MEZZE BRINGS GREEK AND TURKISH TASTES TO THE CLYDESIDE

GLASGOW may not always bring sunshine but now we can pretend to bask in the heat of the Mediterranean – with the new Mezze restaurant.
The stylish restaurant and bar has officially opened down by the Clyde on the top floor of the North Rotunda.
It's perfect for pre concert grub before a night at the SEC Hydro with a real range of dishes from nibbles to full on mains. The split-level bustling contemporary foodie oasis offers impressive seafood dishes, mouthwatering chargrilled meats and kebabs alongside spectacular views out across the River Clyde.
And for veggies or those with gluten free requirements there are plenty of options like hummus, aubergine and tzatziki dips to make sure you have a plate smashing time.



Led by head chefs, Alex Lioly and Ridi Mukja, their modern dishes shine on the menu, as Mezze showcases the diverse Mediterranean culture and landscape – with Greek, Cypriot, Ionian islands and Turkish influences that reinvent classic fare.
The dishes – a combination of small and big plates have been created to share and to complement the casual, laid-back atmosphere and vibe of the space.
Sharing specialities include whole chargrilled sea bream, slow-cooked kleftiko lamb shoulder – a real show stopper, slow cooked chicken tava stews, and seafood saganaki stews that are perfect for bringing friends and family together.


Designed by CM Design Consultants, the 60-seater restaurant boasts postcard blue walls, comfortable and colourful fabric and leather booths and white washed tables and chairs that will transport you to port of Thessaloniki whilst you dine.
For drinkers, a relaxing bar area is set under a spectacular Santorini-inspired blue dome feature ceiling that provides a dreamy oasis for cocktails or a quiet glass of wine before or after dinner.


Greek beers and lagers come in all different grades from super light and fruity to something a little punchier.
Restaurateurs, Kevin Campbell and Toni Carbajosa – who own Greek-Cypriot restaurant Halloumi and Rioja tapas and cocktail bar in Finnieston are thrilled to open the doors.
Kevin Campbell said: "Modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine is making waves at the moment and we wanted to create a dining space that pays homage to our chefs heritage. Ridi and Alex have created dishes that reinvent what they ate growing up in with a twist and the result is modern and fresh.
“Sharing is a culinary tradition and we wanted our guests to come and experience the magic of Mezze and feel as if they've stepped into the warmth of the Mediterranean Aegean sea.”


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

DEACON BLUE FANS REBEL AT GLASGOW FILM THEATRE

DEACON Blue fans caused a revolt in a Glasgow cinema when ushers repeatedly told them to sit down during a film about the band.
The Scots group were airing the world premiere of their Live At The Glasgow Barrowlands documentary at Glasgow Film Theatre when some people in the audience tried to get up and dance.
As one woman got on her feet to the song Wages Day in the warehouse cinema, strict ushers attempted to get her to sit down only to be met with a wave of loud boos before the rest of the crowd got up from their seats in defiance in time for the anthem Dignity.
The cinema ended up like a mini version of the legendary Barrowlands venue without the spilled pints.
Following the showing, a thrilled Ricky Ross who admitted he was initially sceptical about the event said: "Seeing the audience reaction in the cinema was amazing. I remember years ago going to see Gandhi at the Odeon down the road and I'd never been to a film where they clapped at half time and at the end.
A friend of mine said at the time:'You were obviously never at the pictures on a Saturday morning. It was like that every Saturday when they were at the Western.".
Singer Lorraine Macintosh who is also married to Ricky added: "l've just watched Deacon Blue in concert for the first time. It was a very bizarre experience sitting there and during half of it, well most of it, I was looking at it through my finger's then I realised we're actually at a Deacon Blue gig tonight. I loved it. I'm not sure if I'd pay for it but I loved it."
Drummer Dougie Vipond added: "You've probably noticed Jim Prime isn't here. We could make something up but the truth is actually better. His mum is looking after his dog tonight so he had to get back and take his dog for a walk.
He added: "I think it was really important for us to play a gig in the Barrowlands because we finished in 1994 with a gig in the Barrowlands so it was a hugely emotional evening for all of us. It was a great night but I remember being in the dressing room beforehand in floods of tears so to go back it was hugely important."



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

WILL TAKE THAT BE WEARING KILTS TO TAKE PART IN SCOTTISH CHARITY KILT WALK?

