Erin Brown, Author at Deadline News https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/author/erin-brown/ News and pictures from Scotland and beyond Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:25:04 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-dealine-dl-icon-32x32.png Erin Brown, Author at Deadline News https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/author/erin-brown/ 32 32 Scottish home study company celebrates 40 years in business https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/09/08/scottish-home-study-company-marks-40-years-in-business/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:25:01 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1216025 SCOTTISH-BASED company Ideal Schools, which teaches bookkeeping, payroll and taxation via home study courses, is celebrating 40 years in business. Founder Elias van den Akke, who established the firm in 1983, announced his retirement from his active role in the company. The position of managing director has been taken by his long-term colleague and director […]

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SCOTTISH-BASED company Ideal Schools, which teaches bookkeeping, payroll and taxation via home study courses, is celebrating 40 years in business.

Founder Elias van den Akke, who established the firm in 1983, announced his retirement from his active role in the company.

The position of managing director has been taken by his long-term colleague and director Brian McVean, effective from September 1.

Mr van den Akker, known as Al, also announced that his son Scot would become chairman of the training provider.

Ideal Schools group shot 1 - left to right - Brian, Al and Scot.
Brian, Al and Scot celebrated the company’s 40th birthday on August 19 2023

The family business hosted an event at Voco Hotel in Glasgow to mark their 40th anniversary, attended by directors, business associates, tutors and students.

Accolades were given to Al, whose firm earlier this year was named the Large Training Provider of the Year at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Luca Awards.

He said: “It has been a long journey, but over the years we have had some triumphs in not only guiding students to exam success, but also to improving their skills and job prospects.

“We have also taken on the challenge of facilitating accreditation, which is now a requirement for bookkeepers under money-laundering regulations.”

Scot talked about Al’s lifetime of achievement, from Holland to the US, including an honours degree in Economics and a return to his late wife’s home in Scotland to establish Ideal Schools, and an MBA.

He said: “When Al started out, there was no internet, no Facebook, X or Instagram, no electric cars.

“Nowadays there is so much chatter that it is hard to make an impression, but I think the interpersonal relationships between staff and students have helped immeasurably.

Ideal Schools has always been student-centred.

“From the early days we have taken our lead from Al, who takes a genuine interest in every individual and encourages communication.

“This allows us to get to know our students and to achieve not only exam passes but also to attain our shared goals.”

Brian McVean said: “Like Scot, I started out helping in the office on weekends and in the holidays and the 40 years have gone by very quickly.

“I have always had a good working relationship with Al, who gave me an insight into what a good business should be like.

“When I was getting qualifications in management and accountancy, I did distance learning courses and that is just what they were – distant and uncommunicative.

“In contrast, Ideal Schools has always tried to ensure that students are treated properly and given the support they deserve.

“We now have a very good management system for students and our social media helps keep them engaged with each other as well as teaching them to work as a team.

“I have been very privileged to work with our amazing teachers in this fantastic community.”

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Scottish whisky company announces net sales at a 10-year high https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/09/08/scottish-whisky-company-announces-net-sales-at-a-10-year-high/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:20:32 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1216014 SCOTS whisky company Chivas Brothers has announced its full-year performance with net sales up 17%, taking total sales to a ten-year high. They have also announced more than £60m in planned investment over the next three years to accelerate energy and carbon reduction journeys. The company’s goal is to achieve carbon-neutral distillation by the end […]

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SCOTS whisky company Chivas Brothers has announced its full-year performance with net sales up 17%, taking total sales to a ten-year high.

They have also announced more than £60m in planned investment over the next three years to accelerate energy and carbon reduction journeys.

The company’s goal is to achieve carbon-neutral distillation by the end of 2026.

This follows their move to make heat recovery technology learnings open source for the industry, after proving successful at Glentauchers Distillery, with a 53% reduction in carbon emissions at the site.  

Displayed bottles of Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a blended Scotch whisky produced by Pernod Ricard in Scotland

The growth of the company’s strategic brands has been enhanced by the company’s balanced global footprint, underpinned by a demand for Prestige products.

