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Glasgow Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Plans to build dozens of new flats in Newton Mearns rejected
Planners at East Renfrewshire Council had recommended Westpoint Homes' proposal for the former Mearns Primary School site was given the go ahead. But the planning committee rejected the scheme amid concerns over the access road and the suitability of the site. The decision came after over 20 objections, many from residents in nearby Scholars Court, which raised a number of issues including overlooking, over-development and the height of the buildings. The overflow car park sits behind a Marks & Spencer foodhall and beside a Royal Mail sorting office and Mearns library. M&S had concerns about the impact on delivery and servicing access to its store while Royal Mail was worried about 'potential noise complaints' from new residents. Westpoint wanted to build two blocks of flats, each with a private balcony or terrace, to be marketed to over-55s due to pressure on school places in East Renfrewshire. A council report stated the owners of the site had monitored the demand for parking and confirmed the car park is 'surplus to requirements and that sufficient car parking within the remainder of the site can accommodate demand'. Planners added the site is 'considered to be a highly sustainable location for residential development' and the scheme was 'considered to be of a design, scale, height, massing and density that is in keeping with the buildings in the locality'. READ MORE: Here's when Paisley Museum is now expected to reopen after latest delay 'The height of the buildings has been reduced to 4 storeys which is more in keeping with the surrounding area and the neighbouring development at Scholars Court,' the report stated. 'Any potential adverse overlooking has been addressed by means of privacy screens.' They also reported the proposal would not be 'considered to give rise to significant additional overlooking' and the council's road service had no objection to the plan, subject to conditions which would have been attached to the planning permission. However, Cllr Andrew Morrison, Conservative, said he was 'still quite concerned about vehicle access to this, because the existing road is single track in parts'. He said while there was a proposal to widen the road, it is 'essentially going to be a shared space with a significant number of HGVs'. A council planner said there was an 'expectation' that the road would be widened. He highlighted there was no objection from the council's roads team. However, Cllr Morrison moved the application was rejected as he believed it would result in 'significant loss of character and amenity to the surrounding area' and wasn't 'appropriate to the location'. He added it did not provide safe access. 'There are complaints from residents already with respect to HGV movements in the goods yard which is from the residents of Scholars' Court and this application will be even closer to said yard.' His motion was seconded by Cllr Paul Edlin and permission was refused. Provost Mary Montague had been in favour of approving the application.
Glasgow Times
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Council speaks out over Barrhead school's union flag letter
The letter, sent out by the head teacher of Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, detailed that the use of a 'union flag with staff images on caused some upset' and later states that the children have been spoken to about the incident. Councillors and MSPs in the area have criticised the letter, saying, "Questions will be asked." Now, the council has spoken out over the incident after confirming that the letter was genuine. A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council said: 'It was not the school's intention to imply the Union flag is sectarian and both the Head Teacher and the council apologises for any offence and upset that has been caused to pupils, parents and carers and the wider community. 'All educational establishments in East Renfrewshire should be spaces that are focused on learning, unity, and pride in a diverse British society. 'We expect our schools to foster an ethos of respect for diverse perspectives and national identity.' Council speaks out over Barrhead school's union flag letter (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Politicians hit out over primary school's 'outrageous' union flag letter READ MORE: Glasgow reacts to O2 ABC site plan urging rethink as city 'deserves much better' READ MORE: Inside the life of rare bird family nesting in Glasgow University tower Earlier today, Councillor Andrew Morrison spoke with the Glasgow Times. He said: "Many of you have expressed alarm regarding this communication, which has been doing the rounds. "Regrettably, it is a genuine letter - its content is so outrageous you could be forgiven for thinking it's a spoof. "This is the flag of our country, and it is a flag the Council flies itself officially to mark ceremonies during the year, not as often as I'd like personally. "If school isn't a place to learn the meaning of Union flag, then where is? "Being British is core to our nationhood. That is a simple fact. It must not be airbrushed out in this manner. "Questions will be asked." Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay took to social media to share his anger, he posted: "This is what happens when the SNP's toxic nationalism infects schools and councils. "Our country's flag is NOT 'offensive or sectarian'." This is what happens when the SNP's toxic nationalism infects schools and councils. 👇 Our country's flag 🇬🇧 is NOT 'offensive or sectarian'. — Russell Findlay MSP (@RussellFindlay1) June 16, 2025 The letter states that the children involved were spoken to about 'using images without permission', 'the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people', and 'their actions which were contrary to the school values of respect and kindness'. MSP for Eastwood and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives has also hit out, he said: "I am both angry and concerned to learn that an official letter (now confirmed as genuine) issued by the head teacher of a primary school in East Renfrewshire has suggested the use of the Union Flag amounts to "sectarian messaging". "Let me be clear - to equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland. "Having spoken with a senior official at East Renfrewshire Council this morning, I expect an urgent response, resolution and retraction. "As a start, the council must issue an unconditional apology. "Our national flag is not up for debate - it is a symbol of our tradition, unity as a nation and hope for so many." I am both angry and concerned to learn that an official letter (now confirmed as genuine) issued by the head teacher of a primary school in East Renfrewshire has suggested the use of the Union Flag amounts to "sectarian messaging". Let me be clear - to equate the Union Flag with… — Jackson Carlaw (@Jackson_Carlaw) June 16, 2025 The Glasgow Times understands that details of the flag, its design or what it looked like have not been shared.
Glasgow Times
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Politicians hit out over Barrhead school's union flag letter
East Renfrewshire Council has confirmed that the letter, which was sent out by the head teacher of Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, is genuine. The letter details that the use of a 'union flag with staff images on caused some upset' and later states that the children have been spoken to about the incident. Councillors and MSPs in the area have now criticised the letter, saying, "Questions will be asked." Councillor Andrew Morrison spoke with the Glasgow Times. He said: "Many of you have expressed alarm regarding this communication, which has been doing the rounds. "Regrettably, it is a genuine letter - its content is so outrageous you could be forgiven for thinking it's a spoof. "This is the flag of our country, and it is a flag the Council flies itself officially to mark ceremonies during the year, not as often as I'd like personally. "If school isn't a place to learn the meaning of Union flag, then where is? "Being British is core to our nationhood. That is a simple fact. It must not be airbrushed out in this manner. "Questions will be asked." READ MORE: Glasgow reacts to O2 ABC site plan urging rethink as city 'deserves much better' READ MORE:Inside the life of rare bird family nesting in Glasgow University tower READ MORE:Mack rebuild 'at risk' from 02 ABC plan says Glasgow School of Art Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay took to social media to share his anger, he posted: "This is what happens when the SNP's toxic nationalism infects schools and councils. "Our country's flag is NOT 'offensive or sectarian'." This is what happens when the SNP's toxic nationalism infects schools and councils. 👇 Our country's flag 🇬🇧 is NOT 'offensive or sectarian'. — Russell Findlay MSP (@RussellFindlay1) June 16, 2025 The letter states that the children involved were spoken to about 'using images without permission', 'the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people', and 'their actions which were contrary to the school values of respect and kindness'. MSP for Eastwood and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives has also hit out, he said: "I am both angry and concerned to learn that an official letter (now confirmed as genuine) issued by the head teacher of a primary school in East Renfrewshire has suggested the use of the Union Flag amounts to "sectarian messaging". "Let me be clear - to equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland. "Having spoken with a senior official at East Renfrewshire Council this morning, I expect an urgent response, resolution and retraction. "As a start, the council must issue an unconditional apology. "Our national flag is not up for debate - it is a symbol of our tradition, unity as a nation and hope for so many." I am both angry and concerned to learn that an official letter (now confirmed as genuine) issued by the head teacher of a primary school in East Renfrewshire has suggested the use of the Union Flag amounts to "sectarian messaging". Let me be clear - to equate the Union Flag with… — Jackson Carlaw (@Jackson_Carlaw) June 16, 2025 The Glasgow Times understands that details of the flag, its design or what it looked like have not been shared. A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council said: 'It was not the school's intention to imply the Union flag is sectarian and both the Head Teacher and the council apologises for any offence and upset that has been caused to pupils, parents and carers and the wider community. 'All educational establishments in East Renfrewshire should be spaces that are focused on learning, unity, and pride in a diverse British society. 'We expect our schools to foster an ethos of respect for diverse perspectives and national identity.'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Eunice man found a year after escaping custody, arrested