TAKE That might well give true Scotsmen a run for their money after backing Scotland's famous Kiltwalk.
The trio did their own cover version of The Proclaimers I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) alongside ITV Breakfast’s LA correspondent Ross King to encourage punters to sign up for the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk which takes place next month.
Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen join other celebs including actor Gerard Butler and comedian Kevin Bridges in support of the charity.
Mark Owen who used to come up to Scotland regularly during his solo career said: " Is it about walking in a kilt? I'd like to."
Kiltwalkers won’t need to walk 500 miles, but 23 miles for the Mighty Stride, 15 miles for the Big Stroll or six miles for the Wee Wander in four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks this year.
For every pound raised by walkers, £1.10 will go to charity. This comes after Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation generously pledged that 110% of all fundraising at each of the four 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will go to charity.
Whether a walker raises £10 or £100 or more The Hunter Foundation will add 10% to their fundraising total with absolutely no limit.
Paul Cooney, Chief Executive of the Kiltwalk said: “It’s brilliant that the Take That lads are encouraging fans to walk. Our ambition is to turn the Kiltwalk into Scotland’s largest mass participation event, so this kind of support is invaluable.
"With the Glasgow Kiltwalk just a month away, we’re asking Scots to choose a charity close to their hearts and sign-up for the Kiltwalk to help raise vital funds. The efforts from walkers will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of so many. And with the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk open to all charities there has never been a better time to get your kilt on.”
Funds raised at the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk went to 282 Scottish children’s charities in 2016. This year, even more people will be able to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every Scottish charity.
Kiltwalk has raised more than £3.5 million for Scottish charitable causes since 2011. The dates for the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk 2017, are: Glasgow (April 30), Aberdeen (June 4), Dundee (August 20) and Edinburgh (September 17).
This year’s fundraising will be further boosted by a pledge from Platinum Sponsors Arnold Clark that one lucky Kiltwalker from each of the four 2017 events will win a brand new Renault Clio.
All you need to do is register to take part in any 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk and start fundraising to be in with the chance of winning the car.
Those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself will know that everything they raise will be distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal.
Walkers can choose to walk the Mighty Stride (23 miles), the Big Stroll (15 miles) or the Wee Wander (6 miles) so people of all ages and abilities can take part.
To sign up for any of the four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks simply visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

WET WET WET WILL BE KINGS OF EDINBURGH CASTLE THIS SUMMER

WET Wet Wet will celebrate thirty years of their classic debut album Popped In Souled Out by taking over the stage at Edinburgh Castle.
Marti Oellow and the lads will play the famed Edinburgh landmark on Saturday July 15.
With huge hits including three UK No.1’s – ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’; ‘Goodnight Girl’; and ‘Love Is All Around’, the Glasgow lads have made an incredible impact with their music over the years, making them one of the most successful bands in British pop history.
Marti Pellow said: “It was a major career highlight when we took to the stage at Edinburgh Castle some 25 years ago. We are honoured to be asked back and it is sure to be a special moment when we take to the stage again.”
Graeme Clark added: “We’re coming back to the Capital to celebrate the anniversary of our Popped In Souled Out album and to do it on this scale at Edinburgh Castle some 30 years after its release is incredible.”
Tommy Cunningham can't wait to return and enthused: “It’s going to be some night! Playing live is what we love doing most and you never know, there might even be the odd wee splash of tartan just like there was last time!”
And Neil Mitchell said: “To get to play those classic pop songs in such an iconic venue will make it an amazing day for us and the fans.”
Having sold in excess of 15 million singles and albums to date, featured in the UK official singles and album charts for over an immense 500 weeks, the band have played to more than four million people in dozens of countries around the world.
Mark Mackie, director of Castle Concerts said: “It is with great delight we are able to announce today that pop sensations Wet Wet Wet will be the fourth act to play Edinburgh Castle this July. Its only taken us 25 years to get the band to come back and play this truly unique venue.Over the years, Edinburgh Castle has played host to many international stars such as Rod Stewart, Blondie, Elton John, The Proclaimers, Leonard Cohen, Stereophonics, Sir Tom Jones and Pink. Wet Wet Wet join Emeli Sande, Olly Murs and Deacon Blue at this world-renowned venue this year.”
The lads set a record by playing ten sold out shows at Glasgow’s SECC in 1995, when they were officially the most popular live act in the UK - even out-selling the Rolling Stones who were also on tour that year. Their most ‘2016 Big Picture Tour’ was an extensive 17-date arena tour that culminated in a sold out show at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. The tour reached as far south as Plymouth and as far north as Inverness whilst covering all of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, giving fans all over the country the chance to see the band live. For the anniversary ‘Popped In Souled Out’ is being re-released as a 5 disk super deluxe edition that includes unreleased and rare material along with many extras. The band will be performing tracks from their classic debut at Edinburgh Castle as well as their greatest hits from over the past three decades.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 31th MARCH AT 9 am
Online: www.ticketmaster.com www.seetickets.com
Over the phone: Ticket hotline 0844 844 0444
In person:
Tickets Scotland Edinburgh, 127 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DT
Tickets Scotland Glasgow, 237 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL
The Hub Tickets, 348-350 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE
Grouchos, Dundee, 132 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4ED
Tickets are NOT available from Edinburgh Castle Box Office
https://www.facebook.com/edinburghcastleconcerts




- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

GLASGOW JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF DEPECHE MODE AS THEY STORM THE BARROWLANDS

ENJOY the silence became an ironic title to an encore that was anything but quiet as Depeche Mode rounded off a thrilling set at the Barrowlands.
Dave Gahan, Martin and Andy last played the legendary Glasgow venue in 1984 and whipped us all into a frenzy as they were unleashed upon the crowd once again.
Only 1400 of us were lucky enough to gain entry to the hallowed space but unlimited access was given online to those not jammy enough to nab a ticket.
Those who were there knew how fortunate they were and the excitement was truly palpable as the electro pioneers took to the stage for BBC 6 Music Fest.
This was history in the making.
Set opener Going Backwards set the precedent for the evening as the trio performed newer tracks before heading backwards to where it all began.
The song from new album Spirit was a commentary on our way of life now, where technology appears to set us back rather than take us forward, but then Depeche Mode have always been visionaries
So Much Love was also new but had the synthy stamp of the eighties as we were taken on a journey of old and new.
The crowd lapped up every pulsating beat as Dave camply wiggled his hips and strutted around the stage.
The once cute fresh faced frontman was now more akin to a rock God with his moves as he gyrated and stomped, waving his arms around manically.
We may not have been treated to Just Cant Get Enough but tracks like World In My Eyes from the 90s Violator album brought back memories of dancing in sweaty night clubs amid a purple haze.
The Barrowlands floor was bouncing and the atmosphere was amped a notch higher as the set hurtled only too quickly towards its end.
But we were treated to a few more before the band called it a night. Where's the Revolution got everyone marching along as Dave offered up his deep throaty vocals to an ever appreciative crowd.
Of course Martin Gore sang his solo as he got stuck into Home and then it was time for Walking In My Shoes with Dave doing a Freddy Mercury and lifting up his mike stand.
Messed up edgy Barrel of a Gun brought some darkness before the brilliant Personal Jesus, inspired by Priscilla Presley's love for Elvis. It was a real crowd pleaser from the moment we heard the famous opening notes.
Huge classic Enjoy the Silence ended the set all too abruptly as Dave said: "See you next time."
We hope he won't make us wait another thirty odd years before he turns up in this part of town again.
Glasgow like the rest of the world just can't get enough.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

RICK ASTLEY GETS HIS ROLLERS IN AT GLASGOW HAIR SALON

RICK Astley popped into a Scots hairdresser to get his famous quiff done just hours before he was due to perform on stage.
The star who was playing Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall phoned into Taylor Ferguson salon in Glasgow himself to make the appointment under the name Astley but staff didn't twig who he was until he walked in.
Anne Ferguson who took the appointment said: " I spoke to him on the phone when he booked in but I didn't realise it was him. I thought I recognised him a bit when he came in but just thought he was one of our clients from down south. A lady whose husband bought her a voucher for the salon couldn't believe it when she was told he was sitting behind her. She'd not managed to get a ticket for the gig so was thrilled. She got up and had her picture and phoned her husband excitedly to thank him for organising it.
Rick got a cut and style and has fabulous hair that has not deteriorated with age."
Beauty therapist Leanne Donovan and stylist Linda Browne were thrilled to meet him. Leanne who is a huge fan and bought tickets to the gig said: "We put on the music and I offered to be his backing singer or dancer. I was sending about and he was killing himself laughing. He was lovely and at the end of the concert I told him he was fabulous and he said he was loving his hair."



