Latest from Press and Journal
Press and Journal
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Press and Journal
The Drive at Haddo: First look inside car café near Methlick
The Drive at Haddo, the much anticipated car café near Methlick, will be opening in the next two weeks. That's according to director James Evans, who has been leading the preparation efforts at the Aberdeenshire café. Since the news broke of the cafe's opening, social media has erupted with excitement. 'It has gone mental,' James says, 'It has blown up. 'On a daily basis we've got people coming here to ask when we're opening.' The café is kitted out with three flat-screen TVs to display Formula 1, MotoGP and Le Mans. There is also a gaming station for children – and adults – to brush up on their Gran Turismo racing simulation skills on PS5. The cafe, owned by Haddo Estate, is situated on the B9170 near the Tarves turn-off. The site was formerly known as Formartine's Shop and Eatery, which closed in 2021. The renovated space is now fully decked out with tables and chairs at around 100 covers, plus new flooring and décor, and will be ready to open in the next fortnight. The car café, one of the few of its kind in Scotland, has gained 3k Facebook followers in a matter of weeks. It will be a space for car meets, where automotive enthusiasts and car clubs can congregate to display their vehicles. One Instagram user said: 'Can't wait, great to see more car enthusiast locations!' While another added: 'Exactly what Aberdeenshire needed! Can't wait for this to open.' While it is certainly a hit with car enthusiasts, James insists that the café will be a space for everyone. He adds: 'I want people to understand that they don't have to like cars or motorbikes to come here, it's not just for that – it's for everyone. 'I know we're trying something new here – it's not what people are used to – but I think the area absolutely needs it. 'It is different, I understand that. But I hope everyone loves it. 'I want the local community to know they can come here at any time and enjoy the space. 'I have tried to be as inclusive for everyone as I can: dog owners, café lovers, coffee lovers, food lovers.' James shared further details on the cafe's menu, which will feature a wide variety of burgers and racetrack-themed loaded fries. Each plate of loaded fries will depict a different racetrack. For example, Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife will be represented by haggis loaded fries, and the German Hockenheimring circuit by a currywurst-inspired loaded fries. Huntly family-run business Rizza's will be providing the cafe's ice cream, with dairy-free and dog-friendly ice cream also available. Milkshakes, coffee, cakes, pies and pastries will also be on offer. It will be counter service at the new café, which will be open 8am-6pm every day when it opens. The sleek interior of the café is paired with outside seating perfect for the summer weather. The team are considering adding awnings later in the year too. The café will be dog-friendly outside and in the lounge area, but not in the main café space. Dogs can get fed too, as there's a little treat station and water bowls for your furry friends. The outside play area at The Drive at Haddo is shaping up, with tyres donated from local farmers. There's also an inside play area with toy cars, a blackboard, books, a play kitchen and more. Last minute preparations are now underway before the café opens in the next few weeks. You can keep an eye on their Facebook page for the opening date. We will also be reviewing the cafe's menu soon. Meanwhile, the café are looking for cooks to join the team. If you're interested get in touch with James via email here: thedrivehaddo@
Press and Journal
10 hours ago
- Press and Journal
Crying Turriff man admits to breaching his bail order to contact ex-partner
A man broke down in the dock as the court heard how he took to calling his child on loudspeaker to ask his ex about her dating life. Turriff man Terry Wilson appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in April and was granted bail on the condition that he stayed away from his ex-partner. But the 38-year-old ignored that warning – and messaged and called the woman just two days later Because of that offence, Wilson was hauled back into the dock – this time at Banff Sheriff Court earlier this week. He admitted breaching bail and was fined. Fiscal depute Anne Mann told the court that Wilson and the woman began a relationship in 2008 and it ended last year. Ms Mann said, that on April 21 – just two days after the court hearing – Wilson met the woman to discuss child access. He then called and messaged her – but was blocked. Wilson breached bail again on April 30 when he repeatedly sent messages to one of the children. He then called one of the children and, when he was put on loudspeaker, tried to speak with the woman once more. Ms Mann said that, initially, Wilson had spoken to her about child contact issues – before moving on to discuss her dating life. 'She terminated the phone call,' said Ms Mann. Despite the woman hanging up on Wilson, he tried the same thing with a loudspeaker call the next day – and the woman went to police. During the latest court hearing, defence solicitor Alannah Comerford had to remind her client that she was there to do the talking. This was because Wilson, who had already asked to speak to his agent when the case called, asked of the sheriff: 'Can I say something?' Ms Comerford replied: 'No – that's why I'm here.' She told the sheriff that Wilson sat in tears because the breakdown of his relationship had left him struggling. Ms Comerford added: 'He is getting himself back on his feet. 'My client is now taking his medication as he is supposed to. He doesn't want to continue going this way.' As well as fining Wilson, of Knockie Road, Turriff, £340, Sheriff Robert McDonald banned him from contacting the woman for five years, other than via a third party for childcare issues.
