Latest news with #EdinburghNews
Scotsman
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs No.1 in 'tear up' prediction over Easter Road Euro clash
Ex-Nottingham Forest veteran loved delayed European debut Sign up to our Hibs football 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... After the tea party, the tear up. And a chance for Hibs to produce the kind of Easter Road experience that might – just might – induce a few brain-rattling misjudgements in the opposition ranks. Because, sure, the MCH Arena is a perfectly nice venue for a European debut. A modern, well run, well-proportioned 10,000-seat stadium boasting a huge new deck of revenue-generating executive boxes, it was a lovely setting for last week's Europa League second qualifying round, first leg contest between Midtjylland and Hibernian. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But Galatasaray away, it ain't. And having witnessed just over 1000 Hibs fans out-sing nearly 8000 home punters in a 1-1 draw, it doesn't take a mystic to predict that David Gray's men will be carried into Thursday night's contest on an almighty wave of sound and fury from all four stands. Veteran goalkeeper Jordan Smith, who was still beaming with pride long after making his European debut at the age of 30, is absolutely clear on what these players expect on home soil, saying: 'I'd like to thank the fans who travelled over. They were obviously class. 'And yes, as you say, it was a lovely little ground. Really modern and a nice first taste of European football. 'But I think the boys are really excited to get back to Easter Road and have a tear up there, have a good game. Easter Road under the lights is always special and I'd like to think we'll be backed to the absolute hilt. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We should be near enough full, if not completely sold out. So, yes, I certainly want to look forward to it, especially with it all to play for. 'Honestly, the best way I can think to describe it, getting into Europe gave us the platform to go again. I don't think I can phrase it any better than that, really. 'Not here to make up numbers' - Jordan Smith 'All it is, I think, is a platform to go and show what we can do. We sort of made no bones about it, that this is where we felt we should be and wanted to be. 'The last thing we were going to do is just turn up to make the numbers up. So, again, massive credit to the boys, because I think we've shown that we can compete at this level - and I'd like to think that we're a little bit disappointed, if I'm honest, that we didn't cling on for an away win. But, yes, all to play for.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Smith, who arrived as a back-up to Josef Bursik last season, has delivered one of the more inspiring character arcs in a year of ridiculous plot twists for Hibs fans. From unfancied journeyman to cool-headed saviour, he's seen off the early challenge of summer signing Raphael Sallinger – for now, at least. Just being given the nod for last Thursday's all-important contest meant a lot, the former Nottingham Forest player saying: 'Honestly, I don't think I can overstate it. It was something I thought about but really tried not to let the occasion get the better of me. 'Thirty years old, making my European debut. It's perfect. It's all you ever dream of growing up, really, if I'm being perfectly honest. I just tried to manage my own emotions - and give the team the best possible chance. 'I certainly think we did that. Massive credit to the boys. That was a proper shift. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It was a real tough game. We knew it would be. But I think everyone stood up and gave our fans plenty to shout about and plenty to believe in that we can go and do a job at home. 'I came in as a bit of an unknown, really. Massive thanks to the gaffer for backing me and showing his faith in me. 'With Raf coming in during the summer, there was obviously a question mark of who was going to get the nod, certainly for the European game and looking forward to the season ahead. Again, I'm really pleased that he trusted me enough to put me in again. 'It was mentally really tough out there. It felt like at the end there was wave after wave of attack. I wanted to help the defence out as much as possible without coming running for things and putting myself in no-man's land. You've got to get that balance right, but I think we certainly did that. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think we answered a lot of tough questions that they asked. I think we probably gave them bits to think about as well. I think we showed quality at times. I think we knew we were in a good place coming into the tie - and I think we're probably in an even better one after that game.' David Gray hailed as 'special guy' For all who went through last season's emotional extremes, the steadying influence of Gray remains crucial. Ask Smith why special things keep happening to a manager just over a year into the profession, and he comes up with an obvious answer. 'Yes, well, he's a special guy, isn't he?' he said, adding: 'He means a lot to this football club. 'Even when it was dark periods, he always says that the team never stopped running for him, And I think that really meant that the team never stopped believing in him. Me being part of it, we certainly didn't. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'He's just going from strength to strength as far as I'm concerned. He sets us little challenges. He's really good tactically and technically as a manager - and he also does the other side of it really well in terms of managing boys, whether that be a kick up the backside or an arm around the shoulder. 'He sort of gets the balance absolutely spot on every time and that's all you want in a manager really as a player. It makes you want to do absolutely everything that you can for him.'
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Great British Bake Off 2025: when could series 16 start?