The Chivas Brothers are behind some of the world’s best-loved Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet.

Chivas Regal celebrated global growth of 25%, with strong performances in markets such as India and Japan.

The brand’s success was driven by its core aged range, with Chivas Regal 18 the leading 18-year-old blended Scotch globally by both volume and value in the 2022 calendar year.

Ballantine’s grew by 13%, driven by particularly strong growth in its prestige range, which exceeded that of the total Prestige and Prestige Plus Scotch category.

Ballantine’s 21 and Ballantine’s 17 have been the key drivers alongside Ballantine’s Finest, with the Asia region excelling during this fiscal. 

Royal Salute recorded a significant 32% increase in sales, growing ahead of the Prestige and Prestige Plus Scotch categories by both value and volume in 2022.

The brand continued to grow through exclusive luxury releases such as the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition.

It showed particularly strong growth in the US, along with double-digit growth in core Asian markets including Korea, India and the Taiwan Market.  

The Glenlivet continues its upward trajectory with 9% growth and was the best-selling single malt by volume in 2022.

This has been driven by significant demand for its Super Premium and Ultra Premium ranges, with balanced growth across the brand’s global footprint.  

Speciality brand Aberlour, part of the broader Chivas Brothers single malt brand portfolio, also grew 11% in the malts category. 

The Asia region has been particularly robust, with 21% growth in the last 12 months, and the number one contributor to growth overall.

The North American market has seen stellar growth in a highly saturated market, with 8% growth. The US and Canada saw 8% and 7% growth respectively. 

Chivas Brothers’ financial results have supported its role in shaping and protecting the future of whisky with a number of significant investments

This includes the announcement of more than £60m in planned investment to implement heat recovery technologies and install electric boilers across viable distilleries. 

Chivas Brothers will also invest in strategic inventory management, ensuring a future-fit model that continues to meet the demand for its Scotch whiskies around the world. 

Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, commented: “The historic highs we’re seeing across our strategic brands signal the success of our premiumisation strategy which has enabled Chivas Brothers to outperform the market.

“Our highest growth of the last decade reinforces our position to shape the future of sustainable Scotch while continuing to meet demand.

“We have fast-tracked a number of sustainability initiatives to meet our own ambitious targets and remain committed to supporting the industry in ushering in this new era —as we demonstrated earlier this year by making our heat recovery findings open source.”

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Call for monitoring as oceans reach near permanent heatwave https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/09/08/call-for-monitoring-as-oceans-reach-near-permanent-heatwave/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:01:15 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1216010 MARINE scientists are warning that large parts of the ocean are heading towards a state of permanent heatwave, as average global sea temperatures rise.  In a new paper, researchers have called for increased monitoring of ocean temperatures in order to improve marine heatwave forecasting.   The paper was published in the journal Nature by an independent […]

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MARINE scientists are warning that large parts of the ocean are heading towards a state of permanent heatwave, as average global sea temperatures rise. 

In a new paper, researchers have called for increased monitoring of ocean temperatures in order to improve marine heatwave forecasting.  

The paper was published in the journal Nature by an independent team of researchers, including Prof Michael Burrows of the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban.

Prof Michael Burrows
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), based near Oban, is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation

Marine heatwaves are defined as at least five consecutive days when sea temperatures are in the top 10% of temperatures for that day of the year.

They can have devastating effects on ocean life, particularly corals and other species that are fixed in one location.

Heatwaves also have an impact on aquaculture and fishing industries, which would benefit from accurate forecasting. 

Prof Burrows said: “We are seeing an increase in the occurrence and intensity of marine heatwaves all over the world, not just in the more tropical regions. 

“Off northern UK, we had a marine heatwave that lasted 237 days, from August 2022 to April 2023.

“Then, after a brief period of more normal temperatures, there was a rapid and intense 39-day heatwave in June and July that saw sea surface temperatures nearly three degrees Celsius higher than normal. 

“We have seen marine heatwaves becoming more common as the years pass; this is not a one-off. 

