Put 7 tbsp soy sauce, 2½ tbsp honey, 3 tsp sesame oil, the juice of  ½ lime, 4 grated garlic cloves, a 4cm cube of peeled ginger (grated) and 1½ tsp chilli flakes (or you can use a chilli sauce, to taste, if you like), into a dish in which the chicken will fit. Add the meat and turn it so that it gets coated.

The tropical parrot was spotted perching on chairs causing a mix of confusion and laughter among customers.

Scots at a McDonald’s restaurant were left baffled after witnessing one very unusal visitor as they waited for their orders.

The chain is no stranger to odd happenings but at the Sauchiehall Street branch in Glasgow, customers were stunned to spot a a tropical parrot in the restaurant on January 24.

Photos shared with Glasgow Live show the striking bird, believed to be a Scarlet Macaw, perched on the back of a chair as bewildered punters watched on.

It’s unclear whether the parrot was a pet brought in by a customer or if it had wandered in on its own. One photo appeared to show the bird sitting next to a woman, who may have been familiar with the colourful visitor.

Sharing the snaps on TikTok, one onlooker admitted they “couldn’t stop laughing” at the unusual scene. Other social media users were equally amused, with one commenting that the bright-feathered guest had “spruced up the place.”

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The 29-year-old ‘can’t wait’ for his first taste of Big Two action at Windsor Park on Saturday evening (6pm)

Josh Daniels admits he Linfield on his radar right from the moment he joined Big Two rivals Glentoran last month.

The 29-year-old ‘can’t wait’ for his first taste of Big Two action at Windsor Park on Saturday evening (6pm).

The former Derry City, Glenavon, Shrewsbury and TNS player arrived to the Oval on the January transfer window deadline day with games like this in his mind.

“Derby games always have an extra edge to them but the Big Two game is extra special,” said the midfielder.

“There has been so much rivalry between the clubs down the years every game carries that bit more weight. When I joined I found out we would be playing them in a couple of weeks so that was definitely something to look forward to.

“I can’t wait, it’s going to be a great atmosphere with a big crowd and that’s what you want to be involved in as players.

“We have to focus on the task in hand and make sure that we work hard and produce a performance which is good enough to get the points.

“We know it won’t be easy as they are on a decent run of form and they are at home too, but we are also on a good run and confidence is high in the camp.

“We want to keep our unbeaten run going and we will be doing all we can to make that happen.”

Daniels is feeling right at home in east Belfast following his return to the Irish League and has started the last three games as the Glens extended their recent unbeaten run.

Daniels has been impressed with the standards, both in the league and under the current regime at Glentoran under Declan Devine.

“There are now a number of teams who operate under a full-time model, and that has helped the overall quality of the league,” he said.

“Teams have looked further afield to strengthen their squad with the offer of full-time football and the potential of playing in Europe a big carrot for players.

“The part-time teams also seem to have benefited too by picking up players who maybe are unable to turn full-time, so that has helped strengthen the other sides as well.

“In my opinion that’s good, because you know that you have to be on it every week if you are going to be successful. Those are the standards that Decky and his staff have been driving here since they arrived according to the rest of the boys.

“We have a very talented squad here but we all know it’s about putting a shift in every week too. If you don’t do that you could end up with egg on your face.

“I knew Glentoran was a massive club but I don’t think you really appreciate the scale of it and the history until you join.

“Just because you have been successful in the past though it doesn’t mean you are going to be again. That only comes from everyone buying into the common goal and working hard to achieve it.

“When I first spoke to Decky about signing I could see the desire and hunger he has to make this club successful again and challenge for honours. Every player here has bought into that and has the drive to go on and do it.”

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What is the Sage Perfect Press?

This is a premium sandwich toaster engineered to deliver café-quality results at home, without the common issue of squashed or flattened bread. Its standout feature is the innovative ‘crush control’ hinge, which utilises a counterweight system to apply minimal pressure, ensuring the sandwich is toasted to a golden crisp while the fillings remain fluffy and intact.

However, unlike other sandwich toasters, this design has fixed flat cooking surfaces rather than interchangeable ones, such as ridged panini plates or waffle irons. The focus here is purely on achieving top results rather than offering a wide range of culinary uses.

Priced at £99.95, this model sits at the higher end of the market, also evidenced by the weight and quality of the materials used. With basic sandwich toasters available for less than a third of the price, is this press worth the extra dough?

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I tested the sandwich press over several weeks using different styles of bread, including standard white sliced, sourdough and hefty seeded and rye breads. I buttered my bread on the outside and filled my sandwiches with a selection of popular fillings, making everything from tuna melts and prosciutto panini to baked beans and cheese toasties. I also reheated croissants and pizza to check for warmth and toasting versus squashing.

I evaluated how long the press took to heat up compared to other sandwich toasters, as well as how easy it was to operate, including using the crush control and lock features. I monitored the speed and evenness of the toasting and how well the filling melted without being flattened.

I also scored the toaster on the quality of its build and practicalities, such as the length of the cord and how easy it was to clean and pack away.

