Unrecognisable Hollywood superstar turns up at gym in tiny Scots town
The fishing port of Buckie, Moray, doesn't get too many visits from Hollywood megastars
STAR SPOTTING Unrecognisable Hollywood superstar turns up at gym in tiny Scots town
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
LOCALS in a tiny Scots town were stunned when Matt Damon turned up at their gym.
Regulars did a double take and at first didn't believe the Hollywood superstar had wandered in sporting a beard.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
4
Matt Damon surprised everyone when he turned up at a gym in Buckie, Moray
Credit: Facebook
4
Locals lined up to get a snap taken with the Hollywood superstar
Credit: Facebook
4
Matt Damon is in Scotland to film The Odyssey with scenes set for Findlater Castle in the area
Credit: Alamy
4
The world's largest viking longboat pictured arriving in Scotland for the movie
Credit: Alamy
But within seconds he was mobbed for photos in Buckie, Moray, as everyone wanted a snap taken with the acting legend.
Chloey Ewen said: 'It's mental who you bump into at the gym. Buzzing.'
Damon, 54, is starring in Christopher Nolan's latest epic The Odyssey which is filming in Scotland.
There was doubt about whether The Saving Private Ryan star would make the trek north for the scenes being shot on beauty spots along the Moray coast.
But any question about him taking part vanished when he was spotted in fishing port Buckie.
It's understood he's wandered into the Motion Fitness gym two days running.
And has already posed for countless pics and selfies with shocked locals.
One Buckie resident said: 'No one ever famous ever comes here.
'We thought the big stars would all be put into the scenes with special effects.
'So no one can believe that Matt Damon is here in the flesh. It is out of this world.
Scots streets transformed for huge blockbuster as A-listers JJ Abrams and Glen Powell spotted
'There's even been a joke going round that he was denied access to the gym because he's not a member.'
Good Will Hunting star Damon is thought to be staying in a plush hotel in the area.
He's been spotted wandering the streets in neighboring towns but has had no problem stopping for photos.
Chloey's followers on social media were amazed by her run in with Damon.
One said: 'That's magic.' Another asked: 'Poor guy. Hope he got to workout.'
While another friend said: 'That is brilliant. The gym will be packed out the door tomorrow.'
Damon is starring as Odysseus in The Odyssey alongside other big names including Tom Holland , Zendaya, Charlize Theron and Robert Pattinson.
He is the first big name to be spotted in the area with filming expected to get underway next week.
Huge greek ships have been spotted in Buckie Harbour. While historic Findlater Castle has been closed to the public while shooting is underway.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
39 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Scottish troops set for relocation with high-readiness posting in Cyprus
The soldiers of 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS) have been based at Bourlon Barracks at the Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire for the last 10 years. During that time they have been able to 'put down roots' – building families and friendships, and continuing 'proud' Scottish traditions including the Highland games. The new posting will see them relocate to the British Sovereign Base Area in Dhekelia, Cyprus, with the first flights scheduled for Saturday. Once there the battalion will stand ready to respond at short notice to emerging situations across the Middle East and North Africa. At the same time they will be tasked with supporting peacekeeping efforts and protecting key military infrastructure on the island. Captain Craig Taylor, who has been with the battalion throughout its time at Bourlon Barracks, said the move will be a 'big change' for the troops. 'We've had 10 solid years of stability here in Catterick. It's been a place where soldiers could put down roots, raise families, and grow professionally,' he said. 'Moving to Cyprus will be a big change for us, not just in terms of the climate. 'This is an exciting opportunity that soldiers have been training hard for. It's not a short-term tour or exercise – it's a full overseas posting which gives us the chance to experience new cultures and ways of life. 'Professionally, it sharpens our edge. We'll be held at high readiness to deploy anywhere in the region, and beyond which is of real strategic importance to the UK.' It is not the first overseas posting for the battalion, which has been involved in operations in the likes of Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo since its formation in 2006. Closer to home, 4 SCOTS also provided security support for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, provided emergency aid during the 2018 Saddleworth Moor wildfires, and took part in the national Covid-19 response. Despite being more than 2,000 miles from Scotland, the battalion intends to take its traditions with it, with events including regimental competitions and Burns Night celebrations remaining 'firm fixtures' in the calendar. Capt Taylor added: 'We're proud of everything we've achieved here. 'But now it's time to pack up, push forward, and embed our Scottish identity into a new location.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Fairytale European city that is like ‘going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK
Plus, 11 other easyJet routes you can travel on this summer DREAM LAND Fairytale European city that is like 'going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A EUROPEAN city most people associate with Christmas is getting new UK flights this year. Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region and sits on the French-German border. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 easyJet is introducing new flights to Strasbourg Credit: Alamy 5 The Petite France quarter is known for its beautiful houses and canals Credit: Alamy And in November, easyJet will be flying to Strasbourg from Manchester. Despite the UK getting hot this week, the city is known for its bustling Christmas market. Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas" with the market, also known as Christkindelsmärik, is scheduled to run from November 27 to December 27. Flight tickets have been released already with tickets on sale in November from £48.99 (one-way). From November 28, the new service will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays. This is part of easyJet's expansion of 22 new routes from UK airports for the winter season. For anyone keen to jet off before then, easyJet already offers flights from the UK to Strasbourg flying from London Heathrow from £38.99 - and it's one hour and 35 minutes away. And the city is equally just as beautiful to explore during the summertime with average highs of 26C. The area of Strasbourg that attracts most of the tourists is Petite France where you'll find the charming houses, cobbled streets and canals. One visitor said: "It's breathtaking, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. Escape Winter: Fly to Gran Canaria with EasyJet 5 easyJet flights from Manchester align with the Christmas market Credit: Alamy 5 Strasbourg also houses what's believed to be the world's oldest wine barrel Credit: Alamy "It's like stepping back in time several centuries." Another added that it's a place that makes you "feel like you're in a fairytale." Not that you can taste it, but Strasbourg is home to what's believed to be the world's oldest barrel of wine. It's housed in the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital, a 14th-century cellar beneath the modern city hospital. The wine has been tasted only three times in its history, in the years 1576, 1718, and 1944. It's not drinkable any longer though as it dates back to 1472. While that barrel remains untouched, the cellar still produces wine, around 140,000 bottles each year. Not to mention there's lots of wine bars and pubs throughout the city, it's known for its white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Popular spots for wine include L'Alsace à Boire which sells local wines along with charcuterie boards. Or Le Purgatoire which has been praised for its extensive wine list. Here are 11 more easyJet routes from UK airports including Greek islands and African beach resorts. Plus, easyJet has launched new flight route to 'underrated' Italian seaside city with stunning golden beaches and historic sites. One Travel Writer visited Strasbourg The Sun's Health Feature Editor Alice Fuller recently visited the city - here are her thoughts. "The vibrant French city is a powerful political centre (home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights) yet it still has a quaint countryside village feel. "With half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and a 1,000-year-old cathedral stood alongside lively bars, modern museums and shimmering glass consulates, it's a seamless mix of mediaeval and futuristic. Strolling the narrow streets, I marvel at colourful toytown cottages that look like they're straight out of a Grimm's fairytale next to sprawling French chateaux."
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
The EU are due to discuss the new law next month PACK IT IN UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn AIRLINES could be banned from charging British passengers bringing hand luggage on flights, it is claimed. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is understood to be considering proposals to change the rules after the EU Parliament transport and tourism committee put forward a new law to allow two carry-on items free as standard. Advertisement 5 Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, is reported to be considering the proposals Credit: Alamy 5 New rules could mean everyone gets a free carry-on bag Credit: Getty 5 But the new rules could drive up air fares for passengers Credit: Alamy If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker - as long as it weighs no more than 7kg and measures up to 100cm. Ryanair and Wizz Air introduced fees for large cabin bags in 2018, and easyJet followed suit in 2021. However, the likes of British Airways and already include two pieces of cabin baggage as standard in their base fairs. But there are fears some airlines will put up ticket prices to claw back revenue losses - with some claiming the proposals are unworkable due to lack of space and warn flights maybe delayed. Advertisement A transport source spoke to the i newspaper after the EU committee voted to introduce the standardised allowance. Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage. The proposals are still under discussion by member states and a time frame for implementation are unclear, though a meeting is scheduled for July. The UK source told the i the Government was also looking at changing the law in the coming months, although policy development is at an early stage. Advertisement A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: 'We do not comment on speculation but continue to closely monitor the EU's proposals on air passenger rights reforms. 'We want to make sure passengers can travel with ease, which is why we landed a deal with the EU to allow millions more British nationals to use e-gates at airports in time for the summer holidays.' Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too Airlines have warned they may need to increase ticket prices which would impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags. Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: 'The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' Advertisement Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Advertisement Last year, there were reports that there were going to be changes to the hand luggage rules - but these did not change. Speaking to The Independent at the time, Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Europe's biggest budget carrier, Ryanair said: "We do think there should be a standardised agreement on what can be brought on board. "We're working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven't reached an agreement with them yet." While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this popular travel bag that's allowed on Ryanair flights for free. Advertisement Plus the travel bags, plane outfits and accessories we can't live without – and they start from just 99p. Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in. EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers. But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward. Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges. And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits. These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair's revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair's ancillary revenues were worth £884million. Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags. They also point out many airlines won't be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags. But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing. Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out. 5 Potential new rules could mean all passengers can bring a free carry-on bag onboard Credit: Alamy