“With nearly 80% of the last year as a marine heatwave in the UK, there is now a debate about whether we should shift the baseline from which we detect marine heatwaves.

“The baseline on which we based the definition of a heatwave was taken from the average temperatures between 1980 and 2013.

“Just 10 years on from the end of that period, it seems we may have entered a ‘new normal’ of ocean temperatures.” 

The warning comes as the planet looks likely to enter a period of El Niño, a climate phenomenon seen every few years, further increasing ocean temperatures.

It occurs when winds over the tropical Pacific falter and the warmest waters in the western Pacific flood eastwards, disrupting atmospheric circulation.  

Marine heatwaves are more common in El Niño years.

On previous occasions, this has led to detrimental impacts on major fisheries, changes to the habitat of certain marine species, and severe coral bleaching.  

Professor Burrows added: “Aquaculture may need to change husbandry practices and change harvesting to be in advance of anticipated damaging heatwaves.

Fisheries may need to reduce catch limits to protect heat-stressed stocks, and change practices during climate-enforced reduced activity. 

“To really understand the impacts of marine heatwaves, we should scale-up monitoring efforts to characterize conditions before, during and after an event, including physical, chemical, and biodiversity measurement at multiple temporal and spatial scales.” 

The paper’s lead author, Dr Alistair Hobday of Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, said:

“If we’re coming up to a period of time where we are forecasting there are going to be impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, for example, that gives you the opportunity to ask yourself what you might do about it. 

“As a politician, as a researcher, or as an industry manager – if the information is there but you choose not to take steps to prepare, then really you are neglecting to look after your future. 

“Australia’s efforts around identifying bushfire risks – preparing for those events and planning for the recovery stage – have improved greatly in recent years.”

Dr Hobday continues, “Now we need to see the same level of coordination around extreme events in the ocean. 

“With more information available, we have the opportunity to provide much better support for our marine industries and the blue economy.”

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Scotch cream liqueur brand toasts first US export deal  https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/09/01/scotch-cream-liqueur-brand-toasts-first-us-export-deal/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:51:28 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1215686 SCOTLAND’S only Scotch whisky cream liqueur brand Magnum has announced its first export deal in the United States. Following two years of planning and negotiation, Magnum is now shipping to around 250 outlets across the states of Minnesota and Tennessee.  The brand is now the only single scotch malt whisky cream liqueur available in the US that is exclusively crafted and bottled […]

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SCOTLAND’S only Scotch whisky cream liqueur brand Magnum has announced its first export deal in the United States.

Following two years of planning and negotiation, Magnum is now shipping to around 250 outlets across the states of Minnesota and Tennessee. 

The brand is now the only single scotch malt whisky cream liqueur available in the US that is exclusively crafted and bottled in Scotland.

Bottle of Magnum beside a glass of the liqueur. Forth bridge is in the background
Magnum is a fusion of single-malt Scotch whisky and cream

Talks are already underway to expand Magnum’s distribution to other parts of the US in 2024, including the states of Georgia and Texas.

Magnum has teamed up with New York-based importer MHW to transport its product from Scotland across the Atlantic and provide nationwide distribution. 

Magnum is also collaborating closely with Tennessee-based importer Brio Brands on targeted state distribution for the brand.

Magnum is contained in a unique, stainless steel flask, which is designed to be reusable and recyclable.

It also keeps the liqueur chilled at the optimum temperature, without the need for ice.

Edinburgh-based Hemisphere Brands is the global brand agent for Magnum and manages the brand from production planning through to the strategy for market entry.

Commenting on Magnum’s success in the United States and future global growth ambitions for the brand, Magnum Director, Lee Schofield, said:

“This is a really significant milestone for our truly Scottish brand. 

“Magnum is now the only single scotch malt whisky cream liqueur available in the US that is exclusively crafted and bottled in Scotland.

“Our strategy is to introduce Magnum to globally significant ‘cream’ liqueur category markets, including Canada, South Africa and the United States.

“The US is the largest cream liqueur market, maintaining around a quarter of the world’s consumption, so there’s great potential to widen our distribution across the country.