The Great British Bake Off will be back once again in 2025 🍰👀 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... The Great British Bake Off will return in 2025. Channel 4 will be the home of series 16. But when could it start - based on previous years? The Great British Bake Off is one of the shows viewers look forward to most each year. We might be in the dog days of summer, but the Channel 4 favourite will be returning before you know it. Viewers have had time to get over the heartbreak of Dylan's struggles in the final in 2024 and attention might be turning back to the tent. GBBO's sister show Bake Off: The Professionals is finishing its run tonight (July 29) and will crown the latest winners. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Rumours had circulated earlier in the year about host Noel Fielding stepping down, but they have been quashed. A spokesperson for the star shut down the talk and insisted 'no discussion' about him leaving the show. But when could The Great British Bake Off return? Here's all you need to know: Will there be series 16 of The Great British Bake Off? Noel Fielding has confirmed he will be co-host Bake Off in 2025 | Channel 4 The show is set to return once again in 2025. Applications closed at the back end of 2024 and filming was due to take place in the spring. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When could The Great British Bake Off start? Channel 4 will announce the return date for the beloved baking competition closer to the time, but previous years do offer some clues. The show is heading into its 16th series - and its ninth on the broadcaster. Since series 11 in 2020, GBBO has welcomed viewers back to the tent in September with seasons running through to late November. The show also tends to be broadcast on a Tuesday night. Back in 2024, Bake Off started on Tuesday, September 24 and this followed a start date of September 26 the year before. If we open our calendar and flick it to that month, there are five Tuesdays in September 2025. After Channel 4 moved the show back to September with series 11, the latest it started was actually in 2023 (September 26). The earliest the show has started in the month came in 2022 on September 13. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Looking ahead to September 2025, potential candidates for the start date include Tuesday, September 16, 23 and 30. If it was to follow the trend of the two most recent years, the most likely start date would be Tuesday, September 23. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Edinburgh residents take note: Why it's not just sunglasses that could save your sight this summer
Edinburgh residents are being encouraged to care for their eyes this summer We all know the drill when the sun finally shines in Edinburgh, out come the BBQs, flip-flops, and, of course, the sunnies. 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... But as the UK swelters through a scorching summer, experts are warning that protecting your eyes goes beyond simply slipping on a pair of stylish shades. Eye health is often overlooked in the warmer months, yet the sun's UV rays can cause serious damage to our vision, from dry eyes and irritation, to longer-term risks such as cataracts and macular degeneration. The NHS advises wearing UV-protective sunglasses, but as the mercury rises, eye care experts say we should be thinking even more holistically. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jason Layton, founder of UK family-run wellness brand Nature's Zest, and natural health expert, said: 'The eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body when it comes to sun exposure. Most people are aware that skin burns, but they forget that UV can damage the retina too. That's why we created Macu XL, to help protect people's long-term vision from the inside out.' Macu XL is a powerful eye supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin and antioxidants, which help defend the eyes from oxidative stress and high-energy UV exposure, common during long days spent outdoors. But it's not the only step you can take to keep your eyes happy and healthy this summer. FIVE SUMMER EYE HAZARDS, AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM 1. UV Rays Even on cloudy days, UV rays penetrate through the clouds — and they don't just age your skin. Prolonged exposure can damage the cornea and retina, potentially increasing the risk of vision loss over time. Top tip: Always wear sunglasses with UV400 protection, even when it's overcast. Consider supplements like Macu XL to bolster your body's natural defences. 2. Chlorine & Salt Water Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pools and sea swims are a summer staple — but they can leave eyes sore, red, and irritated. Chlorine strips the natural tear film, while salt can cause dryness and stinging. Top tip: Rinse eyes with clean water after swimming, and wear swim goggles to reduce exposure. Hydrating eye drops can help restore moisture levels. 3. Airborne Allergens Pollen counts soar in the summer, and for hayfever sufferers, that often means itchy, watery, puffy eyes. Top tip: Shower and change clothes after being outside, and consider antihistamine eye drops. A cold compress over closed eyes can also soothe irritation. 4. Dry Eye Syndrome Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Air conditioning, fans, and long drives with open windows can dry out the surface of the eyes, causing a gritty, tired feeling. Top tip: Blink often when driving or looking at screens, and use preservative-free lubricating drops if symptoms persist. Stay well-hydrated throughout the day. 5. Sand and Grit Beach days are fun until wind-blown sand gets in your eye. Rubbing can make things worse and even scratch the cornea. Top tip: Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield eyes from blowing particles. If something gets in your eye, flush it with saline or clean water, never rub. To find out more go to
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Scotsman
Honor Magic 7 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: which Android flagship wins in real life?
