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Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Orange Order statement after Scottish Government meeting
Andrew Murray, Grand Master, Edward McGonnell, Senior Depute Grand Master and David Walters, Executive Officer, met with Siobhan Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety. The meeting was arranged after the Order said it was worried about 'increasing hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community'. READ NEXT:Drivers raise fears at protest if taxi and private hire cap is lifted It said: 'These crimes are now running at an all-time high in comparison to other religious groups.' The Orange Order called for the Scottish Government to set up cross-community working groups from all denominations and none to understand and respect each other's culture and way of life. Following the meeting, a spokesperson said: 'We raised serious concerns, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting incident in Kelvingrove involving eight of our members. 'We also voiced concern on the broader political response, claiming that no political party is addressing the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'The Grand Orange Lodge calls for direct engagement with the First Minister and other political leaders in meaningful action from the highest levels of government and Holyrood.' The organisation said it wants the Hate Crime and Public Order Act to explicitly recognise the Protestant community—particularly smaller groups like the Loyal Orange Institution—as entitled to protection under the law. It also asks for a government compensation and protection fund for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes and include financial support for installing CCTV for vulnerable organisations. READ NEXT:Mother and new baby turned up at homeless shelter needing help It asked the government to Provide funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, working in partnership with both faith-based and secular organisations. Other calls include 'Establish a formal working group comprising the [[Scottish Government]], Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'Ensure Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime and social cohesion. 'Encourage responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to cease the demonisation of our community and instead help raise awareness of the challenges we face.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Orange Order issues statement after Scottish Government meeting
Andrew Murray, grand master, Edward McGonnell, senior depute grand master and David Walters, executive officer, met with Siobhan Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety. The meeting was arranged after the Order said it was worried about 'increasing hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community'. READ MORE: The best and worst places in Scotland for food hygiene pass rates revealed It said: 'These crimes are now running at an all-time high in comparison to other religious groups.' The Orange Order called for the Scottish Government to set up cross-community working groups from all denominations and none to understand and respect each other's culture and way of life. Following the meeting, a spokesperson said: 'We raised serious concerns, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting incident in Kelvingrove involving eight of our members. 'We also voiced concern on the broader political response, claiming that no political party is addressing the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'The Grand Orange Lodge calls for direct engagement with the First Minister and other political leaders in meaningful action from the highest levels of government and Holyrood.' The organisation said it wants the Hate Crime and Public Order Act to explicitly recognise the [[Protest]]ant community—particularly smaller groups like the Loyal Orange Institution—as entitled to protection under the law. It also asks for a government compensation and protection fund for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes and include financial support for installing CCTV for vulnerable organisations. READ MORE: Busy Scottish city street taped off by police following 'incident' It asked the government to provide funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, working in partnership with both faith-based and secular organisations. Other calls include 'establish a formal working group comprising the [[Scottish Government]], Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-[[Protest]]ant hate crimes. 'Ensure Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime and social cohesion. 'Encourage responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to cease the demonisation of our community and instead help raise awareness of the challenges we face.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Everything you need to know about this year's Tattoo
