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Wall Street Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
‘No More Napoleons' Review: Keeping Watch Over the Channel
Britain was one of the great ordering powers of modern history, first in Europe and then across the world. It was a leading voice in all of the major settlements—from the Congress of Vienna, which ended the Napoleonic Wars, through the Treaty of Versailles, which followed World War I, to the conferences of Yalta and Potsdam, which established the parameters of the postwar world, to the North Atlantic Treaty, which continues to shape global security today. At its height, the British Empire famously extended so far that the sun never set on it. Today those days are long gone, but Britain still plays a major role in the defense of Europe, leading the Nordic and Baltic containments of Russia. In this context, the appearance of Andrew Lambert's 'No More Napoleons: How Britain Managed Europe From Waterloo to World War One' is a salutary reminder that there is more than one way to achieve strategic effect. Much of the time, Britain ordered the Continent through large-scale interventions by legendary figures such as the Duke of Marlborough, the Duke of Wellington, Field Marshal Montgomery and the British Army of the Rhine, which never fired a shot but fulfilled its mission of deterring a Soviet attack on Western Europe. In recent times, the United States has taken on this role and its consequent global footprint of military bases and force deployments. Yet as Mr. Lambert, a professor of naval history at King's College, London, points out, during the long 19th century and up until World War I, London pursued a much more arm's-length policy in Europe. Exhausted by two decades of war against France, saddled with a huge debt and confined by a laissez-faire 'small-state' orthodoxy, British strategists sought a less expensive and intrusive way to maintain their interests on the Continent. They did this with a small army but a large navy and by knitting together a defensive system of forts and alliances designed to preserve the overall equilibrium—what Lord Liverpool, Britain's prime minister from 1812 to 1827, called a 'fair and proper balance of power in Europe between the different continental states'—on which Britain's security depended. We tend to think of the 19th century as the apogee of the British Empire, and that is not wrong given Britain's stupendous growth during that period, but Mr. Lambert shows that Europe was the main focus throughout. One particular bit of Europe—the English Channel—mattered most of all. The British government watched very closely the French building works at Cherbourg and their designs on the Belgian port of Antwerp because it was from there that an invasion of the south coast of England could be mounted. Security was very local.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot revealed – with hilarious nod to unofficial city landmark
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games look set to be magical - after the official mascot was revealed to be a unicorn. Finnie - short for the Finnieston area of the city - was unveiled yesterday after 76 children from 24 local schools dreamed up the 'hooved-hypemaster.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The new Commonwealth Games mascot Finnie was unveiled at Kelvingrove Art Galleries. Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing 4 The horn pays homage to the Duke of Wellington statue. Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing 4 Finnie took part in a race against runner Eilish McColgan. Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing 4 The mascot was even thrown by judoka Sarah Adlington. Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing Her signature feature is a horn inspired by the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern of Art. Athletes including Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan and Olympic medallist and Glasgow 2014 Team Scotland flagbearer Eilidh Doyle joined excited kids at Kelvingrove for the big launch. Maskeen Bhullar, 11, who attends St Patrick's Primary School in Anderston, said: "It has been an extraordinary experience being part of the Mascot Maker team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. "The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow I was one year old. I want to be an athlete one day and take part in a future Commonwealth Games. "Being involved in creating the mascot has inspired me even more to work towards that dream. To me, the mascot represents my city, Glasgow, and stands as a symbol of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It's something I'll always feel proud to have contributed to.' While Aaron Higgins, 17, from Bailleston, is taking part in the Transplant Games next week and said it was an honour to be part of the team that created Finnie. The athlete also revealed that a unicorn wasn't the only animal considered when they first looked at the mascot. He said: "My friend John came up with an idea of raccoon at first and then a ferret. "My other friend said a fish because they thought of the River Clyde. "We came up with a design similar to Finnie and we couldn't have imagined it would have worked out so well now that she's been unveiled. Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: did they leave a lasting legacy? Team Scotland basketball player Kieron Achara, Judoka medallist Sarah Adlington and Commonwealth Para Bowls gold medallist Pauline Wilson were also in attendance at the launch. While Finnie even met Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Glasgow's Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren, alongside the Mascot Makers. In a statement, Finnie said: 'I'll be at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer with a grin, a wave, maybe even a wee dance. "I'm here to turn the nerves into excitement, stir the cheers and help turn every moment into something magic as Glasgow 2026 swings into the city.' The Mascot Makers took part in a creative workshop at Glasgow City Chamber - teaming with creative agency 999 Design, Scottish actor Libby McArthur and Impact Arts. The Games, which will take place from July 23 to August 2 next year, are expected to welcome more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories.
