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Daily Record
28 minutes ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Lawrence Shankland admits horror Hearts moment reared it's head as No9 resumes Jambos penalty duty
The Tynecastle skipper opened his accouit for the new season with two perfect spot kicks to sink the Pars in Premier Sports Cup Lawrence Shankland admits his spot kick shocker in Brugge flashed through his mind as he shaped up to hit the crucial penalty in Saturday's victory over Dunfermline. That awful Euro night in the Jan Breydel Stadium saw the Hearts striker balloon his effort from 12 yards high into the travelling support who turned on their skipper on a brutal evening in Belgium last November. Time's a healer though. So are new contracts. And more than anything, so are goals. All three came together as Shankland held his nerve against the Pars to bury his first penalty since that night in Belgium - and with it any lingering doubts over his ability from the spot. His two perfectly dispatched penalties in the final 15 minutes helped secure a 4-1 win to get the Derek McInnes era off to a strong start. By the end Shankland's song was ringing round Tynecastle to the tune of 'Glad All Over'. That pretty much summed up the feeling of the punters, the player and the manager over the end of his seemingly endless contract saga. And the striker, who turned down more lucrative offers from the Middle East and down south to commit to another three years in the capital, said it all confirmed he'd made the right decision to stay put. He said: 'Aye, definitely. I made my decision a couple of weeks ago now, and I said at the time I stand by it. It's the right thing to do. So as long as I know that, that's the main thing. 'Obviously this competition gives you that opportunity to try and get games and goals under your belt, so I knew I could do that on Saturday. I had a chance right at the start but I hit the goalie and there wasn't too much happening apart from that. 'When the penalties came about I was keen to hit them and thankfully I put them away. 'I think the last penalty I hit was in Brugge - and my brain kindly reminded me of that when I put the ball down! 'So I was probably concentrating on keeping the ball down so much for the first one that I didn't quite catch it right. But it was right in the corner. 'It's never been something I would say no to, hitting a penalty. It's obviously disappointing when you miss them, but the one in Brugge wasn't the first I've missed. 'It was just the whole thing around that night and the season, how it was going at that time. That blew it out of proportion. 'But I've no doubt my record overall is a good record from the penalty spot, and I'm always confident to step up.' McInnes played a game of patience over Shankland and ultimately came up trumps as the 70-goal striker committed for another three years. The skipper is confident the Tynecastle hierarchy have played their cards right too in appointing his former gaffer at Aberdeen after a season that saw Steven Naismith and Neil Critchley sacked and the club finish in the bottom six. Already he feels a positive vibe in the dressing room and says a line has been drawn under last season's flop. 'I do,' Shankland said. 'Obviously there's been a lot of change from the end of the season last year. 'It was disappointing it didn't go how we wanted it to go, but it's important you draw a line under that and you move on and I feel we've done that. 'We're in a good place, we've got a good pre-season behind us, and hopefully we can go and finish this group stage strong and then go into the league in a good place.' Shankland's double was sandwiched in between James Wilson's opener and Stephen Kingsley's injury time volley which put the icing on a hard-fought victory. McInnes gave debuts to two of his summer signings, Claudio Braga and Oisin McEntee. And former Aalesunds winger Braga caught the eye with a strong performance wide on the left. The skipper said: 'He's been good, he's looked sharp in training. You have to give these boys time, they're getting used to playing in this environment. But it's been a bright start for him and hopefully he'll just keep getting stronger. 'I've been there myself and I've walked into a foreign changing room and it can be daunting at times initially when you first go in, but we've got a really good group here, a really welcoming group. 'So I'm sure the boys will settle in no bother. I'm sure they're looking forward to it.'
