A Jaguar, a £1,200 space telescope, and designer salt and pepper shakers costing more than £2,000 are just some of the items former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell bought using money he embezzled from the party.

He also bought three designer manicure sets for nearly £294, two toilet seats, and a coffee machine for nearly £3,232.

Murrell also purchased a book of speeches by his estranged wife, Nicola Sturgeon.

Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling over £400,000 from the party during a High Court appearance in Edinburgh on Monday morning.

The amended charge reduced the amount of the embezzled money from more than £459,000.

A 126-page indictment details hundreds of items that Murrell bought using the embezzled funds.

List of some of the items bought with the embezzled money

Argos has dropped the price on its Argos Home Garden Gazebo in a flash sale, making it an affordable garden party shelter for unpredictable UK weather

With the recent heatwave, you’ve likely been making plans to soak up the sunshine outdoors. However, in typical Northern Ireland fashion, this summer’s weather has already proved to be rather unpredictable, meaning there’s always the chance of a sudden downpour putting a dampener on your plans.

If you’re keen to make the most of the outdoors regardless, it’s well worth having a gazebo at the ready to throw up at a moment’s notice. Not only will it keep the rain at bay, but it’ll also provide some welcome shade from the sun. Argos has just slashed the price of its Argos Home Garden Gazebo in a flash sale.

Normally retailing at £30, using the code GREEN20 will knock 20% off, reducing it to just £2 4 — a bargain price for a handy just-in-case purchase. The gazebo folds down into a compact bundle that’s simple to store in a garage, shed, or even the boot of your car if you’re heading off camping.

When fully assembled, the Garden Gazebo measures an impressive 250cm high, 240cm wide and 240cm deep — perfectly sized for covering a seating area or a table and chairs. While it requires two people to put up, the process is straightforward, and its lightweight 4kg frame means it can be effortlessly repositioned around your garden.

Constructed with a sturdy steel frame and a weather-resistant canopy to shield you from the elements, the Argos Home Garden Gazebo also comes complete with guy ropes and pegs to anchor it firmly into the ground for added stability. Do bear in mind, however, that it is not recommended for use in strong winds. The only drawback to the Garden Gazebo is its lack of side panels, meaning you’ll be left fairly exposed during heavy rain or strong winds.

For those seeking additional shelter, the Folding Pop Up Gazebo 3X3m from Wayfair is well worth considering, reports the Mirror.

Featuring three side panels – two of which include windows – that can be attached to any side and rolled up or down for customisable coverage, it offers both UV and rain protection. It’s currently reduced from £92.99 to £79.99.

If you’d rather enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine without being bothered by insects during an alfresco meal, the Pop Up Canopy could be just the ticket. Its four mesh curtain panels keep wasps and flies at bay while still allowing light and fresh air to circulate freely. It’s currently on sale for £93.99, down from £217.26.

Despite its budget-friendly price, the Argos Home Garden Gazebo has garnered plenty of praise from satisfied customers. One shopper remarked: “Bigger than I thought it takes 2 people to assemble very waterproof, it’s very wide suited for a big garden, sturdier than I thought also very light and poles are metal not bad for the price.”

Another happy customer added: “I am very happy with this, I bought it to sit over the children’s paddling pool to keep the sun off them it’s great.” However, some customers weren’t impressed with how sturdy the Argos Home Garden Gazebo was, with one stating: “I should have bought a better one, this won’t last long as soon as a bit of wind appears it will be gone. We had to practice putting it up first and it was quite easy, but faffy.”

Another shared similar concerns: “Rubbish not fit for purpose slight windfall broke apart bent and snapped returned for refund.”

Yet others were delighted with the Argos Home Garden Gazebo, commenting: “Great value for money, very easy to put up and take down, very waterproof.”

While another customer praised it: “Bought during the heatwave to keep the sun off the patio. Easy to assemble and reasonably sturdy, although I would suggest tying it down in case of high winds!”

The actress was flooded with love and support as she shared a ‘wobble’ in her cancer journey, which she said she found ‘really difficult’

Beverley Callard has been flooded with messages of love and support as she shared a ‘wobble’ in her cancer journey, which she said she found ‘really difficult’.

The Coronation Street legend told earlier this year how she had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer just 20 minutes before she filmed her first scenes on Irish soap, Fair City, where she now plays Lily Patterson.

Beverley went on to have three lymph nodes removed as a precaution to ensure the cancer did not spread, and she later explained that her consultant had said the surgery she had “went really well,” and that they managed to “cut the cancer out”.

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The actress, famed for playing Liz McDonald in ITV’s Corrie, then had to wait for more testing of the lymph nodes that had been removed, before finding out that she would be able to progress to radiotherapy treatment ‘very soon’.

But it was last week that Beverley, who has been sharing regular video updates on social media, informed followers that doctors had told her she should have begun her radiotherapy treatment before now.

Speaking last Tuesday (May 26) evening, she said: “Well I went to the hospital today at quarter past three, and they all seemed very nice, obviously they’re new to me. They are a little concerned because they think I should’ve started the radiotherapy before now, but of course, because we moved house, it took a while for my medical records to come from England to Ireland, et cetera, but they’ve all arrived 1780389357.”