Here's everything you need to know about this year's unforgettable show. What is this year's theme? This year's show is called The Heroes Who Made Us, honouring both the Tattoo's history and the everyday heroes who knit our society together with their volunteering, courage, or the inspiration their lives provide. Taking audiences back to where it all began in 1950, as the Tattoo celebrates 75 years of history and heritage with the British Army taking on the prestigious role of the Lead Service. The show will present music, dance and precision performance that showcase the very best of last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond. The United States Airforce Honor Guard Drill Team will appear (Image: Ian Georgeson) Who are the performers? Over 850 performers will take to the Castle Esplanade, including fan favourites and new international acts. Alongside the Massed Pipes and Drums, [[Military]] Musicians, and Tattoo Dancers, the 2025 line up features Band of the Polish Border Guard, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Honour Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra, and United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Every year the line-up changes and delivers entertainment from around the globe. What is the historical significance of the Tattoo? Following two military themed productions, including Something About A Soldier in 1949, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Sir Andrew Murray extended an invite to the General Officer Commanding the Army in Scotland, asking him to present a military 'Show' to be called the Edinburgh Tattoo. The first Tattoo took place in 1950 and included eight items and attracted an audience of just 100,000 over its 20 performances. Is the Tattoo a charity? Yes, as a registered charity the Tattoo supports military and arts charities. In 2024 alone, it donated £750,000 to military and arts causes. In honour of its 75th year, 75p from every ticket sold will go to St Columba's Hospice Charity, selected by public vote. Since its founding, the Tattoo has given over £13 million to charitable causes. The Tattoo is a colourful show (Image: free) What drinks are on offer for audiences? Fans can pre-order drinks to collect on arrival. Offerings include beers and single malts from presenting partners Innis & Gunn and Glenfiddich, as well as wine, cider, soft drinks, and spirit mixers. Bars are open at The Edinburgh Castle Arena before the Show starts. Is the show accessible? The Tattoo continues to deliver a show that is accessible for the many with a range of services to meet requirements for as many visitors as possible. With a range of options for wheelchair access, accessible seating, accessible toilets including a Changing Place Toilet (accessed via a radar key), personal audio description, touch tours and allowance of guidance dogs, the Tattoo team are on hand to meet your needs. More information can be found on the Tattoo website, and ticketholders are recommended to contact the Tattoo Office for specific requirements. What are some cultural highlights fans can expect? Each act is set to bring a flavour of the heroism from their country, regiment or tradition, celebrating those who have contributed to their stories. Home-grown cultural favourites include famous songs of Scottish treasures like Skipinnish's Eagle's Wing, performed by the Tattoo cast, and classics like Yes Sir! I Can Boogie and I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). The Tattoo is a spectacular (Image: free) Is Edinburgh the only place to see the show? In 2026, the Tattoo will be touring the show 'The Heroes Who Made Us' in Australia and New Zealand, taking the 75th anniversary celebrations down under. The shows will take place across four dates at both Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium and in Auckland's Eden Park. The Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force will play leading roles in their respective cities. What will audiences experience at the Tattoo? Fans attending The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo can expect an emotionally stirring experience. The event is renowned for its breathtaking acts, with an atmosphere charged with pride, tradition, and unity. Audiences will leave with a sense of having been part of something truly special - a tribute to The Heroes Who Made Us, and a testament to the power of music and performance to unite and inspire. Where and when is the show? Held on the Castle Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle (Castlehill, EH1 2NG), the Tattoo is Scotland's largest outdoor performance. In 2025, the event runs from 1–23 August, with 26 performances in total. Shows start at 9:30 pm Monday to Saturday, with earlier performances on Saturdays at 6:15 pm, and on Friday 22 August. Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo's 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The show will run from 1-23 August 2025. All the acts The full list confirmed acts is: The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Catterick, British Army Band Tidworth, British Army Band Colchester, The Band of the Prince of Wales, Countess of Wessex Strings, Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes And Drums Of The Royal Corps Of Signals, Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes and Drums, The Royal [[Edinburgh]] [[Military]] Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Crossed Swords Pipes & Drums, Paris Port Dover Pipes & Drums, The Royal [[Edinburgh]] [[Military]] Tattoo Dancers, The Royal [[Edinburgh]] [[Military]] Tattoo Fiddlers, Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Choir, Ukrainian Children's Choir, Sing in the City Choir , Top Secret Drum Corps, US Old Guard Fifes and Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
The world wants our excellent butter
