Latest news with #Alastair
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Holiday money mistake costing Scots hundreds of pounds this summer
Travellers should be cautious when choosing how to pay their bills whilst abroad. Travellers jetting off abroad this summer are reportedly unknowingly falling into a costly trap at restaurants, shops and ATMs whilst on holiday. According to Jessie Chambers, Travel Expert at Global Work & Travel, choosing to pay in pounds (GBP) instead of the local currency could be inflating holiday spending by as much as 10% per transaction - thanks to a little-known practice called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). She said: 'It feels familiar and safe to choose pounds, but it's one of the biggest travel money mistakes Brits make. You're letting the shop or ATM provider apply their own conversion rate – and it's almost always worse than your bank's. Dynamic Currency Conversion is when a foreign card machine offers to convert your bill into GBP on the spot. While it sounds convenient, this 'service' often comes with: Inflated exchange rates Hidden mark-ups (typically 6–10%) Additional fees layered on top A €100 meal in Spain could cost £84 when paid in local currency, but would actually £8 more when paid in GBP via DCC. Multiply that over a week-long trip with hotels, restaurants, and activities, and travellers could be losing £100–£250 without realising. 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. Money saving tips when spending abroad Always pay in local currency – especially at ATMs and restaurants Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (e.g. Revolut, Monzo, Chase) Decline 'conversion to GBP' offers from shopkeepers or waiters Withdraw cash abroad in local currency using fee-free apps Jessie added: "We've had travellers message us mid-trip after realising how much they've lost to bad conversions. The worst part? It's totally avoidable." Another thing to consider, according to Alastair Douglas, CEO at TotallyMoney, is which credit card to take - if at all - to make sure you're not being hit by hefty currency conversion charges. Alastair warned: 'Don't get burnt by bank charges this summer and take a fee-free card with you. Otherwise, if you pack the wrong one, you could find yourself paying £8.15 for £5 of cash when abroad.' Alastair also advises checking your providers flat fees. He added: "When using your card, remember that making multiple, smaller purchases or withdrawals can really add up. In which case, you might be better off withdrawing a larger amount of money once, and setting a daily budget.' Alastair also warned if you're in the UK and switching one foreign currency to another foreign currency, then it's likely that you'll be charged two sets of fees or commissions. One will be to convert your cash into pounds, and another from pounds into the new currency. So, you might be better off waiting until you reach your destination and exchanging there.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Rats will avoid your garden in hot weather if one ingredient is scattered
Gardeners have been told to use this natural remedy in their garden this summer to kick out all of the rats and ensure they don't come near your garden spaces ever again There's no better feeling than spending a day in your garden as the strong rays of sunshine light up your outdoor space. Freshly trimmed lawn, beautiful flowers and blooming plants, is there anything better than that? Summer in the UK has seen temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius. Therefore, gardening tasks have become more important than ever before. This is because an unsanitary garden can quickly become a welcoming space for unwanted guests, such as rats. Nobody wants that. Rats are known for leaving droppings, as well as spreading diseases and going through all of your rubbish. Although they will likely not harm you, it's normal to believe that running into one of them means that there's more than one hanging around your garden. Alastair Mayne, CEO at Garolla, has revealed the number one solution to deter them away in the safest and most non-harmful way possible, using natural remedies. Do you have peppermint oil? Peppermint oil to deter rats really does work Peppermint oil is a common kitchen ingredient that rats can't stand. Alastair explained: "Use natural repellents. If you want an easy way to discourage rats from your home, you can use different essential oils or