Latest news with #Greig
STV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Council in talks for Tall Ships return after festival success
While the Tall Ships may have only departed Aberdeen two days ago, the council has confirmed it is already in talks for their triumphant return. Lib Dem councillor Martin Greig is head of Aberdeen's Tall Ships organising committee and Aberdeen City Council's culture spokesperson. He revealed the local authority has been in discussions with Sail Training International, but admits it is 'too early to say' when the festival can return. However, he believes that Aberdeen would be a 'natural choice' as a future host, but only if they put together a strong enough case for it. Mr Greig said: 'It appears that organisers were pleased with the high level of participation and the high quality of the festival that we presented. 'I think we waited too long to bring the Tall Ships back after 28 years, so we're definitely going to have a shorter wait. 'But we still have to weigh up and speak to Sail Training International about the appropriate time to do so.' The Tall Ships are already booked up for the next three years, with the race plans already published online. But does this mean that they could return in four years' time? While Mr Greig was wary to mention a specific time, he said: 'We would need to wait a reasonable timescale before bringing them back. 'The festival requires a very significant financial and resource investment from the council and from sponsors and partners, so we'd have to carefully evaluate what is possible. 'It's very clear that there is an enormous desire to bring this celebration back to the city. 'There will obviously be very carefully evaluated assessments of the cultural, social and economic impacts of the festival. 'Once we've got that data, evidence and feedback, we'll be in a better position to decide and plan for the future of the Tall Ships and the Festival of the Sea.' Following the massive success of this year's festival, Mr Greig believes Aberdeen has what it takes to host it once again. 'There's clearly enthusiasm for this kind of event, and we have proven that the city is good at welcoming people and putting on a show,' he stated. 'The Tall Ships has offered a very wide variety of activities that we've put on, from the large-scale concerts, a cultural music singing programme and storytelling. 'There's been a carnival atmosphere so we've been inventive, and that's paid off in providing a wide-ranging array of fun and activities and learning opportunities.' Mr Greig also welcomed the 'unprecedented' involvement by local businesses, community groups, organisations, schools, sports clubs, and even residents themselves. 'It's been great to bring people from around the world to Aberdeen, and the people of the city have demonstrated their hospitality and given a very strong, friendly welcome to visitors.' While the Tall Ships festival's events and activities were a huge success, the positive outcomes didn't end there. Around 250 trainees from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire were able to go on the vessels to learn about sailing and maritime teamwork. The council was also inundated with applications from those looking to volunteer over the weekend; however, only a certain number were selected. Mr Greig commented: 'It demonstrates that we've got a very considerable capacity of people who want to be involved. 'Also the generosity of local businesses sponsoring, supporting and giving all kinds of help to make Tall Ships a success has been vital. 'It's been a community-based activity, and that solidarity from everyone in the city has been humbling. 'It makes you proud of our city that everyone has felt involved,' he added. But while we wait for any announcements, there may be opportunities for Aberdeen to welcome one-off visits from the ships. For example, the port welcomed the Indonesian Navy's newest and largest sail training ship, the Bima Suci, back in 2023 ahead of the festival. 'We have been able to enjoy spectacular visits, and we should be doing what we can to roll out the red carpet for our naval and other visits to the city,' Mr Greig said. The Hazlehead, Queen's Cross and Countesswells member was also delighted to hear that no arrests had been made over the four-day festival. 'There were huge crowds, hundreds of thousands of people in the city centre, but the atmosphere was always good-natured. 'The mood was really positive with friendly, smiling faces and laughter.' He added: 'It was just a marvellous time with wonderful happy memories.' 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
Sky News AU
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'I understand': Mel Greig breaks silence on former radio co-host Michael Christian's decision to sue Southern Cross Austereo over Royal prank fallout
Radio host Mel Greig has spoken out on her former co-host Michael Christian's decision to sue their employer at the time over claims he was abandoned in the aftermath of a prank call that triggered international headlines and a tragic loss of life. Greig and Christian were co-hosts on Sydney's 2Day FM when, on December 4, 2012, they made a prank call to London's King Edward VII Hospital, where Princess Catherine, then pregnant with Prince George, was being treated for severe morning sickness. The pre-recorded call involved the pair impersonating King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II using exaggerated British accents. Nurse Jacintha Saldanha, believing the call to be genuine, transferred them to another nurse who disclosed private medical information. Days later, Ms Saldanha took her own life, sparking a wave of public outrage and intense media scrutiny. Christian has now launched legal action in the Federal Court, alleging former employers Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) failed