Want to read more?We value our content and our journalists, so to get full access to all your local news updated 7-days-a-week – PLUS an e-edition of the Oban Times – subscribe today for as little as 56 pence per week. Subscribe NowOban flood victim Hugh Carmichael has blasted environmental agency SEPA for caring more about wildlife than human life. Mr Carmichael, who is waiting for insurance assessors to give their verdict after his home in Soroba Road opposite the Black Lynn was flooded, claims the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) could ‘block’ action to get the waterway dredged. Nine inches of water covered their house and in some places was higher than plug sockets – which he says could have proved fatal.‘The council has told me they can’t clean the burn because it will interfere with the wildlife. Apparently SEPA will not give the council a licence to do it. SEPA could block everything. ‘Our lives are … [Read more...] about Call made to dredge the Black Lynn
Black water rising
Black History is World History, Must be Honoured Year-Round — British Activist
Holbourne also founded Black Activists Rising against Cuts (BARAC) and is a seasoned trade unionist via the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Action for South Africa (ACTSA), and others. Sputnik: Why is it important for British people to learn about Black History Month? What does it symbolize for Britons and how is it different from celebrations in the United States? Zita Holbourne: It is important that we commemorate Black History and include it in history books, core curriculums, and every other aspect of history because it is world history and should not remain confined to a month, but celebrated year-round. The American version of Black History Month inspired ours in the UK, at a time where [Blacks] faced horrific discrimination and racism, and aimed to instill pride and create a climate where we could educate others on Black achievements … [Read more...] about Black History is World History, Must be Honoured Year-Round — British Activist
The ancient well with ‘healing’ water heated from below the earth
A nondescript stone building, squeezed on the banks of the River Taff hides one of Wales' most unusual natural wonders. Within the dilapidated walls lies a unique well which never runs dry, fed by naturally waters rising from deep below the earth's surface. The well in the small village of Taff's Well, north of Cardiff , is like no other in Wales - it was built to contain the only thermal spring in the country. In the 18th and 19th centuries, people travelled from far and wide to experience the so-called restorative powers of its naturally-heated water. Today, the well is enclosed in darkness, the dank atmosphere and scummy water hiding a truly remarkable phenomenon. A 5,000 year journey The Taff's Well spring gives the village it's name. The water in the spiral-stepped well, which plunges four metres into the ground, is always around 21.6 degrees C. That's about four degrees less than an average swimming pool. Bubbling to the surface is water which had not seen the light of day for … [Read more...] about The ancient well with ‘healing’ water heated from below the earth
As a black woman, I hate the term ‘people of colour’
Someone recently came into my office and asked, “Where can I find Tolani?” The receptionist replied, “Oh, Tolani is the lady in the white top.” Two other women in the office were wearing white tops. She tried again, “The woman with brown hair.” Three other women in the office had brown hair. She was running out of ways to describe me, so I helped her out: waving my hands I cheerfully replied, “It’s me, the black woman over here.” Read more Colourism isn’t just in the entertainment world I was the only black woman – the only black person – in this office. There was an immediate reaction to me saying the word “black”. The office instantly felt awkward, uncomfortable even. As if I had said a racist slur. And I get it: racial terminology can be daunting for white people. But just so we’re clear, I am a black woman and I would like to be referred to as … [Read more...] about As a black woman, I hate the term ‘people of colour’
Mo Farah breaks British record with third-place London Marathon finish… despite two water station mix-ups
London Marathon tracker: How to follow running progress Why the first two-hour marathon could be round the corner Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge wins men's race in a time of 2:04:17 Mo Farah finishes third in a British record 2:06:21 Mary Keitany fails in bid to beat Paula Radcliffe's world record Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot win the women's race in 2:18.31 Britain's David Weir wins men's wheelchair race for eighth time Mo Farah became the fastest marathon runner in British history as he produced a promising and gutsy performance to finish third in his second London Marathon. A “knackered” Farah crossed the line in a time of 2:06:21, comfortably clear of Steve Jones’ 33-year-old British record of 2:07:13, despite two mix-ups with water bottles in which he said marathon staff were taking pictures rather than helping him find his drink. The race was won by Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic champion and the man considered by many to be the greatest marathon runner … [Read more...] about Mo Farah breaks British record with third-place London Marathon finish… despite two water station mix-ups