SCOTLAND will not dangle a carrot before Euro 2024 to entice a player to pledge allegiance.

There has been talk of a number of top talents regarding a possible move to represent the Tartan Army this summer.

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Newcastle quartet Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson and Tino Livramento, plus Leeds’ Archie Gray, have been mentioned as possible suitors for months.

Although Gordon has now been called up by England while Anderson withdrew.

But Scotland number two John Carver insists there is little chance either of them will wear a dark blue jersey in this year’s final.

To the suggestion that the euro would be used as a bargaining chip, Carver replied bluntly: “I would be very surprised because the loyalty is enormous.

“It is important to give these guys, who have been loyal and done very well for this national team, a chance to be part of the squad of 23.

“I think we’re almost certain of what we’re going to take with us.

‘I would be very surprised if someone came out of nowhere. Unless we find someone who says: ‘Wow’: an excellent player.

‘I’m not going down this street of Anderson and Gordon and all that, because I’ve had enough of that. I’m tired of talking about that.

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“If someone came out of nowhere, I would be very surprised.

“But we are looking at all options for the future – because we have to go one step further after the European Championship.”

Norwich’s Grant Hanley has withdrawn from Friday’s opening match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam due to injury, while FC Copenhagen’s loan chief Scott McKenna is a doubt.

Brentford’s sidelined Aaron Hickey is sweating out of place in the Euros after aggravating a hamstring injury.

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PRIMARK has unveiled a new Hello Kitty-themed cafe at a branch in Glasgow – and shoppers say they are “buzzing” to visit.

The retailer has teamed up with Japanese company Sanrio to celebrate the iconic character’s 50th anniversary.

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The retail giant has given its stores in Braehead and Edinburgh a makeover and fans are loving it.

From now until June, the cafe will be serving a range of limited-edition treats inspired by Hello Kitty, such as sweet waffles and savory bow buns, alongside themed drinks including a choice of bubble teas and shakes.

A new collection has also been launched in select stores, including trendy graphic tees, sleepwear and collectible bags.

Fans of the character can also purchase mugs, stationery and beauty products.

In total, the range includes more than 100 items in women’s clothing, children’s clothing and household items.

Hello Kitty fans flocked to social media to comment on the new cafe, with many planning their next visit.

One wrote: “This is not a drill!”

Another said: “Three hours travel to Glasgow just for Hello Kitty in Primark.”

A third added: “I was here today, I spent £527 on Hello Kitty.”

A fourth weighed in: “Got to go here honestly.”

Sarah Jackson, Director of Licensing at Primark, said: “Hello Kitty has been a cultural phenomenon since her debut in 1974, captivating hearts around the world with her adorable aesthetic.

“At Primark we are proud of our extensive licensing offering and we are thrilled to unveil our new collection, marking another exciting chapter in Hello Kitty’s lasting legacy.

“We want to provide our customers with an unforgettable shopping experience and we are excited to once again transform our Primarket cafes into a Hello Kitty haven in five locations across the UK.”

A FORMER pub worker is doing the devil’s deeds – after creating Scotland’s hottest sauce.

Former chef Ewen Mackenzie, 50, makes the infernal concoctions under his Mack Chilli label, which he exports around the world.

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Red Hot Chilli Fifer, owner of Something Different gift shop in Cowdenbeath, said: “The first thing people often ask me is ‘Where’s the hottest sauce?’

“But with chili it’s not about the heat, it’s about the taste. There are more than four and a half thousand peppers in the world and it would be foolish if they were all hot.

“It’s quite a difficult balance to find what people want and what they can actually handle.

“People try the hottest and finish dancing kind of like idiots because they panic. You’d be surprised how many people I’ve seen cry.”

Ewen named one of his sauces Valhalla, after the location in Norse mythology where Viking warriors killed in battle go.

He adds: “I think some of the people who tried Valhalla are there now.”

