On the day, 10 of Scotland’s best independent brewers were joined by a host of Scottish drink brands and street food vendors to offer up plenty of tasty treats for revellers.

Strathaven Beer Festival returned at the weekend, with punters being treated to a fabulous day of food, drink and music.

Despite almost two weeks of stunning weather, the forecast for the day was a “bit iffy”.

However, the predictions of perspiration couldn’t deter locals, as over 1100 punters popped out for a bank holiday weekend hooley.

Organiser Fraser Wilson told us: “Saturday was not only a great day for us as organisers, but also for Strathaven as a whole.

“If you choose to run outdoor events in Scotland, more often than not, the weather will play tricks on you, and that was the case on Saturday. The weather in the run up to the event had been great and Friday set-up even finished with pink skies at night.

“Yet, at 11.58am – just minutes before we opened the gates – it started to rain. Thankfully it was just a light shower that lasted for about 20 minutes, but we had a slightly heavier one around 3pm that lasted for 40 minutes.

“To their credit though, our punters were well-equipped to deal with any rain and were definitely in the mood to party, because hardly anyone headed for the hills.”

On the day, 10 of Scotland’s best independent brewers were joined by a host of Scottish drink brands and street food vendors to offer up plenty of tasty treats for revellers.

The day really kicked into gear when Underdog took to the stage for a fantastic set of singalong hits, before Connor Fyfe again packed out the main marquee with a superb singing session.

Willie Munro kept the crowd singing and dancing in the smaller tent, before Braumans brought the event home with a brilliant DJ set.

Fraser added: “There was such a fun, family atmosphere throughout the day, with plenty of entertainment for everyone.

“We even managed to raise a good amount for local charities thanks to the chilli eating challenge put on by Theo from Roasted. I was one of the participants trying to eat as many bowls of chilli as possible in a minute.

“I was nowhere close, but I’ll be heading along to Roasted soon for a bowl for my lunch as it was a tasty challenge.”

■ All pictures from the beer festival are by JSB Media Services.

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Frazer Barker, 19, from Washington, launched Technical Focus with help from the North East BIC to take his first steps into entrepreneurship.

The coaching business offers group and one-to-one football training for individuals aged six and above, and now supports more than 40 young people each week.

Frazer Barker has launched football coaching business Technical Focus (Image: Helen Smith Photography)

Mr Barker said: “It was quite daunting setting up on my own, but I’ve been blown away by the response it’s received.

“It started off with me delivering one group session a week but that has quickly grown to four, with up to 12 people in each.

“I am also delivering one-to-one training outside of the classes which is proving really popular.

Frazer Barker (Image: Helen Smith Photography)

“So much so, I am now working with two other coaches to help me cater for the demand.”

Before launching the business, Mr Barker worked for another coaching company but was inspired to go it alone.

He said: “Being only 19, I didn’t think I had anything to lose and thankfully it’s all worked out.”

Sessions currently take place at The Millenium Centre and The Hub in Washington, with prices starting from £15 per session.

Frazer Barker has launched football coaching business Technical Focus (Image: Helen Smith Photography)

In addition to running the business, Mr Barker plays Northern League football and aims to use his coaching to help young people stay active and build confidence.

He said: “I enjoy playing football and working with children so that was really what inspired me to get into coaching.

“I personally think playing football from an early age has shaped who I am today and given me the drive to do it.

“Football has a whole host of benefits, from improving your mental wellbeing to learning vital life skills and staying physically fit.

“Hopefully the work we are doing can help inspire more young people to get involved in the game.”

With no prior business experience, Mr Barker turned to the North East BIC for guidance.

He worked with business adviser Helen Wardropper, who helped him register the business with HMRC and is now supporting him as he explores funding opportunities for further growth.

He said: “Helen has been a huge help.

“Not only has she helped me register the business and make sure I’ve done everything right, but she also assisted me with my business plan and has helped me network and widen my business circles.

“I am still working with her now as I explore grant funding to help support the purchase of equipment and securing more venues to deliver sessions from.

“I can’t thank her enough for her support.”

Ms Wardropper praised his drive and determination.

She said: “Frazer is a remarkably motivated and driven young man, who has studied hard to qualify in his chosen career path and then used this, alongside his natural ability to work with young people, to set up a thriving business.