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

JUDY PICKS UP A GONG FOR HERSELF AT GLASGOW CHARITY BASH

JUDY Murray and a young carer were the stars of the show as they were honoured at Action for Children Scotland’s annual ‘Woman of Influence’ awards.
And Judy admitted she was chuffed to bits to win Action For Children Scotland's Women of Influence Awards because she normally picks up the gongs for her sons Andy and Jamie.
She laughed: "I'm thrilled to bits because as I was reading out all the nominations I thought I don't remember the last time I won something. I'm absolutely not used to winning anything. I'm quite used to going and picking up something for my kids when they're not in the bloody country after winning things.
I think it was 1999 I last won something from the LTA - coach of the year.
When you're not ready to make a speech it reminds me of Strictly when I developed a look which Anton Du Beke got very used to and meant I have no idea what's coming next.
It was a really strong pool of candidates and of course you're standing up in a whole room full of women and it meant a lot to me that I was voted by them. Action For Children is also a great charity and I really like what they do."
The prestigious award recognises remarkable Scottish women who have had an outstanding impact on society and are role models to the children, young people, and families the charity supports. To date, the event has raised more than £1.1m to support the charity’s work in Scotland.
Judy Murray beat off competition from Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the British Fashion Council; Amanda McMillan, OBE MD, Glasgow Airport; Dr Catherine Calderwood, Chief Medical Officer, Scottish Government and Alison Di Rollo, Solicitor General for Scotland to win the ‘Woman of Influence’ award.
Paul Carberry, Director of Action for Children Scotland, said: “Our ‘Woman of Influence’ awards is one of the most important events of the social calendar and has raised more than £1.1m to support our work across Scotland. This event has made a huge difference to the 14,000 children, families and young people our services work with while, at the same time, celebrating the successes of inspirational women in Scotland.”
"This year we were delighted to honour Judy Murray. This award is in recognition of her success in the world of sport as well her commitment to encouraging young people, particularly girls, to live healthier and more active lifestyles.”
Action for Children Scotland has also honoured Frida Skinner, 11, from Shotts with the ‘Woman of Influence Community Award’. This special award is given to a young woman who has transformed her life as a result of the support received from Action for Children Scotland. Frida is a young carer currently supported by the ‘North Lanarkshire Young Carers’ project based in Motherwell.
Commenting on Frida’s award, Paul Carberry added: “I am thrilled that Frida won the Woman of Influence Community award. She is a great advocate of the work of our North Lanarkshire Young Carers service and an inspiration to young women we support within our services.”


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

STILL GAME RETURNS TO TELLY WITH JACK AND VICTOR

JACK and Victor are back after the BBC has confirmed another series of Still Game.
Hot on the trail of their recent Live show at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, series eight will see Ford Kiernan, Greg Hemphill, Paul Riley, Jane McCarry, Mark Cox, Sanjeev Kohli and Gavin Mitchell returning to their roles on telly for another six episodes.
The series which came back last year after a nine year gap will be filming at BBC Scotland's Dumbarton Studios and around Glasgow.
Greg Hemphill said: "We can't wait to get started on the next batch of adventures with Jack and Victor. We have lots of surprises in store for you!"
Ford Kiernan added: "Chuffed to bits to be coming back for series eight. Greg and I have been cooking up some absolute corkers and we can't wait to show you what they are."
Commissioner Shane Allen is also chuffed Still Game will return for a new series and said: "It's rare for a show to attain the status of comedy classic whilst it's still on air. Ford and Greg are at the height of their creative powers and audiences all over the UK just adore their world with these fantastic characters. If previous audience figures are anything to go by let's hope the national grid can handle the demand."
The new series of Still Game will be shown on BBC One this Autumn or Winter.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SARDINIA OOZES CLASS AND LUXURY

WHEN I told people I was heading to Sardinia, I was greeted with some odd requests to bring back tins of sardines.
And although the name of the fish may well be taken from the waters where they used to congregate, sardines are surprisingly not actually a main attraction in Sardinia.


You won't see loads of them taking prime position on supermarket shelves around the island, in the same way as you don't see Scotland awash with haggis.
Instead, there's pasta, pork, shellfish and flat bread (pane carasau) among the local specialities, as well as the offer of sunshine and a glistening blue seascape that would rival those of the Caribbean.


The seductive beaches of this Mediterranean island are a welcome sanctuary for people seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of mainland Italy.
Sardinia remains unspoiled by tacky tourism and the hotels of family-run chain Delphina that I visited oozed a class and an uncomplicated feel that fits in with its elegant, understated beauty.


I travelled to Sardinia with easyJet, who run frequent flights from Gatwick to Olbia airport, and from there headed to the five-star Resort Valle dell'Erica Thalasso & Spa in Santa Teresa di Gallura on the north coast of the island.
What you save on the flights, you can spend on accommodation and my arrival at the resort, in a charming town where you can catch the ferry to Corsica, was most welcoming. There was a selection of cold meats or antipasti, pizza, and light cocktails - just an indication of the freshly prepared food that was on offer throughout my stay.
Lounging on the hotel's outdoor sun terrace made me feel like I was in a movie.


Funnily enough, actor Michael Douglas had been spotted on his boat near Porto Cervo, the heart of millionaire's paradise Costa Smeralda, just a day earlier. But despite bringing binoculars to peer into some of the Liberace-style cruisers, I unfortunately was never able to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood royal.
When I did make a quick trip to Costa Smeralda, all the yachts on show - including some evil-looking black ones - resembled something from a James Bond movie.


