Latest news with #Stirling
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Mouat: We're missing Olympic gold and we're desperate to put it right
30-year-old Mouat and his teammates of Grant Hardie, Bobby Lammie and Hammy McMillan have, over the past year in particular, established themselves as the standout men's curling team on the planet. Their most recent season, which came to a close at the end of April, was literally history-making. Team Mouat became the first curling team ever to win four Grand Slam of Curling titles in one season and added to that, they became world champions for the second time, reclaiming the title they won in 2023. Bruce Mouat and his team had what he describes as an almost perfect season last season (Image: JUSSI NUKARI/ Getty Images) It's the kind of season even the most optimistic would have been wary about hoping for and Mouat admits even he was taken aback somewhat by his and his teammates ability to continue notching up win after win. 'It's an incredible thing to have people talk about how successful our season was but for us, the season was actually a bit of a blur. We went from event to event and just kept winning,' the skip from Stirling says. 'To keep coming away with titles was just incredible - we were riding this amazing wave of momentum and confidence. We had a bit of a blip at the Scottish Championships (where Team Mouat lost in the final to compatriots, Team Whyte) but apart from that it was pretty close to a perfect season for us. 'We were taking so much self-belief and self-confidence into each game and every tournament, we knew that if we played our best, our chances of winning were pretty high, which is a nice feeling to have.' With his medals from last season safely tucked away in his trophy cabinet, Mouat's sights are now set on filling the one last gap in his résumé. Having won multiple European, World and Grand Slam titles, as well as Olympic silver, the only thing missing from Mouat's CV is Olympic gold. That's something he's hoping to rectify in the very near future. The four members of Team Mouat, plus alternate Kyle Waddell, have become the first athletes selected for Team GB for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which will take place in February of next year. Such early confirmation of the fact they're heading to their second Olympic Games gives Mouat and his teammates the luxury of being able to focus purely on how to be at their best when the most prestigious event in the curling calendar rolls around. Heading into Olympic season as clear favourites for Olympic gold is a high-pressure position in which to be but it's one in which Mouat feels entirely comfortable. 'Being selected this early takes a little bit of the pressure off and gives us seven months of planning to get it right so we can make sure we peak just when we need to,' he says. 'Knowing that we're going to our second Olympics is, in itself, very exciting but we're going there to try and win. Olympic gold is the one thing we're missing so hopefully we can play our best when it matters. 'Having the number one ranking does put a target on your back but it's also nice to know that we have the ability to beat all the teams we play against - that's a comforting feeling. 'We feel fine about the pressure on us. What's a nice feeling is knowing that we have the upper hand mentally because all the other teams know they'll have to play one of their best games ever to beat us - I always like going into games knowing that.' With Team Mouat having won silver in their last Olympic outing, at Beijing 2022, Mouat is determined to go one better this time around and with selection for the mixed doubles at Milan-Cortina alongside Jen Dodds looking likely, he'll be in the unique and fortunate position of having the potential of winning two Olympic gold medals and replicating two of his very earliest Olympic memories. Team Mouat won silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics (Image: Getty Images) 'My first Olympic memory is Dame Kelly Holmes winning her two Olympic golds in 2004. By 2008, I was really into swimming so I remember watching Rebecca Adlington win her two gold medals in the pool,' he says. 'It's amazing to think I could potentially have the same success as they had. Obviously winning two golds is the absolute dream but I know how much work it will take to get to that point. I'm very willing to do the work over the next six months, though, and I am hoping to emulate their achievements and do what I dreamt of as a kid." Mouat has never been one to get ahead of himself but with the prospect of winning Olympic gold certain to be very much be in the forefront of his mind over the coming months, he has allowed himself to ponder what it would feel like to call himself and his teammates Olympic champions. 'When we first got together as a team, our long-term goal was always to win the Olympics,' he says. 'We got very close last time and came away disappointed that we didn't get over the line so we put a plan in place for the next four years to go one better and now we know we have the opportunity to do that. 'We've won two world titles to get to this point and we've put ourself in the right place to achieve Olympic gold. It would mean everything to become Olympic champions, and it'd feel like the last eight years has been worth all the blood, sweat and tears.'
