Latest news with #Ewen
STV News
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- STV News
Teen motorcyclist taken to hospital after crash closes road
A teenage motorcyclist was taken to hospital after a crash closed a road in the Highlands for an hour. Emergency services were called to the A96, between Nairn and Forres at Wester Hardmuir, at around 2.40pm on Thursday after a crash involving a black Yamaha RZF125 motorcycle and a white Kia Niro estate. The rider, an 18-year-old man, was taken to Raigmore Hospital for treatment. There were no other reports of injuries. The road was closed for around an hour while enquiries were carried out. Road Policing Constable Ewen said: 'Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn't already spoken to officers to contact us. 'I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time and who may have dash cam footage which could assist to get in touch.' Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1979 of 17 July, 2025. 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
The Herald Scotland
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Ireland can teach us valuable lessons on tax and prosperity
Besides, the evidence of 'over-reliance' on inward investment in Ireland is sparse. On the contrary, Ireland's success in attracting inward investment has had a transformative effect on the country's economy, by building the productivity of its workforce, its entrepreneurial flair and its supply chains. The Ireland of the time when both our countries joined the EU depended on the UK for 60% of its foreign trade; now it's well under 10%. The Ireland of today has produced two to three times as many companies worth over $1 billion than Scotland. It enjoys higher average earnings, lower overall and youth unemployment and lower poverty and child poverty levels than Scotland. And here's where the connection to independence, which as Ewen pointed out to Jackie Kemp (Letters, July 4), he didn't mention, comes in. Ireland was able to generate these fruits from inward investment to a greater degree than Scotland quite simply because Ireland attracted much more inward investment than Scotland. And it was able to do so because, as an independent country, it was able to maintain for many years a corporation tax regime designed to make it attractive to the inward investment it decided it needed to transform its economy. That's a luxury we chose to deny ourselves in Scotland. Martin Togneri, Linlithgow. Read more letters It's all about the economy Many of us write in on all sorts of topics: unionism, nationalism, the NHS, various conflicts, immigration and so on. In terms of priorities every government over the past 20 years or more has failed on the most vital task of all: the economy. It's a strong, healthy economy that creates the wealth needed to fund housing, health, education, transport, pensions, defence et al. We have squandered billions with abandon on crazy bottle deposit schemes, ferries that are half-built, cycle lanes that are empty, over-management in the Civil Service and on and on. A healthy economy depends on reasonable tax, high employment, lower red tape and entrepreneurship coupled with a social conscience. The sooner our headlines are highlighting the economic performance of the Government the sooner we will be able to address these issues and clean up our filthy road signs, the illegible road signs, the ferries in dry dock et al. It's the economy, first, last and always, stupid. John Gilligan, Ayr. Important visitors Further to Dr Ibiyemi Omeihe's article ("Do you want thriving universities in Scotland? Then we need immigration", The Herald, July 5) she is right to emphasise what international students bring, but I think it's even more important to remember what they take home with them. The cost of a British university degree to these students is so high, most of them will already be funded as future leaders at home – teachers, doctors, scientists, lawyers, politicians. Who knows how important the countries they are running in 25 years' time may be to us – politically, economically, scientifically? The opinions of this country's attitudes and values which they form now could influence all our futures. Carol Primrose, Bishopbriggs. Net zero claim is wrong Gillian Martin, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, recently stated that "we are over halfway on our journey to net zero". This claim is is wrong. Net zero is achieved by a combination of reducing emissions and then balancing the remaining emissions by the removal of an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere by using "carbon sinks", like forests for example. Net zero is accounted for on an annual basis. At the end of a year you calculate your emissions and removals and if your removals are the same or more than your emissions then you have achieved net zero for that year. In following years you may not achieve net zero because of an increase in emissions or a reduction in removals, obviously. By how much you have reduced your emissions from 1990 is not included in the formula to calculate net zero. The year was proposed by the UN so countries could compare how well they were doing in reducing emissions. Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 were gross 54.4 million tonnes, though this figure is not stated in the published statistics as far as I could see. The figure used is net 39.6 million tonnes which is after deducting the removals of 14.8 million tonnes of emissions estimated to have been sequestered by Scottish forests. So in 2023 Scotland removed 14.8 million tonnes of the 54.