Following the appointment on Thursday (May 28), Beverley shared on Instagram: “Appointment day today. Overall a positive one, and it was so nice to meet some lovely women and men who are cheering me on as well as going through their own battles. Will update you when I know more.”

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Now, she’s returned to her platform and opened up about one of the things she’s found difficult since her cancer treatment began. Sitting at home and speaking directly to the camera, the soap star shared on Monday (June 1): “Just an update. Full disclosure, okay. So. last week, when the weather was really hot, it was great. We all loved it, and you can’t wait to get your summer clothes out, and all the rest of it.

“And Jon [McEwan, Beverley’s husband] was taking me out for a late Sunday lunch. And I put a white dress on. And it was really difficult, because… it was so obvious and lopsided. And I was a bit tearful, and I got through it. I was okay. But summer clothes, uh, and lighter-weight clothes show it more, whereas, you know, sweatshirts and jumpers and all that. disguise it a little bit. So, I did have, you know, a lack of confidence for a while.”

She continued: “But I was thinking, and this is for you lot, more than anything else. Sometimes, when we’re going out somewhere, you, me, anybody, you think, ‘I’m gonna wear that’, and then you think, ‘No, it might be a bit OTT, or maybe it’s too revealing, or maybe this is too short. Or shows too much cleavage’, or whatever.

“And I just thought I should say to you, If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Men, women, everybody. I honestly think, don’t be shy. Just go for it. Embrace what you’ve got. I think it’s really, really important to do that… Yeah, just go for it. Because sometimes it might not be there forever.”

Beverley added: “I’m feeling fine, actually, today. I’ve had a really good day. But I just want you all to be a bit of a show off and go for it. I love women. I love teaching women’s fitness. I’ve done it my whole life. Men as well, but I love teaching women, and making them feel fab about themselves. And so, you’ve got to do that!”

And the comments soon came flooding in. @stephanie_ann_kelly said: “Oh I love this so much. Uplifting and encouraging to everyone. Life is for living and if we allow insecurity to overwhelm us it steels our joy!! Wear the outfit. And love yourself.” @gilhamdenise commented: “You are just so inspirational Bev keep going.”

@emmadancer5 echoed: “You are one inspirational lady Bev, beautiful inside and out.” @fitzsimons.susan shared: “Sincere and inspirational. Thank you for sharing your journey and being so inspiring.” @annayd12 added: “It’s ok to wobble but listen to yourself and you just go for it too. You look FAB, and no-one sees if you’re lopsided as there are many more sides to you. You’re doing great.”

Alnwick’s Pig in Muck – a brunch and tapas eatery in the town’s Market Square – played a starring role in welcoming the BBC production team behind the newly shot series Northumbria Mysteries.

The drama, which marks a return of BBC production to the North East, sees Hexham-born Robson Green star as Joe Ruby: a jack-of-all-trades whose life has been shaped by mistakes, regrets and missed opportunities, alongside Oxford-educated DI Rose O’Connell (played by Life on Mars’ Liz White).

“And that’s a wrap,” said the Pig in Muck team via social media.

“This week, we hosted the BBC for filming of Northumbria Mysteries featuring Robson Green, followed by a super busy weekend serving a wide range of beers, from Peach Lagers to gluten-free hazy IPAs.

“We’re open all day today if you fancy two cocktails for a tenner, then back Thursday to do it all again.”

The show is taking place at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) in Sunderland, and showcases the university’s Fine Art department’s internationally recognised teaching and artistic and creative practice research.

Titled Hands On: Pedagogy, Practice, Research, the exhibition features work by a variety of artists including Ralf Broeg, Victoria Doyle, Natalie Gale, Hannah Gawne, Lothar Goetz, Will Hughes, James Hutchinson, Craig Knowles, Dr Fiona Larkin, Graham Mitchinson, and Paul Raymond.

Paul Raymond. Blobby Worm: Plasticine, modelling clay, mixed-media (Image: Supplied)

Dr Suzy O’Hara, senior lecturer in creative practice and curator of the exhibition, said: “It has been an honour to curate Hands On: Pedagogy, Practice, Research – an exhibition that celebrates the University of Sunderland’s bold approach to world-leading contemporary fine art education and ways in which we cultivate connections between pedagogy, art making and creative practice research.”

The exhibition was developed in partnership with property developers Landid as part of a £100 million redevelopment of the riverside area, and includes work from the university’s academic, technical, and PhD communities.

Untitled by Hannah Gawne (Image: Supplied)

Professor Kevin Petrie, professor of creative practice at the University of Sunderland, said: “This exhibition offers a great window into some of the diverse creative work of academics, technical colleagues and PhD research at the University of Sunderland.

“It’s fitting to showcase this work in NGCA as our creative programmes and students have close working links with the gallery as part of our careers and professions-facing approach.”

The exhibition runs in NGCA’s main gallery from June 6 to July 31.

