Latest news with #Wishaw
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
EK Thistle boss expects tough league start as they clash with 'title favourites'
Stephen Kane is looking forward to his first competitive game in charge as Thistle visit Wishaw New EK Thistle boss Stephen Kane is looking forward to his first competitive game in charge this weekend, but knows his side face a tough opener in the West of Scotland Fourth Division. The Jags travel to a Wishaw side among the title favourites this season, having been relegated from Division Three last season. And after a summer overhaul which has seen 21 new players come through the door at the Showpark, Kane knows it will take time for his side to gel. Looking ahead to the opener at the Beltane, Kane said: 'It will be a tricky game. I've watched them a couple of times in pre-season and I know a couple of their players so I think we will be in for a hard game. 'When the fixtures came out, Wishaw were probably the team that everyone wanted to avoid, but I think they will believe we are a good side as well. 'It is up to us to take our game plan to them and try to win the game. 'It is a big season with the club with so many teams going up and I think the committee will be looking for us to do that. I think we have the squad to do that. 'Eight teams go up [with league reconstruction next season] so we want to try and get in that bracket. If we can get up, that would be great. That is the real aim. 'We've had a total rebuild here. There's 21 new players in through the door so it will be difficult in the first five or six weeks to get our philosophy across. 'Our pre-season has gone quite well. We've been a bit up and down. We've had positive results at Ardeer [2-0], Lugar [2-1] and we were well beaten by Bonnyton [2-4], but the main thing was getting minutes in the legs for the boys and we've got our sights firmly set on Wishaw this weekend.' Kane has strengthened ahead of the weekend with three fresh faces and he could yet add a couple more before Saturday's clash. He added: 'We've got a squad in place now, albeit there might be a couple in and a couple out this week. 'I've signed Gordon Douches. He has been in my previous amateur side [Glebe Hibernian]. He wanted to stay in the amateur game because he's done the Junior game before when he played at Blantyre Vics, but I got a call from him last week saying he felt he'd made the wrong decision and wanted to join. "He's got a slight ankle problem so we'll need to see if he will be okay for Saturday. 'We also signed Kieran Evans from Royal Albert in the left-back position, we've brought in Willie McLaren and Mark Montgomery to sort the wider areas. 'Now it is just about getting the game plan into the boys and executing it on a Saturday.'
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Improvements to Wishaw's 5G network have been confirmed
The North Lanarkshire town is one of the latest areas to join EE's 5G Standalone network - part of a major rollout that will cover over 34 million people. Improvements to Wishaw's 5G network have been confirmed. The North Lanarkshire town is one of the latest areas to join EE's 5G Standalone network - part of a major rollout that will cover over 34 million people and includes commuter towns, regional hubs, and smaller communities that are increasingly under mobile pressure due to growing populations, higher data usage, and hybrid working. 5G standalone is a new type of mobile connectivity built to unleash the true power of 5G for EE customers throughout the UK, delivering smoother livestreaming, faster loading and upload speeds, better indoor connectivity, as well as improved video calls and mobile gaming. The network has been built to deliver up to 100 times more capacity than 4G connectivity, making it significantly better at handling demands from lots of devices at once. 5G standalone customers on EE get access to a smoother, more reliable and more secure mobile connection. As well as significant improvements for customers, building a nationwide 5G standalone network will also deliver a huge boost to the UK economy, with new research showing it can help unlock up to £230 billion in benefits and productivity enhancements for the nation. 'Whether you are video calling from a crowded train station, livestreaming on social media from a sold-out concert, or simply staying in touch with your family and friends over the summer holidays, 5G standalone on EE makes your experience smoother, faster and more secure,' said Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group. 'Delivering a high-quality mobile experience every day for millions of people is what matters to us, it's what has driven us to build the UK's most reliable network and why we're now delivering 5G standalone to more people in more places across the UK.' The number of smartphones, tablets and laptops that are compatible with 5G standalone has grown significantly, with devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, Honor, Nothing, Lenovo, Sony, TCL and Microsoft all enabled to connect to EE's most advanced network. To access 5G standalone, customers will need to be in a location where 5G standalone is available, have a compatible device and an EE 5GSA-ready SIM card or eSIM as part of their monthly plan. To ensure more people experience the benefits of the cutting-edge technology, 5G standalone is available on EE to all new and upgrading customers taking any EE pay monthly handset plan. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Wishaw sign goalkeeper as summer rebuild begins