ingredients to deter them.' Apart from peppermint oil, the gardening guru also mentioned vinegar, garlic and black pepper as alternative solutions. "This way, you're not hurting the rats invading your property, but you are repelling them so strongly that they're unlikely to return," he added. These ingredients are known to irritate their noses and stop them from entering your garden spaces. Still, it's necessary to maintain an organised garden, cleaning it regularly, to ensure that rats and other pests won't see it as an opportunity to interfere with your space. Some of the scents they are attracted to are: A summer barbecue, spilt ice cream, and even leaving your rubbish outside. If rats still somehow manage to enter your garden, Alaistair suggested sealing up any entry points. He explained: 'If rats and pests are getting into your property, one of the first things you should do is to find the source of the entry, and seal it tightly, so that they cannot re-enter.' 'You can do this with mesh, screens, or sealant. It's also important to keep an eye on vents or cracks under doors, as most pests, especially rats and mice, are small enough to fit in the tiniest of spaces," the gardening guru concluded.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Perthshire cyclist's mountain route challenge for Alzheimer's
Firefighter Alastair's solo cycle is for his grandmother Doreen who has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. A Perthshire cyclist is to take on a challenging 200-mile north east Scotland mountain course with a total ascent of 11,000ft this month for charity. Perth city fireman Alastair Hare's route includes the Cockbridge to Tomintoul road over the Lecht which reaches a height of more than 2,110ft as well as the Cairnwell Pass on A93 Glenshee road (2199ft) and the Cairn o' Mount (1,493ft) on the Banchory-Fettercairn road. The 41-year-old decided to take on the July 17 solo challenge - which starts and finishes in his home town of Coupar Angus – to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland after his grandmother Doreen was diagnosed with vascular dementia around two and a half years ago. Alastair said: 'As a family, it has been truly heartbreaking to watch the decline in her health as she was once a strong individual who enjoyed being able to do her daily activities and was an active member of the community. 'Sadly, this is no longer possible as both her communication and mobility skills have rapidly deteriorated.' During the July 17 cycle Alastair - who is also retained firefighter at Coupar Angus – will be backed by family in two support vehicles including Alastair's wife Sam and eight-year-old daughter Charlotte, his dad Iain and stepmum Alison. Alastair, a former Rattray Primary and Blairgowrie High School pupil, said of the challenge: 'Honestly, I feel a bit of everything I am excited, nervous, and definitely wondering if I've taken on more than I can chew. 'Cycling 200 miles in one day is a massive challenge, especially doing it solo, and there are moments during training where I think 'What have I signed up for?' 'The route is a really challenging one as it has a bit of everything and as we know the Scottish weather can be unpredictable. 'It's not only going to be a challenge physically but also mentally just as tough, especially when you start to get tired. 'I will have to focus on the road ahead and be able to push through those moments of doubt. 'But at the same time, I feel incredibly motivated. This isn't just a physical challenge it's something really personal. 'I'm doing it for my gran, and for everyone affected by dementia. That purpose is what keeps me going, even when the legs are tired or the weather's awful. 'I know it's going to be tough, but I'm proud to be taking it on and I'm really thankful for the amazing support I've had along the way.' The Perth United Cycling Club member, who plays football and attends the gym regularly, also used to swim for Blairgowrie Dolphins for many years. However, he has never taken on a cycling route like this before, commenting: 'I have cycled for a few years now, although most of my cycling was to commute back and forward to work to save a little bit of money and to help keep myself fit. 'I have done a few of the local sportives over the years which range from 80 to 100 miles and the last couple of years I have joined Perth United Cycling club and regularly go out with other members from the club on group training rides.'
