Forecasters predict it will be the ‘sunniest week of the year so far’

For many parts of Scotland it has been a pleasant start to the summer holidays, with repeated days of clear skies and soaring temperatures. And this is set to continue as forecasters are predicting that it will be the ‘sunniest week of the year so far’.

The latest weather maps predict that more of the country will get to enjoy sunshine and warmth over the coming days. However, meteorologist Sean Batty has warned that not every region of Scotland will be getting to relax in summer conditions.

Thanks to a breeze from the North Sea, Scots in the north and east of the country are likely to experience lower temperatures and limited sunshine at times. The Scots forecaster predicts weather conditions to be divided across the country this week.

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Sean said: “Parts of the north and east are likely to see low cloud and haar drifting in from the North Sea on the easterly breeze. That could keep temperatures noticeably lower and the sunshine more limited at times.

“The flip side is that western Scotland is set to enjoy the very best of the weather, with long spells of sunshine and temperatures climbing into the high 20s later in the week.”

According to the forecaster, areas such as Argyll and Bute, Inverclyde, Glasgow, and the Inner Hebrides are amongst the regions expected to be the sunniest this week.

On the flip side, Caithness, Moray, East Fife, and Edinburgh at times are the most likely to stay cloudy. Therefore if you are wanting to explore Scotland in the sunshine this week, it may be best to stick to the west of Scotland.

In terms of temperature highs, Batty is predicting that Thursday, July 16, will be the hottest day this week. In the west, those in and around Fort William could see spikes of 27C, while Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire, and Glasgow could sizzle at around 28C to 29C.

While temperatures at the moment look unlikely to break the 30C threshold, this is the ideal week to get your washing out on the line.

Unlike the previous warm spells, which brought high levels of humidity, forecasters are predicting more dry air in this weather front. This means any laundry will dry in no time at all, helping busy families quickly reduce their washing piles.

Temperatures are looking to be hot for most regions during the day throughout the week. But Scots are being warned that night time temperatures will be a different story – with highs plummeting to under 10C in the evening.

Batty explained: “Because humidity is low, heat escapes much more quickly after sunset, so temperatures will drop away quite rapidly during the evening. If you’re planning a barbecue or sitting out in the garden, you may well find yourself running for a jumper once the sun goes down.

“We may find some spots in the Borders, South Lanarkshire and the Highlands dropping close to 5C on some nights.”

Sunniest parts of Scotland this week

• The Inner Hebrides
• Glasgow
• Dumfries & Galloway
• Ayrshire
• Inverclyde
• Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire
• West and East Dunbartonshire
• Argyll and Bute
• South and west Highlands

Areas most likely to be cloudier at times

• The Northern Isles
• Caithness
• Moray
• Aberdeenshire
• Angus coast
• East Fife
• East Lothian coast
• Edinburgh (at times)

TV chef and restaurant founder, Dom Taylor, has died ‘suddenly’ according to a message put out by his team.

His cause of death has not been specified, with the statement kindly asking ‘everyone respects the privacy of Dom’s loved ones at this time’.

Taylor won Channel 4’s Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef in 2023 and landed the opportunity to start a restaurant in London’s five-star Langham hotel.

He then opened The Good Front Room at a new permanent site in Dalston earlier this year, offering ‘reimagined and elevated Caribbean cuisine’.

The statement from his restaurant read: ‘We are deeply saddened to share the news of the sudden passing of our founder, Chef Dom Taylor.

‘Dom was a visionary whose bold, joyful approach to celebrating the Caribbean cuisine of his childhood brought a fresh and exciting voice to London’s restaurant scene.

‘His passion, talent and generosity touched so many people, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him and experiencing his food.

‘He will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched during this incredibly difficult time.’

It concluded by announcing the restaurant will remain open as they ‘honour Dom’s legacy and continue the work he was so passionate about’.

Condolences flooded the comments. Chef and food writer Melissa Thompson wrote: ‘Sending love and strength to the team. Dom was a very special person.’

While Shahanaz said: ‘Dom gave me my first ever job in the cheffing world and taught me so much. So sad to hear this news and sending lots of love to family, friends, and staff during this heartbreaking time.’

