highlighted last week over a hundred birds all listed as endangered or critically endangered were poisoned in the Kruger National Park. Poachers increasingly use agricultural toxins to target high-value species, including vultures, as well as other animals such as lions. Falconry Experience Wales also owns Vinnie, an African White-Backed Vulture. In addition to the vultures, Barry and Luce have also recently welcomed a Steller's Sea Eagle, one of the world's largest eagles which is classified as vulnerable by The International Union for Conservation of Nature red list.
