Latest news with #CelticConnections
The National
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Arms dealers lobbying our MPs should be ringing alarm bells
Mr Kane typifies the careerist apparatchiks who are prevalent in the major political UK parties nowadays, politicians for whom labels or ethics are inconsequential providing that their profile, pockets or ambitions are enhanced by membership of groups like the APPG irrespective of their righteousness or lack of virtue. READ MORE: Probe launched after MPs accept cash from Israeli arms firm It appears that at least 37 arms firms have allegedly sponsored this parliamentary group, some of which have been directly involved in supplying parts to F-35 fighter jets and targeting systems to the Israeli government to bomb the people of Gaza. Any of these companies can allegedly gain access to networking with group members of the APPG for just £1499, a paltry sum which allows multinational arms dealers to lobby individual MPs and this cross-party group itself, a set of particularly sinister circumstances that should ring alarm bells in any democratic framework. The fact that the UK Government continues to supply technology and weapons parts to the genocidal government of Israel at a time when Netanyahu's administration is plainly guilty of serious war crimes is both amoral and utterly heartless. To learn that my own MP is part of a group that acts as enablers to arms companies is disturbing enough, but when we consider the part these companies continue to play in the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, his participation is distressing and, quite frankly, deplorable. Not in my name, Mr Kane, not now, not ever. Owen Kelly Stirling REGARDING the seriously bloated piece from Mark Brown and his intention to join the new British radical left party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, of more concern to me is that The National deemed it worthy of a page and a half (Why I plan to join Scotland's new radical left party, Jul 11). Firstly, to Mr Brown's lengthy list of supporters, I was left slightly disappointed that the whole thing didn't end with a rousing rendition of Old Uncle Tom Cobley and All. Unfortunately the list was slightly top-heavy with trade union officials and 'activists', and over the last few years I have concluded most of these are about as much use as a chocolate teapot. READ MORE: Explosive new poll puts Corbyn-Sultana party level with Labour Mr Brown of course gave a few obligatory kicks in the passing to the SNP, which was formed in 1934 and has, he claimed, 'never so much as broken a window in the cause of independence'. How the hell does he know? I would point out the wee matter of the Stone of Destiny, removed from Westminster Abbey by a group of young nationalists, supported by the SNP, and I believe some funding from the top of the party. So beat that, is all I can say to Mr Brown, the next time he contemplates going out to break a window in the cause of socialism. I will close by recalling Glasgow's annual Celtic Connections extravaganza, which was reviewed in the Sunday National on February 2 by Mr Brown. I refer to him taking exception to John Swinney being invited by the organisers to recite a poem by the Bard at the Burns Supper event in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. READ MORE: Polling on Jeremy Corbyn party is uncertain. Labour's worries are not According to Mr Brown, the leader of Scotland's largest party, and also First Minister, was a curious and 'divisive' choice. However, for several years now I have noted that 'divisive' is a popular derogatory term much loved by generally aged Tory politicians to describe the SNP. That said, it may come as a surprise to some interested in this new radical party that one of their number, Mark Brown, supports all the radical aims outlined in his columnar manifesto of July 11, but with one proviso, ie all this seismic societal revolution and upheaval must be carried out with no 'divisive' behaviour, as Mark is uneasy about divisiveness. Spooks the markets, you see. Malcolm Cordell Broughty Ferry CRAIG Dalzell is broadly right (Could Scotland lead on the rich paying more tax?, Jul 14). To the extent that individual wealth is unearned (mainly through profit from public infrastructure investments), it should no longer be trousered by 'rent-seekers' but fully recovered, with a corresponding cut in taxes on working people. Yet substantial wealth can also result from work and prudent, non-exploitative investment of savings. The state should respect our natural right to the full product of our labour, as enshrined in Old Labour's Clause 4 (but tellingly removed by Blair and Broon). George Morton Rosyth
Scotsman
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Innis & Gunn launches ‘Hole in Gunn' challenge at The Genesis Scottish Open - with a year's supply of beer to be won