Ewen worked in pubs and kitchens for years until he got serious raid left him with major health problems.

Forced to reconsider his futurehe chose to become self-employed and took over a gift shop.

It was during that time that he learned all about hot sauce and realized it was going to be big company. Since launching his own brand in 2021, Ewen has been flogging more than 1,500 bottles a year around the world.

With dozens of different options, there is something for everyone on their sliding scale of heat. His most infamous offering, however, is Angel of Dead.

This extreme seasoning is Scotland’s hottest sauce and contains 90 percent Carolina Reaper – the second hottest chili pepper in the world – with 9 million Scoville extracts.

These units range on a spectrum from zero, meaning no heat at all, to 16 million and higher for pure firework. The measurement is carried out by diluting a pepper extract with sugar water and asking human testers to identify the heat level.

The more water needed to beat the heat, the higher the number of Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

Ewen’s scariest offer amounts to being over a thousand times hotter than even the angriest jalapeño.

It’s no surprise that Mack Chilli has a disclaimer accepting no responsibility for misuse of the product.

Despite his reputation for making some of the world’s most fearsome sauces, Ewen would rather people enjoyed the taste than simply see them as a challenge.

He doesn’t recommend that people throw themselves in at the deep end, but instead advises people to build their tolerance level the right way.

Ewen adds: “If you can tolerate the heat, that’s fine, but for a beginner I would avoid anything that is too much.

“Start with jalapeño and don’t go straight in and don’t go too far because you’ll hurt yourself and throw yourself off.

“I’ll take my sauce to the pub and see if they can take it.”

Ewen jokes, “They ask me if I’m trying to kill them.

“There was a man who thought he could handle the heat, but he couldn’t finish his pint and had to go At home.

“Many schoolchildren like it. And girls seem to have a higher tolerance than the boys.

MILLIONS of Sky customers are being warned they could struggle to find the right channel as major TV changes come in on Tuesday.

Sky is advising people to check channel numbers to avoid missing their favorite programmes.

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Ahead of the launch of Sky’s new reality channel GREAT! real on March 20, Sky will rearrange channel numbers on Tuesday March 19.

The changes all directly affect users of Sky’s next generation internet platforms such as Sky Glass and Sky Stream.

These changes will affect people in both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

It is currently believed that there will be no major changes for Sky satellite users.

The children’s channel Tiny Pop will also be removed from channel 214 (215 in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland), with Pop Max taking its place.

Some parents were outraged by the change, but the family favorite will live on digitally as a streaming service.

Besides these channel changes, AWESOME! real launches on March 20 on channel 168 in the UK.

Same day, AMAZING! real launches on channel 161 in the Republic of Ireland.

The new reality channel will just be added to the bottom of the list of entertainment channel numbers for satellite users – meaning it will become channel 189.

Satellite users will also see children’s show Pop Max take over Tiny Pop’s slot.

It comes just after Sky reshuffled sports channels on people’s Sky Satellite, Sky Glass and Stream devices in both the UK and Republic of Ireland last month.

The changes took place in multiple phases over six days between Thursday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 13, following the introduction of Sky Sports Tennis.

Sky Sports Tennis launches on February 11 and will see more tennis broadcasts than anywhere else on Sky Sports.

They say more than 4,000 matches from 80 tournaments on the ATP and WTA Tours will be shown each year.

And that’s in addition to their exclusive live coverage of the US Open.

Sky will also take over channel 412 in Britain after it was vacated by Viaplay Sports 1 in January as they look to sell the Viaplay channels back to Premier Sports.

Yellow card – Ewan Ashman (Scotland)

RUGBY League Test chiefs insist blocking Scotland and Ireland from the next World Cup is not a sign of southern hemisphere bias.

Instead, they believe it will make the sport stronger in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Lack of participation is why the home nations, plus Italy and Lebanon, have been downgraded from full members to affiliate nations by the International Rugby League.

