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Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
WIN a FREE pair of tickets to the Scottish Open to see Rory McIlroy, Scottie Schefflier and Robert MacIntyre in action
How well do you know your golf? HOLE IN ONE WIN a FREE pair of tickets to the Scottish Open to see Rory McIlroy, Scottie Schefflier and Robert MacIntyre in action THE best golfers in the world return to Scotland for the Genesis Scottish Open, and The Scottish Sun has partnered with premium car brand Genesis to offer golf fans the opportunity to win tickets to this year's tournament at The Renaissance Club from 10-13 July. Reigning champion, and Scottish number one, Robert MacIntyre, will be joined by a world-class field including Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Reigning Scottish Open champion Bob MacIntyre and the Genesis GV70 3 Rory McIlroy won the title back in 2023 and is this year's Masters champion Credit: PA 3 Scottie Scheffler is returning to North Berwick this summer too Credit: Getty The first player to score a hole in one on the 17th hole during the tournament will win an Electrified GV70, a dynamic and versatile premium SUV, for himself, and a GV60 for his caddie, and will follow in the footsteps of Jordan Smith who aced the 17th during the second-round in 2022. Since the brand's inception in 2015, Genesis has been a strong supporter of golf, having sponsored tournaments both globally and in Korea. This 'Audacious Commitment' to the sport stems from the shared ideals of respect, integrity and excellence and has served as the foundation of the brand's global golf platform. The Genesis Scottish Open is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, counting on both the Race to Dubai Rankings and the FedExCup. Globally, Genesis is also the title-sponsor of The Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines on the PGA TOUR and the Genesis Championship tournament in Korea on the DP World Tour. The Scottish Sun have teamed up with the Scottish Open to offer five lucky winners the chance to win a FREE pair of tickets. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is answer the following question: Reigning champion Robert MacIntyre was born in which Scottish town? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer, name, address and daytime contact number to win@ Please put "GENESIS SCOTTISH OPEN" in the email subject header. Competition closes at Midnight 29 June, 2025. UK residents only, excluding any Genesis Scottish Open or Scottish Sun employees and their families or anyone professionally connected with this promotion. One entry per person. Five winners each receiving a pair of tickets to attend the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club running on 10-13 July. Tickets must be accepted as offered and are not transferable and not refundable. No cash alternative will be offered. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. The Scottish Sun are under no liability whatsoever in connection with any loss, damage or injury which is suffered as a direct or indirect result of the prize . Usual Scottish Sun rules apply. Editor's decision is final. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Spinal surgery saved my life, and given me the chance to walk down aisle
Paige has opened up about her battle with Scoliosis MY SCOLIOSIS STORY Spinal surgery saved my life, and given me the chance to walk down aisle Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JUNE is Scoliosis Awareness Month. For those who struggle with the condition, it can be incredibly isolating. It affects around two per cent of the population and, according to a 2024 study by ScoliSmart, people with scoliosis are 45 per cent more likely than their peers to feel ashamed of their bodies. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Paige has opened up about her battle with Scoliosis 9 Paige standing in for the first time after her spinal fusion surgery in October 2020 Credit: Paige Beresford / The Scottish Sun 9 By the time of her operation, she had a 53-degree curve Credit: Paige Beresford / The Scottish Sun 9 She had to have two rods and 16 screws put into her spine Credit: Paige Beresford / The Scottish Sun Meanwhile, six in ten are dissatisfied with the way they look. Today, Scottish Sun reporter PAIGE BERESFORD, 28, writes about her battle with Scoliosis, which she was diagnosed with aged 20. She tells how spinal fusion surgery saved her life and gave her a future. I REMEMBER the first time I heard the word 'scoliosis'. I was 20 and had gone to see my GP after a masseuse noticed my back was oddly shaped. He told me he thought I had a spinal deformity and was referring me to see a spinal specialist. Some days were so bad I couldn't get out of bed. I was terrified that this was how the rest of my life was going to be I didn't take much in from that appointment, just the odd words stuck out — 'twisted spine', 'surgery', 'back pain'. Almost ten months