Chef brothers Craig and Shaun McAnuff commented: ‘Heartbreaking news. A true pioneer, truly lost for words. Prayers to his family.’

According to Data Golf, which measures performance across all tours, only three players are ranked higher than Fleetwood – defending champion Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy and world number three Fitzpatrick.

The 31-year-old has won three times on the PGA Tour this year and shared third place on the links turf of the Renaissance Club at last week’s Scottish Open.

“It’s another confidence booster to bring into this week,” Fitzpatrick told BBC Sport.

“It’s the final major of the year, so you’re going to give it a good push.”

The South Yorkshireman has used Birkdale on many occasions to hone links preparations for past Opens. But he admits to being unsure over what aspect of his game will be most vital this week.

“I’ve played the golf course a lot, but I can’t put my finger on what necessarily is needed,” said the 2022 US Open winner.

“I feel like the fairways this year look a little bit tighter than most links golf courses. And I think for me, that’s probably going to play the biggest part into it.

“I think if you can give yourself opportunities to hit the greens, that’s going to be the most important thing.”

English world number ones Lee Westwood and Luke Donald have come and gone from Opens without lifting golf’s most historic trophy. Rose is another to scale the top of the rankings but has not added a home major to his 2013 US Open victory.

The 45-year-old comes full circle this week to the scene of his fourth placed finish as a 17-year-old amateur in 1998, which was capped by a sensational hole out for birdie at the last.

Remarkably it then stood as his best Open performance for two decades before charging through the field to finish runner-up to Francesco Molinari at Carnoustie in 2018.

Rose shared runner-up honours again two years ago and continues to challenge for golf’s biggest titles. Could this be the year? What a story it would be were he to emerge victorious.

But what does it take to do that?

Faldo puts it bluntly. “Guess the bottom line is…I could keep my focus and nerve all four days to finish it off,” he messaged when I asked for the secret sauce.

Those were characteristics Rai showed in abundance only last May to become the first Englishman win the US PGA in more than a century at Aronimink.

Rai emulating Jim Barnes in 1919 proves Fleetwood correct, these longstanding records and anomalies can be broken.

Excitingly, among the biggest obstacles to English success are fellow UK players because the likes of McIlroy and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre are also strong contenders.

Englishmen Tyrrell Hatton and Alex Fitzpatrick are also capable of mounting strong challenges.

So whisper it, while England’s semi-final reaching footballers are giving World Cup fans plenty to be excited about, here on Merseyside the country’s golfers might do something similar.

The TV star revealed earlier this month that she was recovering after surgery for breast cancer and told fans the operation had been successful.

Now, husband John has spoken about her progress during a recent appearance on ITV’s This Morning on Monday (July 13).

John Torode gives update on wife Lisa Faulkner’s cancer

Ben Shephard, who was presenting alongside Cat Deeley, asked John about Lisa during the show.

He said: “Quick question as well, lovely Lisa, how’s she doing?”

Mr Torode said: “She’s doing really well, actually, really well, and thanks so much for asking.

“She thanks everybody for all their wonderful comments and their best wishes, but she’s doing very well, thank you very much.”

Ms Faulkner, 54, is an actress, presenter, and home cook who has appeared in Holby City, Spooks, and Waterloo Road.

Following her cancer revelation, she said previously: “It’s all good, they’ve got everything out, so it’s all clear, and I just need some radiotherapy in a few weeks.”

She said she was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and described it as “the very early stages of breast cancer.”

She told fans she had undergone “quite a big op” and still had “quite a bit of healing to do.

“But I’m good, I’m well, and feeling so much better.”

Lisa also urged others to attend regular screenings.

She said: “I’m so grateful that I went for my mammogram.

“Don’t put them off, go, because they found this – without this mammogram, it wouldn’t have been picked up.”

Fellow stars wished Lisa well after her video was posted.

Fellow TV star Ruth Langsford wrote: “So good to hear you’re healing now and thank you for sharing this and encouraging us all to go for our potentially life saving mammograms.

“Take care of yourself.

“Love to you and John.”

Recommended reading:

Ben Shepherd said: “Sending love and hugs Lisa.”