The National
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Mouat: We're missing Olympic gold and we're desperate to put it right
It's a standing few athletes can even dream about but for Bruce Mouat and his Team Mouat teammates, it's exactly where they are. 30-year-old Mouat and his teammates of Grant Hardie, Bobby Lammie and Hammy McMillan have, over the past year in particular, established themselves as the standout men's curling team on the planet. Their most recent season, which came to a close at the end of April, was literally history-making. Team Mouat became the first curling team ever to win four Grand Slam of Curling titles in one season and added to that, they became world champions for the second time, reclaiming the title they won in 2023. Bruce Mouat and his team had what he describes as an almost perfect season last season (Image: JUSSI NUKARI/ Getty Images) It's the kind of season even the most optimistic would have been wary about hoping for and Mouat admits even he was taken aback somewhat by his and his teammates ability to continue notching up win after win. 'It's an incredible thing to have people talk about how successful our season was but for us, the season was actually a bit of a blur. We went from event to event and just kept winning,' the skip from Stirling says. 'To keep coming away with titles was just incredible - we were riding this amazing wave of momentum and confidence. We had a bit of a blip at the Scottish Championships (where Team Mouat lost in the final to compatriots, Team Whyte) but apart from that it was pretty close to a perfect season for us. 'We were taking so much self-belief and self-confidence into each game and every tournament, we knew that if we played our best, our chances of winning were pretty high, which is a nice feeling to have.' With his medals from last season safely tucked away in his trophy cabinet, Mouat's sights are now set on filling the one last gap in his résumé. Having won multiple European, World and Grand Slam titles, as well as Olympic silver, the only thing missing from Mouat's CV is Olympic gold. That's something he's hoping to rectify in the very near future. The four members of Team Mouat, plus alternate Kyle Waddell, have become the first athletes selected for Team GB for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which will take place in February of next year. Such early confirmation of the fact they're heading to their second Olympic Games gives Mouat and his teammates the luxury of being able to focus purely on how to be at their best when the most prestigious event in the curling calendar rolls around. Heading into Olympic season as clear favourites for Olympic gold is a high-pressure position in which to be but it's one in which Mouat feels entirely comfortable. 'Being selected this early takes a little bit of the pressure off and gives us seven months of planning to get it right so we can make sure we peak just when we need to,' he says. 'Knowing that we're going to our second Olympics is, in itself, very exciting but we're going there to try and win. Olympic gold is the one thing we're missing so hopefully we can play our best when it matters. 'Having the number one ranking does put a target on your back but it's also nice to know that we have the ability to beat all the teams we play against - that's a comforting feeling. 'We feel fine about the pressure on us. What's a nice feeling is knowing that we have the upper hand mentally because all the other teams know they'll have to play one of their best games ever to beat us - I always like going into games knowing that.' With Team Mouat having won silver in their last Olympic outing, at Beijing 2022, Mouat is determined to go one better this time around and with selection for the mixed doubles at Milan-Cortina alongside Jen Dodds looking likely, he'll be in the unique and fortunate position of having the potential of winning two Olympic gold medals and replicating two of his very earliest Olympic memories. Team Mouat won silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics (Image: Getty Images) 'My first Olympic memory is Dame Kelly Holmes winning her two Olympic golds in 2004. By 2008, I was really into swimming so I remember watching Rebecca Adlington win her two gold medals in the pool,' he says. 'It's amazing to think I could potentially have the same success as they had. Obviously winning two golds is the absolute dream but I know how much work it will take to get to that point. I'm very willing to do the work over the next six months, though, and I am hoping to emulate their achievements and do what I dreamt of as a kid." Mouat has never been one to get ahead of himself but with the prospect of winning Olympic gold certain to be very much be in the forefront of his mind over the coming months, he has allowed himself to ponder what it would feel like to call himself and his teammates Olympic champions. 'When we first got together as a team, our long-term goal was always to win the Olympics,' he says. 'We got very close last time and came away disappointed that we didn't get over the line so we put a plan in place for the next four years to go one better and now we know we have the opportunity to do that. 'We've won two world titles to get to this point and we've put ourself in the right place to achieve Olympic gold. It would mean everything to become Olympic champions, and it'd feel like the last eight years has been worth all the blood, sweat and tears.'