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Southend plane crash: Golfers rush to distressing scene after huge explosion
After the plane exploded into a fireball the golfers were captured darting towards the scene. Footage shared on social media shows shocked golfers rushing to the scene where a small plane crashed in a fireball this afternoon. Police said they were alerted shortly before 4pm on Sunday to "reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane" at Southend Airport and confirmed that they remain on the scene of the "serious incident". Images posted on social media show a plume of fire and black smoke bilowing from the crash site. The police said they were evacuating the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club as "a precaution due to their proximity to the incident." The chairman of Westcliff Rugby Club later said the 250 people attending an event there didn't have to evacuate in the end up as police "changed their mind." However, those who were golfing at the time were collected from the course and taken back to the clubhouse where they remain now at a "safe distance", said bartender James Philpott. Now a video has emerged on social media which shows several golfers running towards the scene of the crash in a bid to help, reports the Mirror. In the clip, a man can be heard saying: "F------g hell, look." He then adds: "Look at this." He then asks someone closer to the aircraft what it was that exploded. As he moves closer to the area where the smoke can be seen, a golf cart can also be seen driving towards the aircraft. Someone in the background then appears to say there is someone on the ground. Currently, the number of casualties hasn't been confirmed by the cops and the cause of the crash isn't known. Mr Philpott said he felt a "big heat wave" before looking up to a "massive fireball" in the sky. He told the BBC: "I was just basically in a hut like in the middle of the course and I didn't even see any plane go down or anything and I just felt like a big heat wave come through and I looked up and there was just a massive fireball basically 100 foot in the sky. "It was more the heat really just kind of hit me as I was sitting there, just like, feel like I'm baking." He continued: "I think everyone was just quite shocked to be honest. People were sort of running towards it to see if anyone was injured or anything." Mr Philpott said he and others were collected from the course and taken back to the clubhouse where they remain now at a "safe distance" with the club closed. In a statement, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to an incident involving a light aircraft at Southend Airport today at 3.58pm. Crews from Southend (two), Rayleigh Weir and Basildon (two), along with off road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended. We are continuing to work at the scene with our emergency services and aviation partners." The East of England Ambulance Service said four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four hazardous area response team vehicles, three senior paramedic cars and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were sent to the to the airport's website, four flights scheduled to take off on Sunday afternoon have been cancelled. In a post on X, David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, said: "I am aware of an incident at Southend Airport. Please keep away and allow the emergency services to do their work. My thoughts are with everyone involved." Matt Dent, Southend City Council's cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said on X: "I am aware of the live serious incident ongoing at London Southend Airport. At present all I know is that a small plane has crashed at the airport. My thoughts are with all those involved, and with the emergency services currently responding to the incident." Southend Airport said in a statement: "We can confirm there has been a serious incident at London Southend Airport this afternoon involving a general aviation aircraft. We are working closely with the local authorities and will be able to provide more information as soon as possible." Essex Police said they remain on the scene alongside fire and ambulance services.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Gardeners facing 'unlimited fine' or jail time for cutting hedges in July
Trimming or cutting your hedges this month could land you in some serious legal bother due to strict environmental law Gardeners have been warned they may be unknowingly breaking the law when trimming hedges this month which could lead to jail time or an 'unlimited fine'. While the UK has been hit with a heatwave over the past few weeks, gardeners have been making the most of the weather to make sure everything looks neat and tidy in their outdoor spaces. However, if you are planning on cutting your hedges, you should know that as well as the implications for the hedge's growth while flowering, you may also break a very serious environmental law. Farm hedgerows can not legally be cut between April 1 and August 31 at all, apart from in extreme circumstances, which would require a licence. It legal to trim down domestic garden hedges in the summer but if it causes intentional damage or destroys a bird's nest, then you're still breaking the law. Many birds are still nesting and feeding their young in July, the Express reports. Experts at Husqvana explain: 'Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is being built or in use. "That includes consciously using a hedge trimmer when there is a bird's nest in your hedge, and in the process of doing so, causing the nest to be damaged or destroyed.' The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds backs this up. It states that a person is breaking the law if they intentionally damage a bird's nest while it's being used or built, and this also applies to trimming hedges. It says:'The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it'. Gardeners have been warned that breaking this law could land you an unlimited fine and six months in prison. The RSPB adds: 'The consequences for the above, even in the event of harm to a single bird, nest or egg, is an unlimited fine, up to six months in jail or both. Suffice to say, it is certainly not a risk worth taking.' What happens if you destroy a bird's nest Wildlife experts Arbtech explain how the act is prosecuted in practice. They said: "Pieces of environmental legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended are regulated by a combination of the police, Natural England / Natural Resources Wales / Scottish Natural Heritage (based on location), the Environment Agency, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC), the local authorities, the Partnership of Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW), various public bodies, and relevant organisations based on the endangered species in question. "Once an action breaking the rules of the Act has been carried out, the offence will inevitably result in a police investigation. "The police will enforce part 1 of the Act, as it focuses on the fundamental wildlife protection over wildlife species and what exactly necessitates a breach of the rules. Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here an d get the latest news sent straight to your messages "In fact, dedicated departments of the police specialise in breaches of environmental and wildlife laws, such as the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and Wildlife Crime Officers (WCOs). "Any law relating to the environment and wildlife are taken just as seriously as any other piece of active legislation. "Even in respect of a breach of the Act involving a single animal or habitat, the person responsible would be liable to pay a potentially unlimited fine, spend up to six months in prison, or possibly even both."
