The Tuesday letters page has a hopeful theory on the new Kingdom Come game, as a reader is worried what Epic isn’t saying about Unreal Engine 6.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
New Horizons Nice Reader’s Feature at the weekend, about Forza Horizon 6, that I pretty much all agreed with. I’d say the problem with Xbox is that not only did they not nurture the franchises they had but they didn’t create enough new ones. It was obvious for years that Halo was fighting a losing battle against Call Of Duty, and Gears Of War hasn’t been something anyone cares about since the third one.
That’s not unusual, nothing stays popular forever, but Forza Horizon’s success seemed to come by accident and had very little to do with Xbox who has instead spent all their time with weird little indie type games and stuff with not much mass appeal.
Advertisement
What they needed was an army of Forza Horizon type games: a mainstream idea done really well and with no equivalent on PlayStation. It all seems a bit late now but, like the reader says, maybe Fable with be good too. But for me Forza Horizon 6 is definitely game of the year so far and I’ll be interested to see if it stays that way. Carlton
Dam it That Unreal Engine 6 reveal was indeed very weird. All those amazing tech demos going back decades and the one for the next gen engine is Rocket League with slightly better grass. If that’s not a sign of things to come, in terms of the new consoles not having graphics that are much better, I don’t know what it is.
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
Advertisement
I am very grateful there didn’t seem to be any sign of AI nonsense but I’m secretly worried that the reason it was so low-key is because they’re not talking about all that yet. We’ll see, but I have this nasty feeling the AI floodgates are going to open soon and at the moment nobody wants to be the one that goes first. Microsoft will be the first, I’m willing to bet, but at the moment not even they’re brave enough to put their head above the trench. Campbell
Sleeping giant I have a hard time imagining Take-Two will release as many games as they say, but I hope it’s true because they seem like they could be a much bigger deal than they are. I know with Rockstar you don’t need to do anything else, but they easily could put out many more games than they do.
Three new IP in the next few years? And all those sequels and remakes? We’ll see but with nothing on the schedules at the moment I’m not that hopeful, especially as I seem to remember them saying this before and nothing happened but more NBA and wrestling games. Corton
Tortoise and the hare I’m kind of surprised that Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold as well as it has. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s an amazing game and well deserves its place as the third best-selling game of all time. And surely any game by Rockstar is likely to do very well.
However, Red Dead Redemption 2 is not easily accessible given its length and the fact the violence and adult themes are likely to exclude younger players. It’s also a game that requires a certain level of dedication. I, myself, found it to be a bit of a slog at first and for a long while wasn’t convinced.
It’s only after really committed to it that I was able to appreciate what the game had to offer. Personally, I think the game is a masterpiece but from some of the online chatter opinion seems divided so it’s slightly crazy to see how well it’s sold and how it continues to sell. matc7884
Advertisement
GC: The secret to its success is that it’s consistently sold well over time, even if it’s never been a chart topper to the same degree as GTA. It’s also been dirt cheap for the last several years.
Adult humour Been playing Lego Batman over the weekend, with the boy, and it’s a riot. I don’t think he got a lot of the jokes, but he likes playing with his dad and smashing things to pick up Lego studs.
I think the success of these games is not just down to the co-op and the cute graphics but the fact that there’s a lot there for adults as well. Not only has my boy not seen any Batman film that isn’t a cartoon he definitely hasn’t seen American Psycho, but I got that visual gag and had a good old chuckle about it.
Advertisement
So well done on the game and I hope it doesn’t take too long for the next one (Harry Potter related, I would guess). Loader
Sequel deliverance There’s no way that new Kingdom Come game is Deliverance 3. You can tell just by the way they’re talking about it, let alone the fact that they can’t make two big games at the same time, between that and Lord of the Rings.
I am very interested to see what the game is though. Not just because I liked the previous games, but it’ll be interesting to see if they can make a good, and different, game but in a short period of time. Presumably it’ll be using the Deliverance 2 game map and probably a lot of other stuff from the game, and that really feels like something games should be doing a lot more in general.