EUNICE, La. () — A man who has been on the run from police for over a year has been captured, authorities said. Andrew Morrison, 47, of Eunice, was arrested Sunday after escaping from the where he was being treated in May 2024. Eunice Police received information from an anonymous source on Sunday of the whereabouts of Morrison, where police observed Morrison and a woman enter a vehicle and leave the residence. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle the driver tried to elude them. A few blocks later, the vehicle was stopped after an officer had positioned his police car directly in front of the vehicle, authorities said. Morrison exited the vehicle and began running away. After a brief foot pursuit and struggle, officers were able to take Morrison into custody, officials said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now He was found to have illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia in his possession, authorities said. Morrison was transported to the St. Landry Parish jail where he was booked on the original charges of aggravated flight from an officer, possession with intent to distribute amphetamine, aggravated criminal property damage, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple escape and traffic violations. He was also booked on new additional charges of possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs, possession of drug praphernalia, resisting an officer. More arrests are expected, officials said. Justin Baldoni countersuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds dismissed Eunice man found a year after escaping custody, arrested Hurricane preparedness supplies you should have for hurricane season Fungus concerns spark nationwide recall of Zicam and Orajel products In deploying National Guard, Trump critics see 'run around' of Insurrection Act Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Scotsman
04-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Specsavers Goalside Guides selected as visually impaired fans set to enjoy enhanced Scotland matchday experience
Two budding commentators have been selected to become Specsavers' Goalside Guides for Scotland's upcoming game against Iceland. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, last month Specsavers launched a Scotland-wide campaign to find emerging commentating talent to pair with visually-impaired fans for Friday night's match at Hampden. Steve Clarke's Scotland men's side take on Iceland in the friendly encounter, with Andrew Morrison and Sam Smith selected to be on audio description duty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andrew, who is from Thurso and studies at Edinburgh Napier Uni, and Paisley lad Sam have been put through their paces by commentator, pundit and former Scotland international Leanne Crichton, who has been sharing her top tips for audio-descriptive broadcasting. Sam Smith, Leanne Crichton and Andrew Morrison. The pair are ready to provide real-time audio commentary for the fans on Friday night and can't wait to get going. Sam said: 'I've always wanted to commentate on a match at Hampden so I'm absolutely buzzing to be doing this, thanks to the support from Specsavers with this initiative. 'Leanne's words of advice and stories about her time in the game were brilliant and very valuable ahead of us picking up the mic on Friday night.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andrew added: 'Being selected to become a Specsavers Goalside Guide is a real privilege and I'm buzzing to be able to do it at Hampden for a Scotland game. 'I'm a proud Scot and can't wait to help bring the game to life for a fellow-fan – I've been practicing my Icelandic pronunciation in preparation!' Former Scotland hero Leanne shared some words of wisdom with the guys as they spent time in the Hampden gantry warming up ahead of the match. She said: 'It's not until I started working in broadcasting that I fully appreciated the value and power of the spoken word and audio commentary. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I get to work alongside some of the best in the business at the BBC and, what I'd say, is preparation is key. 'Knowing your stuff and getting immersed in the game can only help supporters, particularly those with vision impairments, get lost in the action as well.' Jenny Stephenson, Divisional Chair for Scotland, said: 'We're thrilled to bring this project to life in partnership with the Scottish FA. The campaign will give fans who are blind or partially sighted a new way to experience the excitement of live football direct from the stadium. 'Hearing loss is a growing global health issue that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. For those with visual impairments, however, good hearing health becomes even more critical. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This is a great example of how hearing health can make a tangible difference to people's lives, and we're excited to raise awareness of the importance of good hearing alongside this impactful initiative.' As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing, by making expert care accessible and affordable for all. Visit or go in store to book an appointment with one of our experts.