STV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Unicorn named after iconic landmark unveiled as Commonwealth Games mascot
A unicorn named after an iconic Clydeside landmark has been unveiled as the mascot for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games next year. Finnie, the Glaswegian unicorn, was revealed at the top of the city's Finnieston Crane, which is also her namesake, to mark a year to go until the games. The mythical mascot was created with the help of 76 children from 24 schools throughout Glasgow. They decided that Finnie should be a unicorn due to its uniqueness as Scotland's national animal Finnie's horn is inspired by the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside Glasgow's Gallery of Modern of Art, as a nod to the city's renowned sense of humour. The silver flashes on her shoes pay homage to the Clyde's shipbuilding history and the unicorn's earring is inspired by Glasgow's coat of arms. Her purple mane is inspired by the bright lights of Games-time venue The Hydro, and the sparkling stars on her arms and nose represent the Barrowland Ballroom. Finnie will also wear a friendship bracelet created by the school children and has adopted a heart-shaped gesture as her signature move. The mascot is due to meet Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Glasgow's Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren. Finnie said: 'I'll be at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer with a grin, a wave, maybe even a wee dance. 'I'm here to turn the nerves into excitement, stir the cheers and help turn every moment into something magic as Glasgow 2026 swings into the city.' St Patrick's Primary School pupil, Maskeen Bhullar, has been inspired by his part in creating the mascot for the upcoming games. The 11-year-old said: 'It has been an extraordinary experience being part of the Mascot Maker team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. 'The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow I was one year old. I want to be an athlete one day and take part in a future Commonwealth Games. 'Being involved in creating the mascot has inspired me even more to work towards that dream. To me, the mascot represents my city, Glasgow, and stands as a symbol of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It's something I'll always feel proud to have contributed to.' Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty OBE added: 'Finnie represents everything Glasgow 2026 is about – fun, friendliness and of course that little bit of magic. 'She'll be at the heart of everything that's exciting about these Games, from building up the crowd to hyping the athletes. She'll visit communities across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond, and bring them all together next summer. 'It means so much that she comes from the imaginations of Glasgow's young people. They have all been fantastic throughout this process and introducing Finnie to the world is the perfect way to start the countdown to these altogether brilliant Games.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot unveiled on famous city landmark
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games official mascot has been unveiled on top of the city's famous Finnieston Crane. The official mascot for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been revealed. Today, a Glaswegian unicorn named Finnie was unveiled as the official mascot for the games, appearing at the top of the city's famous Finnieston Crane alongside a special banner marking 365 days until the competition. A total of 76 children from 24 schools across Glasgow were known as " Mascot Makers" and helped imagine the mascot to life. Finnie's signature feature is a horn inspired by the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside Glasgow's Gallery of Modern of Art. As well as her horn, Finnie has a silver flash in her shoes in homage to the Clyde's shipbuilding history as well as an earring from the Glasgow Coat of Arms. Her purple mane is inspired by the bright lights of Games-time venue The Hydro, and the world-famous Barrowland Ballroom gave her sparkling stars on her arms and nose. She also wears a friendship bracelet created by the Mascot Makers and will be spotted making a heart-shaped gesture as her signature move. The all-action mascot's extraordinary aerial entrance marks the start of a special day of events celebrating the one-year countdown, during which she will meet Scottish athletes including Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan, Olympic medallist and Glasgow 2014 Team Scotland flagbearer Eilidh Doyle, Team Scotland basketball player Kieron Achara, Judoka medallist Sarah Adlington and Commonwealth Para Bowls gold medallist Pauline Wilson. Finnie will be introduced to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, Glasgow's Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren, alongside the Mascot Makers. The mascot for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 was Clyde the Thistle. Statues of the mascot were dotted across the city. In a statement released alongside the launch, Finnie said: 'I'll be at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer with a grin, a wave, maybe even a wee dance. I'm here to turn the nerves into excitement, stir the cheers and help turn every moment into something magic as Glasgow 2026 swings into the city.' Maskeen Bhullar, 11, who attends St Patrick's Primary School in Anderston, spoke about what it was like being part of the process of creating the mascot: 'It has been an extraordinary experience being part of the Mascot Maker team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. "The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow, I was one year old. I want to be an athlete one day and take part in a future Commonwealth Games. "Being involved in creating the mascot has inspired me even more to work towards that dream. To me, the mascot represents my city, Glasgow, and stands as a symbol of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It's something I'll always feel proud to have contributed to.' Leila Cairney, 12, from St Paul's Primary School in Shettleston, added: "I am so excited to be part of the Mascot Makers. To see our ideas come to life from paper to reality has been an amazing experience. I hope you all love the mascot as much as we do." Glasgow 2026 Chief Executive Phil Batty OBE, said: 'Finnie represents everything Glasgow 2026 is about – fun, friendliness and of course that little bit of magic! She'll be at the heart of everything that's exciting about these Games, from building up the crowd to hyping the athletes. She'll visit communities across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond, and bring them all together next summer. 