“We’re keen to establish Magnum in our launch states of Minnesota and Tennessee through 2023 and early 2024.

“From there, we plan to expand across Texas and Georgia.”

Commenting on the challenges of getting Magnum to market in the US, Lee added:

“From start to finish, it took the best part of two years to get Magnum into the US.

“It’s an arduous process, from registration of the trademark, formula and certificate of label approval, to market research and finding our way around the unique US three-tier alcohol and distribution system.

“We needed to find an importer and distributor, as well as manage an effective route to market. Cost and effort is substantial even before the brand hits the shelves.

“In the UK we’re free to sell directly through a variety of trade channels. The three-tier system in the US prevents this.

“Each US state has its own legislative, trading, retailing and marketing environment.

“Our business is mostly international, so we learnt from our experience of researching and processing market entry, as well as from support and feedback from our US importer.”

Lee continued: “With our new cream production facility in Scotland, engineered solely for Magnum, we’re able to scale up as required.

“Innovation is very much on our agenda, but always with provenance, premium ingredients and packaging sustainability in our DNA.

“At Magnum our vision is uncompromising and our ambition is straightforward – to craft a radical, premium cream liqueur, one that contains the finest single malt Scotch whisky and only single malt.”

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Considerable change needed to stop nature loss in Scotland https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/09/01/considerable-change-needed-to-stop-nature-loss-in-scotland/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:24:08 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1215639 SCOTLAND needs to see considerable and rapid change across all aspects of society to stop further nature loss, a new report reveals. Many of the direct causes of biodiversity loss are well-known such as pollution, climate change and land use change. Now a new report led by The James Hutton Institute, commissioned by NatureScot, says […]

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SCOTLAND needs to see considerable and rapid change across all aspects of society to stop further nature loss, a new report reveals.

Many of the direct causes of biodiversity loss are well-known such as pollution, climate change and land use change.

Now a new report led by The James Hutton Institute, commissioned by NatureScot, says that tackling these direct causes is not enough.

It points to factors which are indirectly contributing to nature loss in Scotland including our culture, education, demography, economy, political systems and technology.

Bumblebee feeding on a flower
A great yellow bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) feeding on clover (Benbecula machair.)

The report identifies ways to reduce the impacts of some of these contributing factors to help us move towards a future where we are living more in harmony with nature.

Government, public bodies, schools, businesses, individuals and communities are highlighted as having a lead role to play.

Recommendations include that policymakers and businesses move away from measuring performance based on levels of production and consumption.

They should focus more on regenerative uses of the land and sea as part of a sustainable, circular economy.

While this will require substantial adjustments, the report comments that these will be easier and cheaper than passively adjusting to a worsening biodiversity and climate crisis.

Professor Robin Pakeman, senior report author at the Hutton, said: “A key conclusion I draw from this report is that the consequences of all of our actions, even apparently positive ones, can have global repercussions.

“These can be very complex to navigate. For example, replacing a forestry plantation with a native woodland could be seen as a win for biodiversity.

“However, where will the timber now come from?

“Effectively, ‘offshoring’ or pushing our impacts elsewhere where they cause even more problems, is a serious concern.

“There are many difficult choices, which can be made easier, as the report outlines.

“For example, we can reduce our use of unsustainable materials and cut energy consumption that degrades the natural world.”

NatureScot’s Director of Nature and Climate Change, Nick Halfhide said: “With the forthcoming consultation on the Scottish Government’s ‘Biodiversity Strategy to 2045: Tackling the Nature Emergency’, the importance of halting biodiversity loss by 2030 is laid bare. 

“Tackling these underlying contributions to nature loss will be essential for a just transition to a net zero and nature-rich economy, both to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase resilience to the impacts of a changing climate. 

“This important report from the James Hutton Institute points to the wider challenges we face in reconciling the great range of policies and actions to achieve a thriving future for our natural environment, economy and wellbeing.”