Score: 4.5/5

In terrible news for Traitors and Danny Dyer fans alike, the former Eastenders star has claimed he’s still waiting for the call up to join the next celebrity series of the show.

However, it looks like he and the BBC are yet to have any serious conversations, as the Bafta winner has now insisted the rumours about him donning a cloak for the next Celebrity Traitors are “absolute bollocks”.

Appearing on this Saturday’s Jonathan Ross Show, Danny told the host and previous Celebrity Traitor: “I don’t know why they’re saying it.”

“If they ask me I’ll do it, but no one’s asked me,” he added. “I would fucking declare it. I’m not on it, you’ll see when it comes on.”

Tabloids claimed Danny had been lined up to appear in the next series after watching the show made him want to take part, but BBC reps at the time wouldn’t comment.

The Celebrity Traitors will return to our screens later this year, and its renewal came as no great surprise given the first season’s huge success – raking in 14.8 million views on its opening night to become the biggest single episode on TV in 2025.

Caroline is based across Ware & Kay’s York, Wetherby and Malton offices, and will advise clients on key corporate and commercial decisions, including the purchase or sale of a business, the preparation of shareholder and partnership agreements, and the drafting of commercial contracts.

She will also provide guidance on corporate governance and business structuring.

Having studied at the University of York she qualified as a solicitor in 1993. Caroline has previously worked as a corporate solicitor in London and Southampton, most recently within her own family firm, where she advised a diverse client base across multiple sectors.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Caroline brings over three decades of experience advising large, medium and small businesses on a wide range of commercial and corporate matters. She is particularly known for her work with owner-managed businesses.

Caroline said: “I enjoy working closely with businesses on their commercial and corporate matters, helping them navigate key legal decisions in a practical and clear way. I am delighted to have joined Ware & Kay and to be supporting clients across the region as part of such a well-respected firm.”

Ware & Kay MD David Hyams, said: “We are pleased to welcome Caroline to our Commercial & Corporate Services team. Her extensive experience, particularly with independently run businesses, will be a tremendous asset to our clients. Caroline’s practical and clear approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing outstanding client-focused legal advice.”

They had previously never touched grass, never known happiness, never known love and had been used solely for breeding.

Two West Highland Terriers, who were being looked after by the Scottish SPCA, have found their forever home – just in time for National Love Your Pet Day on February 20.

The newly-named Ripley and Rosa have been given a new loving home with Alan Muir, 51, his wife Amanda, 49, and their two sons Jack and Ben.

They came into the care of the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Hamilton after a poor start in life – they had never touched grass, never known happiness, never known love, and had been used solely for breeding. The animal welfare charity rescued the pair and provided them with safety, shelter, food and veterinary treatment.

The next step was finding them a permanent home – and that is where Alan and Amanda came to the rescue. The family – who live in Cumbernauld – lost their beloved Westie, Woody, in August 2025 at the age of 16 after he was diagnosed with a heart murmur. At first, they could never imagine getting another dog.

However, inspired by his memory, Alan and Amanda are keeping Woody’s legacy alive – by giving not just one but two dogs a second chance at happiness. They contacted the Scottish SPCA about rehoming a dog and then came the call from Sharon in the rehoming and fostering team: “Would you consider a Westie? How about two?”

They had never imagined adopting another Westie through fear of replacing Woody. But they realised when they got that call that this was it – this was Woody’s Legacy.

“We knew immediately,” Alan explained. “It just felt right – almost like it was fate or a guiding paw from above. Woody was the most amazing dog and we didn’t want to replace him, but then we realised that would be impossible anyway because he isn’t really gone – he’s still with us. And we genuinely felt like he was encouraging us to open our hearts and our home to these poor pups.”

It was arranged that the family would come and meet the dogs at the centre. Speaking about the first visit, Amanda said: “They were both withdrawn and nervous – like they had given up on life – but even in that first meeting you could see them start to warm to us. The care they had been shown by the Scottish SPCA had already helped them on the road to recovery; they just needed someone to walk by their side and a happy place to call home.”

They initially started out fostering the dogs, which allowed the Scottish SPCA to remain involved and provide expert care and advice while the pair settled in. The family have since gone on to adopt the duo.

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Alan said: “We were overjoyed. We decided on new names for a new start – Ripley and Rosa. They remain inseparable and now they have a forever home. They have changed our lives and we have changed theirs. None of that would be possible without the Scottish SPCA.

“A huge thank you to everyone at the Lanarkshire centre, the Rehoming and Fostering team, the people on the frontline rescuing animals and the amazing army of caring, compassionate professionals behind the scenes.”

Inspired by Alan’s story? Visit the Scottish SPCA website to find the right furry or non-furry companion for you.

Please read further information on buying responsibly and protecting animal welfare.

To report any act of cruelty, visit the SPCA’s Contact Us page.

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READ MORE: Rutherglen quiz kids have all the answers in annual Rotary competition

I first cooked this at 18 and it is the tart I make more than any other. The recipe seems long, but is easy, and you produce something worthy of a French patisserie. The recipe, slightly adapted, is by the redoubtable Anne Willan, from her excellent book The Observer French Cookery School.

