Nicola Sturgeon Celebrates Passing Driving Test at 53, Encourages Others to Embrace New Challenges

Nicola Sturgeon Celebrates Passing Driving Test At 53, Encourages Others To Embrace New Challenges

Former First Minister and Glasgow Southside MSP, Nicola Sturgeon, recently shared the exciting news of passing her driving test at the age of 53, highlighting that it is never too late in life to embark on new endeavours. Ms. Sturgeon expressed that the experience of learning to drive took her out of her comfort zone, but ultimately proved rewarding and empowering.

Having begun her driving lessons in April after stepping down as First Minister, Ms. Sturgeon successfully passed her theory test in June earlier this year. Taking to Instagram to announce her achievement, she credited her brilliant instructor, Andy MacFarlane of Caledonian Learner Driver Training, for his guidance and support throughout the learning process. She emphasized the importance of finding a trustworthy and comfortable learning environment, which Andy provided.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Sturgeon stated, “The whole experience has taken me well out of any notion of a comfort zone, but hopefully proves that it’s never too late in life to do something new.” Her accomplishment serves as an inspiration for others, demonstrating that age should not be a barrier to pursuing new challenges and acquiring new skills.

Ms. Sturgeon’s commitment to personal growth and embracing new opportunities aligns with her belief in lifelong learning and development. By sharing her journey of learning to drive, she aims to encourage individuals of all ages to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.

As a prominent political figure in Scotland, Ms. Sturgeon’s openness about her personal achievements resonates with many, reminding people that it is never too late to embark on new adventures or learn new skills. Her determination and willingness to challenge herself serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for personal growth at any stage of life.

With her driving test success, Nicola Sturgeon not only celebrates her own accomplishment but also sends a powerful message to individuals of all ages: seize the opportunity to embrace new challenges and discover the joy of learning something new, regardless of where you are in life’s journey.

Abdallah Sima Confident Rangers Will Secure Victory Against Sparta Prague in Europa League Clash

Abdallah Sima Confident Rangers Will Secure Victory Against Sparta Prague In Europa League Clash

Rangers forward Abdallah Sima is optimistic about his team’s chances as they prepare to face Sparta Prague in a crucial Europa League match, aiming to bounce back from their recent disappointing loss. The Light Blues suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat in their previous European outing against Aris Limassol. However, with the arrival of new manager Philippe Clement and an impressive start to his tenure, Rangers are determined to secure a win on the road.

Under the temporary leadership of Steven Davis and his team following Michael Beale’s departure, Rangers stumbled against Aris Limassol. But Clement’s appointment sparked an immediate turnaround, as the Ibrox side claimed an emphatic 4-0 victory over Hibernian in their domestic league.

During the win over Hibs, Abdallah Sima showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting twice, while Nicolas Raskin and Cyriel Dessers also found the back of the net. Buoyed by this triumph, Rangers now travel to the Czech Republic with confidence riding high. Sima, who previously faced Sparta Prague during his time at Slavia Prague before joining Brighton on loan, is acquainted with their upcoming opponents.

Acknowledging the challenge that awaits them, Sima recognizes the quality within the Rangers squad, instilling belief that they can secure a vital three points on enemy territory. Despite the potential reception he may receive from the home crowd due to his past club affiliations, the 22-year-old is prepared to give his all to ensure victory for his team.

Sima expressed, “I know them well from my time in the Czech Republic and it will be a hard game for us. The quality we have here makes me think we can beat them over there. That’s what I believe.”

With their sights set on progressing to the knockout stages of the Europa League, Rangers will rely on their collective abilities and the newfound momentum under Clement’s guidance. As the team prepares to face Sparta Prague, they aim to demonstrate their capabilities, overcome the challenge, and secure a crucial victory on the road.