This whole generation we’ve seen nothing but talk about how games take too long to make now, and I haven’t seen even the slightest attempt to try and fix this from any publisher. They just seem to be ignoring it and being happy with putting out far less games than they used to (well, they’re probably not exactly happy about it, but they’re not upset enough to do anything about it).
Advertisement
Maybe I’m expecting too much from Warhorse but if they can show that using an existing game to make another similar but different one works that could be a trend. So you basically make one game per franchise per generation and then lots of spin-offs from that.
Zelda: Majora’s Mask was basically that, so if the idea’s been around that long I’m not really sure what’s taking so long. Kiff
Silent pessimism Good luck to Bloober Team in making the Switch a haven for horror games but I can’t see it happening. The Switch does have horror games but I don’t get the impression many people buy them on Switch, it’s just not the sort of thing you get the console for.
But then again, I’ve never seen Bloober Team do anything good that isn’t Silent Hill related, so while I’m looking forward to their remake of the first game I’d need a lot more convincing about anything else they did, Switch or otherwise. Bloodye
Advertisement
Don’t miss Gaming news! Add us as a Preferred Source
As a loyal GameCentral reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for gaming stories. We have all the latest video games news, reviews, previews, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
GameCentral has been delivering unique games news and reviews for over a decade
Advertisement
Long version Good tidings. I haven’t showered in two days in this sweltering heat, a potential biohazard in the making? But in less grim news, I’ve just completed my second playthrough of Resident Evil Requiem and what a triumph it was. I can’t stop thinking about it. Requiem is quite comfortably the best original entry in the series since the seminal Resident Evil 4 on the GameCube for me.
Rhodes Hospice is such a memorable location, I’d even go as far as predicting that gamers will look back on it down the years as an iconic setting in the series, alongside the Spencer Mansion, Racoon City Police Department, and Valdelabos (the Spanish village) and Salazer Castle from Resident Evil 4.
And I just love how idiosyncratic and reinvigorated the resident zombies are this time around. Capcom should be applauded for the fact that they’ve injected their classical infected with a renewed blood.
I can almost overlook the lack of traditional puzzles in the game due to the strategic puzzle-like element that permeates the hospice – in the way you can manipulate the zombies by observing their quasi-human routines and interacting with the environments to divert them from their mindlessly repetitive, and frankly tragic, behavioural patterns.
Advertisement
Weaponising the zombie patient with the splitting headache, for instance, to cause havoc on the other walking dead never loses its comical lustre. I read in the in-game lore that one of the singing zombies with the sonic attack shrieks was diagnosed with ‘main character syndrome’, and was in direct competition with the other performer of rather beautifully haunting singing, which made me laugh. Such a lovely worldbuilding detail that encapsulates the refreshingly campy and endearing personality of Resident Evil Requiem.
As for the Girl, she/it’s a genuinely ghastly and frighteningly adversary, and even more terrifyingly unpredictable in the Insane difficulty mode. Chunks, also known as the grotesque Michelin Man, inspires both awe and pity at how it miraculously writhes through the constrictive corridors of the care centre. Blister eads particularly fill me with dread, their agility and aggression is so ferocious they make the Crimson Heads from the original Resident Evil remake seem rather tame by comparison!
Whilst Leon’s secluded campaign doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of Grace’s opening portion of the game, I vehemently disagree with some of the sentiments out there that Leon’s parts dilute the overall quality of the package.
I thought My Kennedy’s section was exquisitely engineered for the most part and very entertaining throughout. With some tense and very interesting tactical moments in the level design that were up there with Resident Evil 4 for inspired game design for me. And considering how fantastic the shooting mechanics were I never once felt fatigue from dispatching the zombies in the bombed out and depleted Raccoon city ruins.
Advertisement
I will concede, however, that had Leon’s parts adhered throughout the campaign to the incredible short burst, explosive catharsis of his supporting roles in the first half of the game, then Resident Evil Requiem would’ve easily been in the running for the best Resident Evil game for me.