Lisa Snowdon added: “Sending you so much love and wrapping you in the biggest hug darling Lisa.”

Are you a fan of This Morning? Let us know in the comments.

Ljubiša Karovi was travelling with his wife Svetlana Grkovi on a Ryanair flight on Friday, July 10, when disaster struck after the window next to his seat dislodged mid-air

The spouse of a passenger who was nearly dragged through a Ryanair aircraft window at 20,000ft has recounted her frantic efforts to rescue him during the harrowing mid-air emergency.

Ljubiša Karovi, from Serbia, was flying with his wife Svetlana Grkovi on a Ryanair service on Friday, July 10, when catastrophe unfolded.

The pair were heading home from a summer break in Greece when the aircraft encountered difficulties moments after departing Thessaloniki at 5.55am local time.

The pilot detected a problem with the engine while the plane was above North Macedonia and opted to return towards Thessaloniki.

During the descent, a section of the faulty engine detached and smashed into a cabin window beside where Mr Karovi was seated, reports the Express.

The collision resulted in the 61 year old being partly sucked out of the aircraft due to the cabin pressure.

His wife revealed she instantly seized hold of his legs as he dangled outside the plane.

Speaking to Nova, Ms Grkovi recalled: “It was as if a part of the engine broke off and hit the window next to which my husband Ljubiša was sitting.

“I reacted immediately and grabbed his legs. I thought: ‘If we die, we die together.’ It was horrible.”

Ms Grkovi expressed her desire to personally thank another passenger who assisted in saving her husband’s life throughout the ordeal.

Mr Karovi continues to receive hospital treatment following the incident and is understood to be unable to speak due to his injuries. His wife revealed he sustained friction burns, a severely damaged hand and multiple other burns, while also being left profoundly traumatised.

She explained he blacked out repeatedly throughout the ordeal and retains scant recollection of events.

A Ryanair spokesperson commented: “A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen on Friday morning (10 July) returned to Thessaloniki shortly after take-off when a passenger window dislodged inflight.

“The aircraft landed normally and passengers returned to the terminal.

“One passenger requested and received medical assistance on the ground in Thessaloniki.

“In order to minimise any delay, a replacement aircraft was arranged to bring passengers to Memmingen which departed Thessaloniki at 9:53 local this morning.”

EastEnders star Jessie Wallace is taking a break from the BBC One soap.

The actress has played the role of Kat Slater in the show on and off since 2000. Kat and partner Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) currently run the Queen Vic, and their lives are always packed full of chaos.

A change looms for the family in the near future, as Jessie will be briefly saying goodbye to Kat’s iconic leopard print wardrobe and the drama in Walford.

The star, who is 54, will play the role of Captain Hook at the New Wimbledon Theatre’s panto production of Peter Pan.

The show will run between December and January, and will also star Aston Merrygold, Tom Read Wilson and Pete Firman.

A source told The Sun: ‘Jessie will be taking a short break from the soap to appear in panto. Bosses agreed to the short break because it’s over Christmas and won’t hugely affect filming.

‘It’s a huge bonus for Jessie. She’s one of the show’s biggest names and can command huge fees for panto appearances’.

Given the fact panto only runs across the festive period, it’s safe to assume Jessie’s break from the soap will only be temporary.

Metro has contacted EastEnders for a comment.

This development comes just days after the news Jessie’s co-star Michelle Ryan has reportedly been axed.

The 42-year-old actress thrilled fans when she returned to Albert Square last June as Zoe Slater, before joining the soap full-time again in August.

But now it’s been confirmed by the BBC that Michelle will be leaving, with reports that Zoe is set to meet a shocking end and be killed off, making her exit permanent.

Michelle originally appeared as Zoe from 2000 to 2005, before leaving for Hollywood after landing the lead role in the Bionic Woman remake.

The Sun alleges that Michelle requested time off from the soap earlier this year before quitting EastEnders, with writers then deciding her character would face tragedy when written out.

A BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.

‘However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.’

An insider has since revealed to Metro: ‘Michelle’s exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time. With such an iconic character, Zoe’s exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it’s not going to be quiet.’

The actress is thought to have filmed her final scenes in Walford last month, with her departure set to play out over the coming months.