later, a spinal surgeon officially diagnosed me with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis with a 38-degree curve. It meant my spine had started to twist and was now shaped like a letter 'S', which is why I was in constant pain. By the time I got home, my head was spinning. I started googling everything about scoliosis: What it was, how bad it could get and treatments. Mum reveals stinging herself with nettles banishes hay fever symptoms 'in minutes' I got stuck in a spiral where everything I looked at about the condition seemed worse and worse. The pictures were horrific and everything looked so painful. After a few days, I was totally disgusted with myself. I kept thinking, 'Is that really what I look like?' With every fibre in my being, I felt ugly, horrified, and so alone. I wanted to cover myself up from head to toe, I wanted to shut myself off from people so that no one could see just how disfigured I looked. I wanted the world to swallow me up so I wouldn't have to explain it to anyone. 9 The risky surgery left a huge scar on Paige's back, which she is proud of Credit: Paige Beresford / The Scottish Sun 9 Paige is now raising awareness for the condition Credit: Paige Beresford / The Scottish Sun 9 Paige standing tall eight months post-op after the surgery changed her life Credit: Paige Beresford / The Scottish Sun Over a few years, my condition worsened to the point where my curve reached 53 degrees. I was in constant pain and I couldn't get more than a few hours' sleep. I also had a horrible rib hump, a shoulder hump, distorted leg length discrepancy and uneven hips. My lung function had decreased by 30 per cent, and my heart had developed an irregular beat. Not to mention, I was taking so many painkillers, opioids and anti-inflammatories that doctors were worried about the long-term effects on my liver and kidneys. If I stood too long or went on a walk, I'd be in unbearable pain. Some days were so bad I couldn't get out of bed. What is Scoliosis and whaat are the symptoms? Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. Signs of scoliosis include: A visibly curved spine Leaning to one side Uneven shoulders One shoulder or hip sticking out Ribs sticking out on one side Clothes not fitting well Back pain Treatment for scoliosis depends on your age, how severe the curve is, and whether it's likely to get worse with time. In around 8 out of every 10 cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis cannot be prevented and is not thought to be linked to things such as bad posture, exercise or diet. Your genes may make you more likely to get it though, as it sometimes runs in families. Credit: NHS I was terrified that this was how the rest of my life was going to be. So when doctors said I qualified for spinal fusion surgery, I jumped at it. This was a major, life-changing surgery that involved inserting two metal rods and 16 screws into my back to stabilise my spine. My family were terrified and understandably so. It had some scary side effects, including the big risk of spinal cord damage, which could have left me in a wheelchair for the rest of my life, or even dead. It was so scary that when I met my now-fiancé two weeks before going under the knife, I warned him he might not want to get attached in case the worst happened. Learn to walk again But I knew I had to do it, and so I had the surgery in October 2020 when I was 24. Since it was during the Covid pandemic, only one person, my mum, was allowed to see me. This was heartbreaking for my sister and my dad, especially when I was taken to the ICU and my body began to shut down because I was forgetting to breathe. Having the surgery was the best decision I've ever made. It didn't just fix my spine, it also saved my life and gave me my future back After a rough few days, I was taken to a spinal ward where I had to learn how to stand and walk again, but the difference almost overnight was incredible. Despite the post-op pain at first, my shoulder hump had disappeared and I was two inches taller. It was a long recovery at home, but my amazing family helped me through and supported me every step of the way. If there's anything I've learned, it's that we all need someone to talk to, whether that's family, friends, a professional, or a charity like Scoliosis Support and Research. Princess Eugenie: Scar's a mark of honour PRINCESS Eugenie has revealed she embraces her scoliosis scar as a 'mark of honour' after undergoing surgery as a child. The 34-year-old initially felt a 'sense of shame' over the lasting mark but said mum Sarah Ferguson taught her to be proud of it. The princess went under the knife aged 12 after the Duchess of York noticed the curvature in her spine. In an Instagram post, she revealed: 'I thank her so much for that and thank her for the confidence to be proud of my scar. 'She removed all the stigma around having scoliosis for me and it took all the fear out of being different at a young age. 