But I must reiterate that I still admired the more open-ended design in Raccoon City and how audacious and pretty ambitious it was in the grand scheme of things, probably because I’m such a big fan of the critically under-appreciated The Evil Within 2. The high octane action set pieces and the return to the famous police station were also just… chef’s kiss.
I also don’t quite understand the complaints regarding the bosses, for me they were just fine, not amazing, other than an excellent close quarter fight towards the end, but certainly fun and roughly similar in quality with the bosses in Resident Evil 2 and 3 remake, Resident Evil 7, and Resident Evil Village.
The only exception to the standard really was Resident Evil 4, which I felt had some of the best boss design in gaming period – the Del Lago lake monster, El Gigante, Chief Mendez, Ramon Salazar, Verdugo, Jack Krauser, etc. – and the remake certainly reinforced that position.
Advertisement
So all in all, I was utterly enthralled by Resident Evil Requiem, and I can’t wait to see what the major DLC has in store for us. Also, PlayStation VR2 compatibility please! GG
Inbox also-rans Liked your review of R-Type Dimensions 3 but I though there was a R-Type Final 3? I never got around to getting it, but I’m sure I saw it listed. Bonzo
GC: R-Type Final 3 Evolved is not really a sequel but a remastered PlayStation 5 version of R-Type Final 2, with some new levels. R-Type Final 2.5 would’ve been a more accurate name.
Is it true they’ve renamed Fairgame$ to Br€ak In? That would be hilarious. Tom
Advertisement
GC: Sony registered the name Break In but it’s not clear what for, so it might be the new name for Fairgame$. Adding the euro symbol was just an online joke.
The small print New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.
You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.
Advertisement
You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Liam attempts to get through to Cain once more
As we welcome another week in Emmerdale, there’s set to be more drama in store for the residents of the Yorkshire-based ITV soap. Last week, we finally learned more about Kammy’s background, Cain was arrested following him adjusting to his catheter removal, and Gabby tried her best to impress Ross.
However, next week viewers will see Laurel and Ross trying to navigate the early days of their affair as things heat up quickly between the pair. Meanwhile, poor Gabby is trying to recover from her rejection.
With the scheming Dr Todd determined to rinse Charity of every last penny in exchange for the safety of her baby Leyla secret, Charity is pushed to extreme measures after Kim Tate has some bad news to share.
Here’s what’s coming up next in the Dales…
Advertisement
Charity becomes desperate…
Kim pulls out of the Woolpack purchase, and in her desperation, Charity tries to scavenge a loan from Kim. After Charity’s left shouting about the sale to departing Kim, Chas wants to know what’s going on. Defeated, Charity finally admits to Chas that she’s being blackmailed by Todd over Leyla’s parentage.
Chas and Charity hatch a plan to rob the Home Farm safe to pay Todd. Soon, Charity gives Todd some money as a down payment, but remorseless Todd tells her she still wants the rest of the cash tomorrow or she’ll blow the Leyla secret at Sarah’s 21st birthday party.
Advertisement
Ross and Laurel’s affair heats up…
Gabby resorts to drinking away her self-pity and opens up to Dawn about Ross rejecting her. Dawn confronts Ross, who says there’s only one woman he’s interested in and it’s not Gabby – the subtext clear to Laurel. Ross promises to keep their entanglement on the down low, and Laurel succumbs to her passion for him.
Meanwhile, Sam’s desperate for more dance lessons from Ross so he can impress Lydia, but in turn, Lydia’s left hurt when this means Sam has to turn down a cosy evening in. Kim’s taken aback to discover that Sam’s been lying about working extra hours to avoid spending time with his wife. She’s left deeply concerned for Lydia.
Later on, with Lydia feeling estranged from Sam, Kim’s suspicions about his behaviour continue to grow. Meanwhile, Nicola is living vicariously through Laurel and Ross’ dalliance, although she’s dangerously close to spilling the tea to Manpreet. Ross is chuffed to contemplate another night with Laurel.