Press and Journal
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Richard Gordon: Kusini Yengi has the potential to be a talisman for Aberdeen but Dons need more attacking options
It is still over a month until the Dons kick-off their 2025-26 campaign, but the next few weeks are going to be vitally important, and give us a few clues as to what lies ahead. The club announced a list of pre-season fixtures, some of which will feature a Dons XI, others more likely to offer a better indication of Jimmy Thelin's preferred line-up. The first of those will be at Balmoral Stadium on July 12 against Cove Rangers, and it will be interesting to see if more new faces have arrived by then. So far, Jimmy has brought in left-back Emmanuel Gyamfi and three Aussies, goalkeeper Nick Suman, winger Nicolas Milanovic and striker Kusini Yengi. Of that quartet, it is Yengi who will be of most interest. Last season, Kevin Nisbet was the only one who looked capable of scoring on a regular basis, and even then, it took him until the turn of the year before he really hit form. Kevin finished on 14 goals, the only player to make it into double figures. Given what we have seen so far of the other strikers at Thelin's disposal, there has been nothing to suggest any will fill the void. That means the spotlight will fall on the former Portsmouth hitman. He was by no means prolific at Fratton Park, and did not net a single goal for the club last season, but his previous campaign was more impressive, and he has a highly credible record at international level, notching six for Australia in his eleven appearances to date. He clearly has something; it will be up to Jimmy and his coaching staff to coax that out of the striker. But he will need back-up, and I have to imagine it is an area the club is still looking to strengthen significantly. As well as doing so, they have to be looking at moving a few players on, and there are some in the squad who clearly look surplus to requirements. With the additional demands of a European campaign ahead, in whichever of the leagues the Dons find themselves, they are going to require not only a bigger pool, but one which offers strength in depth when it comes to quality. That will hopefully mean more game time for the club's most promising youngsters. Jack Milne proved in the Scottish Cup final he has the required attributes, Fletcher Boyd has obvious potential, and Alfie Bavidge caught the eye while out on loan at Caley Thistle, earning a place in the PFA Scotland League One team of the year. A trio of players – Adam Emslie, Findlay Marshall and Dylan Lobban – played more than 100 between them for Cove last time round, and I saw them develop significantly over the course of the campaign. Not all will get a chance, but it would be good to see at least some of them feature more regularly during 2025-26, giving the squad more of a local identity. The next month is likely to be a busy one on the training ground, and on and off the pitch, and by the end of it I would hope the team is ready for what seems certain to be a challenging and demanding season. The excitement for the new campaign ramped-up last Friday with the announcement of the Premiership fixture list. Disappointingly, the first weekend will see one solitary Saturday 3pm kick-off – Kilmarnock v Livingston – with a trio of games on the Sunday. Because of the demands of the television companies, and Thursday night European games, Sundays often now feature more of the bigger games, and that will again be the case. It will certainly be something the Dons are going to have to adapt to if they are to have a successful season. Getting off the blocks positively should help – although that did not exactly work out last time – but Aberdeen have been handed a tough start with Celtic at home on day two, either side of trips to Tynecastle and Tannadice. It was no surprise that Sky chose the Hearts game for the Monday evening, and the meeting with Derek McInnes will be some appetiser for the top-flight campaign.
