EXCLUSIVE: Fulton MacGregor said he did not know why the SNP failed to include a commitment for kindergarten in their manifesto.

An SNP candidate has broken ranks by criticising his party’s manifesto on education.

Fulton MacGregor said he was “disappointed” the SNP did not back the introduction of kindergarten, which would raise the age a child starts school.

He also called for the abolition of primary one tests introduced by John Swinney when was Cabinet Secretary for Education.

SNP members backed a kindergarten-stage for younger children at their party conference in 2022.

However, no mention was made of kindergarten when the SNP unveiled their Holyrood manifesto this month.

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MacGregor, an SNP MSP for ten years who is standing for re-election, said at a hustings organised by the Upstart charity:

“Perhaps before I come to what’s in in the SNP manifesto, I will address the issue of kindergarten, of course, which is the main issue that Upstart exists to promote and put on record, which I don’t mind doing, my disappointment that the SNP manifesto does not include a commitment to kindergarten in this parliamentary term.”

He added: “This is despite my own personal best efforts to try and get it there, and I know actually the cabinet Secretary for Education and the outgoing minister Natalie Don both also were supportive of that as well.

“I think it should be recognised, though, that a kindergarten stage is SNP party policy, which I’m very pleased about and just because it isn’t in the manifesto does not mean that it isn’t something that can be taken up in the next parliamentary session.”

Journalist Lesley Riddoch, who chaired the hustings, told MacGregor his criticism was “astonishingly honest” and asked what the SNP’s problem was with the policy.

He replied: “The honest answer is I don’t know.”

MacGregor, who is standing in Coatbridge and Chryston, also said: “I think perhaps it’s maybe not seen as being as of an urgent concern as other areas.”

On primary school testing, a policy defended by Swinney, he said: “I’ve been an outspoken critic of testing at P1.”

He continued: “I just don’t think that they should exist at all. I don’t think that it’s one of these things that you can make better, you can make less intensive.

He also said: “But they just really shouldn’t be happening. And I don’t mind saying that. That could be seen as quite strong, but I do think that we should take the opportunity early in this next parliamentary session, hopefully under an SNP government again, to get rid of them rather than trying to dilute them. They should just go.”

MacGregor also said he is “not a fan” of homework at a primary school level.

In 2018, Swinney as Education Secretary rejected calls to axe P1 tests:

“Frankly many of the criticisms from opposition politicians have ranged from ill-informed to hypocritical.

“Some opposition politicians are now proposing to scrap P1 assessments.

“To do this would be deeply irresponsible, and parents would quite rightly never forgive any politician who puts party politics ahead of the educational interests of their children.”

This year, that day marked the 30th anniversary of the St George’s CE Primary School in Westhoughton with a special reunion with former staff and governors being invited to celebrate the milestone.

The day was capped of by a church service in the school’s on-site church, which on weekends is used by people from around Westhoughton as their local place of worship.

Pictures from the church service (Image: James Young)

School headteacher James Young said: “It’s been a lovely day, but very busy!

“The service will be all about celebrating St George’s Day and celebrating 30 years of the school.

“We try and focus on out motto, which is all about loving life. It comes from John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

The library, opened in 2024 (Image: Dan Dougherty)

St George’s CE Primary School moved from its previous home on Hart Common in 1996, as the previous building – which had been there for 125 years – was no longer fit for purpose.

It was at this point that Hart Common School, as it had previously been known, became St George’s CE School.

The library was opened in 2024 by poet Levi Tafari (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“We came from Hart Common with 100 children,” said Jackie Goodwin, who was a governor at the time of the transition – and still is today.

“The old building wasn’t fit for purpose anymore – it was too small.

“We took the original stained glass windows with us when we made the transition, as well as the wooden plaques with the names of people who died in the war, so there is continuity between this building and the old one.”

Extracts from the 1879 logbook of the original Hart Common School (Image: James Young)

Dave Smith currently a ‘foundation governor’ on the board of the school, was also a governor at the time of the transition.

“I’ve got a connection with school as all three of my children went here and they all did really well,” said Dave.

“The old building was just too small and not suitable – this one is very light and bright.

