Neil Pooran

Sam Neill, celebrated for roles in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, has died in Sydney at 78. Tributes highlighted his passion for Scotland and his work as Commonwealth patron of the TS Queen Mary restoration project, a role he accepted through encouragement from Robbie Coltrane. The Friends of TS Queen Mary praised his enthusiasm and support for the volunteers restoring the historic Clyde steamer. Neill, previously diagnosed with a rare lymphoma but recently cancer‑free, died surrounded by family, who expressed gratitude to St Vincent’s Private Hospital. Fellow actor Cillian Murphy and the Peaky Blinders team honored his talent, kindness and lasting impact on the series.

Completion of dry dock work on the delayed Glen Rosa ferry prompted criticism of Ferguson Marine for presenting the update as overly positive despite the vessel running eight years late and far over budget. Opposition politicians accused the Scottish Government of mismanaging the project and failing to provide accountability, while officials emphasised upcoming sea trials as the critical remaining milestone. The ferry must be delivered before mid-December to avoid further slippage, with testing of its dual‑fuel system still ahead before it enters service on the Troon–Brodick route next year.