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gases it produced, which is 27.2%. To claim "halfway to net zero" we would have to have removed 50%, ie 27.2 million tonnes. So based on the latest figures we have – for 2023 – Scotland has net 39.6 million tonnes of emissions to remove by 2045 by a combination of reductions and removals to "carbon sinks". Because of the length of time it takes to compile the emissions statistics we do not know even what has happened in the past two and a half years, let alone trying to predict emissions for the next 20 years which many people are forecasting will increase. Also trying to increase the amount of carbon sinks will be extremely difficult: we cannot double Scotland's forests. When net zero was first proposed it was envisioned that countries would employ direct air capture, which is using very large fans to suck in air from which CO2, the main greenhouse gas, could be extracted and this would count towards their removals to help achieve net zero. CO2 is very dilute in the atmosphere, only 429 parts per million which is a ratio of 2,331 to 1. So if you want to find one tonne of CO2 you need to suck in 2,331 tonnes of air, which uses a lot of electricity, the production of which would, they say, create more than a tonne of CO2, so that is not going to work. Hugh McAdams, Bearsden. Should Donald Trump press for more sanctions on Russia? (Image: PA) Trump should get priorities right In a review of its military support, the White House says it must 'put America's interests first', and still seems ambiguous in its attitude to Vladimir Putin's war. But in a meeting last week with Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, China's foreign minister Wang Yi said Beijing does not want Russia to lose the war, as the USA would then be able to focus more directly on China. That plausible (albeit surprising or even unintended) admission surely makes President Trump's priorities straightforward. He should immediately support the pro-Ukraine Republicans in Congress, enforce with the European and other allies the maximum economic and financial sanctions against Russia, impose stronger penalties on those countries that finance Vladimir Putin by their purchase of Russia's oil, gas and minerals, and supply Ukraine with the intelligence data and hardware needed for swift military success – which many experts have thought feasible since late 2022, with the right support. That would then allow the USA to pass the Ukraine baton safely and effectively to Europe, and to concentrate on confronting China globally – politically, diplomatically, economically and militarily – which President Trump has for years asserted is their greatest competitor and enemy. John Birkett, St Andrews. • On Donald Trump's visit to Scotland, nothing could deflate his huge ego more than for no-one to turn up. Let him see empty pavements. Let's ignore him and his cavalcade. Eileen Stables, Paisley.
The Herald Scotland
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Real Radio stars announced as first voices for STV's new station
Both award-winning broadcasters, the pair are well-known voices and faces across Scotland, with vast experience in radio and TV. The DJs presented at Real Radio and across Scotland on the Bauer local network, including Clyde, Forth, Northsound, Tay and West Sound. Cameron and Harvey are the current breakfast hosts on Greatest Hits Radio in Scotland. The new studio is currently being built at STV HQ in Glasgow, with the name of the station and full presenting line-up to be announced over the next few months. The pair will host the breakfast show (Image: Jamie Simpson) The mainstream music station, predominantly aimed at 35–54-year-olds, will be available on DAB and online. Cat Harvey said: 'It's been an honour working alongside radio legends Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio, but when we were offered the chance to help shape and be part of a brand new commercial station for Scotland with STV, such an iconic brand, we just couldn't say no. 'I'm so excited to be in with the bricks and to be given such a big say in the entire creative process. We're planning to create fresh, fun, inclusive, entertaining radio with plenty of interaction with our listeners which has always been my favourite part of radio. 'We may have a new home in STV, but we'll bring our usual blend of fun and nonsense and hope to persuade some of our celebrity pals to pop in for a laugh and a tune every now and then as well.' READ MORE: Farewell, Shereen, you will be missed - now Radio Scotland has a choice to make Former Scottish radio station with 'impressive panoramic views' goes on market BBC Scotland cuts coverage of Edinburgh's festivals in new spending squeeze Ewen Cameron added: 'We loved our time at Greatest Hits Radio and it will be very sad to say cheerio to our friends and colleagues at Bauer, but the opportunity to launch a brand new radio station for Scotland with such a big name as STV was too good and too exciting to turn down.' Graham Bryce, MD of Audio at STV, said: 'We're beyond thrilled that Ewen and Cat will host the breakfast show on Scotland's newest national radio station. 'The station is going to be fresh, full of laughs and fun and this duo will certainly help us deliver that. I've worked with them both over the years and their connection with the audience is unique. 'We're also delighted to confirm that we'll have a special sports show on-air every weekend with Ewen at the helm, bringing his wealth of knowledge and passion for football to the airwaves.