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Grassroots football defibrillator scheme backed by Fabrice Muamba https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/08/25/grassroots-football-defibrillator-scheme-backed-by-fabrice-muamba/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:54:05 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1215138 LIFE-SAVING defibrillators and a CPR training scheme for grassroots football clubs has opened to new applications this week, after a surge in demand. This comes after after a ‘thank you’ video from Fabrice Muamba to a small heart charity sent applications soaring to almost 4,000 for just 100 life-saving defibrillators.  The popular life-saving campaign is […]

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LIFE-SAVING defibrillators and a CPR training scheme for grassroots football clubs has opened to new applications this week, after a surge in demand.

This comes after after a ‘thank you’ video from Fabrice Muamba to a small heart charity sent applications soaring to almost 4,000 for just 100 life-saving defibrillators. 

The popular life-saving campaign is funded and delivered by heart charity Red Sky Foundation and rolled-out by Team Grassroots.

Successful applicants receive a free defibrillator and online CPR training for unlimited members of their club and community.

The mobile defibrillators can be taken to every location where the team plays or trains, improving access for all. 

Boldon Girls FC
South Shields’ Boldon Girls FC received one of the life-saving kits

The Grassroots Defibrillator Programme, which is now in its third year, has funded over 300 defibrillators to date and has trained thousands of members across more than 100 grassroots clubs.

This follows the Premier League’s national campaign which gave 2,000 grassroots sites access to a defibrillator back in 2021, amongst other campaigns.

Paul Kirton, Founder of Team Grassroots, said: “The demand for defibrillators at a grassroots level is testament to the awareness raised by the household names who have been affected, such as Fabrice Muamba and Christian Eriksen.

“The few clubs that could afford to buy one now have, and the various schemes have made many more available.

“[However] the fact that demand is still so high confirms the need for additional funding to get one in reach of every football player in the UK, at every level.

“In the meantime, the Red Sky Foundation’s incredibly generous donation will help 100 more clubs play with confidence and give them the peace of mind knowing that life-saving equipment can be made available and used correctly, should it be required.”

Sergio Petrucci, Co-founder of Red Sky Foundation, said: “Our daughter, Luna, was given a second chance receiving specialist cardiac care when she needed it most.

“This is our way of helping others. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone of any age.

“Grassroots clubs’ budgets often don’t allow for this type of apparatus, so we are doing what we can to help clubs access one.

“Using early CPR and defibrillation on a person in sudden cardiac arrest can increase their chances of survival from seven percent to over 75 percent.

“It’s vital that every club possible in the UK has access to a defibrillator via the Grassroots Defibrillator Programme.”

All defibrillators allocated to clubs via the Grassroots Defibrillator Programme are delivered alongside a free life-saving CPR and defibrillator training sessions.

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Scottish innovation summit to feature three female future tech leaders https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/08/25/scots-innovation-summit-to-feature-three-female-future-tech-leaders/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:31:54 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1215194 SCOTLAND’S innovation summit is set to feature global experts alongside Scottish businesses, with three female future tech leaders announced as keynotes. Can Do Innovation Summit is now in its fourth year and in-person for the first time since the pandemic, taking place at Glasgow’s Science Centre on 7 November 2023. Businesses can connect with innovators […]

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SCOTLAND’S innovation summit is set to feature global experts alongside Scottish businesses, with three female future tech leaders announced as keynotes.

Can Do Innovation Summit is now in its fourth year and in-person for the first time since the pandemic, taking place at Glasgow’s Science Centre on 7 November 2023.

Businesses can connect with innovators and academics to explore how new technologies, leadership and business cultures can tackle challenges faced by Scottish industries.

Runway with woman in silver dress
AI-enabled fashion collection by Opé M, showcased at the Summit.

More than 800 delegates and 40 speakers are expected to take part in the summit, which is funded by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise and Innovate UK.

The summit has become a must-attend for Scottish businesses from all sectors.

This year’s event provides insights on innovating to navigate a tough economic climate and an increasingly virtual and artificial intelligence (AI) enabled world.   

This year’s free-to-attend summit is spearheaded by female keynote speakers, with a focus on rapid advances towards a tech-driven, sustainable and virtual future. 