Advertisement
However, desperate for dance lessons from Ross, Sam crashes his romantic moment with Laurel, and Ross is quick to cover that Laurel will be helping Sam dance. Laurel’s enjoying the thrill of her secret affair and hearing Gabby firmly declare how she’s over Ross, Laurel’s pleased to shed her guilt that their affair may be betraying her.
Elsewhere in the village…
After finding out that they’ve been conned by Archie, Kerry and Pollard present a united front as they get their money back; Archie’s punishment is to start working in the shop. Pollard’s impressed by Archie’s cunning money-making scheme.
Liam advises Cain to find a practical solution to start living his life again. Gabby’s hangover has her contemplating clean living, and she investigates giving the Hide a new healthy menu.
Advertisement
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Communication is key today, especially around plans or expectations. Say what you mean gently but clearly. Today, a calm voice carries far. Do not rush replies, my friend. Thoughtful words bring better results.
Taurus (April 21st – May 21st)
Advertisement
Financial confidence grows when you trust your instincts. Venus supports sensible choices around spending or saving. You know what feels secure now and you also know who never has and never will do. A steady hand wins the day.
Gemini (May 22nd – June 21st)
Personal decisions feel empowering today. You are more certain of what you want and what and who you will no longer tolerate. Remember, as is always true for your sign, stand firm and the ground steadies beneath you. Trust yourself. Life is waiting for you to live it out loud.
Cancer (June 22nd – July 23rd)
Advertisement
The Moon heightens sensitivity, making intuition especially strong today. You sense more than is said. Honour emotional boundaries while staying kind. Trust how your body reacts. If feelings feel confusing, my friend, step back and explore. Choices mean you choose, not others.
Leo (July 24th – August 23rd)
Energy turns inward, encouraging rest and reflection. You do not need to push for attention today, Leo. Quiet moments restore confidence and remind you how to be true to yourself. You realise, even lions need shade. Listen to what your heart needs. It’s how you’ll become your own best friend.
Virgo (August 24th – September 23rd)
Advertisement
Friendships and teamwork benefit from organisation and fairness. Mercury supports constructive discussions and shared problem solving, and not a moment too soon, I hear you say. Your practical insight helps others. Do not undervalue your contribution.
Libra (September 24th – October 23rd)
Career matters ask for balance and diplomacy. A calm response impresses more than force can today. In fact, grace opens doors that pressure cannot. Trust your professional instincts, my friend.
Scorpio (October 24th – November 22nd)
Advertisement
A shift in outlook brings relief today. You finally feel ready to release a heavy thought or belief. Pluto supports inner strength without drama. Let perspective evolve naturally. It will be the making of you, if you do.
Sagittarius (November 23rd – December 21st)
Shared responsibilities require honest attention. Jupiter encourages growth through maturity rather than avoidance. A clear agreement brings peace of mind. Remember, freedom works best with trust. Lost or misplaced numbers are a gift of protection from the stars.
Capricorn (December 22nd – January 20th)
Advertisement
Time spent talking to past work contacts helps you find a professional shortcut. Relationships benefit from patience and listening. You do not need to fix everything. Sometimes presence is enough. In fact, your stillness speaks volumes. Stay open and grounded.
Aquarius (January 21st – February 19th)
Your wellbeing improves when your routine is simplified. A small adjustment brings much better balance than has so far been the case. Do not overthink health signals, but do make your needs a priority. It’s key to restoring balance needed. Care now prevents stress later, my friend. Competition in love is about to make things interesting.
Pisces (February 20th – March 20th)
Advertisement
Creativity and emotional expression feel both gentle and healing. You feel more drawn to dramas, music, the arts and meaningful conversation. Follow what soothes the soul. Sensitivity is a gift today, use it to feel your way to answers but don’t ignore it.