to support him or provide a safe workplace. His lawyers argue both he and Greig were left to face "relentless public vitriol, harassment and abuse" following the incident. Breaking her silence on the lawsuit, Greig issued a statement via Instagram Stories. "I understand why Michael is choosing to go down this path," she wrote on Tuesday. "Whilst there are various reasons we may never be able to speak our entire truth on all that occurred, I do hope that the continued attention on this tragic incident results in substantial reforms in the way media produce content and support their staff, so that something like this never happens again. "My thoughts and support as always are with the Saldanha family." Greig also shared a screenshot of Lewis Capaldi's song 'Survive', adding: "This @lewiscapaldi it's always worth the fight". Two hours later, she posted again to thank friends and followers for their support. "Today has absolutely knocked me around," she said. "For those who think that this was a two-day media story. No. 12 years later here we are." Following the tragic incident, Greig struggled to re-enter the radio industry and now works in public relations and as a columnist for Yahoo and Mamma Mia. In 2013, she sued SCA for failing to provide a safe workplace. As part of the settlement, the broadcaster publicly stated she was not responsible for the decision to air the hoax call and had in fact advised against broadcasting it in its original form. In 2023, Greig revealed she continues to live with the psychological aftermath of the event. "I thought everybody was trying to kill me. For three weeks I was so paranoid, I was hallucinating. I'd wake up and see people standing at the end of my bed," she told 9Honey. "I suppressed it and suppressed it, and then I had an absolute mental breakdown. I ended up in a mental health recovery house for a week, and I was diagnosed with delayed PTSD. "Back then, I didn't care if people did want to kill me, because I felt I deserved it. But now that I want to live, I'm reliving that trauma in a different way." Meanwhile, Christian, who had joined 2Day FM just two days before the prank, remained with the network for several years before being made redundant. He has since filed suit in the Federal Court. Court documents allege SCA failed to take "immediate public accountability" for the prank and instead "allowed Mr Christian and Ms Greig to be left exposed to relentless public vitriol, harassment and abuse, including death threats". "The radio presenters were left by SCA as the convenient fall guys and scapegoats for SCA management decisions and non-compliance," the documents state. Mr Christian's legal team claims he delayed taking action because SCA had assured him it would help restore his reputation- a promise he says was never fulfilled. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
9 News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 9 News
Former radio host sues broadcaster over infamous 2012 royal prank
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here A radio host who took part in a 2012 prank call to a London hospital where Kate Middleton was being treated is taking legal action against his former employer. Michael Christian and Mel Greig were presenting on 2Day FM, owned by Southern Cross Austereo, on December 4, 2012, when they made a call to King Edward VII hospital and obtained private medical information about the now-Princess of Wales. During the pre-recorded call, Christian and Greig impersonated King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II. Former 2Day FM hosts Michael Christian and Mel Greig. (AAP) Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who transferred the call, took her own life several days later. Christian is now suing SCA for physical and psychological distress and alleges he and his co-host Greig were "left exposed to relentless public vitriol, harassment and abuse" following Saldanha's death. Christian started as a presenter on Sydney's 2Day FM just two days before the incident. He alleges the pair initially objected to making the call and then to broadcasting the recording, however said their concerns fell on deaf ears. "The radio presenters were hung out to dry by SCA as the convenient fall guys and scapegoats," Christian's legal team Harmers Workplace Lawyers said in a statement. "Michael continues to suffer severe mental health issues as a result of the continuing public backlash, all these years later." His lawyers allege Christian's career suffered as a result of the backlash. Christian and Greig on A Current Affair. (ACA) He claims his employers assured him the broadcaster would help restore his reputation and rebuild his career. The former host alleges SCA instead "marginalised" him, blocked him from major presenting opportunities and prevented him from speaking about the royal prank. "As a naive 26-year-old, he believed them, that he would be looked after, and so did not take legal action. He was wrong," his lawyers said. Until now, Christian has never spoken publicly about what happened behind the scenes of the prank call. Christian left SCA in February after his employment was terminated and alleges he was asked to sign a legal deed to prevent him from speaking out, which he refused. He is suing the media giant under the Fair Work Act, the Corporations Act as a whistleblower and under the Common Law Act for breach of contract. The matter has not yet appeared before the Federal Court. In a statement to Southern Cross Austereo said: "As the matter is currently before the courts, and out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time." Nine, the owner of this masthead, owns radio assets 3AW, 2GB, 4BC and 6PR. Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636. media Australia Radio national Royals CONTACT US Auto news: Jaguar continues testing with controversial looks.