Hart Common School had been in place for 125 years, across which period they only had five headteachers, said Mr Smith.

A celebration poster from the children of St George’s (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“When you got that job you didn’t leave it!” he said.

Mr Smith added: “When the old school was set up Hart Common was just a small collection of houses, but as Westhoughton grew it made sense to move to a bigger building.”

One of the most striking things about St George’s CE School is the sense of community they have managed to foster.

Many former teachers still keep in contact with current staff, and many children are children of former pupils.

Picture of the previous school building at Hart Common (Image: James Young)

“There are a lot children here that are now on their second or third generation,” said former headteacher Simon Bramwell, who was visiting for the occasion.

“Ms Fairbanks, who teaches here now, used to be a pupil.”

Marilyn Sweet was a reception teacher at St George’s at the time of the transition, having spent 15 years at Hart Common before it moved.

“It was a good name for the children, because I could say ‘I’m Sweet now, but if you misbehave I’ll turn sour!” Marilyn said.

She played a very active role in school life during her tenure, even designing the school’s original logo.

“I have very fond memories of the place,” she said, “and being here again is bringing back more and more.

30th anniversary cake (Image: James Young)

“This used to be my classroom, but everything has moved!”

The back room that we were in had recently been redecorated and was not currently being used as a classroom.

After a tour of the school, the children gathered in the main hall for their St George’s day service.

Bridlington and Filey Coastguard rescue teams were sent to Thornwick Bay in Flamborough around 12.30pm yesterday (Sunday, April 26).

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A manual rescue operation was hampered by a scene the coastguard described as “a narrow knife-edge pinnacle, with sheer drops either side and no safe option for a rope rescue.”

A spokesperson for Bridlington Coastguard rescue team said: “The call was made to request a rescue helicopter.

“In a tense and highly skilled manoeuvre, the aircraft arrived on scene and carried out a low-level winch, carefully lowering the winchman onto the precarious ledge.

“The casualty was secured in a rescue strop and lifted to safety.

“The helicopter then landed at a site prepared by coastguard teams, where the casualty was safely reunited with family members.

“Thankfully, despite the dramatic circumstances, the casualty escaped injury just very cold after the ordeal.”

Thousands of runners, including a host of famous faces, crossed the London Marathon finish line on Sunday, amid warm temperatures, with many punching the air in triumph on the Mall. Among the notable participants were Wicked actor Cynthia Erivo and former England cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook.

Cynthia Erivo achieved a new personal best, completing the 26.2-mile course in approximately three hours and 21 minutes, significantly improving on her 2022 time of three hours and 35 minutes. After her arduous run, the Oscar-nominated star, visibly exhausted, was helped to a seat before speaking to the media.

Reflecting on her experience, Erivo shared: “There was a little rough moment where I thought it was never going to make it, but then I found a little bit of strength. I’m here, and I feel really proud.” Despite her early 5am start for the marathon, Erivo was scheduled to perform all 23 roles in Dracula at the Noel Coward Theatre in London on Monday evening. “It’s at 7.30pm, so I should be fine,” she quipped, adding: “I may be a little slower than usual.”

When asked about the potential for the London Marathon to be held over two days in the future, Erivo commented: “It would be amazing. I may be just watching next year, though.” She expressed her love for running, explaining that it allows her to “zone out” and “just be me”, providing a moment to “centre… I get to think about the things that I want to think about, zone out for a second, meditate for a second”.

The distinctive Peppa Pig theme tune heralded the arrival of children’s TV character Daddy Pig at the finish line, accompanied by “The Body Coach” Joe Wicks. The pair completed the course in five hours and 51 minutes, running in support of the National Deaf Children’s Society, following a storyline in Peppa Pig that revealed George Pig is moderately deaf.

Post-race, Wicks conveyed his immense pride in Daddy Pig, praising his dedication to training and his impressive performance despite the warm conditions. He noted the crowd’s reaction: “It’s lovely when people say ‘Joe!’ and give me a little cheer, but 99 per cent of it was ‘Daddy Pig, give us a wave!’, kids smiling, kids getting excited. So I rode off the energy of Daddy Pig today, and it was great.”