The first of the three keynote speakers is Elena Corchero, Director of Emerging Tech at DowJones Live and Globally Recognised Tech Futurist.

Edafe Onerhime, Data Specialist and Global Financial Services Lead, will also speak. She was included in the Top Twenty Most Influential Women in Data 2023.

The third speaker is Opé M, Fashion Creative and Futurist and Top 3 Finalist at New York AI Fashion Week 2023. 

Dr Susie Mitchell, Programme Director, Glasgow City of Science and Innovation (lead agency for the CAN DO Innovation Summit) said: “Scotland is already well regarded as a leader in innovation, but the pace of change has hugely accelerated.

“This summit will support start-ups and SMEs to make the most of AI and emerging technologies, key tools for businesses to thrive in a challenging economic climate.

“I’m also immensely proud to launch the summit with a line-up of local and global female experts, showcasing the talented women in tech and helping to inspire the next generation of diverse leaders.”

Other speakers and panellists for the event include Nick Rosa, Industry Technology Innovation Lead from Accenture, and Nicola Anderson, CEO of FinTech Scotland. 

Delegates will hear from local and global experts who will share essential tech trends, insights and tools that allow businesses to keep up and stand out.

The Summit will also include a raft of business leaders from Scotland’s growing innovation clusters such as health tech, advanced manufacturing and the digital creative industries. 

Keynote Elena Corchero, Director of Emerging Tech at DowJones Live, said: “No matter your industry there is so much noise when you look at innovation and trends, and what can apply to your business.

“I’m excited to be part of this important event to talk about building a technology manifesto on ‘the why’ and how companies must embed well-being, immersiveness, sustainability and ethics to ensure tech and innovation adoption is challenge-based and purpose-driven.

“I’ll also share information on essential emerging (and merging) tech that businesses need to know about to stay ahead of the curve and embrace a better future.”

The event will also include an immersive showcase, on Scotland’s largest IMAX screen, of Opé M’s AI-enabled fashion collection Emergence.

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Bonnie Prince Charlie brought to life with new recreation https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/08/18/bonnie-prince-charlie-brought-to-life-with-new-recreation/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:51:56 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1214736 SCOTTISH historical figure Bonnie Prince Charlie has been given a new lease of life with a model recreation of his face, 200 years after his death. A team at the University of Dundee’s Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) has recreated the face of the Prince as he would have looked in This was […]

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SCOTTISH historical figure Bonnie Prince Charlie has been given a new lease of life with a model recreation of his face, 200 years after his death.

A team at the University of Dundee’s Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) has recreated the face of the Prince as he would have looked in

This was at the time of the Jacobite rising; his unsuccessful attempt to restore his father, James Francis Edward Stuart, to the British throne.

Recreation of Bonnie Prince Charlie
Bonnie Prince Charlie lived between 1720 and 1788.

Aged just 24 at this time, this new recreation has been produced using death masks of the Prince, which have been painstakingly photographed and mapped by Dundee researchers.

Subsequently, 3D models were produced with state-of-the-art software allowing experts to ‘de-age’ the Prince to create a representation of him from the period he is remembered for.

Barbora Veselá, a Masters student who initiated the project, said: “I have looked at previous reconstructions of historical figures and was interested as to how these could be done differently.”

“I wanted to create an image of what he would have looked like during the Jacobite rising.

“There are death masks of Bonnie Prince Charlie that are accessible, while some are in private collections.

“We also know that he suffered a stroke before he died, so that made the process of age regression even more interesting to me.”

Barbora’s work will feature as part of the University of Dundee’s annual Masters Show, which opens to the public on Saturday 19 August.

Born to the exiled Stuart King James III of England and Ireland and VIII of Scotland, Prince Charles Edward Stuart sought to regain the Great British throne for his father in the Jacobite rising of 1745.

Despite some initial successes on the battlefield, his army was defeated by government forces at the Battle of Culloden, near Inverness, in April 1746.

He spent the next five months as a hunted man before eventually fleeing to France.

He spent the rest of his life on the continent and died in Palazzo Muti, Rome, at the age of 67.