'I am forever grateful and wish everyone to be proud of their scars.' In 2002, Eugenie's eight-hour operation saw her have rods inserted into her spine. She spent three days in intensive care, a week on a spinal ward, and a further six days in a wheelchair before she could walk. In the months that followed, the young royal needed help to turn in bed and had to wear a brace. While Eugenie admits to feeling a 'sense of shame' over her inability to wash or dress herself at the time, she learned to love the scar down her back. The princess's wedding dress in 2018 even displayed the scar at the top of her back. Ahead of the ceremony, where she wed Jack Brooksbank, she said it was important to show 'people your scars'. She described it as a 'lovely way to honour the people who looked after me and a way of standing up for young people through this'. She added: 'I think you can change the way beauty is, and you can show people your scars and I think it's really special to stand up for that.' Eugenie is patron of Horatio's Garden, which helps nurture the wellbeing of people after spinal injury by creating gardens in NHS spinal injury centres. I saw a post on Scoliosis Warriors Facebook group which read: 'It's amazing in this age with social media we can help others daily with support and letting them know they're not the only ones dealing with struggles. There is strength in numbers.' Five years on from my surgery, I'm no longer in any pain, I don't take any medication, I have almost a full range of movement, never struggle to sleep, and my back is stronger than ever. I'm now 28 and healthy with my dream job, and I'm about to get married to a man who loves me as much as he is proud of me for what I have had to go through. And I have no limitations or worries about the future. I've also learned to love my body, and I'm proud to show off my huge scar. Having the surgery was the best decision I've ever made. It didn't just fix my spine, it also saved my life and gave me my future back. 9 Paige pictured before her surgery with uneven shoulders, a visible rib hum, uneven hips and leg legnth discrepency Credit: Paige Beresford / The Scottish Sun
Int'l Business Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Tariff Rollbacks Won't Bring Instant Price Relief
The recent U.S.–China trade agreement brought down tariffs from their peak highs—U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports now sit at about 55%, with China's tariffs at roughly 10%. While these numbers are lower than the previous peaks of 145% and 125%, respectively, the economic reality on the ground is far from a simple rollback. According to experts cited by Al Jazeera, businesses and consumers should not expect immediate or dramatic price drops. The tariff cuts are just one factor in a complex web of costs that continue to drive prices up. Supply Chain Rebuilding: A Slow, Costly Process Over the last few years, many companies have restructured their supply chains to avoid the worst of the trade war's impacts, shifting manufacturing to countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and India. These changes involve new contracts, investments in different infrastructure, and learning curves that cannot be reversed overnight. As noted by a logistics specialist interviewed by The Scottish Sun, "Even with tariffs reduced, many companies can't simply return to their old suppliers because the costs of switching again are prohibitive." Consumers Will Feel the Pinch for a While What does all this mean for everyday shoppers? Price reductions on imported goods—electronics, appliances, and even clothing—are likely to be gradual. High tariffs acted like hidden taxes that increased costs at every step of the supply chain, and those increased costs have been passed down to consumers. As explained by analysts in the Times of India, the legacy of these tariffs is still embedded in the price tags, and inflationary pressures worldwide only amplify the effect. The Bigger Picture: A Temporary Pause, Not a Full Reset While the tariff reductions are being presented as a win, the current arrangement includes a 90-day review window, meaning tariffs could rise again if further negotiations stall. This temporary nature leaves businesses in a cautious stance, hesitant to fully commit to long-term supply chain strategies involving China. Experts quoted by Al Jazeera point out that this deal represents more of a tactical pause than a true resolution—highlighting the lingering uncertainty and costs in global trade. Lower tariffs provide some breathing room but don't erase years of economic shifts and financial burdens. For consumers, price relief will be slow to come. For businesses, the supply chain landscape remains complex and costly to navigate. The U.S.–China trade deal's tariff rollback is a step forward—but a cautious one that still carries a heavy price.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Grado shares hilarious plan to return to River City