Some of the princely resort's architecture featured in the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me.
I did a spot of window-shopping, too, at some of the jewellers and designer boutiques nearby.
My five-star base had its own Thalasso therapy pools, sauna, hammam, and cardio-fitness room, as well as other open-air swimming pools and an enchanting private beach where you can dine in the evening by arrangement.
For those on a fitness and health drive, the hotel offers the low-carb Dukan diet and other protein-rich foods. I'd have happily relaxed there for most of my stay but the waters proved too tempting and a boat excursion to the archipelago of La Maddalena, between Sardinia and Corsica, proved equally refreshing.
I had a quick paddle in the water before my ichthyophobia, or fear of fish, got the better of me and I decided instead to soak in the fabulous views.
Around the bay are various rock formations which resemble figures like a hunchback friar or a big bear. We delighted in creating names for some of the more unusual rocks.
We took a quick trip past Porto Pollo Beach, the laid-back, boho resort popular with surfers and kite boarders, taking in the panorama from a high point at Palau, about 18 miles from Olbia. The sights in west Sardinia are equally stunning. We visited the local ethnographic museum in the ancient, granite village of Aggius, where among other things we learned about tapestry and bread-making traditions, as well as the methods used in cork production. It was truly like stepping back in time.
We also visited the Resort & Spa Le Dune at Badesi. The four-star resort between sand dunes and juniper trees is ideal for families, being blessed with a white sandy beach overlooking the azure waters of the Golfo dell'Asinara.
For couples and everyone else who want something even quieter, the four-star Isola Rossa Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & Spa offers a stunning haven of relaxation.
The place exudes peace and old-fashioned elegance.

Facts..

I stayed in Sardinia courtesy of Delphina Hotels and Resorts.
Flights to Olbia in north-east Sardinia from London Gatwick with easyJet (www.easyjet.com) start from £29.99 per person.
Rooms at Resort Valle dell'Erica Thalasso and Spa start per person per night on a half-board basis from £108 (the resort is open from May 24-Sept 20) and at Hotel Capo D'Orso from £117 a night (the hotel is open from May 24-Sept 27).
A stay at Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA 4* (open from May 17-September 27) starts at £67 a night, while the Resort & SPA Le Dune 4* (open May 24 to September 20) costs from £65 a night. Discount of 10 per cent on all room rates if you book before April 30, 2014.
More information about Delphina Hotels and Resorts: www.delphina.it Late deals
Flying from Glasgow on May 4, seven nights in Turkey staying at the 4T Couples Sousse resort on an all-inclusive basis, from £455 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing.
Flying from Glasgow on Friday, seven nights in Italy, staying at the 4T Grand Hotel Nastro Azzurro Thomson Couples resort on an all-inclusive basis, from £804 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing.
Flying from Glasgow on Friday, seven nights in Italy staying at the 5T Hotel Bristol Platinum resort on a half-board basis, from £772 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing.
For these and other deals, visit your local Thomson travel shop, thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SCOTS WRESTLER GRADO STRANDED IN NEW YORK

SCOTS Wrestler Grado is stranded in New York after being caught up in Storm Stella.
The professional wrestler and Scots Squad actor admitted he'd been enjoying some extra time in the US city after British Airways cancelled his flight home.
He said: "I don't know when I'm going to get home and to be honest I don't really care. I was walking in Central Park yesterday thinking 'This is rubbish. I've only got a day and a half left' and then I got a text saying 'Your flight tomorrow has been cancelled.'
Kerry, my girlfriend, knew there was a big storm coming. British Airways texted me "Your flights been cancelled' but I don't care. There's worse places to be stranded in. Do you know what I mean?"
He added: "I'm buzzing. They say this is the biggest storm for years, the storm of the century but the bagel shop was still mobbed. Don't worry about me. I'm going to be safe, I'm going to be in the pub drinking beer, and eating ribs."
Grado has been told he may be able to fly back home on Thursday.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SCOTLAND'S RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS AND KILTED YOGIS APPEAR ON US TELLY

SCOTLAND'S Red Hot Chilli Pipers and viral sensations The Kilted Yogis have made a big impression on viewers after being guests of US programme The Today Show.
Presenters Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker spent the weekend in Scotland's capital and visited sights including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat where they saw the Kilted Yogis, JK Rowling's writing hotspot The Elephant House, the rooftop of the Balmoral hotel and Duns castle.


The show crew, who were given a tour by local lad Phil MacHugh, also headed to the Sheep Heid Inn -dubbed Scotlands oldest pub as well as trying out deep fried Mars bars and a chippy.
They also had a tug of war at a Highland Games in Dunns castle before watching the Red Hot Chilli Pipers in action.