Aries 0904 470 1141 (65p per minute)*
Taurus 0904 470 1142 (65p per minute)*
Gemini 0904 470 1143 (65p per minute)*
Advertisement
Cancer 0904 470 1144 (65p per minute)*
Leo 0904 470 1145 (65p per minute)*
Virgo 0904 470 1146 (65p per minute)*
Libra 0904 470 1147 (65p per minute)*
Advertisement
Scorpio 0904 470 1148 (65p per minute)*
Sagittarius 0904 470 1149 (65p per minute)*
Capricorn 0904 470 1150 (65p per minute)*
Aquarius 0904 470 1151 (65p per minute)*
Advertisement
Pisces 0904 470 1152 (65p per minute)*
*Astro line horoscopes are updated every Thursday. Calls cost 65p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge and will last approximately five minutes. You must be over 18 and have the bill payer’s permission. Service provided by Spoke. Customer service: 0333 202 3390
Our archive photos take us back to 2001 and 2002 and bring you snaps of new school starters across York.
We have been sharing these photos of children starting school with readers in recent weeks.
CLASS OF 2002.New starters at Slingsby Primary School ( from left ) Murray Smith, Emma Wharrick and Elena Storey
We’d love any updates on how these children are doing now.
Advertisement
Read next:
Share your memories
If you love delving into York’s past and seeing photos and reading stories from yesteryear then make sure you check The Press every day for its regular nostalgia stories. And don’t miss our eight-page nostalgia supplement every Wednesday in the paper.
Class of 2002: St Aelred’s RC Primary School, Tang Hall, reception class.
We also have more than 3,000 members in our online nostalgia group on Facebook, Why We Love York – Memories. It is free to join and you will find us at www.facebook.com/groups/yorknostalgia/.
Advertisement
It would be great to see your old photos of York – and they don’t have to be from centuries ago. We all love seeing old photos from our recent past, and some of our more popular stories with readers date from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Sonny Rollins, one of the defining musicians of postwar jazz and among the last surviving stars of the bebop era, has died aged 95.
Rollins’ publicist Terri Hinte confirmed his death, writing that “one of the most honoured and influential figures in American music of the 20th century and beyond, died this afternoon at his home in Woodstock, NY.”
No cause of death was given, but the saxophonist reportedly suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory problems in recent years, forcing him into retirement more than a decade ago.
He recorded more than 60 albums as a bandleader and worked with many of the central figures of modern jazz, including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane.
His 1956 album Saxophone Colossus became one of the landmark recordings in jazz history and gave Rollins the nickname that followed him for the rest of his life. In 2017, when the album was inducted into the US Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, the institution described it as “one of the defining albums of Rollins’ career,” praising the “power, grace and humour” of his solos.
Sonny Rollins, one of the defining musicians of postwar jazz and among the last surviving stars of the bebop era, has died aged 95 (AP2010)
Born Theodore Walter Rollins in Harlem on 7 September 1930 to parents from the US Virgin Islands, he grew up in New York during the rise of bebop and began playing professionally while still in his teens.
According to the New York Times, Rollins made early recordings with the pianist Bud Powell and the trombonist JJ Johnson before joining sessions led by Miles Davis and Monk.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Like many jazz musicians of the era, Rollins struggled with heroin addiction in the early 1950s. He served jail sentences including imprisonment for armed robbery before eventually seeking treatment at a federal rehabilitation facility in Lexington, Kentucky.
“I began to have a deeper philosophy of what life was about. From that point on is when my consciousness awoke,” he told the Associated Press in 2007.
After overcoming addiction, he entered the most acclaimed phase of his career. Between 1956 and 1958, Rollins released a succession of albums now regarded as jazz classics, including Tenor Madness, Way Out West, A Night at the Village Vanguard, and Freedom Suite.
Advertisement
Rollins continued to experiment stylistically over the following decades, embracing free jazz, calypso, funk, and R&B influences while maintaining the improvisational approach that made him one of jazz’s most admired performers (Getty)
The latter included a 19-minute composition addressing racial inequality during the early civil rights era. Decades later, Rollins said: “Being a Black musician – in fact being a Black person – everything you do is political whether you want it to be or not.”
At the peak of his success, Rollins abruptly stepped away from public performance in 1959, dissatisfied with his own playing despite widespread acclaim. During his self-imposed exile, he spent hours practising alone on New York’s Williamsburg Bridge, later returning with a comeback album titled The Bridge in 1962, according to the Washington Post.