“The services he provides are invaluable and great for young people seeking to improve their football skills and also their confidence.

“I would like to wish him the very best and look forward to supporting him on his entrepreneurial journey as the business continues to go from strength-to-strength.”

Peter McIntyre, executive director of economy and place at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re really proud to be directing funding into programmes like Enterprising Sunderland that help entrepreneurial talent to begin their business journey.

“SMEs are a critical part of our economy in Sunderland, and through support like this, we are seeing the city increasingly recognised as a great location to start-up and grow a business.”

Engineering works mean that buses will replace trains on some routes

Rail passengers travelling to Stansted Airport this weekend may have to take an alternative route as major engineering works are taking place. Services running to and from London Stansted will be impacted on May 9 and May 10.

During this time, there will be no direct services to or from London Liverpool Street, with passengers instead encouraged to travel to London via Cambridge and London King’s Cross. Buses have been scheduled to replace trains between Bishops Stortford and Waltham Cross, as well as between Hertford East and Waltham Cross.

Trains will still be operating between Cambridge/Stansted Airport and Bishops Stortford, as well as Waltham Cross and London. The service will only run half-hourly.

Passengers for the Stansted Express are being asked to travel via Cambridge and King’s Cross instead because of limited rail replacement. Tickets for the Stansted Express will be accepted on alternative routes.

Elsewhere on the network, buses will also be replacing trains between Thetford and Cambridge North as well as Bury St Edmunds and Peterborough. Trains will still be operating between Norwich and Thetford, Cambridge North and Stansted Airport, and Ipswich and Cambridge.

The Swifts fell short when losing 3-2 to Coleraine at the weekend

Rodney McAree insists his Dungannon Swifts team will be ready for the second bite at the cherry as they chase a return to Europe.

Having sampled continental action last summer after winning the Irish Cup, the Swifts fell short when losing this year’s final 3-2 to Coleraine at the weekend.

But despite that shattering disappointment, McAree says his tight-knit squad will respond in the right manner as they plot an alternative route back into the UEFA Conference League – starting tonight against Carrick Rangers.

When asked how the Swifts players will be able to pick themselves up after emptying the tank in a classic Cup final, the 51-year-old said: “You just have to do it. There’s no other way.

“You can respond one or two ways, and you either pick yourself up or you don’t.

“And I have complete faith in the changing room.

“Swifts changing-rooms, all over the years, have been extremely tight, barring maybe three or four years.

“We have a tight set of players within the dressing room, and I’ll back them to go and respond because we’re like family.

“We want to fight for each other, and we have to do that. We have no alternative.

“We can either turn up on the night or throw the towel in, but we have an opportunity of getting European football, and that starts on Wednesday night.

“We know that’s going to be a difficult game because Carrick finished the season very, very strongly.

“They’ve got good players also, but it’s another opportunity for us.

“We knew that finishing in the top six and being in the Irish Cup final, we were going to have at least two opportunities.

“So we’ve got to take the second one now.”

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At 14:15 local time on 8 April 2026, Israel launched a massive wave of strikes against Lebanon – just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran to pause fighting in the Gulf region.

Israel said it struck 100 targets in 10 minutes, dashing hopes in Lebanon that the pause in fighting in Iran would end the violence there too.

The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah – the Lebanese militia and political party that is funded and armed by Iran – started on 2 March after the group fired rockets into Israel, which responded with widespread air strikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

Since then, more than 2,600 people in Lebanon have been killed, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, and roughly a fifth of the population displaced, the UN says.

The BBC’s Nawal Al-Maghafi has been piecing together what happened that day and meeting people who lost loved ones on one of the deadliest chapters in the country’s recent history.

Read more about this story here.

Vincent Kompany is sympathetic to Mikel Arteta’s ‘different worlds’ comment on the quality produced by Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, due to the intense schedule in England.

The Arsenal manager said the first leg of PSG vs Bayern in the Champions League semi-finals is ‘probably the best game’ he has ever seen.

The defending champions won the game 5-4, with the second leg to come in Munich on Wednesday night.

It was a thrilling spectacle, not just because of the goals, but because of the incredible quality on show from both teams.

Arsenal have now booked their place in the final to face either PSG or Bayern, with Arteta saying he is not surprised by the standard the teams produced, given the relatively light pressure on their players domestically compared to in England.