Irish Independent
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Gardeners' World, Persuasion and a new season of The Bear
Gardeners' World BBC Two, 8pm Due to the BBC's Glastonbury coverage on Friday, the horticultural series moves to Thursday this week. At Longmeadow, Monty Don plants some pretty perennials and gets set to harvest garlic and potatoes. Pushers The comedy continues with Emily and Ewen going out on a double date, which coincides with their biggest deal. Later, Ewen decides he no longer wants to be a dealer, but Emily is keen to continue. Fíorscéal TG4, 10.45pm The documentary series' latest run ends with an insight into how medical professionals are constantly working to improve their care, often putting patients before their own needs, leading to incredible breakthroughs in treatment. Persuasion BBC Four, 10.15pm This 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel stars Amanda Root as a young woman who is persuaded to turn down an impoverished man's (Ciarán Hinds) marriage proposal. He returns to her life years later, having made his fortune, but seems more interested in her sister-in-law than rekindling their romance. Fiona Shaw also appears. The Bear Disney+, streaming now Season four of The Bear is upon us. As ever, it follows Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they push to elevate the restaurant further amid the constant chaos of continuous camera shots. Facing new challenges, they must adapt while redefining what's worth holding onto. Ironheart Disney+, streaming now After Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Marvel's Ironheart follows Riri Williams, a brilliant inventor, as she returns to Chicago. Her iron suit designs are groundbreaking, but her ambitions lead her into a clash with the enigmatic Parker Robbins, aka The Hood. Trainwreck: Poop Cruise Netflix, streaming now Giving a whole new twist to the interpretation of the term 'poop deck', this week's installment of Trainwreck looks at the 2013 cruise that turned into a literal shit show when a power outage left 4,000 passengers stranded on board. Murderer Behind The Mask Prime Video, streaming now True crime isn't just the purview of Netflix, you know, and this Prime Video offering about Elaine O'Hara and Graham Dwyer hits particularly close to home. It highlights how An Garda Síochana meticulously pieced together the truth, turning an overlooked case into one of Ireland's most haunting murder trials. Back in September 2013, the remains of childcare worker O'Hara were discovered in the Dublin mountains. Initially believed to be a suicide, her case took a twisted tangent when fishermen stumbled upon crucial evidence leading to Dwyer, a respected architect who lived in Foxrock with his wife and kids. Beneath his carefully crafted facade lurked a secret life fuelled by a dark stabbing obsession, revealed through his disturbing text exchanges with O'Hara. Over the course of two 45-minute installments, this Wag Entertainment-produced series purports to uncover how the investigation unfolded and the tragic story behind Elaine's murder. The Waterfront Netflix, streaming now From the makers of Dawson's Creek and Scream, we have this deliciously ridiculous number inspired by true events. It centres on the Buckley family, who have ruled Havenport, North Carolina, for decades. Now, with their patriarch, Harlan (Holt McCallany), recovering from multiple heart attacks (not helped by his predilection for impromptu punching sessions with his son), they resort to drug smuggling courtesy of a surprising face (belonging to Topher Grace). For more glossy, far-fetched US drama, season three of Manifest is now streaming. The Buccaneers AppleTV+, streaming now Apple's answer to Bridgerton (but with bonus Americans) is here with its second season. Exploring the events leading up to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, this heart-rendering documentary reveals decisions by businesses and government that contributed to the tragedy. Somebody Feed Phil Netflix, streaming now This time, Phil visits Amsterdam, Tbilisi, Sydney, Adelaide, Manila, Vegas, Guatemala, San Sebastián and Boston, while enjoying a spot of bone gnawing with Ray Romano and Brad Garrett along the way. The Many Deaths of Nora Dalmasso Netflix, streaming now She wasn't rich, famous, or part of the swinger set. Rather 'a symbol of what happens to those who stray from the patriarchal mould'. In other unsolved murder documentaries on Netflix, we have I'm Your Venus.