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Essex’s only children’s hospice, Little Havens has worked with the Disney Company to create a Moana-inspired garden to provide joy and comfort for the children spending time there

Little Havens, Essex’s only children’s hospice, has unveiled a breathtaking island garden inspired by Moana.

The space brings together elements based on the beloved film, in an immersive and multi-sensory space created with viral landscaping duo The Green Genie Brothers and The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland.

It opened ahead of the highly-anticipated release of Disney’s live-action film Moana, which sailed into cinemas Friday 10 July.

Among the first to experience the garden was six-year-old Millie, who has been supported by Little Havens since 2021. On her first birthday, Millie was diagnosed with Congenital Myopathy, which is a muscle disorder affecting the muscles inside and outside of her body.

Jay Farr, Millie’s mum, said, “Millie is such a huge Disney fan, so watching her face when she saw the garden for the first time was pure joy. She loved driving round looking at the characters, and particularly liked Tamatoa and his treasure.

“The evening was wonderful, and you could tell that every single person involved truly cared about what they had created.

Millie was joined by Little Havens’ CEO Louise Bryan, Dan Radford, Vice President, Marketing at The Walt Disney Company, and The Green Genie Brothers to cut the ribbon and officially open the garden.

Jay continued, “Millie was made to feel like a star, and it’s a memory that we will never forget as a family. While we were there, they told Millie the meaning behind the shell and rock centrepiece — that it represents a community, a family — and she loved this.”

The Pacific oasis-inspired garden combines hard landscaping with a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Features – include a large bamboo entrance as you step onto the island, with handcrafted fale (houses), lush planting, natural stone features and a bespoke carving of Moana’s rooster friend Heihei crafted from a tree stump.

Part of the installation features a striking pebble manta ray set into the garden floor, paying tribute to one of the film’s most beloved motifs. A dynamic water feature brings movement and life, while carefully designed lighting creates a fully-immersive, sensory experience.

Vital to the families supported by Little Havens, the garden has been built with accessibility in mind, ensuring every child — whatever their needs — can enjoy it to the fullest.

“Millie, and other families like ours, go through so much, so when we sit in the garden, we will be reminded that we are not alone, and that is just beautiful. Millie’s still got a huge smile on her face.”

The garden’s design and build were led by The Green Genie Brothers — Jake and Ethan Thorne — Bristol-based luxury landscape gardening duo known for their outdoor transformations. Jake and Ethan brought their trademark precision and flair to a project unlike any other in their portfolio for a cause close to their hearts.

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Jake Thorne, one half of The Green Genie Brothers, said, “We’ve built some incredible spaces over the years, but nothing has meant more to us than this. Knowing that every stone, every light and every sound in this garden is going to bring something special for families to enjoy, that’s a legacy we’re incredibly proud of.”

“Working with Disney to bring Moana’s world to life for the children at Little Havens has been a huge privilege. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the suppliers and contractors who have helped along the way — we’ve had people travel from all over the country to be part of this and enable us to pull this project off in such a short time. It’s been a huge honour.”

“So often our families miss out on things, whether that’s from having to spend time in hospital or facing accessibility challenges that make everyday experiences harder to reach. To have something so special and unique, designed just for them, is incredible.”

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This is the latest project as part of Disney’s long-standing collaboration with Together for Short Lives, the national charity supporting children’s hospices across the UK.

Since 2017, The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland has worked with the charity to bring joy to seriously ill children and create moments that matter for the whole family. This is part of Disney’s mission to deliver over one million magical moments of comfort and togetherness for children across EMEA by 2030.

Dan Radford, Vice President, Marketing, The Walt Disney Company added: “Creating moments of joy for children and families facing serious illness is at the heart of Disney’s social impact work. This garden is a wonderful reminder of how stories like Moana can be brought to life and provide a sense of escape, comfort, and togetherness for families when it’s needed most.”

The Moana-inspired garden is now open and available for children and families at Little Havens Hospice to enjoy during their visits and stays.

For more see https://www.havenshospices.org.uk.

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A former flight attendant has spoken about the best etiquette for when you find yourself on a flight and feel like reclining your seat or putting a bag in an overhead locker

A former flight attendant has provided some guidance on if and how passengers should recline their seats on an aircraft. As thousands of Brits jet off around the world this summer, it may be tempting for some to recline their seat a little when they take off.

