The celebrated British artist has passed away, a month short of his 89th birthday

Celebrated British artist David Hockney has died aged 88, his publicist has said.

Hockney is regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries who worked in a range of mediums, but was known for his vivid use of colour in paintings

A statement confirming his death, issued on Friday (June 12), read: “The celebrated British artist David Hockney, one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at home on 11 June 2026, one month short of his 89th birthday.”

Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on July 9, 1937, Hockney was one of the most famous British artists had been making art in different materials for over 60 years.

He was best known for his 1967 piece, A Bigger Splash, which shows a sunny day and a swimming pool in Los Angeles, in the USA.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated…

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay was not on the team bus as it arrived at their hotel in Boston after missing Thursday’s training session because of an upset stomach.

The Napoli player, who has been the Scots’ leading man in recent campaigns, was part of the group as they travelled from their base camp in Charlotte.

However, the 29-year-old made his own onward journey with a doctor in what is believed to be a precautionary measure.

Steve Clarke’s side get their first World Cup in 28 years under way when they face Haiti on Saturday evening (Sunday 02:00 BST) at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

They will also face Morocco and Brazil in the group stage.

McTominay, who has scored 15 goals across 70 caps, found the net in Scotland’s convincing 4-0 win over Bolivia on Saturday.

Scotland fans, who have been flooding to Boston in huge numbers, will be anxious for an update from Clarke who is due to address the media on Friday.

Speaking at Thursday’s media conference, fellow midfielder Kenny McLean said of the situation: “Hopefully that doesn’t spread. Fingers crossed Scott will be fine. I’m sure he will be.

“I don’t need to speak too much on him, everyone knows how big he is.

“It’s a team effort and always will be, but when you have special, special players like that you want them to be available. I’m sure he will be.”

The show will host its 164th outing at the end of next month – but they have put out a plea for those with business, trade and legal experience to get involved in keeping the event going.

Perthshire Agricultural Society’s new Chairman Jock Wilkie has called for fresh blood to join the board and help sustain one of the country’s premier agricultural shows.

Perth Show will stage its 164th annual outing on Friday, July 31st, and Saturday, August 1st, promising “something for everyone” in a two-day showcase of farming, produce, livestock, equestrian, crafts and entertainment.

And the top team assembled to ensure this year’s spectacular on Perth’s South Inch runs smoothly is already gearing up for the event.

“It’s really a year-long task to get ready for the annual Show,” said Jock, “but we really shift into top gear a couple of months ahead.

“I’m lucky to have a great team around me but a shortfall in directors means more onus is on fewer people.

“It would be great to welcome some new directors to boost the board and inject vigour, enthusiasm and new ideas.”

Perth Show is currently 10 short of its capacity of 40 directors and Jock stressed the Society did not restrict admission to those from a farming background, although more from the agricultural sector were always needed.

“We have directors with business and finance backgrounds as well as trade and legal experience,” he said. “Each brings something vital to the running of the Society and the Show and we welcome a rich and varied representation from all walks of life.”

Jock (41) owns Netherton Equestrian near Bridge of Earn but his family farmed at Longforgan and Aberargie, before branching out into haulage.

He and his wife Sarah run a livery yard and riding school at Netherton, where they stable more than 30 horses.

Jock has attended and loved Perth Show since he was a small boy, accompanying his father David who sat on the board of directors.

“It’s a real honour to be Chairman of Perth Show when it’s something that has been a part of your life – all your life,” he said. “To welcome thousands of people to the South Inch to see some of the finest livestock, riding talent, produce, craft and rural skills is a real privilege.

“We’re also focussing strongly this year on education, so youngsters – and adults – will have the chance to see rural skills in action and learn where their food comes from.

“Perth Show is a great chance for the city and county to come together to celebrate and acknowledge our agricultural industry and the part it plays in all our lives,” said Jock.

“The farming industry faces increasing challenges with rising costs, competitive markets and ever-changing rules, regulations and restrictions.

“For two days, Perth Show provides a release from the stresses and concerns of life and allows farmers to come together and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Jock highlighted the diversity of trade stands and entertainments at this year’s event which would complement the showcase of some of the county’s (and beyond) premier livestock ranging from hulking prize bulls and giant heavy horses to pygmy goats and miniature donkeys.

“And with all-family entertainments ranging from giant tortoises, dog shows, children’s races, horseshoe hunts and bouncy castles to stalls, food festival, tractor football, mounted games, vintage tractors and pipe band, it’s shaping up to be two days worth marking in your diaries.”

Jock stressed the huge team effort that has gone into organising this 2026 event and he highlighted his “top team” of: Vice Chairman Tom Rust from Forestry and Land Scotland; Junior Vice Chairman Fraser Campbell, farm manager at Drummond Estate; and secretary Jen Leslie for pulling it together.

“We’re also hugely indebted to our Show sponsors including main sponsor Binn Group and key supporters Morris Leslie Group, EQ Chartered Accountants, Perth College UHI, Stewarts of Tayside and Netherton Equestrian,” said Jock.

“The costs of staging Perth Show are astronomical – and rising year on year – and we couldn’t hope to stage what is regarded as one of the best county shows in the country without sponsor support and an army of volunteers. We – and the thousands who flock through the gates on the day – owe them our thanks.”

