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Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Two Paisley schools celebrate clinching national equalities award
Pupils from Glencoats and St Fergus' primaries in Ferguslie have been awarded the 2025 Champions for Change award by leading charity Nil by Mouth. The efforts of two Paisley schools to challenge sectarianism and help children better understand difference has been recognised with a national equalities award. Pupils from Glencoats and St Fergus' primaries in Ferguslie have been awarded the 2025 Champions for Change prize by leading charity Nil by Mouth. It is in recognition of several years hard work aimed at making pupils better aware of different faiths and cultures, as well as celebrating the strong community spirit in the area. The accolade recognises schools, businesses and individuals who have displayed long-standing commitment to challenging sectarianism in Scotland. Over the past few years, youngsters at both schools have regularly come together on a range of projects designed to achieve this aim. In 2023, the schools unveiled a cross-community mural which local graffiti artist David Knox created with help from the pupils. And last year, BBC Scotland's 'A View from the Terrace' star Duncan McKay took part in a football event to coincide with Scotland's qualification for the 2024 European Championships. Kids have participated in bus tours of Glasgow sights made famous by the novel 'Divided City' – used in schools to help tackle sectarian attitudes. Primary seven pupils from each school also come together at an annual event held in the Tannahill Centre – led by the Nil by Mouth organisation – where they learn more about how sectarianism manifests and come up with ways young people can challenge it. Staff, pupils and families also regular meet and work together on wider community projects. Nil by Mouth partnership manager Emma Alexander said: 'Glencoats and St Fergus' have been working together on a range of projects linked to equality and celebrating their community and it's always a pleasure to be invited along to work with them. 'Our award panel was hugely impressed by the level of leadership shown by the staff at both schools and the creative ways they bring the schools together to learn and understand more about one another. 'And it wasn't just in terms of events; both schools have a strong commitment to equality which flows through their curriculum, with great emphasis placed on better understanding others and taking the time to listen too and share experiences. 'There has been lots written about this area over the years – often by those who don't live or work in it. 'We have only ever found imagination, friendship and a very powerful sense of community and that is why the schools are worthy winners of this year's Champions for Change award.' Nil by Mouth was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson in 2000 in response to the brutal sectarian murder of her friend Mark Scott as he made his way home from a football match in the city. The charity has since worked with tens of thousands of people in schools, colleges, universities, workplaces and communities right across Scotland.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
No changes to council tax 'in this decade', says Scottish Government
Ministers won't undertake a 'revaluation' of Council Tax as there is not a 'broad political consensus' in favour of one, a spokesperson for the government said. It comes after Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee told BBC Scotland that a revaluation of council tax bands in Scotland was 'absolutely needed'. McKee said plans were being worked on but there would be 'winners and losers'. READ MORE: YouGov poll predicts result in every Scottish seat – see the full map Currently, council tax bands are based on property values from 1991, but since then house prices have surged. Revaluation could see some homes put into more expensive bands, while others would see cuts in council tax bills. However, the Scottish Government poured cold water on any imminent changes, and said its talks with Cosla, the local government body, were intended to 'inform public debate'. McKee told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme that it was important to get 'political consensus' in Holyrood. 'There's absolutely a need for revaluation, and plans for that are being worked on just now,' he said. "That creates a lot of issues if people are changing the value of their property significantly in a very short period of time. "That's going to impact how you do the transition." Following the interview, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We will not undertake a Council Tax revaluation. 'Ministers believe any suggestion of a revaluation could only proceed if a broad political consensus in favour existed. READ MORE: Patrick Harvie and Angus Robertson face-off over Israel divestment 'They do not believe that consensus currently exists. 'Any changes to Council Tax must also be informed by robust evidence and wide public consultation. 'Our joint programme of engagement with Cosla on options for reform is intended to inform that public debate. 'This process will run for a number of years. Ministers believe any plan for substantial reform thereafter, including any suggestion of revaluation, would require a mandate from a Scottish Parliament Election and that this will not be possible this decade.' We previously told how analysis carried out by the Commission on Local Tax Reform suggested that over half of all properties in Scotland would have changed band if there had been a revaluation in 2014. And, a budding MSP has drawn up draft legislation for replacing council tax and allowing local authorities to replace it with a property tax based on the real market value of homes.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
BBC Radio Scotland launches search for top jazz musicians
