Articles by Ryan Carroll

Technology

Family of Scots OAP who died at wheel issue heartfelt apology to motorists

The family of a pensioner who died after suffering a brain haemorrhage at the wheel issued a heartfelt apology to motorists impacted by the three-vehicle crash . John McClumpha, 81, was rushed to Forth Valley Hospital following the incident which happened on Clackmannan Road in Alloa at around 10.35am on Thursday, November 6. Sadly, despite the best efforts of medics , John, who was affectionately known as Jock, was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. The crash involved a grey Audi Q5, a grey Peugeot van and a blue Audi Q3 and Jock's family have now revealed that he fell ill at the wheel before he lost control of the car. His daughter Maggie Cruise said: "I just wanted to take a minute to thank those who rushed to help at the scene of the road accident on the Clackmannan Rd on Thursday morning and to apologise on behalf of my dad and our family for the inconvenience caused that day. "My dad suffered a catastrophic brain haemorrhage at the wheel of the car, lost control of it and veered across the road hitting other vehicles. He passed away a few hours later. "For what its worth, he had an exemplary driving record. Never any points, not one accident and over 60 years no claims bonus - he was proud of that. He could reverse a 40ft trailer through the eye of a needle and safety was always, always a priority. "If he had felt unwell that morning, he wouldn’t have went out. If he had felt a heart attack coming on, he would have pulled over. Of that we have no doubt. But a brain haemorrhage doesn’t give any warning signals. "I know if he was here, he would want to say how deeply sorry he is to the other motorists. So I’ll say it on his behalf. Hold your loved ones close folks….you never know the minute." Tributes flooded in from well-wishers as Jock was described by loved ones as a "lovely man". Anne Mackin said: "John was my brother-in-law, although more a brother. I can truthfully say he was one of the nicest kindest men I have ever met." Elaine Chester said: "I worked with John for many years. He was a lovely man with a wee twinkle in his eye. Jock would never knowingly put himself or others in danger. My deepest condolences to you and all the family. Such a lovely, lovely man." Nichola Milroy added: "He was a true gentleman and an amazing man. I will miss him terribly." The road was closed for a number of hours to allow for investigations to be carried out. An image taken from the scene showed police at the scene with one of the cars involved in the smash seen to be considerably damaged. Meanwhile officers have asked anyone with information on the crash to contact Police Scotland. Sergeant Vincent Lynch said: “Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. “We would ask anyone who has yet to speak to officers to get in touch and review any dash-cam footage for anything that may assist with our enquiries.”

6 hours ago

Technology

Viral sensation Haggis the hippo set to leave Edinburgh Zoo in emotional goodbye

A beloved hippo that recently became a viral sensation at Edinburgh Zoo is sadly leaving Scotland for pastures new. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland are bidding an emotional farewell to Haggis the pygmy hippo ahead of her last weekend in the capital. The adorable animal has been given her very own goodbye card with the words "bye the noo Haggis" written across the front as she prepares to leave for Wingham Wildlife Park, near Canterbury. The wildlife conservation charity has recommended visitors book tickets to say their goodbyes this weekend, with the last guaranteed date to see her being October 26. Edinburgh Zoo said: "Haggis, our much-loved pygmy hippo, will soon be moving to another zoo to play her important part in the international breeding programme for this endangered species." Haggis achieved internet fame after being born at the zoon on October 30, 2024, thanks to a global obsession with pygmy hippos sparked by viral hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. She featured on NBC's Saturday Night Live and even received a public apology from Greg James after she was called 'not cute' on his BBC Radio 1 show. In December, we told how Haggis was pictured making a splash during a winter swim in an adorable new photo. The animal, who was eight weeks old at the time, was snapped frolicking in the pool during a daily swimming session, under the watchful eye of mum Gloria. The wintry temperatures haven't stopped Haggis from getting the hang of swimming, which is vital for the endangered hippo species to keep their skin moist and regulate their temperature . Native to West Africa, it is estimated there are only 2,500 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild . Hoofstock team leader Jonny Appleyard at Edinburgh Zoo told the BBC earlier this year: "While Thailand's Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare . "It is great to have our own little ambassador right here in Edinburgh to connect with our visitors and help raise awareness of the challenges the species face in the wild."