We could start to lose our strength by 35

Still, it’s never too late to rebuild your strength

The Stray Ferret news website recently reported that a cleaning company had posted online that it had given the pub a deep clean as a re-opening was imminent.

A spokesperson from the Heineken-owned Star Pubs told the Press: “We’re pleased to say the Black Swan in Burn Bridge will reopen later this month. The new operator looks forward to welcoming back customers to this popular local.”

The popular pub closed last June when the tenant decided not to renew the lease.

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The property has an annual rent of £75,169, but Star Pubs estimates an annual turnover of £783,825.

It has a main bar, zoned dining rooms, 100 internal covers and 82 external covers, plus a catering kitchen.

The spokesperson added: “We’re also investing in a major revamp of the Black Swan, more details of which are available on our website at https://www.starpubs.co.uk/pubs/black-swan-burnbridge.  

“We’re looking for an experienced operator who shares our vision for the pub to take it on. Interested parties can contact our recruitment team on 08085 949596.”

“Thankfully, the situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days.”

A house in North Belfast was targeted in an arson attack last night as police say there was a “reduction in the level of disorder”.

Police say there were a number of peaceful protests at various locations, however three arrests were made which include a 37-year-old man for disorder and criminal damage on Upper Malone Road close to the Taughmonagh area of South Belfast. A 27-year-old was also arrested for throwing a stone at a police vehicle in the Abbeyville Court of Newtownabbey.

A 16-year-old was also arrested for riotous behaviour in Derry with police saying they have made 19 arrests so far this week in connection with the violent disorder that has taken place.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Our heightened presence in our local communities and engagement to de-escalate violence continued last night. Thankfully, the situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days. Our policing operation will remain over the weekend to ensure public order is maintained.

“There were peaceful protests last night at a number of locations, including Newtownabbey, with no significant incidents of public disorder. Officers engaged with participants supporting their right to express their views lawfully.

“Last night, officers were dealing with some lower level disturbances and keeping focus on patrols of key areas. There were three arrests in total across Northern Ireland – one in connection with disorder on Wednesday and including a man detained following criminal damage to a vehicle in the Taughmonagh area of south Belfast.”

There was an arson attack on a house in the Shore Road area of north Belfast and reports of race-hate graffiti in the Dee Street and Newtownards Road area of east Belfast.

A 27-year-old male threw a stone at a police vehicle during a mobile patrol in Abbeyville Court in Newtownabbey. He was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour. No significant disorder noted in Derry overnight with one arrest of a 16-year-old male for riotous behaviour the previous night.

ACC Henderson continued: “There have been 19 arrests so far this week with people already charged to court. Our Public Order Enquiry Team is working day and night to identify those who have been involved in the disorder over the last number of days.”

A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. You can also contact us on 101.

* Photos and footage – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at www.mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI26W14-PO1 * Images of people would like to speak to in connection with the disorder are being released regularly through Op Exposure and can be viewed here: www.psni.police.uk/news/op-exposure-june-2026.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The coffee chain’s matcha-inspired mascot first gained a cult following earlier this year during Costa’s Catch-A-Matcha campaign, appearing across social media feeds and generating a wave of comments from fans asking the same question: “Where can I buy one?”

After months of speculation, Costa has finally answered. Matchilda is now available in selected stores nationwide for £8.95, marking the latest example of a major brand capitalising on the growing demand for collectible merchandise driven by social media.

From marketing mascot to must-have collectible

What started as a playful campaign character has quickly evolved into something much bigger.

In recent years, brands have increasingly found success turning popular mascots, characters and limited-edition products into collectibles, with consumers often eager to own a piece of a campaign they’ve followed online.

Matchilda appears to be following a similar path.

The plushie built an audience long before reaching shelves, helped by the growing popularity of matcha products among younger consumers and the rise of “cute culture” across platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

For Costa, the decision to launch the toy appears to have been driven largely by customer demand.

A Costa Coffee spokesperson said the company received “constant requests” from customers wanting to know how they could get their own Matchilda.

Why brands are betting on viral merchandise

The launch highlights a wider trend across retail and hospitality, where successful social media moments increasingly lead to physical products.

Limited-edition collectibles can generate excitement far beyond a brand’s traditional customer base, while also creating a sense of exclusivity that encourages fans to act quickly.

That could prove particularly important for Matchilda, which is only available while stocks last.

Costa has not revealed how many plushies are available, but limited launches linked to viral campaigns often sell through rapidly once word spreads online.

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A sign of matcha’s growing popularity

The launch also reflects the continued rise of matcha as one of the fastest-growing drinks trends in the UK.

Once considered a niche alternative to coffee, matcha has become increasingly mainstream, with dedicated drinks, seasonal menus and social media content helping fuel demand.

For Costa, Matchilda may have started as a marketing mascot, but judging by the reaction online, the plushie has become a character in its own right.

And for fans who have spent months asking where they could buy one, the answer is finally here – at least while stocks last.

Holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, Jerusalem is at the heart of the Israel-Palestinian conflict and competing claims to the land. Israel captured the east of the city, including its holy places, along with the rest of the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East War and later annexed it in a move that is not recognised by most countries.