“What made me withdraw and go to the bridge was how I felt about my own playing,” he later told The Guardian. “I knew I was dissatisfied.”
Rollins continued to experiment stylistically over the following decades, embracing free jazz, calypso, funk, and R&B influences while maintaining the improvisational approach that made him one of jazz’s most admired performers.
He composed the score for the 1966 British film Alfie starring Michael Caine, and in 1981 reached a broader audience by contributing saxophone solos to the Rolling Stones album Tattoo You, including the hit “Waiting on a Friend.”
Advertisement
Former US president Barack Obama awards the 2010 National Medal of Arts to Grammy-winning American jazz tenor Sonny Rollins at the White House in Washington, DC, in 2011 (AFP/Getty)
After the September 11 attacks in New York, Rollins evacuated his apartment near the World Trade Center carrying only his saxophone before travelling to Boston days later for a concert later released as Without a Song: The 9/11 Concert. The recording won him a Grammy award for best jazz instrumental solo for the track “Why Was I Born?”
Over the course of his career, Rollins received numerous honours including a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2004, the National Medal of Arts in 2010 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2011. Presenting the National Medal of Arts, Barack Obama said Rollins had inspired him “to take risks that I might not otherwise have taken”.
Rollins is survived by his nephew Clifton Anderson and nieces Vallyn Anderson and Gabrielle DeGroat.
Saughton Prison’s most notorious inmates have committed terrifying crimes.
04:30, 26 May 2026
Advertisement
Shamed former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell will be joining some of Scotland’s most notorious prisoners behind bars while he awaits sentence for embezzling party funds.
HMP Edinburgh, better known locally as Saughton Prison, has housed violent men and women across the country since it first opened its doors more than a century ago.
One of its most high profile residents is “Limbs in the Loch” killer William Beggs who is serving life for murdering 18-year-old supermarket worker Barry Wallace in Kilmarnock in December 1999 and then dumping his body parts in various locations including Loch Lomond.
Beggs recently took staff at the jail to court claiming his human rights were breached over the handling of his mail.
Advertisement
He said some was late or damaged and an Amazon parcel was refused. However the case was dismissed by a judge
Another notorious resident is 31 year old Alexander Pacteau who is serving life for murdering 24-year-old Irish trainee student student Karen Buckley in Glasgow in April 2015.
Pacteau beat Karen to death in his car with a spanner then tried to dissolve her remains in caustic soda after meeting her outside a night club in Glasgow’s West End.
Advertisement
Pacteau was accused last July of having a mobile phone in his cell at the prison but the charge was dropped.
Donald McAvoy half brother of Scots Hollywood star James McAvoy‘ is currently awaiting sentencing for slashing a fellow inmate during visiting time at Saughton last October.
A number of people convicted of violence relating to last year’s gang war in Edinburgh and Glasgow are in Saughton.
They include Logan Carlin, 24, who set fire to a beauty salon in Edinburgh linked to city crime boss Mark Richardson.
The incident on March 6 was among the first in the gang war involving the feuding Daniel and Lyons crime clans.
Carlin was arrested as part of Police Scotland’s Operation Portaledge – an initiative set up to tackle gangland violence – and jailed for more than seven years in February at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Advertisement
The prison has also seen incidents and violence linked to the conflict in the past year including an attack on a Richardson associate. It is also a jail where violence is never far away.
A recent report found that Saughton had the second highest number of weapons seizures among the country’s jails with 455 since 2020. Only Low Moss in Bishopbriggs near Glasgow had more.
Last year a prisoner set free from Saughton on the Scottish Governments early release programme described conditions there as “Hell on Earth”.
The 41-year-old complained harsher sentences for sex offenders were fuelling the rise in the prison population.
The first-time con, released after serving four months of a ten month sentence for drug driving, added ” I’ve been assaulted by people “There’s not enough for prisoners to do.
Advertisement
“It’s overcrowded. I’m traumatised.”
The jail has also housed a large number of sex offenders over the years including serial killer Peter Tobin.