Sheinelle said: "Al and I checked out the capital city and we had a blast from the streets of old town to the streets of new town. You know what? I want to come back now."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

COUNTRY STAR REBA MCENTIRE VISITS OUTLANDER SETS IN SCOTLAND

SAM Heughan fan and legendary country singer Reba McEntire made a point of checking out the Outlander filming locations after her gigs at Scotland's Country 2 Country festival.
The US multi platinum selling Queen of Country who has sold more than 85 million records worldwide made a point of travelling through to Edinburgh at the weekend to see the recent Outlander filming locations.


Reba, who once told fans 'my favourite book is Outlander' and "I'd be Claire in an NY second: so long as she's with Jamie", checked out Glasgow Cathedral on her way to the Glasgow Armadillo, Jamie Fraser's home in Outlander as well as the cobbled streets of Edinburgh where the sci fi drama was recently filmed.


She told fans: "Neil and I got to see where Jamie Fraser lived in Outlander!!!!"
She's now been invited for a return visit to see even more by the Outlander production team and says she can't wait.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

INTRODUCING JOHN 'SILVER FOX' BARROWMAN

SCOTS actor John Barrowman has had a mixed reaction after doing a Phillip Schofield and becoming a silver fox.
The Doctor Who and Torchwood star decided to go au natural for his fiftieth birthday on March 11 and shaved off any remaining colour on his head.
Posing in a picture he told fans: "March 11 it's my Big Birthday! Wanted 2 see what I look like with my natural hair colour. Shaved the colour off Thursday What d'ya think?"
Fans around the globe have gone into meltdown at the new look asking if it's real or been photoshopped.
Stephen Wilson asked: "JohnBarrowman Is this a wind-up? I'm waiting for you to laugh at us all and say it's photoshopped."
Sanna Aloha said: "I call you 'Grandpa John' from now on! U want an honest opinion? Don't do it! NOT yet, LOL."
Nicola was kinder and said: "I read something a few years ago about your natural colour, and reckoned it'd look good with your blue eyes. I wasn't wrong!"
And Jénnifer Miller Fisher referred to his co star on Arrow and said: "You and Neal McDonough could be brothers."




- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

OUTLANDER SAM HEUGHAN MIGHT BE YOUR SAT NAV

FEMALE drivers could be in for a treat as Outlander star Sam Heughan says he'd consider being the voice of a Sat Nav system.
The Scots star was at a fan convention Stateside when he revealed: "I wouldn't take any directions from me. I think you might find yourself in the local river. Has anyone got any of these Alexa things? I don't trust them but I would lend my voice to that."
Sam's co-star Caitriona Balfe added: "I've seen how he drives. You do not want him leading you in a car."
During the visit Sam and Caitriona talked about how they almost killed an actor with a pack of dogs and Sam declared his favourite word in Scottish slang is Bawheid.
He said: "Bawheid is good."
Caitriona added: "You also have Boaby."
He also said filming emotional scenes with Caitrionia had particular challenges.
During the fan convention Sam met up with actors from other sci fi shows including Star Trek's Gates McFadden and Stranger Things Millie Bobby Brown.
Sam flew directly from the States to South Africa where he was met by fans as he begins filming for the new season of Outlander.




- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

RIVER CITY'S GARY LAMONT IS LEAVING

RIVER City actor Gary Lamont has announced he's leaving the series - and claims he wanted to go out on a high..
Producers claim the door will be left open but in an emotional announcement online Gary who plays much loved hairdresser Robbie Fraser said: "I am leaving Shieldinch. It's been hush hush and a secret. The first series I was booked for was eight weeks and I've managed to wring eight years out of them so I don't think I'm doing too badly. It's a good thing. It's a positive thing."
Admitting it made him a bit teary eyed he added: "It's weird getting upset about it because I've never actually said it. I think I'm just pretending that it's not happening. It's been marvellous and the best job I could ever wish to have. I always wanted to go when I was at the top and I feels as if I'm at the top. I couldn't ask for anything more. I'd rather go while it's good."
Gary who performed his own show at the Edinburgh festival recently appeared on 69 Shades of Gay at Oran Mor and has some more live theatre dates in the works.
Executive Producer Kieran said:
"Gary brings magic to every scene which has made him an audience favourite for the last eight years. We are so sorry to lose Gary but know that we have kept him to ourselves for long enough and now he needs to go and do other things.
Robbie has been at the heart of River City with gripping storylines including soap’s first ever domestic abuse storyline between a gay couple. We’re planning to make the most of Gary while we have him and will put Robbie through the wringer one last time with a fittingly dramatic and heroic finale.
Everyone at River City will miss Gary for who he is behind the scenes as well as the wonderful things he has done on screen. We wish him all the success in the world, but if Robbie ever wants to come back, the door is open."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

MARVEL INFINITY WAR DIRECTORS VISIT SCOTTISH CITY CHAMBERS

ROBERT Downey Junior, Benedict Cumberbatch and the cast of new Marvel film Avengers: Infinity War could be heading to Edinburgh's City Chambers.
The actors along with Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L Jackson, Chris Hemsworth, Karen Gillan, and a host of other A Lister's are prepping to film the massive movie in Scotland and London in March and May.
Although a veil of secrecy is currently surrounding the exact locations that will be used, Captain America Directors The Russo Brothers who are working on the new film had posted up a picture of themselves 'scouting' for locations on a grand stairway on social media - and fans had been left wondering where it was located.


