Daily Archives: June 1, 2012

Jubilee events begin in Scotland

Residents in Blair Atholl hanging Union flagsResidents in Blair Atholl were among those preparing to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is being marked with celebrations and events across Scotland.

A 21-gun royal salute was fired at Edinburgh Castle at noon.

In Perth, which is hosting one of the largest celebrations, more than 1,000 people took part in a Kilt Run.

At least 31 street parties have been approved by Edinburgh City Council, as well as a live screening of the Jubilee Pageant on the Thames on Sunday.

Tourists at Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile, gathered to watch the royal salute which followed entertainment from a military brass band.

It marked the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation and was carried out by 105 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Lt Col James Cook said: “The regiment is honoured to be firing a 21-gun royal salute today, as the nation celebrates Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.

“It provides a great occasion for the gunners to display their professionalism and pride in conducting such an honour in Scotland‘s capital city.”

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At the scene: Party in Perth

Kilted-runners in Perth

It’s a fair day here in the fair city and that’s helped put even more of a shine on Perth’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The day got under way with 1,000 pipers marching across the River Tay.

They have come from Scotland, from across the UK and from across the world.

But it was not quite the day to make even more history.

An attempt to stage the world’s biggest ever kilted-run fell short by just 16 runners.

The title stays with another Perth, in Ontario, Canada.

The Jubilee Pageant will be shown on a big screen in Festival Square in Edinburgh on Sunday.

The jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace on Monday will also be shown on the big screen, with seating and special lighting effects provided.

The capital is understood to have had a third of all of Scotland‘s street party applications.

A council spokesman said more than 30 road-closure applications had been received.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is honouring the Queen’s 60th year on the throne with a weekend of celebrations, including entertainment, cake and flags being given out.

Britannia’s royal barge will act as an escort boat in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.

In Perth, celebrations on Saturday began with a parade of pipers across the River Tay.

Civic leaders said the Jubilee events were a chance to say thank you to the Queen for restoring city status.

Cllr Elizabeth Grant, Provost of Perth and Kinross, said: “It is a double celebration for us because it is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and she has very kindly granted us city status.

“So it’s a wonderful opportunity to have a party, and we Scots like a party.”

Crowds gathered for picnics and proms and more than 1,000 people took part in an 8km Kilt Run.

They were attempting to beat the record for the world’s biggest ever kilted-race, set by its Canadian twin town of Perth, Ontario, of 1,089 runners. However, the fell short by 16 runners.

Six outfits

On Sunday, on Britain’s most northern island, Unst, in Shetland, a beacon will be lit, which has been done every year for the Jubilee since the Queen’s coronation.

A small ceremony will be held in Saxa Vord prior to the beacon being lit.

The Shetland Museum is also planning to put on an exhibition based around the three visits made by the Queen to Shetland during her reign.

The Lord Provost’s Youth Parade in Dundee will see Girl Guides, army and sea cadets and other young people marching from Dundee High School to City Square, where entertainment will be provided on stage.

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Explore our Diamond Jubilee interactives

Glamis Castle, in Angus, has an exhibition running until the end of October, which features six outfits worn by the Queen, one for each decade of her reign.

All of the dresses are said to reflect the diamond theme and have been worn by the Queen during state visits and royal tours.

Stirling Castle was stepping back in time to the royal court of the 16th Century to mark the jubilee.

The castle, which has been party to a number of royal celebrations over the years including the coronations of King James V and his daughter Mary, Queen of Scots, said activities included sword-fighting and displays of fashions of the time.

In Dumfries and Galloway a range of events were being held, including a royal exhibition at Kirkcudbright Town Hall, while on Sunday street parties will be held in Church Road, Kirkcolm, Main Street, Sandhead and High Street in Dalbeattie.

A jubilee party is to be held in Aberdeen’s Duthie Park on Sunday, showcasing local community performers.

Royal salute at Edinburgh CastleA 21-gun royal salute was fired at Edinburgh Castle to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation

Solo artists, musical theatre, bands, pianists and guitarists have been selected to perform at the event.

It will continue with the premiere of the Aberdeen Anthem, which has been gifted to the city by professor in composition Paul Mealor at University of Aberdeen, to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

Glasgow City Council said seven road closures have been granted for street parties to be held.

Jubilee events at Sloans Bar and Restaurant in the city centre include barbecues, as well as a tea party on Sunday.

