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Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mystery behind neon green burn at beauty spot solved
Locals were left puzzled after the water at Milndavie Glen in Strathblane took on an unnatural fluorescent green hue on Tuesday, July 22. The glen, a well-known beauty spot popular with dog walkers and nature lovers, quickly became the focus of local speculation. READ MORE: Environment Secretary urged to apologise for 'misleading' Scottish water claims One social media user asked: "Am I seeing things or is the burn in Milndavie Glen bright green?" Others jumped in with their own theories, ranging from light reflection and algae bloom to more concerning suggestions such as chemical contamination. One person commented: "Could be an algae bloom, or just light reflection." Another added: "That looks like contamination." A third speculated: "Could be tracer dye used to trace leaks." To uncover the truth, The Glasgow Times contacted both the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water for clarification. SEPA confirmed that they had received reports from local residents and, following these reports, conducted an investigation. They concluded that the green colour was indeed caused by dye testing. The substance used is commonly employed in water tracing and poses no lasting harm to the environment. READ MORE: Scottish Water issues safety warning as warm weather expected this weekend (Image: Sourced) A SEPA spokesperson said: 'SEPA has received reports of a green substance in the water at Milndavie Glen, Strathblane, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. "Initial investigations suggest dye testing has been carried out, which can leave colouring in the water for a short period, but has no adverse effect on the environment. 'We would like to thank the public for reporting this and encourage anyone who is concerned about a potential pollution incident to contact SEPA as soon as possible on 0800 80 70 60 or by submitting an online report at with as much information as possible.' READ MORE: Scottish Water warning after fire hydrants set off in Glasgow Scottish Water also confirmed the discolouration was the result of dye testing and not due to pollution. A spokesperson added that they had investigated after receiving public reports and confirmed there was no threat to [[pub]]lic or environmental health. The reassurance comes as a relief to locals and highlights the importance of prompt public reporting in protecting local natural spaces.
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Exact date iconic Glasgow venue to reopen after major £30million revamp
Read on to find out when the venue will reopen IN THE LIMELIGHT Exact date iconic Glasgow venue to reopen after major £30million revamp AN iconic Glasgow venue is set to reopen next month following a major £30million revamp. The Citizens Theatre in the Gorbals previously closed in 2018 for a refurbishment, and work was originally planned to take three years. Advertisement 4 The Citizens Theatre is set to reopen next month after seven years Credit: John Gunion 4 The old theatre has undergone a huge £30million revamp Credit: Getty But the project faced a series of setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The major revamp of the building, which first opened its doors in 1878, was planned due to it falling into disrepair. Bosses said it was no longer fit for purpose and wanted to regenerate it for the 21st century, while keeping its unique Victoria charm. The theatre will boast a new foyer, improved accessibility, a new 150-seater multi-purpose studio theatre. Advertisement There will also be a new bar area and social spaces, with enhanced backstage facilities for performers. And on August 23, a community-led parade will officially mark the reopening of the theatre after seven years, The Glasgow Times reports. Everyone is invited to a weekend of free creative workshops, events and behind-the-scenes tours on August 23 and 24. Bookable events such as workshops, introductory tours and creative session will be available from August 28 to September 5. Advertisement The first production will be Small Acts of Love from September 12 - a major new work about the bonds formed between families on both sides of the Atlantic in the wake of the Pan Am 103 atrocity in Lockerbie. And in October, the brand new 150-seat Studio Theatre is opened with two productions by the theatre's Participate groups. Oscar-nominated Toni Collette spotted dancing in Glasgow theatre as fans hail 'legend' In addition, the theatre's longstanding commitment to its Gorbals neighbours will continue through a new Gorbals Pass giving access to tickets for just £5 for locals with a G5 postcode. The theatre's Participate director Catrin Evans said: "This homecoming is inspired by our fantastic new building that we know so many people are keen to get inside - but it's also about so much more. Advertisement "It's about reconnecting with our neighbours, welcoming new voices and celebrating creativity itself as a form of community-building. "We're offering a range of activities so that everyone and anyone can step