Putting two flagship smartphones head to head has been an interesting exercise This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. After years of using Google Pixel phones, consumer technology writer Gareth Butterfield has lived with the Honor Magic 7 Pro full time — and it made him miss his old Huawei days. 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... One of the best smartphones I ever owned was a Huawei Mate 20 Pro. I upgraded that to a Huawei P30 Pro, and then I was all excited about upgrading to the P40 Pro, but some political stuff happened we won't dwell on and the handset was barred from using any of Google's Play services. Not wanting to live with a phone that couldn't access Maps, or YouTube, or even the native Gmail app, I admitted defeat and chose to switch to a Google Pixel. Moving away from years of using Chinese smartphones was a bit of a shock to the system at first. In hardware terms, the Pixel series was not a patch on the Huaweis. The battery life was dire in comparison, charging times were slow, the processor was weaker and the camera was only better because of its clever software - the hardware was still not a patch on the Huawei. Quite a few years have passed since I last lived with a flagship Chinese smartphone, and I've since upgraded to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL as my daily device, which I'm quite happy with. But then the nice people at Honor offered to send me their new Magic 7 Pro, which is a close competitor to my Pixel, and I saw it as a great opportunity to catch up with the innovations that have been bubbling over quietly from the big Chinese brands. Importantly, Honor used to be part of Huawei. It split off in 2020, not long after the political "incident" occurred, and started to built itself up as a big player. It's had a decent time to gestate, then, but can its new hero product compete with my flagship Pixel? On paper, at least, it's pretty close. For a kick off, they're a spookily similar size. We're talking millimetres of difference across the main dimensions. They even weigh basically the same. But then you dig a little bit deeper into the spec sheets and you notice some disparity. The Honor has a more powerful camera suite, but only just. The Honor has larger on-board storage as standard, and a faster processor, and a brighter display, better built-in speakers, and it's better protected from the elements. The Honor has curved bezels, so it feels a little nicer in the hand | Honor And then there's the battery setup. The Honor has a bigger battery straight out of the box, but it can also charge at up to 100 watts. The Pixel 9 Pro XL falls behind a lot of its competitors here with only 37 watt fast charging. Its wireless charging is also a sore point, with a 23 watt capacity in the Pixel to the Honor's 80 watts. In hardware terms, then, it seems like the Honor has the Pixel 9 Pro XL beaten into a cocked hat. But we all know there's more to a smartphone's attributes than that, so I swapped my sims, and started living with the Honor Magic 7 Pro full time. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has similar dimensions, and the tiny hole punch is less intrusive | Google There are a few things that strike you early on about a Chinese phone. I promise I won't keep going on about this, but battery life is a world apart. My Pixel often struggled to last a day, but it's rare the Magic 7 Pro gets to my bedside table at night with less than 50% left. And if I have given it a particularly tough time, it can be topped up in 10 minutes thanks to that ridiculously quick charging. However, there are some shortcomings, and the chief issue I have with the Magic 7 Pro is rather all-encompassing. It relies on an operating system called Magic OS 9.0, and it's really very good. But it is not a patch on Google's bare and brilliant pure Android interface. While Honor's Magic OS does bring some funky customisation options, and perhaps a few other benefits I haven't bothered with, you just can't beat a bone-stock Android OS for simplicity and functionality. No bloatware, no messy gesture controls, no duplicate apps, no performance compromises, and plenty of Pixel-only features that I have genuinely missed. The Honor's round camera bump is annoyingly intrusive The Pixel's camera bump is shorter and squarer, so it sits better on a surface Android on a Pixel is an absolute delight to use, and it feels so much more polished and professional than the Honor, but that doesn't mean the Honor is a fiddly mess. While I'll always miss Pixel features like the auto music ID and call-screening, the Honor has similar versions of a lot of these features (not the Now Playing feature though, sadly) and they all do a reasonable job. But there are other annoyances in the Magic OS user experience, such as the clumsy folder layout, some of the home-screen customisation options just aren't as good, and the fact you'll have to wait much longer for updates. I'd admit, I'm being a bit picky now. Both phones are a joy to use, and there's no noticeable compromises on performance, either. The handsets use different chips, but they both do a cracking job of ploughing through a beefy game, or editing a pile of pictures. The Honor Magic 7 Pro tends to give a very faithful image The Pixel's reliance on software can lead to a slightly muddier image, and too much depth of field at times | Gareth Butterfield Ah, yes, the cameras. This is the big one. You see, on paper, the Honor Magic 7 Pro does have a better camera array than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. There's a 200mp periscope telephoto lens over the Pixel's 48mp, and the main module on the Honor has a wider aperture and a slightly better ultrawide sensor. Video performance is pretty close, at least in hardware terms, and the Honor has a better selfie camera. But it all changes when you come to use them. Then the numbers matter a bit less. Truth be told, they're both absolutely brilliant at taking pictures. Market leading, even. But what the Pixel lacks in hardware it makes up for in software. In most cases, you'd have to be seriously picky to call a winner between them, but there are shortcomings the Honor