A town-centre street party is to be held on the extra bank holiday on Tuesday by the Kings Coffee and Books store in Queensberry Street, Dumfries.

Licences have been granted to hold parties in Thurso, Highlands, including one on the beach, while a jubilee tea party has been organised at the village hall in Durness.

The Wick Diamond Jubilee HarbourFest will crown its own queen, followed by a procession to the harbour led by the Wick Pipe Band.

Are you celebrating the Jubilee? Send us your pictures to: newsonlinescotland@bbc.co.uk

Scotland set for Jubilee events

A young girl prepares for the diamond jubileeEdinburgh is thought to be hosting a third of all Scotland‘s street parties

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be marked with celebrations and events across Scotland.

At least 20 street parties have already been approved by Edinburgh City Council, as well as a live screening of the Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.

It will be shown on a big screen in the city’s Festival Square on Saturday.

A 21-gun salute is also due to take place at Edinburgh Castle at noon, the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation, by 105 Regiment Royal Artillery.

The following day, the jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace will also be shown.

The capital is understood to have had a third of all of Scotland‘s street party applications.

A council spokesman said more than 30 road-closure applications had been received.

On Wednesday, an oak tree was planted outside the Scottish Parliament by the Woodland Trust to mark the Jubilee and a commemorative garden is to be created at Holyrood Palace.

The Scottish Parliament will present the Queen with a visual record of her visits to the building.

The Royal Yacht Britannia will honour the Queen’s 60th year on the throne with a weekend of celebrations, including entertainment, cake and flags being given out.

Britannia’s royal barge will act as an escort boat in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.

Six outfits

On Sunday, a National Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in Edinburgh to mark the final day of the Diamond Jubilee weekend.

On Britain’s most northern island, Unst, in Shetland, a beacon will be lit, which has been done every year for the jubilee since the Queen’s coronation.

A small ceremony will be held in Saxa Vord prior to the beacon being lit.

The Shetland Museum is also planning to put on an exhibition based around the three visits made by the Queen to Shetland during her reign.

The Lord Provost’s Youth Parade in Dundee will see Girl Guides, army and sea cadets and other young people marching from Dundee High School to City Square, where entertainment will be provided on stage.

Glamis Castle, in Angus, has an exhibition running until the end of October, which features six outfits worn by the Queen, one for each decade of her reign.

All of the dresses are said to reflect the diamond theme and have been worn by the Queen during state visits and royal tours.

Stirling Castle will be stepping back in time to the royal court of the 16th Century to mark the jubilee.

Continue reading the main story

Explore our Diamond Jubilee interactives

The castle, which has been party to a number of royal celebrations over the years including the coronations of King James V and his daughter Mary, Queen of Scots, said activities will include sword-fighting and displays of fashions of the time.

In Dumfries and Galloway a range of events are being held, including a royal exhibition at Kirkcudbright Town Hall, while on Sunday street parties will be held in Church Road, Kirkcolm, Main Street, Sandhead and High Street in Dalbeattie.

A jubilee party is to be held in Aberdeen’s Duthie Park on Sunday, showcasing local community performers.

Solo artists, musical theatre, bands, pianists and guitarists have been selected to perform at the event.

It will continue with the premiere of the Aberdeen Anthem, which has been gifted to the city by professor in composition Paul Mealor at University of Aberdeen, to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

Glasgow City Council said seven road closures have been granted for street parties to be held.

Jubilee events at Sloans Bar and Restaurant in the city centre include barbecues on Friday and Monday, as well as a tea party on Sunday.

A town-centre street party is to be held on the extra bank holiday on Tuesday by the Kings Coffee and Books store in Queensberry Street, Dumfries.

Licences have been granted to hold parties in Thurso, Highlands, including one on the beach, while a jubilee tea party has been organised at the village hall in Durness.

The Wick Diamond Jubilee HarbourFest will crown its own queen, followed by a procession to the harbour led by the Wick Pipe Band.

Are you preparing to celebrate the Jubilee? Send us your pictures to: newsonlinescotland@bbc.co.uk

Scotland to mark Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

A young girl prepares for the diamond jubileeEdinburgh is thought to be hosting a third of all Scotland‘s street parties

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be marked with celebrations and events across Scotland.

At least 20 street parties have already been approved by Edinburgh City Council, as well as a live screening of the Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.