‘Bayern v PSG is probably the best game I have ever witnessed on the quality of two teams, and especially the individual quality that the players deliver,’ Arteta said last week.

‘I’ve never seen something like this. But when I look at the amount of minutes and the freshness of those players, then I’m not surprised. To deliver those moments of quality, you have to be very fresh and the difference in the leagues and the way they compete is night and day, and you just have to see a lot of stats that have been recently around it.

‘We are competing in two different worlds, so you cannot compare one part of that without giving any context to that. I don’t think it’s fair.’

Bayern boss Kompany had no intention of causing a row, understanding where Arteta was coming from with his point.

The Belgian spent 11 years at Manchester City and knows very well the demands placed on the players in England and the unsympathetic nature of pundits and fans.

‘I don’t want to comment too much, but obviously having been in the Premier League for many years, if I read between the lines, it’s basically a calendar discussion,’ Kompany said.

‘I don’t think it’s a criticism on PSG or Bayern Munich or anything like this. It’s that fact that you have 38 games to play, plus the League Cup, plus the FA Cup, you don’t really have a winter break.

‘Then every time someone has a bad game, you go, “well how come they have a bad game?” I think that’s the conversation these guys are having.

‘It’s not for me to jump in, but it’s legitimate. Obviously Jurgen Klopp, being German, how many times has he spoken about this? At that time I was in the league so I understand it. But it’s not my problem to solve at the moment.’

Arsenal secured their spot in the Budapest final with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday night, completing a 2-1 aggregate victory.

‘An incredible night,’ said Arteta. ‘We made history again together and I cannot be more proud for everyone. The way that we were welcomed outside the stadium was special and unique. The atmosphere, our support has created the energy, the way they managed every ball with us, they made it special and unique, I never felt that in the stadium.

‘We knew how much it meant to everybody. The boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final.’

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‘Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable’

A 71-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of directing racist abuse towards Manchester City striker Antoine Semenyo during Monday night’s 3-3 draw at Everton.

Separately, the club said defender Marc Guehi was subject to ‘a series of vile racist social media posts’ after the game.

Guehi made a key error in the match which led to Everton equalising through Thierno Barry before going on to take a 3-1 lead which City clawed back late on.

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Merseyside Police said a man from Nottinghamshire was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after supporters and stewards reported that racist abuse was shouted by a fan at Semenyo.

A police statement said: “He has since been bailed with conditions, including restrictions preventing him from going within one mile of any designated sports stadium for a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during matches and up to four hours after the final whistle.

“An investigation into the incident during the match remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with Everton Football Club.”

City condemned the incident, while Everton said: “Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society, and behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated. A swift response from fellow supporters, stewards and Merseyside Police led to the individual being identified and appropriate action taken.

“The club will continue to work closely with the authorities to support their investigation and will take the strongest possible action in line with its zero-tolerance approach.”

It is the second time this season that Semenyo has been the target of alleged racial abuse. In August, the Ghana international reported an incident during his then club Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat at Liverpool.

In December, Mark Morgan, 47, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to an offence of racially aggravated disorderly behaviour against Semenyo. His trial was due to begin last month but the case has been adjourned until September to determine whether Morgan is fit to stand trial. Semenyo had been expected to give evidence.

A statement from City said: “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse directed towards Antoine Semenyo at yesterday’s match. We welcome the swift action taken by Everton and the police to identify the individual responsible.

“We are also incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guehi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night. We will continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game.”

City’s draw at Everton was a potentially decisive moment in the Premier League title race with Arsenal. By dropping points, they have handed the initiative back to the Gunners who can secure the crown by winning their remaining fixtures against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace.

A statement posted to the official England account on X read: “This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and must have consequences. We stand with both Marc and his Manchester City team-mate Antoine, and support strong action by the authorities and social media companies.”

The victim suffered a bleed on the brain and developed epilepsy due to Powell’s actions

A Welsh man who stole part of a £3m Viking hoard has been jailed for a “brutal” attack on a friend over stolen gold. George Powell, 45, from Pill in Newport, was jailed in 2019 for his part in stealing 300 Viking coins and gold jewellery he found in a field in Herefordshire in 2015.

It is regarded as one of the biggest treasure finds in British history. In January 2025 Powell went on the run after he failed to repay £600,000 – his share of the hoard.