into the Citizens Theatre, try something new, take themselves on a journey and feel that this space belongs to them. "Whether it's your first time through the doors or you've been part of the Citz story for years, we can't wait to welcome you home." Advertisement We previously told how there will be a number of road closures around the venue as it prepares to reopen to the public. As the historic venue gets ready to welcome back audiences, Glasgow City Council has announced several streets will be shut. The road closures will take place between August 22 and 23. Gorbals Street will be shut between Ballater Street and Cumberland Street from 3pm on August 22 until 3.30pm on August 23. Advertisement During these hours waiting, loading and unloading will be prohibited. On August 23, traffic will not be allowed to flow along Gorbals Street between Ballater Street and Cumberland Street from 9am until 3.30pm. Cleland Street and Cleland Lane will also be closed to vehicles during these hours. 4 The major revamp of the building, which first opened its doors in 1878, was planned due to it falling into disrepair Credit: Alamy Advertisement
Glasgow Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
First look at young Scot as Harry Potter in new TV series
As reported by The Glasgow Times in May that Dominic McLaughlin was selected to play the iconic role of the boy wizard in the upcoming HBO series. In newly released images, Dominic is seen dressed in Harry's classic Hogwarts uniform, complete with robe and a Gryffindor knitted jumper. The schoolboy also sports Harry's signature round glasses and the famous lightning bolt scar on his forehead, while holding a clapperboard on set. READ MORE: Meet the young Scot to star in HBO's new Harry Potter series Arabella Stanton will play Hermione and Alastair Stout will play Ron (Image: HBO) Filming officially began this week at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, in Watford, Hertfordshire. The series, based on J.K. Rowling's beloved children's books, is planned to span approximately ten years, with the first season expected to premiere on HBO and HBO Max in 2027. Over 32,000 children auditioned for the lead roles in what is being described as a "faithful adaptation" of the novels, with Rowling serving as an executive producer. Dominic is no stranger to the spotlight. He trained at Performance Academy Scotland in Cambuslang and recently finished filming Grow, a Sky Comedy project starring Nick Frost, set to air later this year. He has also appeared in the BBC's upcoming adaptation of Gifted by Marilyn Kaye and took to the stage in Macbeth at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, where he performed alongside acting legends Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma. Fiennes famously portrayed Lord Voldemort in the original film series. Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will portray Harry's close friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively. READ MORE: Tom Holland Confirms confirms plans to film newest blockbuster on Glasgow's streets (Image: HBO) Additional cast members include Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. Further casting highlights include John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. Johnny Flynn will take on the role of the villainous Lucius Malfoy, succeeding Jason Isaacs, who portrayed the character in the original film series.
Glasgow Times
14-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Brave woman shares experience of Glasgow homeless hotel
After spending more than three months in a city centre hotel, one woman shared her experience of her time there before she was finally able to get into a more suitable unit. A woman she befriended told her she was raped and she told of others having bruising and black eyes. (Image: newsquest) To protect her identity, we are not identifying the woman, who we will call Mary, or the hotel. Mary said: "I was in the hotel and then was told to leave after I intervened and phoned an ambulance when a man was choking. 'He was choking on his vomit on the stairs,' she said. She said staff took him away and she said soon after, she was accused of 'taking drugs and having parties in her room' and told to leave. Mary said: 'I don't take drugs and I didn't have people in the room. 'I was kicked out for helping to save a life.' She said: 'I spent almost a week sleeping rough, in closes, before I managed to get into a better place. Mary said: 'Women are not safe in these places. I saw women being punched. I saw them with bruises and black eyes. 'It was happening inside.' Her own experience, she said, was "frightening". She said: 'I was attacked three times and I had my phone stolen.' Mary added: 'I had a man on the same floor as me making sexual remarks towards me. Then he was banging on my door. "When I complained, the hotel refused to move me or him.' She told how there were some people who looked out for each other and that was the only way she stayed safe. But for one woman she was friends with, that was not enough. Mary said: 'She told me she had been unconscious and was sure she had been raped as she was bruised and sore. I told her to report it to the police but she was too frightened.' She said she is certain this has happened to other women. Mary told of her relief at finally securing a room in a safer place. She broke down in tears as she described a simple act that most people take for granted. Mary said: 'I have a clean room with en-suite and the use of a small kitchen. The first night there, I slept like a baby. 