It will be shown on a big screen in the city’s Festival Square on Saturday.

A 21-gun salute is also due to take place at Edinburgh Castle at noon, the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation, by 105 Regiment Royal Artillery.

The following day, the jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace will also be shown.

The capital is understood to have had a third of all of Scotland‘s street party applications.

A council spokesman said more than 30 road-closure applications had been received.

On Wednesday, an oak tree was planted outside the Scottish Parliament by the Woodland Trust to mark the Jubilee and a commemorative garden is to be created at Holyrood Palace.

The Scottish Parliament will present the Queen with a visual record of her visits to the building.

The Royal Yacht Britannia will honour the Queen’s 60th year on the throne with a weekend of celebrations, including entertainment, cake and flags being given out.

Britannia’s royal barge will act as an escort boat in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.

Six outfits

On Sunday, a National Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in Edinburgh to mark the final day of the Diamond Jubilee weekend.

On Britain’s most northern island, Unst, in Shetland, a beacon will be lit, which has been done every year for the jubilee since the Queen’s coronation.

A small ceremony will be held in Saxa Vord prior to the beacon being lit.

The Shetland Museum is also planning to put on an exhibition based around the three visits made by the Queen to Shetland during her reign.

The Lord Provost’s Youth Parade in Dundee will see Girl Guides, army and sea cadets and other young people marching from Dundee High School to City Square, where entertainment will be provided on stage.

Glamis Castle, in Angus, has an exhibition running until the end of October, which features six outfits worn by the Queen, one for each decade of her reign.

All of the dresses are said to reflect the diamond theme and have been worn by the Queen during state visits and royal tours.

Stirling Castle will be stepping back in time to the royal court of the 16th Century to mark the jubilee.

Continue reading the main story

Explore our Diamond Jubilee interactives

The castle, which has been party to a number of royal celebrations over the years including the coronations of King James V and his daughter Mary, Queen of Scots, said activities will include sword-fighting and displays of fashions of the time.

In Dumfries and Galloway a range of events are being held, including a royal exhibition at Kirkcudbright Town Hall, while on Sunday street parties will be held in Church Road, Kirkcolm, Main Street, Sandhead and High Street in Dalbeattie.

A jubilee party is to be held in Aberdeen’s Duthie Park on Sunday, showcasing local community performers.

Solo artists, musical theatre, bands, pianists and guitarists have been selected to perform at the event.

It will continue with the premiere of the Aberdeen Anthem, which has been gifted to the city by professor in composition Paul Mealor at University of Aberdeen, to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

Glasgow City Council said seven road closures have been granted for street parties to be held.

Jubilee events at Sloans Bar and Restaurant in the city centre include barbecues on Friday and Monday, as well as a tea party on Sunday.

A town-centre street party is to be held on the extra bank holiday on Tuesday by the Kings Coffee and Books store in Queensberry Street, Dumfries.

Licences have been granted to hold parties in Thurso, Highlands, including one on the beach, while a jubilee tea party has been organised at the village hall in Durness.

The Wick Diamond Jubilee HarbourFest will crown its own queen, followed by a procession to the harbour led by the Wick Pipe Band.

Are you preparing to celebrate the Jubilee? Send us your pictures to: newsonlinescotland@bbc.co.uk

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Scottish News: Rangers star Kyle Lafferty marries stunning ex-Miss Scotland

Jun 2 2012
By David Taylor

kyle lafferty nicola mimnagh wedding Image 2

RANGERS striker Kyle Lafferty married his beauty queen sweetheart yesterday.

Former Miss Scotland Nicola Mimnagh, 26, was stunning in a strapless white gown, while Lafferty, 24, was resplendent in full Highland dress.

The star arrived at St Margaret’s RC Church, in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, 40 minutes before the 1.30pm ceremony.

He was accompanied by four groomsmen in matching kilts – three friends from his native Northern Ireland and Nicola’s brother Andrew, 21, his best man.

Lafferty looked relaxed as he posed for pictures and signed autographs for around 100 well-wishers who turned up to catch a glimpse of him and his bride – a St Mirren fan.

But in a telling sign that Lafferty may have played his last game for Rangers, Kirk Broadfoot was the only Ibrox player to attend the wedding.

Nicola was crowned Miss Scotland in 2010, and started dating Lafferty in November of that year.