When questioned about other animated characters he might like to run alongside, Wicks responded: “Who can top Daddy Pig? There aren’t many people… maybe one day, when Peppa’s older, she might run with me as well.” He also addressed social media speculation regarding Daddy Pig’s identity, stating that while social media has been “great at stirring up conspiracies… Daddy Pig is a pig and that is it. There’s no human being involved”.

Sir Alastair Cook, upon finishing his race, declared the finish line as his favourite part. “Apart from that, just seeing the number of people that come out,” he added. He found a moment of personal joy at the 20-mile mark: “I’d just say, seeing my little boy (Jack) and my family at around about the 20-mile mark, it didn’t inspire me to run any faster, because I was done, but it was nice to see his face.”

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Comparing the marathon to his cricketing career, Sir Alastair remarked: “Cricket’s easy. When you’ve finished, when you’re not very good, you cash out and sit down. There’s no hiding place here.”

Other notable finishers on Sunday included BBC broadcaster Sophie Raworth, F1 driver Sebastian Vettel, former Arsenal and Wales footballer Aaron Ramsey and former British women’s tennis No 1 Laura Robson.

Fire crews raced to the home on Sunday afternoon.

A huge fire has torn through a house near Aberdeen. Emergency services were called to a property on Coronation Road in Peterculter, on the outskirts of Aberdeen, at around 2pm on Sunday.

Footage of the blaze showed thick black smoke billowing from the front door of the house and rising through the property’s roof. Sirens could be heard in the distance as neighbours stood watching on the pavement in disbelief.

A number of fire crews were sent to the scene and spent a few hours bringing the fire under control

It is unknown if anyone was injured in the blaze. The property is understood to have suffered significant damage.

Speaking to The Courier, one onlooker said: “The roof has caved in and the whole house seems to have been destroyed.

“I think firefighters are now trying to stop the fire from spreading into the neighbouring house.

“It must be horrible for the owners – a nightmare.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland were contacted for comment.

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A study by Age UK reveals that early experiences in physical education are discouraging thousands of people aged 50 to 65 from staying active.

The figures show half of people in the North West dreaded PE lessons in childhood, and more than half a million now feel put off sport for life as a result.

The findings come as part of Age UK’s new campaign, Act Now, Age Better, which aims to inspire midlifer’s to get active for a healthier later life.

Lauren McKechnie, chief executive of Age UK Bolton, said: “Being physically active is one of the most powerful things we can do for our health and happiness.

“It supports not only our physical wellbeing, but our mental health, independence, social connection and sense of purpose—benefits that ripple far beyond the individual.

“When people are supported to move more, everyone wins.”

Senior couple jogging in a park (Image: Getty Images)

The campaign brings together more than 40 national sport and activity partners, including British Cycling, Badminton England and England Netball, to help reintroduce exercise in a more inclusive and supportive way, reflecting changes over the past 30 to 40 years.

Age UK Bolton is backing the campaign and offering a variety of activities as part of its Strength and Balance programme and other community sessions.

Ms McKechnie added: “At Age UK Bolton, we have a specialist Strength and Balance offer, alongside a variety of community-based sessions—from gentle dance to tai chi—helping people to stay active in ways that feel accessible and enjoyable.

“What truly sets Bolton apart, however, is the strength of our partnership approach.”

She highlighted the charity’s work with Bolton Council, Active Bolton, and Bolton Wanderers in the Community to create a “broad, inclusive and accessible range of opportunities” for older adults.

She said: “Together, we are creating the conditions for people to stay well, connected and independent for longer.”

The research also found that 42 per cent of people in the target age group feel anxious about joining a sports group or class at their age.

However, there remains a high level of interest, with 23 per cent of midlifers saying they would be motivated by age-specific classes, 19 per cent wanting more beginner-only sessions, and 16 per cent interested in making new friends through activities.

Individuals engaging in a vibrant fitness session, performing dumbbell exercises in a well-lit gym, promoting health, endurance, and teamwork in a lively and motivational environment. (Image: Kaspi Creative Inc.)

The campaign features support from sports and media personalities including Dame Kelly Holmes, Sally Gunnell, Dame Denise Lewis, and Gabby Logan.