Since his death, Bonnie Prince Charlie has continued to inspire writers and historians.

He has also come to the attention of a new generation of admirers through depictions in modern media, including television shows such as Outlander.

Following his death, a cast of the Prince’s face was taken, as was common for notable figures at the time.

The Dundee team examined copies of two of these masks, located at Highlife Highland’s Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and The Hunterian, University of Glasgow.

They then created a composite over several months.

Barbora took photographs from all around the masks and then utilised photogrammetry software to establish a 3D model.

In total, she estimates that almost 500 images have been taken of both masks as part of the recreation process.

She said, “It has been a pleasure to work with these artefacts.

“The access I have been given has been incredible. There are moments, when you are working with the masks, that it suddenly strikes you that this was once a living person.

“We don’t tend to think about the age of people when we study history, but Prince Charlie was just 24 years old when he landed in Scotland and to visualise how young he was at this pivotal moment in history is fascinating.

“He has some interesting features.

“Beauty is a very subjective thing, but Bonnie Prince Charlie does have distinctive features, such as his nose and his eyes, that encourage you to study him.

“Hopefully this recreation encourages people to think about him as a person, instead of just a legend.

“At the same time, it is important not to romanticise him or the era of history.

“There are many accounts of him but having a face to look at helps us to view him as a human and not just a name from history.”

CAHID’s Dr Tobias Houlton, who specialises in craniofacial identification and forensic imaging, said that this new image would bring new interest in the life of the Prince.

He said: “This has been a hugely exciting project.

“Through many hours of hard work, Barbora has given us an exciting new insight into European history.

“This recreation will undoubtedly fascinate the public and the added dynamic of using artificial age-regression to bring him back to the Jacobite era, when he was most famous, showcases the range of expertise we have here at the University of Dundee.”

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Monster hunters wanted to catch sight of Nessie https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/08/18/monster-hunters-wanted-to-catch-sight-of-nessie/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:51:30 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1214728 SCOTLAND’S Loch Ness Centre is recruiting a team of monster hunters to search the famous waters of the loch and uncover its mysteries. The newly refurbished centre will be supported by Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, and Visit Inverness Loch Ness. The Loch Ness Centre is making a final call to […]

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SCOTLAND’S Loch Ness Centre is recruiting a team of monster hunters to search the famous waters of the loch and uncover its mysteries.

The newly refurbished centre will be supported by Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, and Visit Inverness Loch Ness.

The Loch Ness Centre is making a final call to recruit budding monster hunters from around the world to be involved on the weekend, taking place on August 26 and 27.

The team will help to unearth the secrets of the famous Loch from their home by logging in to a live stream of the famous waters to help search for any mysterious anomalies.

Loch Ness Centre giving a tour of the loch
Loch Ness contains 263 billion cubic feet of water – more than all English and Welsh lakes combined

The Loch Ness Centre and LNE have arranged a giant surface watch of the loch, keeping an eye out for breaks in the water and any inexplicable movements or sightings.

The surface watch is set to be the biggest of its kind since the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau (LNIB) studied the Loch in 1972, if not ever.

Several cameras have been set up all over the Loch for people all over the world to watch out for the Loch’s most famous inhabitant, as well as other local wildlife.

When viewing the live cameras, watchers can capture a screenshot directly as well as zoom in to get a better look and are being asked to share any findings.

For those unable to make the weekend, the cameras are looking out over the famous water 365 days a year.  

Over the weekend, surveying equipment that has never been used on Loch Ness will be enlisted to uncover the secrets of the mysterious waters.

This includes specialist drones to produce thermal images of the water from the air using infrared cameras, and a hydrophone to detect acoustic signals under the water.

For others wanting to get involved in the quest, there is still the chance to get out on the water with Deepscan Captain, Alistair Matheson, the Skipper for the Loch Ness Project.

There will also be four Premium Deepscan cruises over the weekend with a member of the original Loch Ness Investigation Bureau and Alan McKenna of Loch Ness Exploration.

Costing £45 per person, this includes an extended trip using a 60-foot hydrophone to listen for noises in the depths of the loch.