They got engaged in June last year and had their first child together in December.

kyle lafferty nicola mimnagh wedding Image 1

Baby Taylor almost stole the show as he was carried into the church wearing a mini-kilt which matched his dad’s outfit.

Nicola arrived 15 minutes late for the service, which was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Burke.

But it was worth the wait, as the bride looked simply radiant in a strapless white dress with matching train.

Her long dark hair was held up with a diamond tiara and spilled down over her shoulders.

She had four bridesmaids, who were dressed in purple dresses.

And among the guests was her predecessor as Miss Scotland, Katharine Brown.

katharine brown Image 1

Onlookers cheered as Nicola stepped out the car before a piper in full Highland regalia led her into the church.

Two police officers stood at the door outside the church while the hour-long service took place.

Following the service, the happy couple emerged hand in hand, and wearing huge grins.

They posed up for pictures in the glorious sunshine before leaving as Mr and Mrs Lafferty for the first time.

They were then whisked away in a chauffeur-driven Bentley.

The couple are believed to have then headed to the five-star Cameron House Hotel, on the shores of Loch Lomond, for their reception.

A coach was on hand to ferry the guests to the reception.

Lafferty joined Rangers in 2008, when he switched from English side Burnley in a £3.5million deal.

He has been a controversial figure at Ibrox and was suspended for the last two weeks of the season amid reports of a bust-up with manager Ally McCoist.

He has previously said that meeting Nicola helped make him a fans’ favourite.

Laff said: “Living with her is the best thing that could have happened to me.

“I’m settled and happier for it.

“I deserved stick I’ve had in the past, but it needs to stay there.”

Editor’s Choice: Brave star Kevin McKidd launches new charity album for Save the Children

Jun 2 2012
Exclusive by Brian McIver

kevin mckidd Image 2

HE IS the star of one of America’s most loved TV dramas and is about to appear in the biggest Scottish movie of the year.

But Grey’s Anatomy and Brave star Kevin McKidd is also heading for the music charts – and is taking half of his home town with him.

The Elgin-born actor is about to release his first album of Scottish folk songs, which he recorded with an army of local musicians from the area over a series of sessions and parties at a house in Moray at Hogmanay.

Kevin launches The Speyside Sessions later this month, with proceeds going to his favourite charity, Save the Children.

He wanted to pay tribute to the music his grandfather Geordie treated him to as a child.

Kevin said: “I am delighted to get the chance to finally bring this album out, it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for years.

“A lot of it comes from my grandfather Geordie Runcie, who used to sing the bothy ballads to me as a boy.

“He was always the most popular man in the pub and would sing all the old songs to make everybody laugh and cry.

“He had an amazing voice and I always wanted to record him doing a song, but he died before I could get the chance, so it’s always been niggling that I missed the opportunity.

“A couple of years ago, I was back home with my best pal from Elgin, Jamie Reid, and we were talking about music and how there were so many talented local singers and musicians.

“We were thinking how great it would be to do a record with everybody in one house working on some of the great old songs.

“So we finally decided to do it at New Year when everyone would be home. And it worked out better than we could have imagined.

“It was great fun, we were laughing all the time.”

kevin mckidd Image 3

Kevin is best known for his on-screen work in Scottish films such as Trainspotting and Small Faces, plus US TV hit Rome and five years of huge medical drama Grey’s Anatomy.

But throughout his career he has been a huge music fan.

Fans got their first glimpse of his vocal talents last year when he took lead vocals on songs including Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars for a special musical episode of the series.

That coincided with the 38-year-old father of two becoming an active fundraiser for Save the Children.

He launched Twitter drives, along with his fan club Kevinmckiddonline.com to help raise cash for the African drought appeal.

And he also competed in the Royal Marine-modelled obstacle course race Tough Mudder last summer.

Kevin and his pals managed to bring the music and the charity side of things together for The Speyside Sessions recording – and he called in every local favour he could think of.

Friend Angus Robertson MP, the SNP Leader at Westminster, helped with cooking, as well as recruiting musicians and doing vocals himself.

Trainspotting’s Ewan McGregor did the voiceover for a behind-the-scenes “teaser” video clip of the project.

kevin mckidd Image 6

And ex-Small Faces co-star Iain Robertson acted as photographer and promoter, in between rehearsals for his own acting work in Angels at The Traverse Theatre.