Dame Kelly Holmes said: “The benefits of sport and exercise are endless.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional athlete competing on a world stage, or a busy parent who has just managed to carve out a few hours for yourself one evening a week to head along to your local netball group.

“It’s about self-care, making new connections, feeling team spirit, supporting mental health, getting outside and feeling strong and capable for as long as possible.

“Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign is a fantastic reminder of all those things and how important they can be for someone in midlife who is looking to increase their chances of living a better later life.

“It might feel like a small thing, or a task that can be shoved to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list, but trust me – it can make a world of difference.”

The campaign will run throughout the summer, with many partners offering free taster sessions and resources to help people try new activities in a welcoming environment.

More information about the Act Now, Age Better campaign can be found at www.ageuk.org.uk/actnow.

Rhiannon Wilkinson, head of Ashville College, is in the running for Headteacher of the Year (Independent) at the 2026 Tes Schools Awards, widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the education sector.

Her leadership has helped the college reach the Sunday Times Parent Power top 10 independent schools in the North.

Ms Wilkinson said: “Thanks to the home-grown skills and talents of all our staff and pupils, Ashville continues to grow, innovate and be forward-thinking.

“There is no shortage of inspiration in schools and their people across the UK, so I am thrilled that the Ashville name will be represented on the national stage at such prestigious awards.”

She is the only nominee in the North of England.

Ashville College also achieved record-breaking A-level results for the second consecutive year.

Greg Styles, Ashville College’s chairman of governors, said: “The combination of Rhiannon’s skills in strategic thinking and practical business innovation is something I have found to be quite unique in the education sector.

“Her visionary leadership has created the ‘new’ Ashville for the future, and she deserves to be recognised on the national stage.”

Cameron Norrie set up a first meeting with Jannik Sinner after battling into the fourth round of the Madrid Open.

While Norrie has faced Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic on multiple occasions, he oddly has never previously taken on world number one Sinner.

That will change at the Caja Magica on Tuesday when the British number one will bid to halt Sinner’s 19-match winning streak and make the quarter-finals in Madrid for the first time.

“I’ve never played him, which is crazy,” Norrie told Sky Sports. “I’m excited to play him but every time we practise he rips me up and smokes me.

“He’s really confident, probably the most confident player in tennis right now. I’m going to take it to him, I’m just going to play my game, play the ball in front of me.”

Having survived a near three-hour battle against Tomas Machac in the second round, Norrie managed to see off big-serving Argentinian Thiago Agustin Tirante in straight sets, coming through 7-5 7-6 (5).

“It was tricky,” said Norrie after the contest on the Caja Magica’s third court.

“I hadn’t played in the stadium courts yet, not even in practice, so it was a little bit different returning and it was tough to get the range.

“I had to go back because his serve was kicking so, so much. His first serve is an absolute rocket, as we expected, but I managed to dig deep when I needed to and played well in the big moments, and that was the difference.”

It was a contest of few chances but Norrie converted his third opportunity to break in the 12th game of the opening set with a backhand winner and then clinched his first match point in a nervy second-set tie-break.

Tirante, ranked 75, sent down a serve measured at 149 miles per hour in the sixth game but was unable to create any break points on the Norrie serve.

AFTER much speculation in the media, upmarket bakery chain Gail’s has confirmed it is to open its first cafe in North Yorkshire.

As reported in The Press, Gail’s is poised to make its Yorkshire debut with a North Yorkshire cafe location in its sights.

Despite media speculation that the location might be in Knaresborough, the company has confirmed to The Press that is will open in Harrogate.

A Gail’s spokesperson said: “Gail’s is excited to confirm it is opening a new bakery in Harrogate later this year.

New jobs at Harrogate bakery

“The opening will bring Gail’s craft baking to the community, including creating a number of craft baking, barista, and management roles.

“We will also be donating surplus baked goods through our Neighbourly partnerships.

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities we serve and improving access to quality food and drink on the high-street.”

The premium bakery chain is currently looking for staff for its first cafe in North Yorkshire – roles for a bakery manager (salary at £42,000 pa), and an assistant manager (at £32,900) – both located in Harrogate – are currently listed on its own website and elsewhere online.