Now an eagle eyed Reddit user Brian Grodzki has put two and two together and revealed it as the City Chambers in Scotlands capital.
Although it's currently unknown what the building may be used for it is thought it may have something to do with Doctor Strange's lair Sanctum Sanctorum.
It is thought the circular window is similar to the actual marvel illustration of the building where Doctor Strange burns incense.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

RIVER CITY LEAH MACRAE LITERALLY BREAKS A LEG DURING GLASGOW SHOW

RIVER City and Gary Tank Commander actress Leah MacRae proved the show must go on - performing from a wheelchair after dramatically snapping her Achilles' tendon during her stage show.
The Scots actress was walking off from the first half of My Big Fat Fabulous Diary at Eastwood Park theatre when she heard a loud noise.
And despite the theatre's medical staff advising her to go straight to A and E, Leah proved to be the real trouper and insisted on performing the second half in a wheelchair before heading to hospital.
Leah said: "I heard a big bang, like a whiplash as I went off stage and the next thing I knew I couldn't walk properly. The audience and my crew didn't have a clue what happened and for a minute or two I was behind the stage feeling dazed and upset. They wanted me to go to hospital straight away but I just said I wanted to finish the show."


Leah went back on stage in a wheelchair after an announcement was made saying there had been an issue.
She said : "The show is a comedy and I think the audience thought it was all part of the act. There was something really weird about singing Defying Gravity in a wheelchair.'
Leah who has had now rescheduled the rest of her May performances was rushed from stage to the Queen Elizabeth University hospital in Glasgow.
She said: "I do a lot of exercise and thought I'd just sprained my tendon but the doctor told me it was ruptured and pretty serious and that I'd have to be plastered up for a number of months."
I've now got a lovely big cast on my left leg and had to tell the River City producers who were brilliant and said they'd work round it. Everyone had been lovely and the theatre and hospital were great with me so I'd like it thank everyone.
The rescheduled dates for the show are the Village Theatre East Kilbride:, Friday 4th August and Rutherglen Town Hall Sat 5th August.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

RYAN BAIRD MEMORY KEPT ALIVE BY RANGERS LEGEND FERNANDO RICKSEN

IT was an emotional moment as Fernando Ricksen presented the fiancée of Rangers bus crash victim Ryan Baird with a mirrored portrait in his honour.
Glasgow dad of two Ryan was on the way to the Rangers game against Patrick Thistle in October last year when their Nith Valley Loyal Rangers supporters bus crashed near Kilmarnock.
Heartbroken Sarah Hughes who turned up to see Fernando with her friend Billy McLeod from the club, couldn't hold back the tears as she accepted the gift in Ryan's honour and later said: "Everything has just been so overwhelming and the support we've had from everybody has been amazing. I just love the picture and I'll make sure I find a great space for it."
Fernando, who has invited Sarah and her family to be guests of honour at his forthcoming charity march in Fleetwood with a team of legends said: "The Nith Valley supporters club have always been there for me and I wanted to give something back. No one expected to go to a football match and not come home."
The former Rangers player who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease was joined by his fellow Rangers veterans including Derek Ferguson, John Macdonald and Bob Malcolm as fans launched two special Rangers Legends strips in his honour.
The Ibrox hero was at the Stonefield Tavern in Blantyre for the launch of the two strips which will be sold to raise funds for the Fernando Ricksen Foundation.
They will also be used in charity matches like the forthcoming Rangers Legends versus England Select match in Fleetwood's Highbury Stadium on March 25.
The two strips - in red and blue - were designed by Fernando himself and feature his national colours.
Fernando was in high spirits as he joked with some of his oldest friends and Derek Ferguson paid tribute to him saying he was one of the most colourful characters in football. He said: "They don't make them like Fernando anymore."
Bob Malcolm added: "When Fernando first came to Rangers he was Dutch and quiet and then he came out of his shell as he got to know the people. It's great these strips wil be brought out at every game and give Fernando and his charity the recognition they deserve."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