He also helped recruit Del Amitri founding member Bryan Tolland, who contributed guitar skills and gear.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s son, Nick, and James Reid produced the album, while adding to the celebrity mix was pop soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae.

She dropped by for a few beers with Scots guitarist John McCallum, also a pal of Kevin’s.

Kevin said: “There were some real old biddies there who were saying it was one of the best ever Hogmanay parties in the last 50 years.

“This was never to be about me front and centre doing the whole thing, it’s more about the community I am from. But the most important thing is that it’s all for Save the Children.”

Douglas Hamilton, Save the Children’s head of Scotland, said: “We are extremely grateful for the work Kevin does for us.”

With The Speyside Sessions out on June 15 and his new movie Brave, the Pixar epic about Scotland, enjoying its premiere just a fortnight later, it’s fair to say that it’s going to be a busy summer for actor and director Kevin.

He has just been back in Scotland to promote the movie, following a whisky ad photo shoot in Hong Kong with Annie Leibovitz.

Kevin hopes he can help promote folk music around the world in the same way Brave is set to promote the countryside and culture of Scotland.

But he says he isn’t a one-man tourist board just yet. He added: “What’s great about Scottish folk music is that it’s a niche market, but hopefully I’ll be able to get people listening to this that wouldn’t normally.

On Brave, Kevin – who plays father and son, Lord and Young MacGuffin – said: “I hope it does really well and brings Scotland to people’s attention.”

Scottish News: Bite victim of crazed bulldog Big Daddy hits out after owner is fined by sheriff

Jun 2 2012
By Amy Devine

devil dog Image 2

THE owner of a crazed bulldog called Big Daddy who went berserk in a block of flats escaped with a £280 fine yesterday.

And one of the brute’s four victims told the Record the sentence was “a joke”.

Donnacha MacGloinn, who suffered a four-inch gash to his thigh, said: “If Big Daddy had gone on the rampage at 3pm, when the hallways are full of children, I have no doubt a child would be dead.

“The fine is just not enough.”

Big Daddy’s owner Jean Vittemer was also banned from keeping animals for six months.

But Donnacha said: “That means he could get another dog in time for Christmas.

“This horrendous attack has left permanent physical scars. And having such violence burst intoour homes in the wee hours has left us scarred in other ways.”

The six-stone bulldog turned savage at 3am on December 1 last year in a common stair at the Cables Wynd House high flats in Leith, Edinburgh.

Vittemer, 43, had given it to neighbour James Jenkinson, 23, to look after because he was ill. But Jenkinson and his pregnant girlfriend found the dog “a handful” and decided to return it to Vittemer in the early hours.

devil dog Image 3

As Jenkinson did so, the dog, who was not on a lead, attacked, biting him on the back and arm. Vittemer tried to restrain it and was bitten on the arm and stomach. He needed 14 stitches to eight wounds.

Vittemer managed to shut the dog in a bin cupboard, but Jenkinson let it out by mistake as he tried to find his friend.

Donnacha and another neighbour, Ian Nolan, 41, heard the men screaming and went to investigate. Big Daddy attacked them both, biting Donnacha’s leg and puncturing Ian’s arm in two places.

Donnacha and Ian took shelter in a flat, and police called to the scene had to hide in a bin shelter until specialist dog handlers arrived. The dog was later destroyed.

Vittemer and Jenkinson both pled guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to failing to control the dog. Jenkinson was fined £190 with a six-month ban on keeping animals.

Prosecutor Thomas Crosbie told the court police found “a significant amount of blood” at the scene.

Vittemer and Jenkinson had faced six charges but most were dropped when they agreed to plead guilty to breaking the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The court heard that jobless Jenkinson, who has since become a father, was traumatised and would never have a dog of his own.

French-born Vittemer, also unemployed, said he took Big Daddy in for company because he led an “isolated” life.

Climber in hospital after 100ft fall on Arthur’s Seat

A climber has been taken to hospital after falling about 100ft in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park.

Emergency services had to use a boat to reach the man after he fell from Hangman’s Rock, a steep crag beside Duddingston Loch at the foot of Arthur’s Seat.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said the incident happened just before 9pm on Friday.

Firefighters used a line to reach the man before taking him back across the loch to a waiting ambulance, which transported him to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

His condition is not known but he suffered multiple fractures and back pain in the fall.

Emergency services were at the scene for just over an hour until the ambulance left for hospital at about 10.10pm.

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