'I was able to go to the shops and buy some pasta and sauce and cook my own hot meal for the first time in months.' In the hotel, she said, she was offered a donut for breakfast. She added: 'I didn't know the places to get free food and was spending all the money I got on expensive ready-made or takeaway food.' The Glasgow Times has been running the End the Homeless Hotel Shame campaign, calling for improved conditions for people who find themselves at risk of rough sleeping. The number of women housed in the hotels has increased in the last year to more than 300 as the number of homeless people goes up. Glasgow City Council declared a housing emergency in December 2023 and is struggling to cope with rapidly rising demand for services. There have been calls to create women-only emergency accommodation in the city to offer better protection. The council policy is to phase out the use of hotels but in the face of the demand has instead had to increase its use, spending tens of millions of pounds a year on hotel and B&Bs. There is no policy of separating men and women in the hotels used for homeless people. A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'The council has rejected the idea of creating single sex bed and breakfast accommodation due to the potential for these establishments being targeted by predatory males. 'In relation to the use of bed and breakfast type accommodation for single women, we have worked with wider partners and the owners of these properties to put in place safeguarding policies that reflect the risks in relation to Violence Against Women and Girls. 'We also work with Police Scotland and the owners of bed and breakfast type accommodation to respond robustly to any risks to women from predatory behaviour. "We are not aware of any recent sexual violent attacks on female service users residing in bed and breakfast/hotel accommodation."
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Penny Lancaster issues update on Rod Stewart's health
The 80-year-old singer contracted influenza A, described by his wife, Penny Lancaster, as the worst illness he has ever experienced. Speaking to Hello! magazine, Penny, who has been married to Sir Rod for 18 years, said: 'He had influenza A, which is the worst one you can get. "It knocked him sideways—he's never been so ill in his entire life.' Rod Stewart's dancers wore Celtic tops at the festival (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Sir Rod Stewart pulls out of second gig amid health concerns The Glasgow Times reported that the illness forced the music icon to cancel a slew of US shows in the weeks leading up the the Glastonbury gig. With less than a week to go before the festival, the Celtic-daft rocker began to doubt whether he'd be able to take to the stage. Penny revealed he was taken to a London hospital for a vocal cord check due to concerns over his voice. She added: "He was worrying so much about the expectations and pressure, everyone relying on him and not wanting to let anyone down. I think it just got in his head." Lulu Joined Rod on stage (Image: Newsquest) In a bid to recover in time, Sir Rod underwent steaming treatments and was placed on strict vocal rest. Miraculously, his voice returned just two days before the performance. He went on to deliver a triumphant set, joined on stage by Glasgow music legend Lulu. The pair performed a lively rendition of Hot Legs, during which the Dennistoun-born singer quipped: 'We'd make a great couple—sorry, Penny,' in a light-hearted nod to Rod's wife. READ MORE: Rod Stewart brings Lulu on stage at Glastonbury festival Family members, including sons Alastair, 19, and Aiden, 14, as well as daughters Ruby, 38, and Renee, 33, watched proudly from the side of the stage. Penny described the backstage atmosphere as being 'on fire'. Following the performance, Sir Rod revealed he is currently working on new material alongside Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and drummer Kenney Jones, although progress has been delayed by his packed schedule. Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Rod Stewart rocks Glastonbury main stage in Celtic shirt Speaking to The Express, he said: 'It's all down to me again. So I've got to get the lyrics finished. "I'm working so bloody hard. I've got two albums on the go, two documentaries. I'm just supposed to be doing a book about my model railway, which I've just dropped. I ain't got the time. But there is a documentary. We have been filming it for some time." In addition, the rock icon revealed that his record label is now pushing for him to record a country album. Reflecting on his many commitments, he concluded: "There's so much in the pipeline, but I've had to drop a few things. I'm just so busy, which thank the Lord I am."