Tobin was convicted of the murders of Angelika Kluk, Vicky Hamilton and Dinah McNicol and died while a prisoner there in 2022.
Iain Owens and Paul Brannan were also housed at HMP Edinburgh after being convicted in the horrific “Beastie House” paedophile ring case.
Advertisement
Another Saughton inmate is transgender prisoner Isla Bryson, formerly Adam Graham, who was jailed for eight years for raping two women following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow in 2023.
Saughton has four halls: Glenesk, Hermiston, Ingliston and Ratho.
Advertisement
Ratho houses the Vulnerable Prisoner Unit – which separates sex offenders from the general population who might harm them.
The facility has a capacity of 870 but is often overcrowded.
Inmates have access to in-cell landline telephony to call approved numbers.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) allocates 200 free call minutes per month to help prisoners maintain contact with loved ones.
Advertisement
Families can also register for video-link sessions via the SPS Virtual Visits platform.
Murrell also joins a long list of famous and infamous Saughton inmates from the past.
They include naked rambler Stephen Gough who was repeatedly imprisoned for public nudity.
Scottish sculptor and artist Eduardo Paolozzi was held there for three months during World War II because of his Italian heritage.
Advertisement
While former Scottish Socialist party MSP Tommy Sheridan served part of a six-month sentence for preventing a poll tax warrant sale at the Edinburgh jail.
A prison insider said:” A lot of people think modern jails are a cushy number.
“But Peter Murrell will soon discover that is not the case.
“Saughton is as tough as it gets in the Scottish prison system.”
The body changes over time. One of those changes is that the sense of thirst can become less strong. This means you might not feel thirsty even when your body needs water.
At the same time, the body can hold on to less water than it used to. This makes regular drinking throughout the day more important than ever.
Water plays a big role in how you feel. One of the first signs of not drinking enough is low energy. You may feel more tired, sluggish or less motivated. Sometimes people think it is just age or lack of sleep, but it can simply be low fluid intake.
Hydration is also important for joints. Water helps keep the joints cushioned and moving smoothly. When you are not drinking enough, you may notice more stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Advertisement
Staying hydrated can help the body feel looser and more comfortable.
Digestion is another area where water makes a big difference. It helps food move through the system and can prevent issues like constipation. Many people find that increasing water intake helps them feel lighter and more comfortable after meals.
Even your brain is affected by hydration. Not drinking enough water can impact focus, memory and mood. You might feel a bit foggy or less sharp without realising why. Something as simple as a glass of water can often help improve concentration.
The good news is that improving hydration does not need to be complicated. You do not have to drink huge amounts all at once. It is better to sip water regularly throughout the day. Keeping a bottle nearby is a simple habit that makes a big difference.
Advertisement
You can also get fluids from food. Fruit and vegetables like cucumber, oranges and tomatoes all contain water. Soups and herbal teas also count towards your daily intake.
Another simple tip is to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. After a night’s sleep, your body is often slightly dehydrated, so this helps kick start your system.
As the weather warms up, especially in spring and summer, you may also need more fluids than usual. Being active, walking more or exercising will increase your needs even further.
The main message is simple. Hydration is not just about quenching thirst. It supports your energy, your joints, your digestion and your overall health.
CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, has reported that US intelligence believes Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei – who was injured in an Israeli strike on the first day of the war which killed his father and predecessor – is holed up in an undisclosed location, making communication with his envoys difficult and therefore delaying pace of talks with the US.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust recruited the participants across more than 50 studies over the past year.
The research focused on areas including reproductive health, genetics, neonatal care and community-based trials, and coincides with International Clinical Trials Day.
Alison Loftus, head of research and development at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s been another remarkable year when it comes to delivering world-leading research studies in Bolton.
Advertisement
“We would like to thank everyone, from our colleagues who help to support research to our individuals who consent to taking part, as without them we wouldn’t be able to continue our work to discover new ways of treating illnesses and conditions.”
One major study currently underway is OBS UK, which tests a standardised care bundle to manage heavy bleeding during and after childbirth.