Requires 30 minutes chilling time 

Ornamental grass can add a range of textures and colours to the garden, but they need proper care. However, one common mistake can set you back a full year.

A gardening guru has warned fellow green-fingered enthusiasts that they could be trimming one particular type of plant incorrectly – potentially setting their garden back by an entire year. TikTok gardening whizz Michael Griffiths recently imparted his wisdom on maximising your ornamental grasses as spring approaches.

With an eye on the upcoming season, Michael urged fellow gardeners to inspect their ornamental grasses, as they may well require some attention. To extract the best performance from these plants, it’s essential to ensure you’re trimming them properly and during the appropriate period.

In a recent clip, Michael cautioned: “Prune your grasses the wrong way and it’ll set them back for the full year, so this is how you do it right.”

How to prune ornamental grass correctly

For those unfamiliar with ornamental grass, it differs from regular lawn grass as it’s predominantly cultivated to introduce visual texture, height, and a spectrum of hues to outdoor spaces. Ornamental grasses are adaptable and resilient, injecting movement, texture and visual impact into gardens of every description, practically throughout the year, reports the Express.

They’re straightforward to cultivate and demand minimal upkeep, though they do require occasional tender loving care. That said, Michael cautioned that they don’t all require pruning simultaneously.

To determine which ornamental grasses require trimming, you’ll need to establish whether they’re deciduous or evergreen varieties. The Royal Horticultural Society clarified that whilst deciduous grasses demand annual cutting back, evergreens merely need a light tidy-up.

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In his video, Michael pointed out that deciduous grasses die back and turn brown and brittle come late winter. He recommended that the optimal window for pruning these grasses falls between late winter and early spring.

The particular species dictates the precise timing for cutting back, though typically this falls anywhere from early to mid-spring. The RHS noted that ornamental grasses offer appealing structure throughout winter, so hold off on cutting back deciduous varieties until spring – but make certain this is done before fresh shoots appear.

Most deciduous varieties begin sprouting in early spring, though certain types like Pennisetum orientale are rather slower off the mark. The RHS highlighted that these aged stems serve to shield the crown from harsh weather, so postpone cutting back until late April.

Michael recommended trimming stems down to the base, roughly five to 10cm above ground level. The objective is to strip away all old stems and foliage entirely, thereby enabling fresh stems to flourish unimpeded.

It’s also worthwhile clearing away any stray stems and accumulated debris that’s built up around the area. To promote fresh growth, spread a general fertiliser before adding a generous layer of organic mulch around the grass clump.

Whilst deciduous grasses require a certain amount of trimming, the gardening expert highlighted that evergreen varieties are where many people slip up.

He explained: “But evergreen grasses which stay green all year are where people often go wrong, don’t cut these to the ground. Instead, gently comb through with your fingers or a hair comb to remove dry, tired leaves.”

Should any dead foliage or stems remain stubbornly attached, these will require individual removal with secateurs. Once you’ve tidied your evergreen grasses, spread organic mulch around the base and apply a general fertiliser to stimulate growth.

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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot believes the team’s set-piece performance has returned to “normal” following a significant improvement in recent weeks. The balance between goals conceded and scored from set-pieces had been a persistent problem for the club this season, culminating in the dismissal of individual development coach Aaron Briggs in late December due to ongoing under-performance in the role.

Since Briggs’ departure, the situation has improved markedly, though Slot was quick to clarify that this was not a reflection on the former coach. In the first 26 matches of the season, Liverpool conceded 13 goals from set-pieces while scoring only eight. However, in the subsequent 12 games following Briggs’ exit, they have conceded just two goals from set-pieces, maintaining their tally of eight scored.

“It would be very unfair to (blame) Aaron, who was partly responsible for that because, (because) in the end I’m responsible for everything,” said the Dutchman.

“We’ve been in that period of time (being) so unlucky. We all knew that it couldn’t go on like that because we hardly gave away a chance in set-pieces but every ball went in and we created multiple opportunities to score and the ball didn’t go in.

“So that things go back to normal now, it’s something which we expected. We didn’t change that much, maybe made one or two slight changes.

“What changed is things went back to normal, because in the Champions League I think we were number one in set-pieces.”

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Liverpool particularly struggled defensively against Premier League opposition set-pieces and that will be tested again at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, although interestingly five of their eight league goals against Forest since their return to the competition in 2022 have been scored from set-pieces.

In Vitor Pereira, Slot is facing his third different Forest manager in four matches but is still looking for his first win, having lost one and drawn one to Nuno Espirito Santo and been defeated by Sean Dyche at home earlier this season.

“Back then (in November) they were in a different management as well because I think it was Sean Dyche’s third or fourth game,” added Slot.

“That sometimes makes it a little bit more difficult because we only have (one game) to see if this manager changes personnel, changes tactics but we, of course, know him because he worked last season in the Premier League as well.

“It was a difficult game for us in the beginning of the season – the first half-hour was very good from us and then we conceded a set-piece and the game went completely the opposite way.

“We know what we can expect if we play Forest because I’ve played them three times already.”