Oct 23, 2025

Technology

Man and woman die in Glasgow flat fire after five people taken to hospital

A man and a woman have died after a fire broke out at a set of flats in Glasgow. Emergency crews raced to Hughenden Lane in Hyndland at around 10.20pm on Monday following reports of a fire. Nine Scottish Fire and Rescue Service appliances and high reach appliance attended the scene to battle the blaze. Five people were taken to hospital for the effects of smoke inhalation. Officers have now confirmed that a man and a woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin are aware. The fire is not believed to be suspicious, and no criminality has been established. Police taped off an area around the back of the building as officers, who were still at the scene on Wednesday, cordoned off the area. In photographs taken from the scene , debris from the fire could be seen underneath a window in the car park. A fire investigation team could be seen in attendance, while a local appeared to be carrying flowers to lay outside the home. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of a fire at a property in Hughenden Lane, Hyndland in Glasgow around 10.20pm on Monday, October 20, 2025. Emergency services attended, and a man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin are aware. "Five people were taken to hospital for the effects of smoke inhalation. The fire is not believed to be suspicious, and no criminality has been established." A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.13pm on Monday, October 20 to reports of a fire within a block of flats on Hughenden Lane in Glasgow. “Operations Control mobilised nine fire appliances and a high reach appliance to the scene. One fire appliance currently remains in attendance.” A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 22.18 on October 20 to attend an incident on Hughenden Lane, Glasgow. "Five ambulances, a paramedic response unit and two trauma teams were dispatched to the scene. Three patients were transported to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, two patients to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and one patient was treated at the scene.”

Oct 23, 2025

Technology

6ft shark discovered washed up near shore on Scots coast

A huge six-foot shark has been discovered washed up dead on rocks in Caithness. Annemarie Simpson, 40, was left stunned after she discovered the porbeagle shark while out walking in Wick. Annemarie, who is from nearby Papigoe, was travelling along a scenic coastal route when she discovered the beast at around 4.30pm on Wednesday. In pictures shared with the Record, the bloodied animal could be seen laid on an area of flat rocks near the shore. The social care assistant measured the shark at five feet 10 inches before reporting the find to marine authorities. Speaking to the Record, Annemarie said: "We live in Papigoe and walk this route daily. It’s not uncommon to find a porpoise or a Risso's dolphin on the shore in Caithness - but a porbeagle shark, although known in our waters, is definitely a much rarer find onshore. "I often look at the shore to see what’s been washed in but it's usually just rope, wood and creels but I spotted a fin on the rocks, its tail was vertical indicating a shark rather than the more commonly found porpoise or risso so excitedly I called to my partner Kev and we went to explore a bit closer. "I presume it washed up already dead it is very fresh. There’s no obvious wounds. I suspect the blood is from being thrown on the rocks and in the early stage of decomposition." Porbeagle sharks are among the most powerful marine predators found in northern Scottish waters. Native to the North Atlantic, the porbeagle is a close relative of the great white, thriving in the cool, temperate seas around the British Isles. Known for their torpedo-shaped bodies and muscular build, they are built for speed, capable of sudden bursts to chase down prey such as mackerel, herring and squid. Porbeagles are regularly recorded off the north and west coasts of Scotland, including the Pentland Firth and waters around Caithness, Orkney and Shetland . Annemarie added: "It was an exciting find and interesting to see in the flesh - although I much prefer seeing them alive in the sea where they belong. "It’s attracting a fair crowd, the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme are coming out later to take a sample to get more information on cause of death, condition and age." The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme have been contacted by the Record for comment.

Oct 23, 2025