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Double-take as Bothwell twins graduate from same university with same degree
Ben and Nathan McQuaid both completed a BA (Hons) Film and Media. Bothwell twins Ben and Nathan McQuaid prompted a double-take from the audience when they graduated from the same ceremony with the same degree. They crossed the stage at the University of Stirling after completing a BA (Hons) Film and Media. And the talented twins are already working on their first feature film, about aliens in Glasgow. Members of the student filmmaking society AirTV during their time at Stirling, they won a silver and bronze for two of their films at this year's National Television Association Awards. The brothers praised their course leaders for encouraging them to pursue their childhood dream of being filmmakers, and for providing opportunities to meet and learn from leading industry figures, many of whom are Stirling alumni. Ben said: 'Most of the big, up-and-coming Scottish feature filmmakers went to Stirling. It's a good network we have been connected to. There have been a lot of industry nights, and through that we've been mentored by Scottish filmmaker Graham Hughes.' The former Uddingston Grammar School pupils scooped prizes in the National Student Television Association awards earlier in the year at a prestigious event held at Southampton Solent University. The pair won silver in the student screenplay category for 'Ginger Nut', a film they wrote together. The 22-year-old twins also received a bronze award in the documentary section for 'The Airtv Story'. That was a film they made about the 21-year history of Stirling University's television station. Ben was the station manager while Nathan is his deputy. In total, 2157 students graduated from the University of Stirling this week. Four ceremonies were held across two days (June 25-26) as students celebrates their academic achievements alongside their families, friends and university staff. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Stirling new boy keen to make impression on boss second time around
Russell McLean made his Albion debut in the Stirlingshire Cup win over Dumbarton last weekend - and hopes to make an impression on boss Alan Maybury after a difficult time together in the capital. New Stirling Albion forward Russell McLean is on a mission of redemption with boss Alan Maybury as he aims to make his mark in a potent Binos strike force. The towering forward impressed at Forfar last season - including five goals in matches against Stirling - and has been captured to offer a physical dimension to a front line already boasting quality in Dale Carrick, Ryan Shanley, Dale Hilson and fellow arrival Ross Cunningham. The 27-year-old netted seven times for the Loons in the last campaign and has also had stints at Peterhead and Montrose. But his brief time at Edinburgh City - which was marked by a financial collapse at the club - under the now Stirling boss has left a bitter taste in his mouth and a keenness to prove himself this time around. Speaking after making his Binos debut in the 2-0 pre-season win over Dumbarton, McLean said: 'The gaffer signed me at Edinburgh and what happened there happened. 'It wasn't great at that time just with the way the club was and when he spoke to me after the last game of the season [against Forfar], it was a move I was keen to make happen. 'I like working under the gaffer and I probably let myself down when I was at Edinburgh and didn't do as well as I would have liked to there, but he's known me for years and he has trust in what I can do and I'm looking to prove that here.' He is part of impressive recruitment across the board at Forthbank this season, with the returning Lee Hamilton and Kyle Banner joined by Ross McGeachie signing back on for another campaign in a red shirt as the Stirling squad begins to take shape. The Albion faithful were given a flavour of what to expect in an impressive display from McLean as he linked up well with Carrick through the match against the Sons - with the former Airdrie and Hearts forward netted both Stirling goals. 'The Stirlingshire Cup is quite a good thing, an hour is all you need at this stage of pre-season and we played well and kept the ball, so it's a positive - it's all about the fitness. 'I've never played with Dale but having played against him for years, you get an understanding of where he's going to be so that allows me to maybe let one through or flick it around the corner. 'The connection between the forwards we have is only going to get better with games and I imagine that will all have time to play with each other. 'We have a good, experienced, proven front line and one which can score lots of goals on paper, so let's hope we can do that this season. Stirling are back in action for their next pre-season encounter tomorrow (Saturday) when they make the trip to take on Lowland League side Bo'ness United with a re-arranged kick-off time of 11.30am at Newtown Park.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Stirling to launch 'tourist tax' consultation next month following council approval