Dylan Orr is the first of five signings so far at the Beltane Park club Wishaw have announced their first summer signing with the capture of goalkeeper Dylan Orr. The Beltane Park side are preparing for the new West of Scotland Third Division campaign under boss Paul Wright and the shot-stopper arrives from Forth Wanderers. Wishaw have also moved swiftly to bring in four others, with midfielder Paul Keys, Robbie Brown, Lewis Noble and Jamie Hutchison signing on. Wright and general manager Martin O'Neill brought in a new head of recruitment last month in Neil Rowatt and his first act in the role has been to bring in a player he trusts to be a safe pair of hands this season. On the signing, Rowatt said: 'Since our early discussions it was clear that Dylan shared similar views that I did. 'He's a keeper I know well and a very infectious type of person, with that comes vast qualities that are pivotal and Wishaw are delighted to capture him despite having various offers from Division 1 and 2 in the WOSFL. 'He's settled in as expected he would. Good luck for season ahead Dylan and welcome on board.' Orr is thrilled to join the club and said: 'Having spoken with Neely and Martin about the club and meeting the management team. 'It was made really clear what the end goal was and the vision for the club on and off the park. Pushing to get Wishaw back up the leagues it's something I really wanted to be part of.' Meanwhile, Wishy have announced their retained and released lists after starting pre-season training last week. The players staying on for the 2025/26 campaign are: Nathan Brown, Robbie Greenshields, Christopher Good, Liam Gormley, Ryan McGregor, Jack McQuade, Taelor Meharry, Mark Montgomery, Aaron Munro, Reece O'Neill and Adam Scott. And those who are moving on are as follows: Callum Holding, Craig McGregor, Ewan McLew, Ryan Mullholland, Jamie Morrison, Campbell Tough and Martin Cassells. A club statement announcing the exits read: 'We wish them all well for the future and thank them all for their efforts at Wishaw FC during their time at the club.' The club have also learned their first fixture of the new season. The draw for the West of Scotland Cup was made recently and Wishaw have received a bye for the first round. In round two they have been drawn at home to Glasgow Perthshire. Full fixture details will be released in due course. West of Scotland League fixtures are set to be announced shortly.
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Labour contingent urged by Lanarkshire MSP not to back 'shameful' disability cuts
The SNP's Clare Adamson says they are 'playing games with people's lives' Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson is calling on Scotland's Labour MPs to stand up to Keir Starmer over "shameful" cuts to disability payments. The SNP MSP blasted the UK Government saying they are 'playing games with people's lives' ahead of a crunch vote on Labour plans to cut critical disability support. A vote on Labour's welfare Bill is due to come before Westminster on Tuesday and there is significant opposition to Labour's cuts. Ms Adamson has emphasised warnings that the Labour deal amounts to £3 billion in cuts and the creation of a two-tiered system. Labour's planned cuts will hit future claimants of PIP and the health element of Universal Credit, which the MSP says will 'punish' young and newly sick and disabled people. Disability Rights UK warned the newly proposed cuts to disability and sickness benefits will create 'a two-tiered' system. Speaking on Times Radio on Friday, Mikey Erhardt warned: 'The idea that you will be less in need, or less deserving of support depending on when the condition that necessitates that support, is something you just have to reject out and out'. The Scottish Government has confirmed it will not follow Labour's two-tiered system and it will protect Adult Disability Payments in Scotland. But Ms Adamson pointed out that any UK cuts will affect spending available in Scotland. She highlighted that Labour MPs in Scotland have failed to indicate if they back the Bill. Anas Sarwar has consistently backed Keir Starmer's disability cuts, but has yet to indicate how he will instruct Scottish Labour MPs to vote. Pamela Nash, Labour MP for Motherwell, Wishaw, and Carluke previously criticised cuts to disability welfare proposed under the Conservative government – arguing that such a move would disproportionately disabled people in her community. She has yet to speak out against Labour's cuts to disability welfare which will drive thousands into poverty, according to the UK Government's own figures. Ms Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: 'None of this sorry saga is about protecting or supporting sick and disabled people. Labour announced billions in welfare cuts, saving money on the backs of people who can't afford it. 