Jonathan Geddes

A five-person all-women team, including staff from Now Ayrshire, a firefighter and a powerlifter and wrestler, is preparing to attempt Irvine’s 25-foot greasy pole challenge during the Marymass celebrations on 22 August. The team is the first women’s group to enter the event in nearly 30 years and has been training on replica poles. Although the challenge involves climbing a grease-covered pole to win a ham, the prize is later used to collect donations for good causes. The participants hope their attempt will encourage women to step outside their comfort zones while helping preserve a popular local tradition that brings the community together.

A five-person all-women team, including local radio presenters, a firefighter and a powerlifter, is preparing to climb Irvine’s 25ft grease-covered pole during the Marymass celebrations on 22 August. The team is the first women’s group to attempt the challenge in nearly 30 years and has been training on replica poles, despite uncertainty about whether they can reach the ham at the top. The event’s organizers say the tradition historically helped feed poor residents and now raises money for good causes, while the participants view it as a humorous way to encourage women and strengthen local community spirit.

Stewarton Annick Ladies FC from Ayrshire will make a 700-mile round trip to Shetland for a first-round Scottish Cup tie, travelling by air because players have work commitments. The trip is expected to cost about £15,000, raised through local business support, fundraising and donations. Shetland’s opponents are eager to host their first Scottish Cup match at home after years of facing costly mainland travel, while Stewarton hope the match goes ahead without extra time or penalties so they can catch their return flight.

Several athletes reportedly failed to return home after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, including four Ugandan boxers who allegedly intend to seek asylum in Scotland and Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah. Police Scotland is investigating reports of athletes being unaccounted for, while the Home Office and UK immigration authorities are involved. The incidents echo disappearances after the 2014 Glasgow Games, when some athletes sought asylum or remained in the UK. Future asylum applications would be assessed individually, while organisers said they were working with authorities to conclude the Games securely.

Patrick McIntyre and a team of about 120 people have only six hours to convert Glasgow’s OVO Hydro from a netball venue into the setting for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony and a Simple Minds concert. They must remove the courts, seating, anti-doping rooms and broadcast equipment while restoring power, water and toilets. McIntyre, whose company Trivandi is delivering venue operations, says the transition has been meticulously planned with contingency measures in place. The Games’ compressed schedule has also required other rapid venue conversions, including Scotstoun Stadium’s transformation from a rugby ground into an athletics venue.

Patrick McIntyre and a team of about 120 workers have just six hours to convert Glasgow’s OVO Hydro from a Commonwealth Games netball venue into a concert venue for the closing ceremony and a Simple Minds performance. They must remove the courts, seating, anti-doping facilities and broadcast equipment while restoring power, water and toilets. McIntyre’s Trivandi team previously carried out the reverse transformation after the opening ceremony and also converted Scotstoun Stadium from a rugby ground into an athletics venue under unusually compressed timelines. Despite the pressure, contingency plans and detailed preparation have left him confident the work will be completed on time.

UK convention promoter Monopoly Events has banned Meta glasses and all other wearable recording devices at its Comic-Con and related events after guests and attendees raised concerns about filming without consent. Anyone caught using the devices may be removed and lose unfulfilled autograph or photo entitlements. Supporters say the ban protects privacy, particularly for children and performers, while critics warn it could disadvantage blind and partially sighted attendees who use smart glasses for navigation and question how the policy will be enforced. The decision follows a separate incident in which CalMac paused bridge visits after a passenger used Meta glasses to film people without permission.

Glasgow prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games amid mixed public sentiment, ongoing city centre redevelopment and the legacy of the highly praised 2014 event. Volunteers and some residents are optimistic about economic and cultural benefits, while others cite unfinished infrastructure, reduced public enthusiasm and high ticket prices as concerns. Organisers remain confident the city’s experience hosting major events will ensure a successful Games despite the compressed preparation timeline and construction disruptions.

Glasgow prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games amid mixed public sentiment, ongoing redevelopment and time pressures after stepping in when Victoria withdrew. While many residents express concerns about construction, city centre conditions and a lack of the excitement seen in 2014, volunteers and sports fans remain optimistic about the event’s economic and cultural benefits. Organisers emphasise the city’s experience hosting major events and believe enthusiasm will grow once competition begins. Local leaders expect Glasgow’s venues and people to help deliver a successful Games despite infrastructure challenges.

Local groups in Girvan are working to reverse decades of decline by restoring disused buildings, expanding community initiatives and diversifying beyond traditional tourism. Residents involved in projects such as Go Girvan, Girvan’s Story and a youth-led café emphasize the town’s strong community spirit and unique character. Plans include revamping the derelict bandstand, improving landmark sites and promoting events such as the annual potato festival. Despite ongoing concerns about poverty and limited opportunities for young people, those leading regeneration efforts express optimism that gradual, sustainable changes can revive the seaside town.

Residents of Robroyston in Glasgow express deep frustration that rapid housing expansion has not been matched by essential infrastructure such as schools, doctors, dentists or transport links. Families face long and unsafe journeys to the nearest secondary school, limited bus services and few local amenities despite significant developer contributions through Section 75 funds, much of which supported the costly Robroyston train station. Politicians, residents and local councillors attribute the long-standing issues to fragmented planning decisions dating back decades and an overreliance on developers without coordinated public investment. Many locals are choosing to leave the area as they continue to push for improved transport, community facilities and basic services.

Residents of Robroyston in Glasgow report severe shortages of basic amenities despite decades of large housing developments. Locals say promised infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, transport links and community spaces has not materialised, leaving families facing long walks, limited bus services and a lack of essential services. Much of the developers’ Section 75 funding was used for a train station that is difficult to access without additional transport. Politicians and residents blame decades of fragmented planning, while developers emphasise their financial contributions. Frustration has led some residents to move away in search of better facilities, with calls growing for urgent investment in transport and community infrastructure.

Preparations are underway for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, with director Roxana Cole drawing artistic inspiration from Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance to create a sense of community and authenticity. Around 600 dancers will participate in the OVO Hydro show, with performers from organisations including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Youth Chorus, Scottish Dance Theatre and the band Valtos. The ceremony aims to reflect Glasgow’s welcoming spirit, emphasising home, inclusion and warmth. Despite a scaled‑back Games featuring fewer sports, organisers expect the opening event to energise the competition and blend tradition with fresh creative elements.

Ward clerks at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde plan strike action after reporting significant increases in responsibility without corresponding pay rises. Staff cite expanded duties, including handling death certificates and legal documentation, as factors driving the dispute. Unison warns walkouts would affect all hospitals in the region. The health board says it is committed to fair pay and is continuing talks with trade unions to reach a resolution.