Press and Journal
14 hours ago
- Health
- Press and Journal
Fraserburgh doctors' surgery warns patients to 'stop sending unsolicited urine samples'
A Fraserburgh medical practice has pleaded with patients to stop sending 'high volumes' of unsolicited urine samples. Saltoun Surgery, based in the Aberdeenshire town's Lochpots Road, said that the 'inappropriate' development is affecting their ability to care for patients. The Broch surgery has been forced to stop accepting all urine samples unless requested by a staff member. The practice was forced to issue a statement earlier this afternoon. The statement said: 'We have an important update regarding urine sample submissions. 'Please be advised that we are no longer able to accept urine samples unless they have been specifically requested by the practice. 'This change is necessary due to the high volume of inappropriate or unsolicited samples being submitted, which affects our ability to provide timely care to all patients. 'Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.'
Press and Journal
2 days ago
- Press and Journal
Driver smashed into car on wrong side of road - then blamed deer for being 'too beautiful'
A driver veered into the wrong lane and smashed into an oncoming vehicle – them blamed a deer for being too beautiful. Rafal Woolny was driving his Jeep on the A816 Oban to Lochgilphead road last November when he crashed into a Land Rover. The 47-year-old escaped from his vehicle unhurt – and the driver and passenger of the other vehicle too sustained only minor injuries, as both cars were travelling around 30mph. When the matter reached court, it was questioned whether the fact that Woolny hails from Poland might have been a factor. But his lawyer said it would be all too easy to suggest Woolny, of Taynuilt, had driven on the right side of the road because that's how they drive in Poland. That was not a factor, he told the court – but a 'beautiful deer' was. Oban Sheriff Court heard how the crash took place on the stretch of road at Kames Bay, Kilmelford, on November 3, 2024. Procurator fiscal depute Amber Feeney told the court: 'It was 5.30pm and the complainer was driving north at Kilmelford in a Land Rover Discovery with a passenger. 'They saw headlights coming towards them on their side of the carriageway. 'The accused was on the wrong side of the carriageway in his Jeep. 'Woolny was travelling at 30mph and the complainer was travelling slightly more slowly.' It was at that point the two cars smashed into each other. Woolny got out of his car and asked the two people in the Land Rover: 'Are you okay? Are you okay?' Fortunately, all three people involved emerged from the crash unhurt and the police were called. Woolney admitted a charge of carless driving. Defence lawyer Graeme Wright told the court: 'The first thing my client did was make sure everyone was alright. 'My client had his full beam on because a deer had been on the road. 'He moved to the right-hand side of the road because of that. 'He failed to return to the left-hand side. 'My client was thinking of the deer and how beautiful it looked. He froze.' Mr Wright said Woolny was not a novice driver, and it would be all too easy to suggest that, because he was Polish, he had reverted to the wrong side of the road. He continued: 'He passed his driving test in 1999 in Poland and has been driving here since 2015. 'Due to his job in fish farming, he has in the past driven upwards of 30,000 miles per year and has no points on his licence in that time. 'He now drives 10,000-15,000 miles per annum around the west coast of Scotland, and there are no endorsements on his licence. 'This is careless driving, and it is a misjudgement that was momentary. 'He is regretful of his actions. This was out of character.' It also emerged that, while Woolny had a Polish driving licence, he hadn't converted it into a UK licence. Sheriff Clare Arias told him he must do that urgently. She told Woolny: 'I am fining you £900, and there will be a £40 victim's surcharge. 'When you apply for a British licence, you will have seven penalty points.'