That rules them out of qualifying for the next tournament in 2026, although the latter will play if they reach the quarter-finals in 2022.

But while it is undoubtedly a blow to Northern Hemisphere countries – many top players will now be unable to represent their heritage on the biggest international stage – IRL is confident it is not writing off half the world.

Secretary General Danny Kazandjian, who also relegated already-suspended Russia, told SunSport: “This is certainly not a sign of weakness in the Northern Hemisphere.

“Rather, it is now up to those countries to develop the sport by growing the number of locally registered players and active clubs playing in increasingly longer and more substantive championships.

“Only by doing that will rugby league gain popularity and strength in a country, and that is the fundamental mission of any national federation.

“In addition, the other European full members all showed growth in the key registered player sections and there are some great organizations in the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, America and Africa all pushing the boundaries of the game in a sustainable way.

“Participating in a World Cup is not a sign that rugby league in a particular country is strong, it is just a sign that the national team that country can field is strong.

“For example, Ireland has competed in every modern men’s World Cup, but there is no link between those appearances and the growing sport in Ireland.

“Rugby League’s global growth depends on IRL’s greatest asset – its National Federation members – developing the sport locally and authentically.”

After the World Cup shrank from sixteen to ten teams, the move is the latest blow to rugby league in the Northern Hemisphere.

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IRL says their failure to meet the terms of its membership policy, which requires countries of their size to have a minimum of 250 locally registered players, four affiliated clubs, states or provinces, a senior league of at least six teams and a tournament with at least four in the under-15 to under-19 age group, are behind the call.

Countries must have a development program for women and girls and a business plan for at least three years.

Kazandjian added: “Although all five countries that have been reclassified as associate members have different records, the common factor is participation.

“All five full members did not meet those minimum standards.”

Rugby League Ireland chairman Jim Reynolds believes his organization has already taken steps to quickly regain full membership.

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“RLI thanks IRL for recognizing the significant transformation we have achieved since Covid-19 in addressing the non-compliance issues raised at RLI over the past decade,” he said.

“We have worked hard to exceed good governance standards and as our youth groups have grown a year older, they are now also eligible to help us regain full IRL membership status this year-end.”

IRL says that the respective governing bodies have not met the terms of the IRL membership policy for five years and that each of them will receive a parachute payment to invest in areas in which they are not compliant.

Kazandjian continued: “We continually work with member federations to improve their operations and governance, and we see standards rising both on and off the field.

“In the long term, ensuring compliance with IRL’s regulatory framework will result in a greater, more sustainable and productive sport.”

SHOPPERS are devastated as a jewelery chain prepares to close a branch renowned for its customer service.

Beaverbrooks has 71 jewelers in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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But the retailer will close its Romford branch in the Liberty Shopping Center within days.

The store will welcome customers for the last time on Sunday, March 17, which is a blow to locals.

The branch has already launched a closing sale, where shoppers can get discounts of up to 50%.

A message on the retailer’s website reads: “We would like to thank you for letting us be part of your special moments over the years. It meant the world to us.”

Customers who leave reviews on Google have come to know the store for its “great” customer service.

Others have praised the staff for their welcoming approach and patient approach.

News of the closure has been met with devastation by shoppers and locals alike, with many claiming Romford is becoming deserted.

One said: “Another store bites the dust.”

A second said: “Just another shop to close. Romford passed away a long time ago.”

A third added: “Romford is just the decaying remains of the once thriving town it was.”

And a fourth commented: “Poor Romford. All goes, what’s next.”

The closure of Beaverbrooks comes after Argos closed its Romford branch on March 2, gutting shoppers.

A spokesperson for the retailer told The Sun that the closure of the Gallows Corner store was part of its plan to “transform Argos”.

They added: “We are reducing the number of standalone Argos stores we operate while opening more Argos stores and collection points within Sainsbury’s.

“As part of this plan and regular reviews of our property, we have made the difficult decision to close our Romford Gallows Argos store.”