One of our favourite butter brands recently took home a prestigious award from the International Cheese and Dairy show, the oldest and largest such show in England. According to the judges, compared with other competing countries, our butter is creamy, velvet and rich, without being greasy. It carries flavour and can soak up all the spices, aromatics, and seasoning in our cooking. It is more yellow and has a higher fat content than the pale, grain-fed American butter — consequently, along with the judges and countless top chefs, they just can't get enough of it. Butter is one of the purest foods in the world, and we make lots of it. New Zealand is the largest exporter of butter, and last year we exported 525,000 tonnes which is a third of the global market and worth $2.54 billion, making it our second-largest export earner. China is our biggest buyer, purchasing $786 million worth in 2024. Chinese people have some trust issues with their dairy products, and New Zealand is the most trusted and the butter considered to be of high quality. Other large importers of butter are the US, Australia and the Philippines, but it's almost unbelievable that we import about $3.69m worth each year, mainly from Denmark, India, Australia, France and Fiji. The dairy export industry started from humble beginnings, with a few barrels of salted butter manufactured at the Edendale Dairy Co shipped to England on board SS Dunedin in 1882 alongside its cargo of frozen mutton. Today the industry employs 55,000 people, there are seven different brands of butter and New Zealanders on the global scale are the highest consumers of the product. Hogging various media headlines at the moment is the price, as it is at an all-time high, and some seem to be trying to give Fonterra a guilt complex as if it sets the price and is responsible — but it is the global auction that sets the price. Fonterra's chief financial officer Andrew Murray stated our butter costs a lot less than you pay in Europe. Is there an irony in all this? Farmers have been improving their environmental image, animal welfare, our clean and green brand and, of course, animals are grass-fed, with the long-term view that premier products attract high-spending customers which in turn help not only the farmer but the country — but we could struggle to afford what we produce. Butter is 49% higher than a year ago and could it be beef and lamb next, which is 50% higher than five years ago. However, what goes up usually comes down.
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Orange Order to meet SNP Government officials after accusing John Swinney of 'silence' over air gun attack
John Swinney described acts of violence against the Orange Order as "completely and utterly unacceptable". The Orange Order is to hold a meeting with SNP Government officials after an air rifle was fired at a procession, John Swinney has said. Thousands of OO held their annual "Big Walk" through Glasgow earlier this month as part of celebrations to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. Police later reported that four people were struck with "air weapon pellets' while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported. The organisation also claimed its halls have been vandalised and that female members have been abused online. A senior lodge leader later claimed "silence" from the First Minister was giving a "green light" to attacks on Protestant groups. Grand Master Andrew Murray laimed "the silence from the first minister itself almost gives a green light to attack our parades". Murray denied there was any sectarian aspect to the marches. He added: "We have a place in society, we're a law-abiding organisation and we work cross community." The First Minister today confirmed officials will speak to representatives of the Orange Order on Wednesday, with community safety minister Siobhian Brown due to do the same at a later date. "The Scottish Government is meeting with representatives of the Orange Order today,' he said. "Officials will take that forward and in due course, the community safety minister will meet with the Orange Order. "In recent days, members of the Orange Order have been subjected to acts of violence which are deplorable and they are unacceptable to whoever they affect within our society. These matters are currently being taken forward by Police Scotland.' David Walters, executive officer of the Orange Lodge of Scotland, claimed that if any other group had been attacked then the incident would have been taken more seriously. He cited an example of "abhorrent" vandalism at a Catholic school in East Renfrewshire, which Swinney subsequently visited to express solidarity. Walters said: "The first minister, in days, was over at that school for graffiti, yet when eight people are shot we don't see sight or sound of him." Asked why he though that was the case, he replied: "I think it's because we're a unionist group." Thousands of people marched in Glasgow on July 5. The biggest Orange Order walk in Scotland generally takes place the weekend before July 12 celebrations in Belfast. Police Scotland said the procession was passing along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Street, when the the suspected air gun attack happened. The force said the following day that four people had been hit and that it was investigating the "dangerous" incident. Elsewhere, four people were arrested following Orange Order processions in Lanarkshire.