'It means so much that she comes from the imaginations of Glasgow's young people. They have all been fantastic throughout this process and introducing Finnie to the world is the perfect way to start the countdown to these altogether brilliant Games.' Scottish Commonwealth 10,000m champion, Eilish McColgan said 'There's something really special about the Commonwealth Games – the atmosphere, the energy, the way it brings communities together. And now, with Finnie leading the charge as our new mascot, I think Glasgow 2026 will capture hearts far beyond Scotland. As someone who's grown up watching and then competing in the Games, it means a lot to help welcome Finnie to the team today. 'Finnie represents the spirit, pride and togetherness that makes the Commonwealth Games unlike any other. I can't wait to see where her magic takes us.' The Mascot Makers wanted Finnie to be a unicorn due to its unique and proud place as the national animal of Scotland. Earlier this year, the Mascot Makers took part in a creative workshop at Glasgow City Chambers, where they worked in groups to design their ideal mascot. Their mood boards inspired Finnie's final look, and a focus group of pupils later reviewed design drafts, with their feedback helping to shape the final mascot who was brought to life through the Mascot Makers programme by Glasgow creative agency 999 Design, Scottish actor Libby McArthur and Impact Arts. The Games, which will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026, are expected to welcome more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. The competition will feature a packed programme of 10 sports and 6 Para sports across four Glasgow venues, including Athletics and Para Athletics (track and field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball. More than 200 medals will be awarded during the 11-day event, which includes a record-breaking Para sport programme featuring 47 medal events across six sports. Glasgow 2026 will also feature the largest Track Cycling and swim programmes ever seen at a Commonwealth Games. On the Athletics track, the infamous Commonwealth Mile will return, which is anticipated to be one of the must-see moments of the Games. Finnie will now begin a busy schedule of appearances at schools, sporting events and community celebrations across the country ahead of the Opening Ceremony next July. 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'. 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The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot revealed as unicorn
The 'proud Glaswegian' was unveiled on top of the city's Finnieston Crane where she gets her name. Finnie was imagined with the help of 76 children from 24 schools across Glasgow and brought to life ahead of next year's games. The Mascot Makers wanted Finnie to be a unicorn due to its unique and proud place as the national animal of Scotland. Finnie is described as being 'fun, cool and sassy' and her unicorn horn is inspired by the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art. Finnie also shows her Glasgow heritage with a silver flash in her shoes paying homage to the Clyde's shipbuilding history, her earrings are the Glasgow Coat of Arms, her purple mane is inspired by The Hydro and the Barrowland Ballroom gave her sparkling stars on her arms and nose. Rise and 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒, Glasgow - Finnie is here! ✨ She's sparkly. She's cheeky. She's 100ft in the air. The #Glasgow2026 mascot is here—and she's making a big entrance.#CommonwealthGames — Glasgow 2026 (@Glasgow_2026) July 23, 2025 The mascot's arrival marks the start of the one-year countdown to the games and her day will see her meet Scottish athletes including Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan, Olympic medallist and Glasgow 2014 Team Scotland flagbearer Eilidh Doyle, Team Scotland basketball player Kieron Achara, Judoka medallist Sarah Adlington and Commonwealth Para Bowls gold medallist Pauline Wilson. She will also be introduced to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, Glasgow's Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren, alongside the Mascot Makers. In a statement released alongside the launch, Finnie said: 'I'll be at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer with a grin, a wave, maybe even a wee dance. I'm here to turn the nerves into excitement, stir the cheers and help turn every moment into something magic as Glasgow 2026 swings into the city.' Maskeen Bhullar, 11, who attends St Patrick's Primary School in Anderston, wants to be an athlete in the future and has been inspired by being part of Glasgow 2026 as he said: 'It has been an extraordinary experience being part of the Mascot Maker team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow I was one year old. 'I want to be an athlete one day and take part in a future Commonwealth Games. Being involved in creating the mascot has inspired me even more to work towards that dream. To me, the mascot represents my city, Glasgow, and stands as a symbol of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It's something I'll always feel proud to have contributed to.' 12-year-old Leila Cairney, from St Paul's Primary School in Shettlestone, added: "I am so excited to be part of the Mascot Makers. To see our ideas come to life from paper to reality has been an amazing experience. I hope you all love the mascot as much as we do." Read More Glasgow 2026 Chief Executive Phil Batty OBE, said: 'Finnie represents everything Glasgow 2026 is about – fun, friendliness and of course that little bit of magic! She'll be at the heart of everything that's exciting about these Games, from building up the crowd to hyping the athletes. She'll visit communities across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond, and bring them all together next summer. 'It means so much that she comes from the imaginations of Glasgow's young people. They have all been fantastic throughout this process and introducing Finnie to the world is the perfect way to start the countdown to these altogether brilliant Games. Scottish Commonwealth 10,000m champion, Eilish McColgan said 'There's something really special about the Commonwealth Games – the atmosphere, the energy, the way it brings communities together. And now, with Finnie leading the charge as our new mascot, I think Glasgow 2026 will capture hearts far beyond Scotland. As someone who's grown up watching and then competing in the Games, it means a lot to help welcome Finnie to the team today. 'Finnie represents the spirit, pride and togetherness that makes the Commonwealth Games unlike any other. I can't wait to see where her magic takes us.'
