Author: News Desk

Swinney demands ‘comprehensive explanation’ from Creative Scotland Documents released to The Herald under Freedom of Information show that the successful application for a grant made explicitly clear that there would be “work on a sex scene with genital contact” involving three members of the cast. Speaking to the PA, the First Minister said: “The Culture Secretary [Angus Robertson] has expressed his concerns about the information that’s come to light and he’s asked for urgent discussions with the chair and chief executive of Creative Scotland because we have got to understand the substance of this issue. “I share the concerns that the…

Scots £1m-a-month emergency ferry previously crashed after master fell asleep After the accident it emerged that six of the passenger who were injured when the Pentland Ferries ferry ran aground on an uninhabited island off the north coast of Scotland were seeking compensation. After an investigation, the MAIB said that master of the vessel had “almost certainly” fallen asleep 70 seconds before the accident allowing the ferry to swing towards land. MV Alfred, once described as the most environmentally friendly ferry in Scotland, had 84 passengers and 13 crew on board when it partially ran aground on the Isle of…

Refugee Festival Scotland announced with 130 events Multiple events will take place between June 14-23, for what organisers say is their largest ever, and most diverse programme yet. Refugee Festival Scotland Manager, Mónica Laiseca said: “Packed with unique events and exceptional talent, the festival honours the resilience and courage of New Scots and celebrates a vision for a Scotland where everyone can blossom and has equal opportunity to thrive. “At a particularly dire time for refugees and asylum seekers living in our communities, our festival puts forward an empowering message of welcome and makes visible the support that is overwhelmingly…

Mounting speculation Sunak could call July election While many believe that means the autumn, technically it could be anytime after July 3, which could even mean a vote on July 4. That could prove tricky in Scotland where most schools are on holiday and significant numbers of voters could be away from home. During Prime Minister’s Questions, the SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn said: “Speculation is rife, so I think the public deserve a clear answer to a simple question. “Does the Prime Minister intend to call a summer general election or is he feart?” Mr Sunak replied: “There is,…

Ex-Post Office boss breaks down in tears at Horizon inquiry The 65-year-old ordained priest also became visibly upset as the inquiry looked into the Post Office’s response to the suicide of subpostmaster Martin Griffiths in 2013. As she gave evidence on Wednesday, Ms Vennells admitted she “made mistakes” but denied there was a conspiracy to cover up the scandal. She apologised for a comment she made to MPs in June 2012, when she said subpostmasters had been “tempted to put their hands in the till” – adding that it was an “assumption” she made. The former chief executive said there…

MSP urges UK Gov to follow Ireland in recognising Palestine Irish premier Simon Harris told journalists in Dublin the decision was taken due to his country’s understanding of the fight for international recognition, adding it was based on a “permanent peace”. The move has created more of a push north of the border, with Mr Robertson posting on X, formerly Twitter, that the UK should follow suit. “Very welcome recognition of the State of Palestine by Ireland, Spain and Norway,” he said. “It is high time for the UK Government to do the same and the Labour Party to give…

Front page summary Western Mail – Labour will not be taking Gerthing’s unspent donations Western Mail says Money donated to Vaughan Gething’s leadership campaign, totalling £130,000, will not be taken by the Labour Party. Instead, it will be used for “progressive causes.” This decision follows calls from opposition groups for the return of a £200,000 donation from the Dawson Environmental Group, linked to David Neal, who has past environmental offence convictions. Party rules usually dictate that unspent leadership campaign funds go to the central party, but this case has been treated as an exception.In other news, Wylfa has been chosen as…

Llanhilleth windfarm: Mountain left ‘looking like Mars’ Welsh firm Pennant Walters Ltd wants permission for a windfarm, with a maximum of eight turbines, at Mynydd Llanhilleth south east of Abertillery and to the east of Llanhilleth. A decision will be made by the Welsh Government, which will consider a recommendation from an independent inspector on behalf of Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) but Torfaen Borough Council has compiled a report on the potential local impact. The council’s planning committee had considered the report in January but since then the developers have changed their plans by removing one of the suggested…

Carl Bevan, 60ft Dolls drummer, auctions rock memorabilia Carl Bevan, drummer for 60ft Dolls, has collected a variety of unique items connected to icons of the Welsh rock music scene, leading artists and creatives. The 60 Ft Dolls were a key part of the Welsh music scene during the Cool Cymru era – a time when the band’s hometown, Newport, was dubbed “the new Seattle” by the New York Times in the 1990s. Carl, now a renowned landscape artist, with exhibitions selling out within minutes of opening, organised – The Great Welsh Art / Rock and Roll Auction. It started…

Top three places for sandwiches in Newport according to Trip Advisor Here are the top three according to Trip Advisor reviews. 1. Holy Cheesus, 6 Clytha Park Road, Newport. Rates a 5.0 from 95 reviews. One reviewer Paul B said: “Holy Cheesus in Newport is seriously amazing. The place has this cool vibe, and the grilled cheese sandwiches are like, next-level good. “I’m not a food expert, but the flavors are just perfect – it’s like they know the secret to making the best comfort food ever. The people working there are super nice too. If you’re into grilled cheese…