Latest news with #Scots
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Why Celtic's Lisbon Lions provide an important lesson for Scottish football
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox 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... John Clark was a defender at the heart of the success of Celtic's Lisbon Lions who, in 1967, became the first UK side to win the European Cup. Following his death at the age of 84, current Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said that greatness was a word people tended to throw around but, for Clark, it was 'a very fitting tribute'. 'John was instrumental in delivering our greatest day ever and his achievement is forever etched in Celtic's proud history,' he added. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lisbon Lions legend John Clark has died. | Getty Images Clark was born in 1941 in Chapelhall, near Airdrie, and, famously, all the Lions were born within a 30-mile radius of Celtic Park. This should provide a lesson for modern-day clubs. For, while it may be unlikely that a club team made up entirely of Scots will ever again win a major European trophy, nurturing the stars of the future must always be a priority.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Ukrainian refugee attacked after secret affair exposed – but furious Scots host stands by love-rat boyfriend
The Ukrainian moved in with the couple after fleeing to Scotland to escape war FORBIDDEN LVIV Ukrainian refugee attacked after secret affair exposed – but furious Scots host stands by love-rat boyfriend Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CHICKEN factory worker threw boiling coffee in the face of her refugee lodger for having a fling with her boyfriend — but revealed she is standing by him and wants to have his baby. Miaoro Sosu, 42, attacked Liudmyla Furnika, 49, after her affair with love rat Cristian Maftei, 43, was exposed but has vowed to stand by him. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Cheating Maftei and Sosu say they have plans to marry after she was this week spared jail for the scalding at Perth Sheriff Court Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing 4 Liudmyla Furnika, pictured, was attacked after her affair with the love rat was exposed Credit: Facebook / Lyudmila Mykhaylova The Ukrainian moved in with the couple after fleeing to Scotland to escape war. Cheating Maftei and Sosu say they have plans to marry after she was this week spared jail for the scalding at Perth Sheriff Court. Sosu told The Scottish Sun: 'I want to have a baby now. 'I think we will get married. 'For a long time I wanted to have a baby but he lost his battery. 'If she never came here none of this would have happened. 'There was a reason for it. 'We want to start over.' Sosu and farm worker Maftei had been together more than a decade when they welcomed Ms Furnika to their flat in Coupar Angus, Perthshire. The two women became close and would eat together with the host saying she cooked for her guest 'many times'. Jilted husband punched cheating wife's new lover after catching them in bed then 'threatened to burn down marital home' They even ended up working in the same plant on opposite shifts. But within weeks of her arrival, the refugee and Maftei had begun a secret affair. Sosu — who arrived in Scotland nine years ago from Craiova, Romania — discovered the truth months later and cornered her friend in the kitchen of their top-floor flat. She punched Ms Furnika repeatedly on the head before being dragged away by her unfaithful boyfriend who told her to 'relax'. Sosu threw hot coffee in her face in the incident in October 2023. The pair say the victim has since moved out but lives nearby and they often see her in the street but 'do not talk'. 4 The Ukrainian moved in with the couple after fleeing to Scotland to escape war Credit: Facebook / Lyudmila Mykhaylova 4 Sosu revealed she is standing by her boyfriend and wants to have his baby Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing Maftei, from Constanta, Romania, said: 'I have learned a lesson. 'I think Miaoro and I will get married, one day it will happen.' Sosu was ordered to carry out 225 hours' unpaid work and pay her victim £1,000 in compensation. She said: 'It is the only time I have ever been in trouble. 'It is too much money. 'It is not fair.'