Courier-Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Former 2Day FM radio host Michael Christian sues Southern Cross Austereo over royal prank
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News. An Australian radio personality at the centre of the 2012 royal prank that ended in tragedy has launched legal action against Southern Cross Austereo (SCA). Michael Christian was presenting on 2Day FM at the time with co-host Mel Greig when they made the phone call to a London hospital to inquire about Princess Catherine – then the Duchess of Cambridge – who was admitted for severe morning sickness ahead of the birth of her and Prince William's first child, Prince George. Christian alleges he was ordered by the 2Day FM production team to make the hoax call to King Edward VII hospital while impersonating the then-Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth to try to get detailed information about the duchess. Former 2Day FM radio hosts Michael Christian and Mel Greig copped severe backlash for their infamous royal prank in 2012. Their call was transferred by a nurse named Jacintha Saldanha to the duchess' nurse, who then shared the royal's private medical information on air. Saldanha sadly took her life days after the prank call, and both Christian and Greig copped widespread backlash over the prank. Now, more than a decade after the infamous incident, Christian is suing 2Day FM broadcaster SCA in the federal court, claiming the network let the hosts be the 'fall guys', which negatively impacted their careers. The Aussie radio duo called the King Edward VII hospital in London where Prince William's wife Princess Catherine was being treated for acute morning sickness. Picture: Indigo/Getty Images 'SCA did not immediately take public accountability for the incident, but rather allowed Mr Christian and Ms Greig to be left exposed to relentless public vitriol, harassment and abuse, including death threats,' his lawyers wrote in the court documents. 'The radio presenters were left by SCA as the convenient fall guys and scapegoats for SCA management decisions and noncompliance.' The hoax call turned to tragedy when a nurse who picked up the phone call took her own life days later. Christian – who was just two days into the job at the time – claimed the company had promised to provide support to the 'shock jocks' if the prank ever went too far. He says the broadcaster told him in 2013 that they would help restore his reputation and rebuild his career, and he felt let down when SCA did not keep their word. 'As the matter is currently before the courts, and out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time,' an SCA spokesperson told on Tuesday morning. After the backlash, Christian and Greig appeared on a series on TV interviews on which they said they were 'gutted, shattered and heartbroken'. 'I'm very sorry and saddened for the family, and I can't imagine what they've been going through,' Greig said on Today Tonight at the time. 'For the part we played, we're incredibly sorry,' Christian added. In the new court docs, Christian alleges he suffered physical and psychological injury, hurt, humiliation and distress and is seeking penalties, compensation for economic loss and damages. In 2013, Greig filed a similar claim against SCA with Fair Work Australia, accusing them of failing to maintain a safe workplace. The case was 'amicably resolved' and Greig later resigned from the network. As for Christian, he stayed on with the network until he was made redundant in February this year. Originally published as Former 2Day FM radio host sues Southern Cross Austereo over infamous royal prank
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
East Calder site manager recognised by NHBC for raising standards in house building
A site manager at a housing development in East Calder has been recognised as one of the best in the UK after winning a top housing industry award. 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... Greig Donaldson, who works for Robertson Homes at its Almondell developmentin West Lothian,is celebrating their Pride in the Job 2025 Quality Award from NHBC, the UK's largest provider of new home warranties and insurance. Now in its 45th year and widely considered the 'Oscars' of the house-building industry, Pride in the Job celebrates site managers' dedication to raising standards in house building, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Judging is rigorous, with assessment across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety. Thousands of inspections, with meticulous scoring and detailed verifications, have taken place to determine the 450 winners from a field of circa 8,200 sites, representing the top 5% of UK site managers. Greig is a site manager at Robertson Homes' Almondell development Celebrating Greig's success, John Murphy, managing director at Robertson Homes, said: 'We are immensely proud of Greig and our construction team at Almondell. 'Building homes to the highest quality standards, in a respectful and considerate manner is at the heart of everything we do at Robertson Homes and for this to be recognised by the NHBC is testament to their skill and attention to detail. It is also great news for all our customers in West Lothian to know their new homes are being constructed by such a committed and dedicated team.' Commenting on the awards, Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC said: 'Congratulations to Greig, who has demonstrated the dedication, passion and leadership skills necessary to deliver new homes to exacting construction quality standards. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Thousands of outstanding site managers have made their mark on the industry in the 45 years Pride in the Job has been running. This continued focus on excellence is vital to support the Government's 1.5 million new homes target and to ensure that all housing is built to the quality owners and occupiers should expect.' Greig Donaldson, a site manager at Robertson Homes' Almondell development in East Calder has won a top UK award Pride in the Job has five categories: small, medium and large builders, plus multi-storey for projects up to seven storeys and high-rise for projects more than seven storeys. The Quality Award winners will now go on to compete for Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards in the autumn, with the national Supreme Award winners unveiled in January 2026.