Police did not find him until nine months later, in October 2025, when he was arrested and charged with GBH following an incident in Paignton, Devon. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here

The incident saw Powell’s friend, Lewis Prosser, sustain serious injuries including a bleed on the brain.

Powell previously pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and appeared at Exeter Crown Court to be sentenced for the offence on Monday. He appeared via a link from custody at Exeter HMP.

Prosecuting, Michael Brown, told the court how on October 16, 2025, Powell invited Mr Prosser to stay with him at a caravan at Hoburne holiday park on Grange Road, Paignton. Powell had previously booked into it with a false name to conceal his true identity.

Mr Brown said Mr Prosser recalls that their first evening was uneventful, that they shared some drinks and had a “good night”. “The after his recollection of the events and timeline is poor,” Mr Brown said.

The prosecution had been able to establish that in the early hours of October 18 the victim had booked a taxi with the intention of leaving, after it appeared that a disagreement had taken place.

Mr Prosser told the police that Powell had wanted to carry on drinking, and he hadn’t. However in an initial statement he told officers that the argument arose because Powell had taken gold items and jewellery from him. Subsequently items that matched this description were found.

Mr Brown told the court how Mr Prosser got to Paignton train station but was unable to catch a train due to the time, and so had returned to the caravan to sleep.

It was heard how the victim awoke to Powell on top of him and hitting him with two weapons: a knife and a trunch baton.

It is the prosecution’s case that Powell was hitting Mr Prosser on his head with the knife, with the victim recalling feeling a sharp pain.

Mr Brown described the attack as “prolonged, sustained and repeated”, resulting in “extensive blood at the scene”.

Mr Prosser managed to get to another caravan, it was heard. The occupants of which called the emergency services, with paramedics and police officers arriving on the scene.

Mr Prosser received first aid at the scene and was “in and out of consciousness”. He was in hospital for 10 days, with his injuries identified as: a bleed on the brian, a fractured jaw, a fractured ankle, a full-thickness head wound, bruising and swelling, reduced hearing and reduced and double vision. It was heard how the victim also developed epilepsy as a result of the incident.

In a victim impact statement Mr Prosser described how he has been left with poor short term memory and balance issues. He described having members of his family helping him with basic tasks and checking he takes his medication correctly. He has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and has made multiple attempts to end his own life, he said.

Powell was arrested on October 21, arguing that he attacked Mr Prosser in “self-defence”. He has 23 convictions for 60 offences.

Powell’s defence barrister told the court that this incident is not part of “a pattern of offending”. He added that his client “wholeheartedly regrets” the incident and “has got the capacity to not come back before the courts”. He said Powell has Crohn’s disease which has impacted negatively on his time in custody.

Addressing Powell, Judge Stephen Climie, called the incident a “brutal attack”. He sentenced him to 20 months in prison. This will be added to his current sentence of five years and three months for failing to repay the money.

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A veterinarian surgery that allegedly turned Derek away has responded to criticism as fundraising organisers look to establish a legacy in the cat’s memory

The much celebrated Cameron’s car park cat has sadly died.

The news was announced on Derek the cat’s GoFundMe page yesterday (Tuesday), after Belfast Live previously reported on how a good Samaritan and others tried to save his life. The fundraising page was originally set up to pay for his recovery but will now cover his vet bills and a memorial to the much-loved kitty.

Derek was discovered collapsed in the Ballymena car park – where he was a fixture who had his own wee house – by shopper Beverley Gibson on Saturday. Beverley said she rang Fenaghy Veterinary Practice just after 1pm where she was told on the phone that the practice would be closing at 2pm. She added that later at the practice, the attending veterinarian announced they had a personal matter to attend to and had to leave on time.

READ MORE: Community rallies to save Ballymena’s ‘celebrity carpark cat’ in critical conditionREAD MORE: Donaghadee Road vehicle fire LIVE as one person airlifted to hospital

Beverley said: “I arrived at the practice urgently with Derek. He was taken from me, but the response I witnessed was deeply concerning and lacked both urgency and compassion.

“I could clearly hear staff discussing closing at 2:00pm and questioning what they were going to do with him, rather than prioritising emergency care. The overall attitude of the staff, and in particular the attending vet, appeared dismissive, uncaring, and lacking in basic compassion for a critically ill animal.