Turtle Bay Brings a Taste of the Caribbean to Glasgow with New Restaurant Opening

Turtle Bay Brings A Taste Of The Caribbean To Glasgow With New Restaurant Opening

Food enthusiasts in Scotland are in for a treat as the popular restaurant brand, Turtle Bay, prepares to open its first establishment in Glasgow later this year. Renowned for its vibrant island bars, Caribbean-inspired flavours, and refreshing cocktails, Turtle Bay’s new Scottish restaurant will be located on St Vincent Street, at the corner of Hope Street.

To celebrate the upcoming opening, Turtle Bay has announced a series of ticketed events, offering locals and visitors in Glasgow the opportunity to experience Caribbean hospitality and savour delicious food, completely free of charge. The events, featuring lunch and dinner dishes, will span across three days, and interested guests can register through the Bay Club App for a chance to win tickets. While the exact dates are yet to be confirmed, Turtle Bay promises to release more information about the ticketed events soon.

Originally established in Bristol, Turtle Bay recently celebrated the launch of its 50th site in Camden, with the new Glasgow location set to become the 52nd, following the opening of another restaurant in Lincoln next month.

The Glasgow restaurant will have late opening hours and will provide seating for over 200 guests indoors, along with outdoor seating for nearly 40 patrons. Diners will have the opportunity to watch skilled chefs prepare their dishes in the open kitchen, complete with a jerk pit grill, while bartenders work their magic at the island bar.

Turtle Bay’s all-day food menu will feature a BBQ Jerk Pit section, offering smoky and succulent meats such as half jerk chicken and rum BBQ ribs. Traditional Caribbean cuisine will be showcased through dishes like curry goat and Kingston fried chicken, providing a tantalizing taste of the West Indies.

The restaurant’s team also revealed that their Island-inspired brunch menu, including the “Big Kingston Grilldown” featuring jerk bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, curried chickpeas, grilled roti, and eggs, will provide delicious options for all-day dining. Additionally, sample platters will allow guests to share the good times with a variety of starters, including jerk pit wings, crispy chili squid, pulled chicken doubles, and cheesy jerk fries.

Turtle Bay emphasized that their trademark rum cocktails, such as the classic Passion Rum Punch or Rum Runner, along with more exotic options like the Raspberry Reggae, will transport guests straight to the beach. Those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages can enjoy equally exciting mocktails.

Guests at Turtle Bay will have the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant’s 2-4-1 Happy Hour, featuring rum-based cocktails and pints of Red Stripe, available all day from Sunday to Thursday.

Moreover, fans of flavour can indulge in the restaurant’s famous Boozy Brunch, a two-hour Caribbean cocktail and brunching experience accompanied by tropical drinks and lively reggae beats.

Gemma Lewis, Operations Manager at Turtle Bay, expressed excitement about the brand’s expansion into Scotland, stating, “We are thrilled to announce that Turtle Bay will be opening in Scotland for the first time later this year. A milestone moment for us, we can’t wait to bring a taste of the Caribbean to Glasgow and look forward to introducing our unique soulful flavours and reggae good times to the Scottish market.”

Turtle Bay’s arrival in Glasgow will also create numerous employment opportunities for the local community, with plans to recruit 60 team members for a range of roles.

Further details about the opening will be shared soon, and in the meantime, fans can sign up for the Bay Club App to have a chance to win tickets to the opening events and gain exclusive access to updates, offers, and advance bookings before the official opening.

Glasgow Design Studio Collaborates with Nigerian Artist Lemi Ghariokwu to Create Vibrant Craft Beer Project

Glasgow Design Studio Collaborates With Nigerian Artist Lemi Ghariokwu To Create Vibrant Craft Beer Project

Pim-Pam, a creative design studio based in Glasgow, has embarked on an exciting new venture with Nigeria’s first craft brewery, Bature Brewery, by incorporating the renowned artwork of international artist Lemi Ghariokwu into their innovative design project.

The aim of the collaboration is to honour West Africa’s rich and colourful heritage while promoting the region’s emerging craft beer movement.