However, former flight attendant Elaine Swann suggested that if they are to do this, then they should be mindful of the person behind them.

She told the Guardian: “Yes, but recline it slowly, so that if someone has laptop or a beverage, they can see you’re starting to come back. Think of the inches above your knees as being shared space with the person sitting in front.”

Elaine also added that it was acceptable to move around people’s things in the overhead locker, but that you should probably ask nearby people first.

She said: “Typically, you’ll find that it is someone within close range, so ask whose bag it is, and then say: ‘I’m just going to scoot it to the side a little bit’.”

While Elaine has been talking about the etiquette behind a common occurrence, another former flight attendant has spoken about something far less common, people who give birth on planes.

Although unusual, it does sometimes happen that a baby may be born mid-flight, posing a major challenge to those onboard.

Speaking to the Independent, former flight attendant Marika Mikusova said it was something they received training for, but that it wasn’t something they were tested on every year.

She told the publication: “Although we do receive training for childbirth on board, it’s not something we’re tested on annually.

“So, if a childbirth were to happen during a flight, our first step would be to immediately ask if there is a doctor on board and contact ground medical support for guidance on how to proceed, to make sure we are doing everything we can.

“If circumstances allow, the delivery would ideally take place near the bulkhead seats. As stated in the manual, we would place the passenger in a comfortable position, preferably upright with knees parted and drawn back against the bulkhead.”

However, if the bulkhead isn’t available, they might move the person to the galley because of the space it has. Whilst they wouldn’t have time to clean the floor before the passenger sat down, Marika explained that a clean blanket would be placed on the floor before the delivery.

She also revealed that aircraft are equipped with an onboard delivery kit for if the situation arises and that the crew would be guided through the delivery from a medical team on the ground. On whether a plane might divert or continue onwards to its destination, Marika said it was dependent on the situation of the birth at the time.

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Prince Harry has opened up about being bullied at school, where he was nicknamed ‘carrot top’ by his classmates because of his ginger hair

Prince Harry has disclosed he suffered bullying during his childhood, despite his privileged upbringing within the Royal Family.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, revealed he was constantly mocked over his hair colour while at school and even earned the nickname “carrot top” from fellow pupils.

Harry shared these revelations during a guest spot on The Joe Marler Will See You Now podcast, after being questioned about the most common misconceptions people have about him, reports The Mirror.

“That I’m not ginger,” he responded.

When former England rugby international Joe Marler seemed taken aback, Harry joked: “People think I’m ginger, but I’m more sort of like, um, sunset auburn.”

He went on to recall the teasing he endured at school, stating: “Unless you want to call me ginge. You know? I got bullied a lot at school, called carrot top.”

Marler remarked it was “not funny”, prompting Harry to quip: “I’m going to need therapy after this.”

Harry was educated at Wetherby School in London before transferring to Ludgrove School in Berkshire and subsequently Eton College. His attendance at Eton marked a departure from royal custom, as earlier generations had been sent to Gordonstoun in Scotland, though his elder brother, Prince William, was also schooled at Eton.

Later in the podcast, Harry was posed the question of whether he’d swap lives for a day with Harry Styles, Harry Kane or Harry Potter. He opted for England captain Harry Kane, but only “on a winning day”.

“You don’t want to be Kane on a losing day, do you?” he said, adding that he reckoned England would go on to lift the World Cup. The Duke also opened up about maintaining his mental health, revealing that keeping physically active is crucial to his overall wellness.

“Going to the gym is an absolute… any form of exercise is great, especially when you’re depressed,” he said.

When quizzed about his profession, Harry responded: “Full-time dad, British Army veteran, Prince of England, Duke.”

The podcast was captured during Harry’s latest trip to the UK in the run-up to next year’s Invictus Games.

Throughout the visit, Harry, alongside his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their youngsters, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reunited with King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the first time in four years at the King’s Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.

It marked the King’s first confirmed encounter with Archie and Lilibet since the family’s appearance at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee festivities in 2022. No additional information about the reunion has been disclosed.

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