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
‘It's a miracle he survived', hillwalker plunges 160ft in horror sheer drop fall on Scots mountain
'Where he fell has almost certain fatal consequences. He was very lucky indeed' RESCUE MISSION 'It's a miracle he survived', hillwalker plunges 160ft in horror sheer drop fall on Scots mountain Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HILLWALKER has baffled rescuers after miraculously surviving plunging more than 160 feet in Glen Coe. The man in his 30s fell from a precarious ledge over 1600 feet up an iconic Scottish mountain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The man in his 30s fell from a precarious ledge over 1600 feet up an iconic Scottish mountain Rescuers said he faced a sheer drop fall with 'almost certain fatal consequences'. The man was with a group on Gearr Aonach, the middle of the Three Sisters range in Glen Coe. But he fell in an area known as The Zig Zags last weekend. Five members of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team were scrambled while another rescue was happening at the same time in Glen Etive – and what turned out to be the third in a day. 'He fell on a vertical drop of 164 feet,' said deputy team leader Brian Bathurst. 'It has become a particular accident blackspot – with three call outs recently to that same spot. It appears people are misjudging the junction. 'He hit a ledge on the way down and suffered multiple injuries and was in a critical condition. It is a miracle he survived. It is very rocky terrain. 'Where he fell has almost certain fatal consequences. He was very lucky indeed.' An Inverness-based coastguard search and rescue helicopter flew the walker to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. His condition is unknown but is no longer life threatening. Watch shock moment couple cheat death as they fall off 5,000ft mountain while taking risky shortcut to avoid queue The team was so short-handed that day that veteran rescuer Ronnie Rogers, who is in his 70s, helped out with the Glen Etive rescue involving a man who suffered broken ribs after falling into a burn. 'Knowing we were going to be short handed, Ronnie once again laced up his boots and raced into the Glen to help despite the fact that after 50 years he officially 'retired' from front line team duties in November 2022,' added Mr Bathurst. 'He is a legend. Since stepping back, Ronnie has helped with team callouts by calling team members on the phone to deploy them to incidents so was well aware that help was needed that day. 'We would like to wish all the casualties well in their recovery and as always a huge thank you to the helicopter crews and everyone else involved.'
National Geographic
5 hours ago
- Business
- National Geographic
Everything you need to know about Scottish whisky
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). These days, every nation is discovering whisky distillation, but the global superstars are without doubt the Scottish. With a production history dating back to the 15th century, the country has spent hundreds of years perfecting distillation and wood-ageing. Along with heritage, it's the variety that sets the Scots and their scotch apart from other whiskies worldwide. The spirit is produced in every corner of the country, and there are complex contrasts between, say, an eye-opening Islay whisky, something sweet from Speyside or the lighter lowland styles. Meanwhile, blended whisky takes the array of single malts and combines them with innovative results. The flavour spectrum runs from warm wood and smoke to cereals, biscuits, honey, fresh and spiced fruit and floral notes, so there's a prospect for every palate here. Strict legislation has also helped the industry deliver consistent quality, and while traditional techniques are at the artisan heart of scotch, there have been more recent sparks of innovation. Wood finishes have become more interesting, for example, where the whisky is rested for a final spell in different kinds of oak, with port, Maderia or Burgundy barrels being employed. Such experiments have elevated the spirit's profile again and can make it accessible for a broader spectrum of drinkers. Dram Bar in London pours up an almond and pineapple cocktail using the Craigellachie whisky with its cereal and meaty notes. What is single malt Scottish whisky? This simply means the whisky must be produced in a single distillery, and in the case of scotch, distilled from malted and then fermented barley. The difference between single malt and blended scotch is that the latter is combination of single malts from many distilleries. Rather than simply malted barley, it can also include a different grain distillate. In all cases, to be considered scotch it must be distilled and matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years and bottled there at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). How does it compare to other varieties around the world? The Japanese initially worshiped and indeed mimicked scotch, and while you'll find fresh, innovative voices there now, there are many similarities in flavours. But since the Scots came first, they have a few centuries on the Japanese whisky-makers, having learned from mistakes, and spent decades testing wood styles, learning about the nuances of ageing, advancing the science