Gail’s Artisan Bakery which is coming to Harrogate

Gail’s began life in London in the1990s as a wholesale supplier to restaurants, before opening its first neighbourhood bakery cafe on Hampstead High Street in London in 2005.

The brand has since expanded rapidly – and continues to do so.

Positioning itself as a premium, mid‑range alternative in a market dominated by high‑street chains, Gail’s is known for handmade breads using natural ingredients and longer fermentation methods.

Menu options at Gail’s

The menu at Gail’s features a range of sourdough loaves, baguettes and pastries, alongside sweet treats such as buns and cookies, plus speciality coffees.

Inside a Gail’s bakery.

The well‑known business, which bakes fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, operates more than 170 bakeries across the UK, with more expansions in the pipeline.

Current locations are primarily in London and the south east, including Oxford and Brighton, as well as Manchester and the surrounding area.

Its seasonal menu, listed on line, features six varieties of sourdough bread, and sweet treats including a malted chocolate and stout cake, chocolate tahini bite, and pecan crumb cake. The drinks menu boasts a range of match drinks and a turmeric latte.

Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has issued a grovelling apology after his violent assault on Jorge Pulido in the side’s clash with Huesca.

The shocking incident played out after Andrada was shown a second yellow card for shoving over Pulido on the touchline, with Huesca holding a narrow one-goal lead in the closing stages of the Spanish second-tier match.

The moment referee Damaso Arcediano Monescillo brandished his red card, Andrada completely lost his cool, sprinting back towards Pulido as tempers escalated in Sunday’s bad-tempered clash between the two relegation-threatened teams.

Footage of what happened next have gone viral across social media, with the Argentina international pictured swinging his right fist into an unsuspecting Pulido from behind, sparking a mass brawl between both sets of players.

Opposition goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende were also given their marching orders for the part they played in the melee at Huesca’s Estadio El Alcoraz.

Centre-back Pulido, formerly of Atletico Madrid, was later seen holding a large ice pack to the side of his face. It is unclear at this stage if the injuries the Spaniard sustained in the attack are serious.

Andrada, meanwhile, issued a statement in the aftermath of Zaragoza’s 1-0 defeat, insisting he was ‘very sorry’ and claiming he was ‘here to face the consequences with the league’.

‘The truth is, I’m very sorry for what happened,’ the 35-year-old – who has been capped four times by Argentina – said in a short video shared on Zaragoza’s social media pages.

‘It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, or for a professional like myself, so I’m very sorry.

‘Throughout my career, I’ve only had one red card for handling the ball outside the penalty area.

‘It was a critical situation where I lost control and reacted that way, but I’m very sorry and I know I wouldn’t do it again.’

Andrada added: ‘I know I’m a public figure, a professional with many years of experience, and all I can do is apologise to Jorge Pulido because we’re colleagues.

‘Honestly, it was my own actions and I lost focus in that moment.

‘I’m here to face the consequences with the league, or if they want me to come and explain, I’m available.’

A separate statement from Zaragoza, who sit second-bottom in La Liga 2, ‘strongly condemned’ Andrada’s behaviour and vowed to ‘take the appropriate disciplinary measures’ in due course.

‘We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,’ it read.

‘These events do not represent the values ​​of Real Zaragoza or its fans, who throughout its history have been characterised by sportsmanship, courage, and respect for the opponent.

‘We are role models and examples for many fans, especially children, who cheer us on at every match and aspire to one day become one of their idols.

‘That is why these regrettable images should never have been seen.’

Zaragoza manager David Narrarro added: ‘There are lines we can’t cross.’

Huesca head coach Jose Luis, meanwhile, stated: ‘It’s hard to explain. I think it’s a complete loss of control.

‘I can put myself in their shoes, given what was at stake and all. But it’s unjustifiable.

‘It’s ugly. This was supposed to be a celebration of Aragonese football. I’d like people to talk about the match, even though it was ugly, with little play but a lot of hard work.’

Oscar Sielva scored what proved to be the winning goal as 19th-placed Huesca clung on to move one point clear of Zaragoza in the Segunda Division table.

Andrada should expect to be slapped with a lengthy suspension and appears likely to miss the remaining five matches of Zaragoza’s desperate fight for survival.

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