Portrait of a Modernist by Lothar Goetz (Image: Supplied)

Untitled by Natalie Gale (Image: Supplied)

The summer window does not open for another two weeks, but the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham. Manchester United and Liverpool are already hard at work looking to strengthen their squads with new signings. Arsenal are ready to push on after winning the Premier League, and have made Aston Villa’s £80million-rated Morgan Rogers a key target this summer, as one of four new deals Mikel Arteta wants. Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi is a target, and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is the dream signing, along with a new right-back and central midfielder.

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Daniel was supported by an unlikely source as he continues to spiral in the ITV soap

Coronation Street fans couldn’t help but flock to social media and comment as they were left baffled by one character’s ‘personality transplant’ as Daniel Osbourne’s struggles continue to unfold.

As those who follow the ITV soap know, the teacher has been spiralling ever since he discovered that his new girlfriend, Megan Walsh, had been grooming teenager Will Driscoll, who she coached in Hull before their move to Weatherfield.

He was at first quick to defend his partner following his own run-ins with Will, before having to face the truth of what Megan had been up to. Taking it badly, Daniel wanted space and pretended to leave Weatherfield for a break in the Lakes.

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But he was caught in a lie, as he instead shut everyone out and confined himself to his flat, and he has since been seen striking up a friendship with Jodie Ramsey, who discovered Daniel wasn’t on holiday like he claimed, after she stole the spare key to his flat from Ken Barlow.

She was quick to make herself at home, but Jodie was soon back up to her scheming tricks, as after Daniel told her she would have to leave now that his family knew he was back, as he would have his son, Bertie, back at home with him, she resorted to secretly hounding him.

As viewers have seen, Daniel has been subject to online trolling, with online users suggesting he was in on what Megan was up to, making him just as culpable. The abuse has seen Daniel’s fragile state only grow, with him lashing out not only at his loved ones, but his students and as seen during Monday’s (June 1) episode of Corrie, Megan herself.

It was also during the first trip to Weatherfield this week that Daniel was seen having a breakdown in the school, as Weatherfield High students, including Jake Windass and Lily Platt, goaded him. After being knocked in the corridor by Lily, Daniel broke down when he realised the ‘World’s Best Teacher’ mug from his son had been smashed.

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As the school pupils stood around, it was Hope Dobbs, who also hadn’t been too kind to Daniel in the past, who jumped in to help him. She tried to console the clearly distressed teacher while condemning her fellow students for their behaviour.

And it seems the move came as a surprise to Corrie fans who are familiar with Hope’s troublesome past. @cb_038 said: “Has Hope had a personality transplant? She’s actually being thoughtful for once #Corrie.” @mikepriestley13 commented: “Hope being nice? She’s changed. #Corrie.” @Claudettestea wrote: “Hope doing the right thing for once!?!? #Corrie.”

@MitchellWebb85 posted: “Never thought we would see the day when Hope of all people comes to help! #Corrie.” @snationed shared: “Well well well. Hope to the rescue! Who’d have thought spawn of Stape would have been the hero of this episode #Corrie.” @macnamara60 asked: “A Hope redemption arc about to start? #Corrie.” @agf1052 added: “hope being the calm headed person wasn’t on my bingo card, but here we are #Corrie.”

Davies Transport Ltd, based at Faverdale North, is seeking to expand its fleet by six goods vehicles and six trailers.

The application details that these additional vehicles will be stationed at their current operating centre on Faverdale Industrial Estate.

Nearby property owners who believe the change may affect their property use or enjoyment have been invited to submit their concerns to the Traffic Commissioner.

Written representations should be sent to Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE within 21 days of the notice, which was published on May 28.

• For more notices affecting YOUR area, visit our Public Notice Portal – Public Notices from The Northern Echo ( publicnoticeportal.uk ).

A guide to making representations can be found at www.gov.uk/object-hgv-operator-licence .

A copy of any representations should also be sent to Davies Transport Ltd at the address given in the notice.

The notice was published as part of the legal process for altering a goods vehicle operator’s licence.

Ethan Simpson, 14, has not been seen since Saturday evening and officers are appealing for witnesses, CCTV and dash-cam footage as efforts to trace him continue.

Police have launched an urgent appeal to help trace a missing teenager who vanished from Forfar over the weekend.

Ethan Simpson, 14, was last seen in the Priory Court area of the town at around 8.30pm on Saturday, May 30. He was reported missing to Police Scotland on the morning of Monday, June 1.

The teenager is described as white, around 5ft 6in tall, of slim build and with short brown hair.

Officers say they are becoming increasingly concerned for Ethan’s welfare as enquiries continue to establish his movements since he was last seen.

Inspector Gavin Harris said: “We’re concerned for Ethan’s welfare given the passage of time since he was last seen and last in contact with his family.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace Ethan’s movements since Saturday night and I’m appealing for the help of the public.

“Have you seen Ethan, or someone matching his description? Do you have any private CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage which may have captured anything which could help us find him?

“He may have also used public transport and I’d ask anyone who thinks they’ve seen him on a bus or train to get in touch.”

Police are urging anyone with information about Ethan’s whereabouts, or anyone who may have seen him since Saturday evening, to come forward immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 0636 of June 1, 2026.

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