'And now, at the 11th hour, after months of pressure from anti-poverty charities and disability groups, Keir Starmer has rushed through a deal to save himself. 'From the start, these proposals were not properly consulted upon. Labour needs to go back to the drawing board; disabled people affected by these cuts have been completely dismissed. 'Labour plans will create a discriminatory two-tier system which treats people with exactly the same condition in different ways - depending on when they became ill or disabled. 'That is senseless, unfair, and possibly unlawful. If the cuts are pushed through tomorrow, you had better not become sick or disabled in future because Labour has made it clear they won't support you. 'For the Labour MPs who found some principle and joined the chorus of backlash against these cuts, I'd urge you to hold firm. This hasty deal will drive poverty, deny opportunity, and deepen inequality for sick and disabled people. 'For Scottish Labour politicians who vowed to stand up to Keir Starmer, your silence is a rank betrayal of the people you're supposed to represent. Labour is rushing legislation through with backdoor deals – while disabled people are fearful for their future. "MPs must oppose these shameful cuts tomorrow because it is the right thing to do.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
The Herald Scotland
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Ravenscraig steel works could become UK's biggest AI hub
Under plans put forward by Edinburgh and York based renewable energy developer Apatura a data centre with battery energy storage over 160 acres would be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030. The company says the Ravenscraig data centre would harness Scotland's growing supply of renewables – using constrained wind and solar generation that's often wasted on windy, sunny days – helping to reduce grid congestion and lower consumer bills throughout the UK. Read More: Apatura says the development could bring an additional £1.2bn in economic benefit during construction, and support 2,399 long-term jobs. The development is earmarked for the site to the east of the Wishaw Deviation freight railway line, and the remaining vacant employment land, known as SevenFourEight. Strategically positioned within the Ravenscraig masterplan and with direct access to both the M74 and M8 motorways, SevenFourEight is a key industrial and business centre in Scotland's central belt. Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin said: 'This proposal plays strongly to Scotland's strengths – in green energy, in AI, in education and in skills – and would complement the country's significant capabilities in big data and research. 'We've secured the land and grid, and we're already working closely with relevant organisations locally and nationally to make sure the benefits are widely felt. 'If we were selected as an AI Growth Zone it would be a significant endorsement of our ambition to make Scotland a powerhouse of green, AI-enabled digital infrastructure – starting with Ravenscraig and extending across the central belt.' How Apatura Ravenscraig might look (Image: Apatura) Russell Wilkie, Director of Ravenscraig, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland's renewable power capabilities. With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig masterplan to meet the UK's AI infrastructure needs. 'This multi-billion pound investment project is a platform for national progress, combining energy, digital infrastructure, and regional innovation to create tangible economic and social benefits for Scotland and for the wider UK economy." Pamela Nash, MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke said: 'Ravenscraig stands ready for the next chapter, a world-class digital and AI hub powered by Scotland's renewable strength, creating thousands of local jobs during construction, driving billions in economic value, and transforming post-industrial land into the beating heart of a green, future-ready economy. 'This is the kind of joined up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs. It's not just about building infrastructure, it's about rebuilding prosperity, restoring pride, and delivering a new era of sustainable industry. I look forward to seeing Ravenscraig lead the way.'