The star, best known for his roles in Two Doors Down and Scot Squad, wants to reprise his role as Buster in the Scottish soap — with a dramatic storyline that would see him kill Shellsuit Bob, played by his real-life friend Stephen Purdon. With River City set to be axed due to declining ratings after its final series next year, time is running out for the Two Doors Down favourite to make his comeback. READ MORE: Grado cracks out McCoist impression at 'shuperb' Glasgow Airport bus launch Grado, whose real name is Graeme Stevely, told The Scottish Sun: 'My ideal storyline is for me to come back and kill Bob. "I would choke him to death in the wrestling ring in Shieldinch Town Hall. "Can you imagine? The ratings would be so good if that happened that they'd maybe keep it going.' Grado originally appeared in River City in 2014 as Buster, a flamboyant wrestling character who left Shieldinch to chase his dreams in Las Vegas. Although his stint on the show was brief, it sparked a lasting friendship with Purdon. The pair are currently touring Scotland with their live comedy show Shellsuits and Spandex — a nostalgic look back at two decades of their careers. Grado said: 'The shows are getting tighter every night. I've uncovered Bob's debut in River City and other acting jobs from over the years. "He's uncovered videos of mine too — including my first episode of River City. "We're telling stories about that, how it's ending, and I'm talking about Two Doors Down, Scot Squad, and wrestling. "It's a review of the last 20 years, and there are a couple of embarrassing stories in there that are a bit close to the bone. "We had a show in Kilmarnock and the lights came up and I noticed my wean's nursery teachers in the crowd — that was a bit awkward. "These are the folk I bump into Monday to Friday, and the stories weren't exactly PG. But they absolutely loved it.' The show also features a Q&A segment, which often leads to surprise guest appearances. Grado added: 'We do Q&As with the fans and it's hilarious. "There are a lot of mega River City and Two Doors Down fans. "When somebody asks a question about Lenny Murdoch, Stephen FaceTimes him — and he's usually in his goonie. "I do the same with Elaine C. Smith. Three times I've had to phone her and apologise — but she doesn't mind.' READ MORE: Did you spot him? Grado guest stars in hit ITV drama Though Grado once performed more than 150 wrestling shows a year, he has now stepped back from the sport, reserving appearances for special occasions. He recently wrestled in Italy for the first time, and says he now appreciates tours that don't leave him in pain. He explained: 'There are so many venues where I'm turning up saying, 'I'm sure I've wrestled here before.' "Dunbar is the only place on this tour that I've never wrestled in before — so I'm glad to be going there. "I don't even mind driving for hours because I don't have to take my bags and put the leotard on. "It's the best feeling not having to stick on the baby oil, the lycra and the knee-high boots. "These days, if I go to tie my boots, it takes me half an hour to pull myself back up. "You've got to meet the guy you're wrestling and you never know what'll happen in a match — one dodgy move and you're not driving home, you're being stretchered out.' READ MORE: Grado joined by familiar famous face as hit BBC show returns As River City approaches its final series, Grado's wife Steph — a devoted fan of the show — isn't convinced he'll get a second shot in Shieldinch. The comedian joked: 'I told Steph that I'd love to go back — apparently Buster is still wrestling in Las Vegas. "I said to her that River City has a year left to go, and asked if she thinks they might phone me and ask me to come back to Shieldinch. "She's a proper River City diehard and doesn't miss an episode — and she said, 'Nah, of all the legends, why would they bring you back?' "But I'll be ready if they want to bring Buster back.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Tragedy as body pulled from water in search for missing Scots woman
TRAGIC FIND Tragedy as body pulled from water in search for missing Scots woman A BODY has been found in the search for a missing woman. Jennifer Stephen, 36, went missing from Falkirk. Advertisement During the search a body was found in the water near near Hallglen Terrace in the town. Although the body has yet to be formally identified, Jennifer's family have been informed. Cops are currently treating the death as "unexplained". A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.45pm on Wednesday, 25 June, 2025, the body of a woman was found in the water near Hallglen Terrace, Hallglen, Falkirk. Advertisement "Formal identification is yet to take place, however the family of Jennifer Stephen, who was reported missing earlier in the day, has been informed. "The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries ongoing." More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Scottish Sun. Advertisement is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheScottishSun.