Stirling's proposed scheme would impose a five-per cent levy, or 'tourist tax', on overnight stays in all forms of paid visitor accommodation within the council's jurisdiction. Stirling Council has approved a draft 'tourist tax' scheme for the area to go to a public consultation on the proposals. The consultation is due to get underway next month. Using new powers granted by the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, Stirling Council's scheme would see a five-per cent levy, or 'tourist tax', slapped on overnight stays across all forms of paid visitor accommodation in the council area. Over and above the statutory exemptions, the draft scheme also proposes several exemptions to paying the tax, including to Stirling residents, those in the receipt of carers' allowance and to visitors staying more than seven nights through reimbursement. The council says that the draft scheme aims to ensure that Stirling continues to attract visitors all year-round while spreading the benefits more evenly across the region as well as minimising the impact on communities and the environment. In December last year, the local authority committed to a year-long programme of engagement and consultation to explore the potential introduction of a visitor levy. The first phase of the engagement ran from March to May this year and received 671 responses via online and paper surveys, with additional feedback gathered through a number of community meetings, drop-in events and direct business engagement. The council said that initial findings showed broad support among residents (57 per cent) and community groups (75 per cent). The early engagement revealed that the most popular suggested levy rate was one of five-per cent, aligning with the proposed rate from most other Scottish local authorities who are consulting on a similar levy. Priorities for investment included public infrastructure, sustainable transport, toilets and visitor facilities, followed by destination marketing and events. Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: 'Tourism is one of Stirling's key economic strengths with visitors from across the globe attracted to our world-class built heritage, stunning scenery, outdoor experiences, diverse and vibrant events and much more. 'This draft scheme is about reinvesting in what makes Stirling special so we can continue to grow this key part of the regional economy and maximise the potential benefits of a levy for everyone. It aims to ensure that visitors continue to have a high-quality experience while helping us protect the places and communities they come to enjoy. 'The proposals in the scheme have been shaped by the meaningful and constructive responses we received during the initial engagement exercise, such as the exemption for Stirling Council residents. I would like to thank all those who provided feedback – and the conversation on this important matter continues. 'When the formal consultation launches on 13 July we want to hear from everyone – accommodation providers, community groups, local businesses, and residents – to make sure the final version of scheme works for all of Stirling.' In May this year, the Stirling Observer told how a hospitality trade body warned that the proposed 'tourist tax' could 'harm tourism' in the region. UK Hospitality Scotland has urged the council to carry out a full economic impact assessment on the impacts of the proposed visitor levy. UK Hospitality Scotland Executive Director, Leon Thompson, said: 'Hospitality and tourism is so important to Stirling, as a major employer and driver of the local economy. 'That economic and social contribution to our communities must be protected and we fundamentally believe that introducing a visitor levy could harm tourism in Stirling. 'That's why Stirling Council should carry out a detailed impact assessment to understand the potential impact on visitors, tourism and the economy, before it embarks further on potentially introducing a levy. 'We're keen to work with the council so they understand the perspective of accommodation businesses and I look forward to engaging further with them during this process.' That came after the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) said last December that the introduction of a visitor levy scheme on tourists in Stirling would mean that small businesses could become 'de-facto unpaid tax collectors'. ASSC chief executive, Fiona Campbell said the implementation of the tax must 'be done right'. In April this year, a campaign group against the proposals warned the move could see the city's hospitality sector left with high levels of cancellations. The Back British Holidays campaign warned that as much as 21-per cent of potential holidaymakers could cancel their trip over the additional tariff. Additionally, they said another 21-per cent would reduce their spending while on holiday. The group called on policymakers to reconsider the proposals over fears levies could significantly harm local tourism economies costing local businesses millions in lost revenue. The council previously estimated that a five per cent levy could generate as much as £7.5million. The City of Edinburgh Council has already agreed to introduce a visitor levy, and a number of local authorities in Scotland are also consulting on introducing a levy, including Glasgow and Argyll and Bute. If approved, the levy would take effect from June 1, 2027, applying to bookings made on or after January 1 that same year.