One perfect swing could land a lucky golfer a year's supply of beer, thanks to a new challenge launched by Innis & Gunn to mark their partnership with the Genesis Scottish Open. The Edinburgh-based brewery has teed up the 'Hole in Gunn' challenge for Pro-Am Day, where any player landing a hole-in-one will walk away with 12 months of award-winning beer from one of Scotland's best-loved brewers. The challenge kicks off Innis & Gunn's new role as Official Beer Partner for the tournament, with the brand expecting to serve more than 30,000 pints across the course of the event. Well-known names confirmed to take part in the Pro-Am include Gary Woodland former US Open Champion and former Open Champion Francesco Molinari, with more sporting and celebrity participants set to be announced in the coming days. But it's not just the players who can get lucky. To celebrate the partnership, Innis & Gunn is also offering fans the chance to win a pair of tickets to Sunday's final round of the Scottish Open, one of the most in-demand days of the summer. All you have to do is buy a pint at one of Innis & Gunn's three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh from Monday July 7, and you'll be automatically entered into the prize draw. The Genesis Scottish Open partnership is the latest addition to Innis & Gunn's growing portfolio of major cultural and sporting partnerships, which already includes The Fringe, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, The Royal Highland Show, Celtic Connections, and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. Dougal Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn, said: 'The Genesis Scottish Open is one of the biggest dates in Scotland's sporting calendar, and we're proud to be on board as Official Beer Partner. 'At Innis & Gunn, we're all about raising the bar, whether that's in the glass or out on the course. The 'Hole in Gunn' challenge is our way of adding a bit of fun and flavour to the action, and rewarding the kind of precision we can all raise a pint to. "We'll be bringing the full Innis & Gunn experience to the tournament: great beer, great energy and a celebration of world-class talent right here in Scotland.' The Genesis Scottish Open takes place from 10–13 July at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian, with the Pro Am taking place on 9 July.
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow's Irish community to be celebrated with St Roch's performance
The All-Ireland Football Championship is one of the country's biggest sporting events and Croke Park will be sold out with more than 82,000 people in attendance. The invitation was made by the GAA to honour the Irish community in Scotland in as part of the 850 celebrations and spotlight 'County Glasgow' on Ireland's biggest stage. The semi-finalists are yet to be decided but it could include the Donegal team, which is the county in Ireland where many members of the band have strong connections too. Roisin Anne Hughes, band leader, said: 'Croke Park is one of the most iconic venues in Irish life. We're looking forward to enjoying the occasion, performing with pride, and representing the Glasgow Irish community on this remarkable stage.' Roisin Anne Hughes is the band leader (Image: Robert Perry) Mairead MacNeil, band member, added: 'It's been an unforgettable year. We hosted our own concert at Celtic Connections, led the Glasgow and London St. Patrick's Festival Parades, and played for the Donegal and Tyrone Masters in Clydebank. Winning the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford was a huge honour — and now to play in Croke Park is the perfect ending to a year we'll never forget. 'We're incredibly grateful to our families, our community, and everyone who has supported us across the years and especially this year. Particular thanks go to Consul General Jerry O'Donovan, Jenn Treacy and Jarlath Burns of the GAA, and to Frank McArdle and the teachers at the Irish Minstrels Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann who empowered us through music over multiple generations' The performance will serve as a celebration of the Irish community's contribution to Glasgow and Scotland from the days of An Gorta Mór to the present day and as well as the marching band, will showcase the development of the GAA in Scotland. The Glasgow Irish community has produced All-Ireland champions and finalists across every field of Irish cultural life - and continues to inspire and thrive today. Jennifer Treacy, Chair of Scotland GAA, said: 'We are incredibly proud of this historic moment for All-Ireland Champions St Roch's Marching Band. This milestone not only celebrates the vibrant Irish community and diaspora throughout Glasgow and Scotland but also strengthens the bonds between our two nations through shared cultural heritage. 