The Guardian
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Pushers review – Rosie Jones's hilarious disability drug sitcom is pure silliness
Disabled people are routinely ignored, underestimated, overlooked and patronised. The perfect drug dealers, in other words. This is the gratifyingly sardonic concept behind comedian Rosie Jones's new sitcom – co-written with Veep's Peter Fellows – in which she stars as Emily Dawkins, a woman with cerebral palsy whose benefits are senselessly cut by the DWP. After a humiliating work capability assessment, she runs into old school mate Ewen in the loos. Once he remembers who she is (no, not the woman he shagged in the Co-op store room), Ewen is delighted to see her again – 'I thought you died!' – and is soon offering Emily 50 quid to deliver a mysterious package for him. Initially Emily declines; too dodgy. But with the prospect of an actual paycheck from her charity work dwindling, she reluctantly gets on with the job – and is pleasantly surprised to find that her disability allows her to get away with murder. Well, distributing cocaine, at any rate. Such a premise – impoverished disabled woman cornered into dealing drugs to survive contemporary Britain – could have produced an incredibly bleak show; criminal gangs do regularly exploit disabled people for financial gain. Yet Pushers comprehensively swerves sincere social commentary. Rather than being used by Ewen, Emily quickly becomes the enterprise's driving force. While her childhood pal wants to shift the £500k worth of cocaine he has somehow acquired, then bow out of the game for good, his new employee opts to diversify into the heinous synthetic street drug spice behind his back. She also insists on recruiting a team to distribute the drugs faster. Two are sourced from Wee CU, the disabled-toilet-monitoring charity Emily volunteers for: Harry (Ruben Reuter), a dance lover with Down's syndrome, and the stern, ruthless and neurodiverse-coded Hope (a brilliant performance from Libby Mai), who is keen to get stuck in (her qualifications include being 'the treasurer of the official The Bill fanclub' and spending '42% of my spare time playing drug dealer simulations'). Emily also brings in local alcoholic Sean (Jon Furlong), who passes his days scaring the public by ranting to himself in the street. After Ewen insists his tough-as-old-boots mum be involved too, their crack team is complete. The other thing that prevents Pushers from straying into seriousness is Ewen himself (Ryan McParland), whose astonishing stupidity suffuses the entire series. Physically, McParland bears more than a passing resemblance to the American comedian Tim Robinson, whose unhinged performances in his Netflix series I Think You Should Leave breathed new life into the sketch genre. The actor seems to be channelling a similar comic vibe too: Ewen is loud, weird and unpredictably intense. The individual jokes designed to demonstrate his idiocy might seem hacky on paper – 'name me one person who has ever died from drugs?!' – but McParland's exaggerated gormlessness makes such lines giddily funny. As Emily, Jones tones down her natural exuberance slightly – she is the straight woman to Ewen and his bonkers malapropisms and misapprehensions. Yet she's still an agent of farce; in all the many, many TV shows about drug dealing I have watched over the years, I can safely say I have never seen so much spilt cocaine in my life. And as hinted by the flash forward at the start of episode one – in which Emily is pursued through a hospital by a glowering gangster, before running straight into a doctor holding an open blood bag – no matter how dark things get, silliness still dominates. The first couple of episodes of Pushers are absorbing and frequently hilarious. Jones's ability to joke about disability is unparalleled ('I didn't breathe for 17 minutes' is how she explains the origin of her cerebral palsy to her benefits assessor. 'I really wouldn't recommend it'). And she is careful to ensure Emily's responses to Ewen are priceless in themselves. Yet as the series progresses, the comedy is overshadowed by a narrative that becomes increasingly hard to make sense of. Alongside the antics of Emily's unwieldy criminal crew, both she and Ewen have romantic subplots, with the former developing a confusingly chaste entanglement with Jo, her Insta-glam boss at Wee CU, who dangles payment and sex in front of Emily like two ghostly carrots. What's more, our hero's sudden switch from reluctant dealer to gang mastermind is never fully explained: did her conscience just evaporate? Meanwhile, the slapstick and cartoonish inanity do start to wear thin after a while. Although its lack of sentimentality and commitment to hard comedy is admirable, Pushers still could have done with leaning a little further into the scathing satire promised by its setup. Instead, what we ultimately get is a gag-strewn, generally lighthearted portrayal of small-town turf wars. Jones's action-sitcom certainly has its moments, but it could have had slightly more bite. Pushers is on Channel 4 now