Closure signs were also seen at a Poundstretcher branch in the east London city last November, although it is not clear whether the branch has closed yet.

Hundreds of shops in Britain have closed their doors for good in recent years.

The high street has suffered as households increasingly turn to online shopping, a trend that has been exacerbated during the coronavirus pandemic.

High energy, wage costs and business rates have further increased pressure on businesses, forcing many to close.

Several major retailers have gone completely bankrupt since the beginning of last year, including Wilko and Paperchase.

Others, such as The Body Shop and Boots, have massively streamlined their store portfolios in a bid to reduce costs.

But it’s not all doom and gloom in the sector; some companies have expanded their presence in retail parks and on the high street.

In January, WHSmith said it wanted to open 15 new stores in airports, train stations and hospitals across the UK this year.

The retailer said a further 15 branches would be opened “every year” after 2023 “in the medium term”.

It followed the announcement that companywide sales were up 8% in the 20 weeks to January 20, compared to the same period last year.

Discounter B&M has also opened branches in the UK, as have Asda, Primark, Aldi and Lidl.

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PEOPLE living in an iconic housing estate have revealed their home deposits that once cost £5 are now selling for 59,000 times more.

The Stockbridge Colonies in Scotland were built for poor families, but are now considered the most desirable neighborhoods.

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The estate was built in the 1860s in an attempt to house Scotts during Edinburgh’s population growth during the Industrial Revolution.

The buildings, built by the Edinburgh Co-operative Building Company, could accommodate up to 7,000 people.

At the time, neighbors would secure a top or bottom floor apartment for which they only had to pay a £5 deposit – which could be paid within 20 years.

But what was once home to struggling workers is now worth a whopping £295,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Despite the increase in value, residents claimed the area is still community-driven.

HISTORICAL GEM

Jessie Deopp, who moved from the US, praised the estate for its historic charm and for being family-oriented.

The virtual assistant said: “It was the community in the town that attracted us – we were really looking for a place to raise our small family.

“We had heard such wonderful things about the colonies and how they are filled with little children and young families. It feels like a small community in a big city.

“We got a glimpse of it springand everyone was outside doing laundry, gardening, or just walking and getting outside – it’s very social.”

She also revealed how she chose Stockbridge for its iconic history.

The mother-of-two added: “We are really attracted to the historical element. That’s another reason we chose the Stockbridge Colonies: it’s nice to live in a place with so much history.

“It makes you think about who lived here and what experiences they had. It’s really cool to have the original fireplaces and exposed brick, and the tall windows.

“We really have a thing for historic charm!”

RISING PRICES

Fellow resident Bill Brownlee, who lived on the estate for almost three decades, bought his lower floor flat for just £55,000.

While he admits the area has changed in recent years, he claims the community still clings to age-old traditions.

He said: ”There are many events taking place throughout the year which increase community spirit.

‘At Christmas we have a ceilidh where the tickets initially go to the residents of the colonies, and then if there are any tickets left, other people can come to the ceilidh.

“There will also be an annual yard sale coming up in May, with about 30 homes able to participate.”

However, Bill admitted that skyrocketing prices and rents have made it more difficult for young people to buy a home on the estate.

The 72-year-old added: “I bought my apartment almost 30 years ago, and I couldn’t afford to buy it now – I think that’s unfair to people coming in,” he said.

“Mine was advertised for £58,000 and needed some repair work. I think I got it for around £55,000. That seems like nothing now, but almost 30 years ago that was still a fair amount to pay.

The historic buildings are currently Grade II listed and protected by Edinburgh Council.

Real estate experts explained that the area has gained popularity in recent years due to its ideal location.

Francesca Hill of estate agent Coulters said: “The charm of the Stockbridge Colonies continues to attract buyers, both locally and from further afield.

”These characterful properties have a unique appeal, being both peacefully situated on the Water of Leith and within walking distance of Edinburgh city center and its main attractions.