“Although he was briefly examined, staff proceeded to make phone calls to other veterinary practices and Cats Protection while Derek remained in a critical, life-threatening condition on the premises. The attending vet stated that they were unwilling to instigate treatment as the practice was closing at 2:00pm.

“After these calls, I was informed that no one was willing to take responsibility for his care and that the practice was closing. In desperation, I contacted Yvonne’s Independent Cat Rescue to ask if I could bring Derek to their vets, Clare Veterinary Group, and whether he could be placed into their care on a temporary basis in order to ensure he received urgent treatment. Yvonne personally responded immediately and agreed without hesitation.

“I made it clear that Derek was at risk of dying in the car. At this stage, he was gasping for oxygen, his pupils were dilated, and he was in obvious distress. No advice was provided regarding safe transport or emergency measures. he attending vet stated she needed to leave at 2pm due to a personal matter. Before leaving, euthanasia was mentioned without any formal diagnosis or attempt at stabilisation.

“I transported Derek myself, sitting in the back seat holding and comforting him while my husband drove, attempting to maximise airflow. It was a frightening, emotional race against time for a cat that means so much to the local community. I phoned Clare Veterinary Group en-route to alert them. Upon arrival, Derek was immediately taken by a prepared team and given urgent care without delay or hesitation.”

Beverley and her husband rushed Derek to Clare Vet in Ballyclare – more than 15 miles away – in an effort to save his life, but unfortunately, despite their best efforts, he later passed away.

Belfast Live approached Fenaghy Vets for a right to reply.

A spokesman said: “Derek was seen and assessed by our team at Fenaghy Vets on Saturday. The team followed our usual protocol for emergency cases, which in this instance included an ultrasound examination and initial treatment to stabilise his condition.

“Suitable arrangements were then made for Derek to receive out-of-hours care at a 24-hour clinic, ensuring ongoing monitoring and treatment were in place. We recognise how much Derek meant to the Ballymena community and our thoughts are with everyone that cared for him’”

Derek’s memorial page was updated with the following message: “Derek, you made us smile and truly touched our hearts. If anything good can come from this, let it be a reminder to be kind to one another, kindness is everything.

“We will be arranging a memorial service for Derek, and will share details in due course for anyone who would like to attend and celebrate his life. Going forward, after settling Derek’s veterinary bill, we hope to arrange a permanent memorial for him in the car park (council permitting), such as an engraved plaque or stone.

“Any remaining monies will be used to set up ‘Derek’s Memorial Fund’ with Clare Vet Group to help other sanctuary cats in urgent need.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

A new update given to councillors on the Education Resources Committee today (May 5) shows how targeted funding is being used to support pupils affected by deprivation across South Lanarkshire Council.

South Lanarkshire Council has outlined progress and steps in its efforts to close the poverty-related attainment gap in schools.

A new update given to councillors on the Education Resources Committee today (May 5) shows how targeted funding is being used to support pupils affected by deprivation across South Lanarkshire Council.

Councillor Katy Loudon (Cambuslang East) praised the report, and said: “Thank you for the report, it’s very detailed and my only comment is to say thanks for that level of information. It’s really important we keep an eye on this, there’s been a significant amount of funding and central investment in this as you can see and from 24/25 as it says that level has gone up.

“It’s really great to see this progress, maths and literacy gaps coming down.”

Around 23 per cent of children in the area live in relative poverty and this continues to have a clear impact on learning and attainment.

Funding through the Strategic Equity Fund has increased to over £2.2 million for 2025/26. It is being used to improve literacy, numeracy, engagement, relationships, curriculum delivery and progression routes for young people.

The council has set targets for the coming year, which include better attainment in literacy and numeracy. They also include improved exam results, attendance and wellbeing. More school leavers are expected to move into positive destinations such as work, training or further education.

There is also a strong focus on reducing the cost of the school day. All schools now have policies to help cut costs for families. They also support access to free school meals and clothing grants.

READ MORE: South Lanarkshire community learning initiative has been praised

In addition, schools will receive £9.9 million in Pupil Equity Funding. This is controlled locally by schools.

Funding is confirmed until at least 2026/27. This gives schools longer-term stability for planning and delivery.

The approach is designed to improve outcomes for the most disadvantaged pupils and progress will continue to be closely monitored.

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