can't make up. The AI zoom, for example, is weaker on the Honor. Like the Pixel, it zooms in incredibly far on a digital level, and then AI tidies the grainy result up. While the Honor does this more quickly, the Pixel's AI engine is that little bit more intelligent. It wins by a nose. The Pixel's magic erase system is better, as are the other AI tools, but not by all that much. And it does take an age to process. The Honor is always quicker. I've already said the physical differences between the two handsets aren't really worthy of a mention, but Google manages to pack all this camera tech into a much smaller protrusion than the Magic 7 Pro. Its bulbous camera lump really is quite awkward and unbalanced. That said, I'd fancy its chances in a scratchathon over the Pixel. The Honor has always felt more robust. This all leaves me with a rather woolly conclusion to come to. I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to go back to a Chinese flagship smartphone again. It made me realise how much I missed those halcyon Huawei days, and how much better the hardware is. But the Pixel series will always take the edge in overall useability, even if it's only by the smallest of margins. However, to be honest, these extremely mild irritations haven't been enough to make me want to switch back to the Pixel. The time will come soon to give the Magic 7 Pro back to the nice people at Honor and, normally with that sad day looming, I'd switch back to my trusty Pixel to get reacquainted. But I've yet to get the sim tool out. I'm sticking with the Magic 7 Pro for now. And when the man comes to collect it, he'll have to take my right arm with it. It's fabulous. Canva Uncover your family's hidden connections with an exclusive MyHeritage DNA kit £ 29.00 Buy now Buy now Every generation, your family tree branches wider — yet most of your extended relatives are strangers to you. A DNA test can help change that. MyHeritage DNA doesn't just estimate your ethnic makeup; it connects you to real living relatives and uncovers the stories of your ancestors' journeys. From Viking roots in Orkney to Sephardic Jewish heritage, or even surprise half-siblings, your DNA holds the key to discovering the family you never knew you had.
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Fringe play offers preview of what Edinburgh can expect when Tour de France hits town
With this year's Tour de France having crossed the finish line, the creators of a new drama about the legendary road race are offering Fringe-goers a chance to experience it's thrills and spills. As Edinburgh prepares to host the 2027 Grand Départ, cycling enthusiasts and theatre fans, can get an early taste of what to expect from hosting the world's top cycling spectacle in a compelling multi-media play CADEL: Lungs on Legs. 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... New York's Connor Delves and Edinburgh's Steve McMahon who co-wrote the high-energy sports drama believe hosting the heady Grand Départ will be a game-changer for the city. Writing about Australian cycling legend and 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans has convinced the duo that the Grand Départ in 2027 won't just be a cycling event—but also a celebration of Scottish innovation, and an opportunity to promote the city and boost sustainable transport. Scotland's connection to cycling makes the 2027 Grand Départ something of a homecoming as the modern pedal-driven bicycle was invented by Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith from Dumfries in 1839. Present-day cyclists also owe a debt of gratitude to Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop for his 1887 invention of the pneumatic tyre, which vastly improved comfort and speed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Steve, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, said: 'I couldn't be more excited that our city will host the send-off of the world's most famous road race. Writing the play gave me a unique insight into the Tour de France—I understand the drama and theatricality of it all. Edinburgh's backdrop will create the perfect stage, and I hope everyone in the city will enjoy the spectacle.' Connor Delves triumphs in CADEL: Lungs on Legs Connor, who performs the multi-character solo show and has just returned from seeing the Tour de France in Paris says: 'Hosting the Grand Départ is not just a sporting honour, the Grand Départ in Yorkshire in 2014 attracted over 3.5 million spectators and brought an estimated £130 million to the local economy, while the Tour's broadcast reaches 3.5 billion viewers across 190 countries.' Past host cities have seen investment in roads, bike lanes, and active travel networks, which help improve cycling infrastructure with lasting benefits for residents. Edinburgh already has an engaged cycling community, and bringing the Tour to the city would help promote cycling culture to a wider audience, inspire increased interest, and get groups and local clubs involved to nurture a new generation of Scottish cyclists. Connor and Steve learned that Edinburgh had won the hosting bid after signing up to bring their show to the Fringe and were delighted at the chance to give local and global audiences a preview of the amazing atmosphere and excitement surrounding the Tour. Edinburgh will form the perfect backdrop for the event, which is traditionally hosted in scenic, culturally rich cities. Edinburgh's renowned expertise in handling large-scale public events like the Festivals and Hogmanay will ensure the departure unfolds seamlessly. The playwrights based their play on the life of Cadel Evans, an Australian outsider who triumphed at the 2011 Tour de France – an event so significant in his home country the nation nearly declared a national holiday. It's a physically demanding role as Connor pedals for an hour to recreate Evans' story on the same bike that rode to victory in the Tour. The pair hope the show will appeal to cyclists, Tour de France fans, and those who want to see compelling theatre, tightly written and powerfully performed. Everyone is invited along for the ride. CADEL: Lungs on Legs is at Underbelly Cowgate, at 1pm daily from 31st July – 24th August