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Amazon delivery driver dies after horror collision with train at level crossing
The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation. An Amazon delivery driver has died after their van was hit by a train at a level crossing. British Transport Police said it was called to the railway line in Tonge, near Sittingbourne, Kent, shortly after 12.45pm on Sunday following reports of a train striking a van. Local police, ambulance and fire and rescue services also attended, but the driver died at the scene. Footage shared on social media appeared to show a large fire producing black smoke in a rural area lined with trees, while other images showed helicopters landing on fields next to the railway line. Southeastern Railway, which runs services on the line, said major disruption was expected until the end of the day. Services running between Gillingham and Faversham reopened shortly after 8.30pm. No one else was injured in the incident. An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement: 'This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver's family and loved ones during this difficult time. 'We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate.' It is understood the victim was delivering Amazon parcels when the incident happened. The cause of the collision is under investigation. David Davidson, chief operating officer at Southeastern Railway, said: 'A train was involved in a collision with a van at a level crossing near Teynham earlier this afternoon. 'We are working with the emergency services and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) following this incident.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. In a later update, Mr Davidson said: 'We are deeply saddened to confirm that the driver of the road vehicle involved in the collision with a train earlier today has tragically died. 'Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. 'No one else was injured in the incident. We are working hard to reopen the line later this evening and expect to run a full service tomorrow.' Replacement buses are currently running between Gillingham and Faversham and Sittingbourne and Sheerness-on-Sea with the line still blocked, while ticket acceptance was in place on other Southeastern high-speed trains, Thameslink and Fast Track buses, Mr Davidson said. Passengers on the train involved in the crash were transferred on to another train and taken to Sittingbourne for onward travel. Kent Police said it was called to a report of the collision at a level crossing in Lower Road, Teynham, at 12.43pm, and that patrols remain at the scene. South East Coast Ambulance Service said crews including its Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene, and were joined by regional Air Ambulance providers.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
King Charles finally 'open to ending Harry feud' after peace summit but only on one condition
King Charles and Prince Harry's relationship is believed to finally be on the mend following a private peace summit held with their senior aides which is said to be a 'significant' step in reuniting the pair King Charles would be open to a royal reunion with Prince Harry if he finally scaled back on his public attacks against the Firm and stopped the "endless" interviews, according to insiders. It comes as the pair's senior aides reportedly held a secret peace summit which is said to be a "significant" step in reuniting the estranged father and son. Sources not say the "rapprochement process" could heal years of broken relations within the Royal Family but only if the Duke of Sussex stops agreeing to "endless rounds of broadcast interviews as his only way of communication". However, it's believed that Harry's broken relationship with his older brother William may be harder to fix after his memoir Spare revealed the two had a physical fight over the duke's relationship with his wife Meghan Markle. The Mail on Sunday today reported talks were held at a London private members' club that champions international friendship, and whose patron is the monarch. It comes as the strongest sign yet of the agreement of both parties to resolve their bitter feud which has now spanned on over the course of five years, the Mirror reports. A royal source told the Mirror: "The King has consistently shown he loves both his sons and as he has done in the past is prepared to meet Harry when their diaries allow such an occasion. "It's not unusual for aides from different households to meet, especially when there is a new influx of staff starting their roles, but of course this is a significant moment. "Senior members of the family have in the past said to Harry that he must both stop his attacks on the family as well as giving endless rounds of broadcast interviews as his only way of communication. "If there is a period of calm and reflection on the part of the Duke of Sussex, then there may be a way forward for him to begin along the road of repairing his relationship with his father. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "As for his relationship with his brother, that is a different matter entirely and one which he will find much harder to repair." Both Harry and Charles' aides held discussions at a London private members' club, according to the Mail on Sunday. At least three representatives from either side were seen speaking at the royal Over-Seas League which sits just three minutes from Clarence House. It is not known which side initiated the summit. The Duke of Sussex was represented by his chief communications officer and head of his household in Montecito, California, Meredith Maines who is said said to have flown in from Los Angeles specially for the talks. Liam Maguire, head of the Sussexes' PR team in the UK, was also present. King Charles was represented by his communications secretary Tobyn Andreae. The details of the secret conversation have remained private with Ms Maines jetting back to the US as soon as the meeting ended. The monarchy has spent years dealing with the aftermath of Harry and Meghan's decision to quit the Royal Family in 2002 after the two hit out at the Firm with public attacks and left their royal duties behind. Most recently, Harry did an interview with the BBC in May and said he "would love a reconciliation" with his family but confessed that the King "won't speak to me because of this security stuff". Harry was referring to the removal of his police security detail in the UK which he branded an "old-fashioned establishment stitch-up" as he hinted that his father could have resolved the situation. In the bombshell interview, the duke even said: "I would like to get my father and brother back." However, Harry's 2023 memoir Spare was said to be the final straw for the Prince of Wales as it made many shocking accusations against not just William but also his wife Kate and the rest of the senior members of the Firm.