BBC AWARD WINNER RM HUBBERT APPEALS FOR SUPPORT

FORMER Scottish Album of the Year winner RM Hubbert admitted he has been at an all time low after his depression stopped him from earning money.
Forty two year old Robert McArthur Hubbert affectionately known as Hubby picked up the prestigious award in 2013 and appears in new film Lost In France with his record label mates from Chemikal Underground.
This week he revealed he's been experiencing a tough twelve months after his illness got the better of him.
In a plea to his fans he wrote: "Basically, I haven't been coping well. My mental health deteriorated dramatically during last year after Telling the Trees came out, reaching breaking point this January when I finally did what I have always found hardest; I asked for help. The mental health crisis team at NHS South Ayrshire looked after me and did fucking brilliant job of it. I owe them my life. I'm getting better again. I've moved back to Glasgow to be closer to the many people that love and support me.
He added: "And now to the crux. The illness has stopped me working for the best part of a year. My savings are gone and I'm whilst I'm getting better, I'm not emotionally stable enough to return to a normal job. I'm slowly returning to music full time but in the meantime, I need to ask you for a little help."
Robert then put a plea on his social media asking people if they could buy a copy of his covers EP and let others know of his difficulties.
Since his appeal yesterday he's been inundated with responses online and lots of people have purchased his music.
He told fans: "Its been insane. I can't believe how generous you all are. Thank you so, so much. Apologies for not replying to all the messages, there's too many to handle right now. I will get into them tomorrow. I f***ing love you all."



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

PETITION STARTED TO SAVE IRN BRU

A Petition has been started up by lovers of Irn Bru to keep their recipe intact despite growing pressure from the government.
The Cumbernauld-based firm, which also makes Rubicon and Tizer, said it would cut Irn Bru's sugar content from about 10g per 100ml to just below 5g.
It will reduce the calorie count per can from just under 140 to about 66.
AG Barr said the move was part of a "long-standing sugar reduction programme".
The UK government plans to introduce a levy on sugary drinks in April 2018.
Now a group of Irn Bru lovers are asking people to sign a petition to stop the plans.
They wrote: "In the light of the recently implemented ridiculous sugar tax by the UK Government WE the undersigned demand that AG Barr drinks retain the ORIGINAL AND BEST recipe for regular Irn Bru. We ALL should be allowed to eat and drink what we like without being dictated or controlled, the UK Government should focus on investing in education at schools on sugary foods and drinks but we ALL should be allowed to make our own choice! Please sign and share your support for this petition and email Barr's at http://www.agbarr.co.uk/contact-us/general-enquiries/ Together we can stop the worlds best soft drink from being changed! Also Barr's already have TWO sugar free versions of Irn Bru, and I my opinion are disgusting. Don't destroy Scotland's National drink Barr's! Please also use the hashtag on Twitter and Facebook #SaveOurBru"
So far 150 people have signed the petition which can be found at:
https://www.change.org/p/http-www-agbarr-co-uk-contact-us-general-enquiries-barr-s-must-keep-the-original-and-best-irn-bru-recipe-please-sign-and-share



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

HONEY G GETS DOWN WITH THR DREAMMAKER KIDS ON SCOTS X FACTOR TOUR

X Factor's Honey G gave some high fives and big hugs to terminally ill 12 year old Mark 'Sparky' Gallagher before taking to the stage for the X Factor tour in Glasgow.
The rapper joined winner Matt Terry, Scots contestants Emily Middlemas and Ryan Lawrie and other finalists to meet up with a party of kids from the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation at Braehead Arena before taking to the stage.


The sick kids included Ashlee Easton, 10, from Falkirk who has neuroblastoma and Nathan Mowat, six from Greenock who has Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma and Isla Aitken who has just finished treatment for leukaemia.



As well as giving them goody bags with caps and badges in them, the celebs spent some time chatting with the kids.
Emily said: "Its such an amazing surprise from the Dreammaker Foundation and we've got a handshake going on. It's so nice to see Sparky and everyone. We're having a lovely time on tour."
Afterwards Sparky's mum Michelle Gallagher said: "Sparky was absolutely thrilled to meet his hero Honey G. His wee brother came too. He has a brain tumour and was recently in hospital for pancreatitis surgery. Things like this just keep him going."


Ashlee's mum Isla added: "Ashlee has just had a relapse and we find it hard to plan things so it was lovely when Les and Angela from the Dreammaker Foundation got us tickets for this. Ashlee absolutely loved it and is hyper. She loves the X factor and music and singing and dancing and Emily Middlemas remember her from when she recorded a Christmas single with others for the charity."
Nathan's mum Jill added: "It was a wee escape from treatment and a real treat. It's great to have some normality and something positive in negative situations and Nathan just loved it. Les and the foundation do amazing work."




- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com