Guests can book the final available tickets for a trip on board the vessel, named after the famous expedition, carried out on the Loch in 1987.  

There will also be a special tour available at the Loch Ness Centre over the weekend, with final tickets remaining.

Visitors will be able to experience the tour of the seven rooms, featuring real artefacts, scientific debates, eyewitness accounts and recorded sightings.

The recently renovated Loch Ness Centre is located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where 90 years ago, hotel manager Aldie Mackay reported seeing a ‘water beast’ in Loch Ness.

Continuum Attractions, which operates award-winning attractions all over the UK, has invested £1.5m in creating a modern immersive exhibition with interactive elements.

Making use of a wealth of engaging technology to create an immersive multimedia experience, the reimagined centre offers a memorable experience to visitors of all ages.

Paul Nixon, General Manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said: “The interest in our weekend of activities has been fantastic, and to see how people from all around the world are still fascinated by the story of the Loch and Nessie.

“We want anyone in the world to be able to help, which is why we are looking for budding monster hunters from anywhere to log in to the live stream of the Loch over the weekend and see if they spot anything mysterious.

“We can’t wait to see what we find.”

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Scots encouraged to discover local food and drink during campaign https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/08/18/scots-encouraged-to-explore-local-food-and-drink-during-campaign/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:48:08 +0000 https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/?p=1214725 SCOTLAND Food & Drink campaign has unveiled a local theme for their annual celebration of the nation’s produce this September. Now in its 14th year, Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight 2023 will encourage the whole nation to ‘discover what’s on your doorstep.’ The campaign celebrates the producers, manufacturers, retailers, hospitality and regional food groups that […]

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SCOTLAND Food & Drink campaign has unveiled a local theme for their annual celebration of the nation’s produce this September.

Now in its 14th year, Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight 2023 will encourage the whole nation to ‘discover what’s on your doorstep.’

The campaign celebrates the producers, manufacturers, retailers, hospitality and regional food groups that work to get quality Scottish produce onto shelves and tables.

Rahel Gambro stood beside sign for Cambus O'May
Cambus O’May Creamery is nestled amongst the Cairngorm Mountains in Royal Deeside

The 2023 Fortnight calendar runs from September 2 to 16 and is packed with events across the country to celebrate the food and drink available locally.

Activities include visiting SeaFest in Peterhead, exploring the islands at the Arran Festival of Food & Drink, or enjoying a blend at the Scottish Rum Festival in Edinburgh.

More than half of the Scottish population say that food provenance is important to them and almost 9 in 10 Scots would like to be able to buy more Scottish food and drink.

This year, Scotland Food & Drink is working closely with its Regional Food Groups and Regional Food Ambassadors to promote a line-up of regional events.

They also spotlight produce from across Scotland that are stocked everywhere from shops, restaurants, cafes and bars to delis and markets.

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Our industry has shown tremendous resilience over the last few years.

“Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate the success and talent from across the sector.

“Over the campaign, we will be working with our regional food and drink ambassadors and groups to share the amazing stories from producers themselves, from the Highlands and Islands to the South of Scotland and everywhere in between.

“This year’s Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is all about celebrating the people across our industry’s supply chain that make it all possible.

“I hope the whole industry and the public gets behind the campaign and gets involved.”

Scotland Food & Drink have enlisted local food and drink heroes this year, including its 18 Regional Food Groups and 23 Regional Food Tourism Ambassadors across the country.

Rachel Gambro, Regional Food Ambassador for Aberdeenshire, said: “Local producers work incredibly hard to supply a huge range of high-quality food and drink to customers in Scotland and beyond.

“Their dedication and enthusiasm is clear when you meet them.

“They are truly proud to be part of such an exciting sector that often sees them working as a team, with collaborations between producers on new offerings, producers being highlighted by name on menus or coming together at an event.

“Many producers also offer food tourism experiences through workshops, tours and tastings. 

“Take the opportunity during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight to hear their inspiring stories. 

“You will be delighted to discover what is on your doorstep and surprised to find your food tastes even better when you understand its provenance.” 

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