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Six ways to make your travel money go further on holiday this summer
If you're jetting off this summer make sure you know these tricks to get the most out of your converted currency. The great British getaway is in full swing as families across the country jet off to foreign shores on their annual summer holiday. Preparation for a memorable vacation are key and include the usual passport checks, travel insurance and the all-important hand luggage that meets the airline specific size requirements. However, finance experts at TotallyMoney are urging people to look more closely at their money, specifically how they plan to pay for food, gifts and other holiday treats or essentials. Alastair Douglas, CEO at TotallyMoney explains how one of the most important things to do is pay in local currency to get the most value from your cash. Another thing to consider is which credit card to take - if at all - to make sure you're not being hit by hefty currency conversion charges. Avoid the airport Alastair warned: 'The airport will almost always offer the worst exchange rates, so avoid it at all costs. If you have time, then shop around in advance for the best rates to boost your spending power this summer.' Pay local Alastair explained: 'Whether you're paying for a bill, buying something, or withdrawing cash, always remember to select the option to pay in the local currency when you're abroad, and never in pounds and pence. That's because it's likely you'll be charged additional fees for the currency conversion, meaning you'll be paying more money for the same thing.' Pack the right card Alastair warned: 'Don't get burnt by bank charges this summer and take a fee-free card with you. Otherwise, if you pack the wrong one, you could find yourself paying £8.15 for £5 of cash when abroad.' Set yourself up Alastair said: 'If you're using Apple or Google Pay, then it's worth checking the settings and selecting the right primary card for your holiday. Otherwise, when you get back, you might find out you've been paying extra, adding to your post-holiday blues.' Spend wisely Alastair advised: 'If your provider does charge flat fees when using your card, remember that making multiple, smaller purchases or withdrawals can really add up. In which case, you might be better off withdrawing a larger amount of money once, and setting a daily budget.' Dodge double conversions Alastair warned: 'If you're in the UK and switching one foreign currency to another foreign currency, then it's likely that you'll be charged two sets of fees or commissions. One will be to convert your cash into pounds, and another from pounds into the new currency. So, you might be better off waiting until you reach your destination and exchanging there.'
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Rod Stewart shares adorable snap of sons during iconic Glastonbury performance
Sir Rod Stewart's two sons Alastair and Aiden showed their support for their dad during his stellar performance at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday. Rod Stewart has shared an adorable picture of his two youngest sons Aiden and Alastair watching his Legend set at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday. The singer took to the Pyramid Stage on Sunday afternoon for the important Legends slot, and it seems his family showed their support from the crowd. Icons such as Mick Hucknall, Ronnie Wood and Lulu joined the Do Ya Think I'm Sexy singer on stage, as they performed Rod's top hits for the massive crowd. Although it seemed the singer had more than famous pals supporting him, with four out of eight of his children cheering on from the sidelines. The singer took to Instagram to share the sweet snap of Aiden on top of his older brother Alastair's shoulders to get a better view of his dad performing on the Pyramid Stage. In the photo Alastair and Aiden appear to be laughing as they both grin from ear to ear, with Alastair having a Celtic shirt draped around his neck. The singer captioned the post: "Two of my precious children at @glastofest giving their old dad support." "Alastair and Aiden. Love ya boys!!" Rod shares Alastair and Aiden with his wife, Penny Lancaster. Fans were quick to take to the comment section, gushing over the singer's two youngest children. One fan wrote: "Proud of their Dad. It's been great to watch them having a great time," along with a red heart emoji. As another stated: "Bet your handsome boys were super proud of you Rod, loved every minute of your set," with a third penning: "You were brilliant and such a lovely pic of your boys." Other fans took the time to congratulate Sir Rod on his performance, singing the star's praises. One user simply stated: "Fantastic, what a legend at 80." With another fan gushing: "You were incredible best act of the entire festival," as a third said: "Extraordinary performance. I think you made Glastonbury. Proud sons I am sure - I hope they know what you meant to us all as 1970s teenagers Xxx." Rod took on the festival's iconic legends slot playing a 90 minute set on the Pyramid Stage in the blistering heat - following in the footsteps of previous legend stars such as Shania Twain, Kylie Minogue and Dolly Parton. The Maggie May singer brought a touch of Celtic to Worthy Farm, with his band's drum kit proudly displaying the Parkhead club crest and Rod changed into a green shirt with 'Celtic' emblazoned on the back. The star also had his backing singers decked out in Celtic shirts. Rod had previously asked to see a sea of green and white when he looked out from his set, speaking out to Zoe Ball he said: "I do hope there are a few Celtic flags up at Glastonbury." And it seems his fans did exactly that with various different Celtic tops being spotted in the crowd.