Having worked closely with Bature Brewery for several years, Pim-Pam’s award-winning creative team has gained global recognition for their contributions to the brewery’s branding and beer can designs. Their creations, such as the Lagos Lager, Founders Pale Ale, and Black Gold Stout, have recently received acclaim, with the latter winning Gold at the prestigious World Beer Awards.

Given that craft brewing is still in its early stages in Nigeria, Pim-Pam has always sought partnerships with Nigerian artists to establish a connection with the brewery’s audience. Their latest collaboration is with Lagos-based Lemi Ghariokwu, renowned for his album artwork designs for Fela Kuti, the ground-breaking pioneer of the Afrobeat genre.

Luke McCarthy, founder and creative director of Pim-Pam, explained the motivation behind their artistic collaborations, stating, “Lagos is brimming with talent, culture, and creativity. With the brewery’s commitment to producing the best-tasting beers using locally-sourced ingredients, we have consistently sought to harness that same energy by collaborating with Nigerian artists and creatives.”

McCarthy further emphasized the importance of understanding the target audience when launching brands in the West African market. He highlighted the uniqueness of Lagos and the need for a tailored approach to resonate with consumers. Recognizing the cult following of the craft beer movement in West Africa, Pim-Pam believes that collaboration and storytelling, through partnerships with artists, creatives, and musicians, can celebrate Nigerian talent while expanding the reach of Bature Brewery’s beers and cultivating brand advocates.

As part of Bature Brewery’s rapid expansion plans over the next year, Pim-Pam forged a partnership with Lemi Ghariokwu. Together, they created the artwork for Bature’s new beer, Shakara, and developed a captivating brand identity for the brewery’s Felabration, an annual music and art festival commemorating the life and legacy of the iconic Fela Kuti.

Shakara, named after one of Fela Kuti’s songs, is a vibrant pink beer infused with popular Nigerian botanical zobo, boasting flavors of strawberry and pomegranate. The beer serves as a fitting tribute to the lively and colourful culture of Lagos, the brewery’s hometown.

Working closely with Lemi Ghariokwu, Pim-Pam collaborated on the design of the artwork, packaging, and related materials for Shakara. The packaging design draws inspiration from the colours and themes prevalent throughout Lemi’s illustrious career, aligning harmoniously with the product, its essence, and the beer’s vibrant hue.

Sub-Saharan Migrants Flock to Spanish Islands, Straining Resources

Sub Saharan Migrants Flock To Spanish Islands, Straining Resources

In a dramatic increase highlighting the ongoing migration crisis, a total of 1,457 migrants have successfully reached the Spanish islands off the western African coast between Friday night and Sunday morning, according to authorities. The surge in arrivals, mainly hailing from sub-Saharan Africa, has contributed to the escalating numbers of migrants making the perilous journey.

On Saturday alone, 321 individuals arrived on the island of El Hierro aboard a single vessel, surpassing the previous record set on October 3 with 280 migrants. Spanish broadcaster TVE shared footage of a vibrant and overcrowded vessel arriving at the port, filled with passengers who were visibly relieved and waving joyfully.

The latest data from Spain’s interior ministry reveals that a staggering 23,537 migrants have reached the Canaries between January 1 and October 15. The first half of this month witnessed 8,561 arrivals, marking a record for a fortnight since the previous migration crisis in 2006.

During a recent visit to the archipelago, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska attributed the surge in numbers to political instability in the Sahel region. As controls have been tightened in the Mediterranean, the Canaries route has become increasingly favoured by migrants. However, the treacherous journey takes its toll, with numerous unseaworthy vessels failing to reach the shore as desperate migrants risk their lives on the long and dangerous crossing from Morocco or Western Sahara, located approximately 100 kilometres (60 miles) away.

In a bid to reach Europe, some migrants even embark on even riskier routes from Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia, covering a distance of around 1,000 kilometres. The continuous influx of migrants has placed immense pressure on both Spain and the European Union to address the humanitarian, logistical, and legal challenges posed by the migration crisis in the Canary Islands.

 

Source: France24