“The Colonies attract a variety of buyers, from first-time buyers and investors who mainly purchase the lower 1 and 2 bedroom Colonies, to couples and families attracted to the larger double upper flats.”

It comes as Scotland’s cheapest apartment hit the market for just £1,000, but there’s a big catch.

The path on an estate 72 kilometers south of Glasgow is one of the cheapest on sale in Britain.

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A mother has told how she had a scan for back pain and gave birth minutes later – despite not knowing she was pregnant.

Natasha Hardie, 30, was stunned when daughter Ayla-Mae arrived as she “had no idea” what she was expecting.

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The tragedy came after she went to her GP with mysterious back pain and was given an emergency appointment at Crosshouse Hospital, near Kilmarnock.

The mother-of-three, from Dreghorn, Ayrshire, said: “Before the MRI scan they asked if I could be pregnant. I said no. I honestly didn’t think that was possible.

“I had no symptoms. I still got my period and had no tummy.”

But immediately after the scan on March 1, Natasha suddenly had the urge to go to the toilet.

She said: “As soon as I walked in I was like, ‘Oh no.’

‘I just pulled the red cord to alert the staff and they rushed in.

“They did a quick ultrasound and sure enough, there was a baby and it was coming.”

Just 44 seconds later, Natasha gave birth to her 2.5kg baby girl.

Hospital staff had to contact Natasha’s mother, Susan Colvin, to tell her the surprising news.

Natasha, also mum to Charlotte-Lillie, four, and 18-month-old Ivy-Rae, added: “The last thing my mum knew was that I had to have an MRI scan – a few hours later I came home with a baby . But she’s the best surprise ever.

“Once we got over the initial shock, we were all elated.”

A MUM-OF-FOUR who once shied away from showing off her body says her wobbly bits won’t stop her from wearing a bikini.

Cherry Bloom, an NHS cleaner from Scotland, revealed she now earns thousands of pounds and shows off her natural curves.

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But the mother wasn’t always proud of her body and it took years for the 42-year-old to embrace what her mother gave her.

From her ‘cellulite’ to her belly, Cherry has never been so confident in her appearance.

But since bringing in thousands of people, the mom has let go of her distrust and fully embraced what she is – wobbly thighs and all.

She wasn’t sure at first about posting photos of herself in her bikini online, but has grown to love it more than ever, she told the Daily Star.

“At first I thought, ‘oh no, my stomach and my thighs are touching’, then I thought, oh well, I’ll give it a try,” she says. said.

“I’m human and I’m real, and that’s how I say it. Don’t get me wrong, there are some beautiful, beautiful women out there with the perfect face, the perfect breasts, the perfect body – everything is perfect.

But if they don’t like it, they don’t have to watch.

Cherry bloom

“Then I come in with a little wobbly belly and a cellulite-covered butt and I’m like, well, I’m real, I’ve never had a procedure before.”

Cherry recognizes that everyone has a preference and it seems she has created her own audience.

Instead of covering up her “wobbly” bits, she says men love the natural look.

And Cherry doesn’t care what the haters think of her new career.

“I love it, I don’t care. Life is for living and just because I’m a mother doesn’t mean I can’t have fun myself. I don’t hurt anyone and I have fun, and everyone benefits,” she added.

“My breasts are real and soft. You see some and they fit perfectly, but mine hit my knees.”

In the past, Cherry has addressed the negative reactions to her on social media.

She revealed that some say she “has the face for radio,” only to start following her modeling account and paying for her content.

The bizarre response makes Cherry feel angry and sorry for the haters.

Speaking about people not liking her natural body, Cherry had one thing to say.

“But if they don’t like it, they don’t have to watch. Everyone has stretch marks and cellulite.

“For some reason, a lot of men seem to enjoy looking at that real person because they can imagine that I’m a real person. I’m not fake and I’m not a robot,” she said.