'With the Diaspora Consultation beginning in July and the Pearse Park Centre for Culture and Sport in development, this is a significant step toward a permanent home for Irish culture in Scotland'. Jerry O'Donovan, The Irish Consul General for Scotland added: 'I am delighted that the St Roch's Marching Band have been asked to perform during half time at the All-Ireland Football Semi-Final in the 82,000 seat headquarters of the GAA, Croke Park. It is a huge honour for any group to perform at this very special venue, and for a group outside of Ireland to be asked is a particularly special achievement. Read More 'This invitation from GAA headquarters is a testament that the work of St Roch's, and more broadly Comhaltas in Scotland, have carried out in promoting Irish music and culture in Scotland. 'This performance speaks to the strong community links between Scotland and Ireland which continue to grow from strength to strength as well as the vibrant musical and cultural scene that currently exists within the Irish community in Glasgow as it marks its 850th anniversary. I wish the band the very best and look forward to tuning in next month.' Katy McNeil Head of Scottish Government Office in Ireland said: 'The Scottish Government Office in Ireland was thrilled to hear of St Roch's Marching Band's success in the All-Ireland Fleadh last year. 'It is an honour for St Roch's, for Glasgow and for Scotland, that they are the first band from outside Ireland to play at the iconic Croke Park for the GAA All Ireland Senior Football Semi-Final. 'It is a fitting way to celebrate the close cultural links between Scotland and Ireland, and the Glasgow 850 celebrations. We look forward to welcoming the band to Dublin in July.'
Scotsman
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Under the Radar: Lewis Wiles
A founder member of the bands Kilderkin and Footerin' Aboot, Lewis Wiles is now setting out his stall as a solo performer, write Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... Lewis Wiles is an acoustic singer-songwriter hailing from the picturesque Speyside town of Elgin in Moray. An experienced performer, he's toured extensively throughout Europe in numerous bands over the past decade and presented his own music show on local radio. He is also a founding member of Scottish folk/ceilidh outfit Footerin' Aboot and the band Kilderkin, who have enjoyed festival appearances at Celtic Connections and the Eden Festival and supported other Scottish trad acts such as Skerryvore. Most recently, in his solo guise, backed by a new band, he has supported UTR favourites Blair Davie and The Demographic. His latest singles I'm Not A Robot and the wonderfully upbeat, folk-tinged Come To The Coast (released via his own PBrecordings last week) have been championed by Roddy Hart on BBC Radio Scotland, Jim Gellaty on Amazing Radio, Ali Braidwood via Scots Whay Hae! and many more. Catch him live at Friendly Fest in Keith this Saturday, Speyfest in Fochabers on 27 July, and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on 1 August, see Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, see Lewis Wiles
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Legendary Scots band with iconic 80s hit to play special Glasgow show
Read on to find out the date of the show YOUNG AT HEART Legendary Scots band with iconic 80s hit to play special Glasgow show A LEGENDARY Scottish band is set to play a special show in Glasgow next month. The Bluebells will perform at Assai Records on Sauchiehall Street on Wednesday, July 2. 3 The Bluebells are set to play a special show in Glasgow Credit: Andrew Barr 3 The 80s band will play at Assai Records on Sauchiehall Street The band, including members Bobby Bluebell, and Ken and David McCluskey, are best known for their UK number one single Young at Heart, along with early 1980s hits I'm Falling and Cath. And they gained success with their debut album Sisters and tours across Europe and North America. After disbanding in 1986, they reunited to headline Celtic Connections in February this year. In July, there will be an instore performance and signing for the deluxe reissues of Sisters at Assai Records in Glasgow. Fans can get their hands on a CD boxset and priority entry from £31. There will also be an Assai Obi Edition purple colour vinyl LP and priority entry for £35. A black colour vinyl LP and priority entry will start from £34. The event starts at 5.30pm. A statement on Assai Records' website states: "We are delighted to welcome The Bluebells for an instore performance and signing in support of the deluxe reissues of Sisters (released 27th June 2025) at Assai Records Glasgow, on Wednesday 2nd July 2025, at 5.30pm." The new record has been described as the "most comprehensive version" of the popular 1984 album. Lily Allen seen on 'date' with actor James Norton at festival after joining dating app It will be officially release on June 27. Tickets are available from here. The band were recently announced for the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury.