Another is the Generation Study, a genomic screening project for newborns to detect more than 200 rare but treatable genetic conditions.
Neonatal services at the trust have exceeded recruitment goals in several studies, thanks to support from across medical, nursing, midwifery and Allied Health Professional teams.
Advertisement
There has also been a shift towards delivering research in community settings, in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s goal of making clinical trials more accessible and inclusive.
Recent community-based studies include the TRICEPS trial, which is exploring whether nerve stimulation and home-based rehabilitation can improve arm and hand recovery following a stroke.
The REDUCe-2 study is examining whether long-term abdominal drains can improve the quality of life for people with advanced cirrhosis.
Bolton is also contributing to Genes & Health, the world’s largest community-based genetics and health study focused on British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani populations.
Advertisement
Ms Loftus said: “Our continued focus to work beyond traditional hospital settings to deliver ground-breaking research is creating potentially life-changing outcomes.”
If you would like to find out more about research opportunities in Bolton, visit Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.
Temperatures in the UK are set to reach a record 36C on Tuesday, and the NHS has issued a ‘stay inside’ warning between 11am and 3pm
Olivia Beeson UK & World News Reporter
04:31, 26 May 2026
As temperatures continue to rocket across the UK, a ‘stay inside’ warning has been issued, urging elderly Britons in particular to keep safe during the extreme conditions.
The heat can trigger dehydration, heatstroke and overheating, which can aggravate symptoms for those who already suffer from heart or breathing problems.
While a heatwave can affect everybody, those most vulnerable include older people.
The NHS states that those aged over 75, particularly women, are likely to feel the effects of the heat most acutely.
People who live alone or in a care home are also at greater risk, as are those taking multiple medications or living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Advertisement
The health service advises staying out of the heat where possible, especially during the sunniest periods, predicted between 11am and 3pm.
The warning states: “If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.”
When remaining indoors, it is also essential to keep your living space as cool as possible.
It is advised to keep windows shut during the day and open them at night once the outside temperature has dropped.
Advertisement
Electric fans can provide relief if the temperature is below 35 degrees. The NHS urges people to check the temperature of rooms, particularly those where individuals at higher risk sleep and spend time.
It is essential to keep a close eye on anyone who feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, as this could be a sign of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
The health service also stresses the importance of keeping cool, staying hydrated with cold food and drinks, and applying cool water to your skin.
The guidance warns that during heatwaves, significantly more people than usual become seriously ill or lose their lives, making it vital to take every precaution to stay as cool as possible as the warm weather persists.
The NHS has issued a heatwave warning urging elderly people and other vulnerable groups to stay indoors as UK temperatures are forecast to reach a record 36C
As temperatures continue to rocket across the UK, a ‘stay inside’ warning has been issued, particularly for elderly Brits, urging them to keep safe during the extreme conditions.
The heat can trigger dehydration, heatstroke and overheating, which can worsen symptoms for those who already suffer from heart or breathing difficulties.
While a heatwave can affect everybody, those most vulnerable include older people.
The NHS states that particularly those aged over 75 and women are likely to feel the effects of the weather more acutely.
Advertisement
Those living alone or in a care home are also at greater risk, as are people taking multiple medications or living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The health service advises staying out of the heat where possible, particularly during the sunniest spells, anticipated between 11am and 3pm.
The warning states: “If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.”
When remaining indoors, it is equally essential to keep your living space as cool as possible.
Advertisement
It is advised to keep windows shut during the day and open them at night once outdoor temperatures have dropped.
Electric fans can provide relief if the temperature is below 35 degrees.
The NHS urges people to monitor room temperatures, particularly in areas where those most vulnerable are living and sleeping.
It is crucial to keep a close eye on anyone who feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, as this could be a sign of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Advertisement
The healthcare provider also stresses the importance of cooling yourself down, consuming cold food and drinks, and applying cool water to your skin.
The guidance cautions that during heatwaves, significantly more people than usual fall seriously ill or lose their lives, making it vital to take every precaution to stay as cool as possible as the scorching weather persists.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login