of distillation and judging the impact of still shape on distillation. The Irish triple distil and produce smoother styles — they invented whiskey and spell it with the 'e'. They were once the market leader but initially stuck with their pot stills and turned their back on the column still, a technology ushered in in the 19th century that distilled spirit quicker and cheaper. The Irish were concerned the lighter style of spirit it produced would put drinkers off, but the Scots embraced this technology (also known as the continuous still) for their blended whisky and it helped brands like Johnnie Walker become global powerhouses. However, the Irish industry has been flourishing recently, so keep an eye on whiskeys from the Emerald Isle. The Americans play with grains, and in the case of straight bourbon use corn as the dominant ingredient and age the spirit in new American oak. It's a much sweeter whisky, but there's variety here, too, including single malts and — something spicier — American straight rye. There's also an interesting movement in 'world whisky', with the Austalians, Germans, Scandinavians and even English enjoying plaudits from the purists. Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish Highlands has the tallest stills in the industry, which creates a lighter spirit. Photograph by Glenmorangie Distillery What are some traditional names to look out for? Speyside is the heartland of Scotch, with a higher density of distilleries than anywhere else, and a water source that imparts a sweeter profile. Approachable crowd-pleasers like The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich or sherry-forward The Macallan will be familiar to most — but branch out to Glenfarclas to see a whisky maker take a sherry profile in a different direction or the complex Craigellachie for its cereal and meaty notes. In the Highlands, Glenmorangie has the tallest stills in the industry, which creates a lighter spirit. The company has also been celebrated for innovation in wood finished spirits. For the more experienced palate, head to Islay where firing the malt in kilns fuelled with local peat bestows bold, smoky notes. Lagavulin is the ideal introduction with a slightly richer and sweeter smoke versus Laphroaig for the bigger iodine notes. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker remains the reliable stalwart of traditional blending, with master blender Emma Walker — a former pharmaceutical chemist who has no relation to the family-founded brand — is celebrated in the whisky world. What are the new-wave whiskies of note? There has been a raft of new Scottish distilleries opening in the past 20 years, and many are now producing stunning spirits. Torbhaig on the Isle of Skye was the first new distillery on the island for 190 years and the light, peaty and maritime whiskies from here are absolute belters. NcNean has pushed boundaries of sustainability with its Organic Single Malt, a lighter and spicier spirit that's been rested in red wine casks. And Highland newcomer Ardnamurchan is a true gem. Based on the Western edge of Scotland, it's been seriously impressing whisky fans since releasing its first bottle in 2020. And the one to watch? That would be Dalmunach, in Speyside. The distillery only opened in 2014, and is already turning out incredible whisky, including 2024's six-year-old releases. In the world of blended whisky, Compass Box deserves credit for shaking things up by being incredibly transparent about the types and ages of whisky it uses. And in terms of new kids on the block, try bottlings from both Turntable and Woven — both producers are proving truly innovative with their small-batch, blending approach. By focusing on limited editions rather than one style, they've explored a wide range of flavour profiles and are attracting a younger audience to the category. A variety of whiskies are offered at Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands. Photograph by Thirsa Nijwening Does age matter? Yes. It determines the minimum amount of time a whisky spends in a barrel. And wood maturation is critical to aroma and flavour, so any decent single malt is likely to have spent more time in the barrel than the requisite three years. The longer whisky spends in the barrel, the more colour the whisky takes on and the more influence the wood has on aroma and flavour. But older isn't necessarily better. Too much time in wood can adulterate the house style of a new-make whisky distillate, so it's about balance. For example, the Dalmunach 6 Year Old is an example of something young that can impress. In more recent years, dwindling stocks of single malt have led to the emergence of No Age Statement whiskies, allowing a producer to blend different ages and styles but still deliver a tasty single malt. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker Blue includes 60-year-old whiskies in the blend, so it doesn't always follow that a number on the bottle is the entire story. What is the most authentic way to drink it? Whisky snobs are a dying breed, yet some will still tell you not to add anything to your whisky. But drink it any way you see fit — it's your whisky. However, neat and at room temperature is an essential starting point to understand the flavour. Adding a little water is accepted by the traditionalists and opens some more of the aroma and flavour — and it's also essential with a cask strength whisky at 57% abv. It's true that the chill from added ice will restrict and suppress some of the flavours, but if you like ice in a spirit, then add ice. And know that whisky makes fantastic cocktails, one of the best serves you can try is a highball: simply whisky over ice in a tall glass, topped with soda water. The Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands is hidden at canal level and built into an arched former wharf storeroom. Photograph by Thirsa Nijwening Where are the best places to try it? A distillery visit is essential to really getting to know the spirit — and falling for its charms. And many producers provide engaging experiences. Talisker in Skye offers some of the best tours and tastings, although its worth noting the tourist numbers are putting a strain on the island. Easily accessible, the Bow Bar in Edinburgh is an essential whisky pub experience, while the city's glitzier Johnnie Walker Princess Street experience is the Malt Disney of whisky tours. And you don't necessarily need to head north; most major cities now have a great whisky bar. Take The Malt Vault in Utrecht, Netherlands — a fantastic gem, hidden at canal level and built into an arched former wharf storeroom. Elsewhere, Dram, in London is an innovative spot that proves whisky cocktails deserve respect. The Thinking Drinkers are Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, award-winning alcohol experts who have recently embarked on The Great British Pub Ride, cycling 1,000 miles on a tandem, stopping only in pubs. Visit YouTube to see the journey. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
How a UK national ID card would 'stop the boats'
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox 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... The long days of summer bring another high tide of small boats across the English Channel, despite renewed efforts by the Labour government to stem the numbers. Some 17,000 have already made the crossing this year with the Prime Minister admitting the situation is 'deteriorating'. For the first time, immigration has been ranked amongst the top five concerns for Scots even though numbers coming here have traditionally been much lower. According to the polls, no politician can afford to ignore this issue. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With a falling birth rate, Scotland has specific migration needs but they can only be met through a system that is regulated, transparent and understood. Migrants abandon a people-smugglers' boat after it was punctured with a knife by French police to stop them attempting to cross the English Channel from a beach at Gravelines, near Dunkirk (Picture: Sameer Al-Doumy) | AFP via Getty Images Social media surveillance Everyone who comes to this country, legally or illegally, does so for their own personal reasons. It might be the search for a better life and the opportunities available in a safe and secure country. It might be the pull of our language. It might be a welfare system more generous than elsewhere but there is another vital factor as well. The UK is one of the few countries in the world without a system of national identity cards. In some places, they are voluntary, in others mandatory, but the argument against them is out of date. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Civil liberties organisations used to fear the level of surveillance and control this would allow over individual citizens. That day is gone. Now Mark Zuckerberg knows what you think via social media, while Jeff Bezos has the lowdown on what you buy. Marks and Spencer probably knows your inside leg measurement. We're also one of the world's most surveilled countries with more than five million cameras on buses, in shops and offices, and even in our own doorbells. So what difference would identity cards make? Right now some estimates suggest the shadow migrant economy built around casual employment in places like car washes, nail bars, barber shops and fast-food outlets could amount 10 per cent of our GDP. Without a system for verifying identity, shutting it down is a mammoth task requiring the background of every individual to be checked. Biometric identity cards would change that overnight. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Uniform system across EU The lack of a system of identity verification is another unwitting consequence of Brexit. All 27 EU countries how have a uniform system with Portugal and Bulgaria the latest to sign up. The presence of a carte d'identite in France seems to be a key factor in pushing individuals to the Channel and the route to the UK where it's much easier to disappear from the scrutiny of the state. We've been here before. More than 20 years ago, an experimental system of ID cards was introduced but then dropped because of opposition from civil liberty campaigners. However that was long before the migration numbers we see today with the knock-on effects they have. According to former Home Secretary David Blunkett, the small boats scandal would never have happened if the government had persevered with that scheme because the requirement to have an ID card to work, claim benefits or receive healthcare would have been a big disincentive to people coming here in the first place.