The initiative, now in its third year, is run in partnership with the Glasgow Jazz Festival. The search aims to encourage and recognise the diverse talent in Scotland's jazz scene. This competition complements BBC Radio Scotland's awards for Young Trad and Young Classical musicians, along with BBC Introducing's search for the best in contemporary music. Young musicians aged between 18 and 27, who live in Scotland, can apply by completing an online entry form and submitting a 10-minute video of themselves performing. Read more: Aston Villa 'prepared to sell' Celtic-linked Louie Barry Glasgow restaurant visited by Celtic & Rangers star to temporarily close Applications opened on June 23 and entries will be accepted until 4pm on September 8. Fill in the online application form at The winner of the competition will be offered a recording session at BBC Scotland, as well as the opportunity to perform at an event organised by the Glasgow Jazz Festival. The finals are scheduled to take place at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay in Glasgow on November 9. The event will be hosted by Seonaid Aitken and will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland. The competition is open to all eligible individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion, or belief. For those who require any reasonable adjustments, they are encouraged to contact youngjazz@
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
River City: The one where Bob and Angus recall good times
Soaps need a delicate touch at times, and if you can put a dash of wry humour in the mix so much the better. The Hilda scene, for instance, was preceded by Vera and Ivy conceding that Hilda, for all her faults, was a decent sort. The lightest of touches was on display tonight in River City. Yes, that River City, the Glesga-set soap that's wall to wall gangsters if you listen to its detractors. The one that will be no more after autumn next year. The scene involved Angus and Bob sitting on a couch. Nothing special. The pair have been best pals since Adam was a customer in the Oyster Cafe. They are the Likely Lads of River City. For Bob and Terry read Bob and Angus. Usually to be found bickering in the garage, occasionally they get something a little different to do. Context: last summer, Bob's fiancée Kim died. It was possibly the least showy death in soap history. She sat on a bench, she closed her eyes, and she went. She did get engaged minutes before, mind you, and she had recently been in a horrific car accident. Viewers were genuinely upset. Bob was left a single dad. Angus and his partner Amber are expecting their first child, an event the normally easy-going mechanic is finding hard to handle. All he wanted to do was watch a daft movie with his mate, but fate and darts intervened. "No more spontaneous karaoke sessions or nights out on the town,' said Angus. We never did any of that anyway, said Bob. And having a kid is exciting. 'As exciting as watching people trying to stop a shark from causing nuclear Armageddon?' 'Is it a great white?' 'A massive white.' "I'd say it's on a par.' Written by Emma Lennox, produced by Deb Charles and directed by Meg Campbell, it's a small scene yet says so much about what makes River City tick. There's a shared history here, a sense of humour that's in with the bricks. It takes years to build this kind of atmosphere, yet it can disappear in the flourish of a BBC executive's pen. River City has to go because it is not passing the value for money test, says BBC Scotland management. Compared to big hitters such as Shetland - average audience 700,000 in Scotland - River City isn't cutting it with just 200,000 viewers. Tell that to the viewers, many elderly, who have stuck with it through months of crazy scheduling. Tell that to the cast and crew who will be out of a job. No more karaoke sessions or nights on the town, right enough. What a shame.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Family put 'idyllic' island compete with own castle up for sale after 80 years
The incredible 1,110-acre Hebridean island, which can be found off the west coast of Scotland, is up for sale after the Gully family decided it was time for a change An 'idyllic' island compete with its own castle and white sand beaches coves has hit the market for £5.5million. The Gully family, who have owned the island for 80 years, have made the decision to sell up after originally buying it back in 1945. It also boasts a working farm and a holiday accommodation, and is found off the west coast of Scotland. The island is home to Shuna Castle, a striking early 20th-century building with panoramic coastal views which fell to ruins in the 1980s. Though partially collapsed, the site still holds significant redevelopment potential - and that could attract a buyer. "He's had 80 years of stewarding and looking after Shuna and trying to get all sorts of businesses going and has absolutely loved it the whole of his life," Jim Gully told BBC Scotland after announcing the family's decision to sell. "My brother and I grew up on Shuna. We were home schooled by our grandfather [Donald Wells] on the island. It's idyllic for a childhood being taught there, running the farm and the holiday cottages, and we still do that." He added: "It's been a huge part for all of our lives and definitely sad that all of that is coming to an end, but tinged with relief for my father that it's going to be slightly easier not having to manage all of that and getting over to the island three or four times a week." Shuna is a working estate with a strong agricultural foundation. In-hand livestock farming continues on the island, which also teems with wildlife. Red deer, fallow deer, eagles and porpoises are among the regular inhabitants, and country sports such as deer stalking have long been part of its traditions. Infrastructure is already in place to support modern sustainable living. A renewable energy system powers the island with photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, battery storage and back-up generators, reports the Daily Record. Travel is also well accounted for, with a private pier, slipways, and even a helipad. Craobh Haven Marina and Arduaine Pier offer easy boat access, while helicopter flights connect to Glasgow and Islay airports, just 55 and 45 miles away. A single road runs through the heart of the island from the North Pier to South End House, winding past panoramic viewpoints, a walled garden and stretches of sand and rock-strewn shoreline. Beyond Shuna itself, the surrounding area is famed for its dramatic natural beauty. Nearby lies the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, one of the largest tidal whirlpools in the world, while the bustling port of Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles, offers shops, schools, ferry links and eateries a short boat trip away. The village of Ardfern, even closer, provides a marina, café, local shop and tight-knit community spirit. "When we were moving the furniture around the room to find the bits where it wouldn't fall through the floor, you knew your days were numbered," Mr Gully went on. "It still looks very impressive even though there are trees growing out of the windows."
