Melanie Brickley AN inspirational teenager helping vulnerable people during lockdown and a pioneering railway worker are among those featuring in a special set of playing cards released for International Women’s Day today. Marissa Roxburgh, who combines her studies at Glasgow University with volunteering roles in her community, and Helen Catto, described as the ‘mother of Scottish soroptimism’ appear alongside 50 other influential women. The set, which comes with a booklet celebrating the lives of the women featured, were created by Melanie Brickley, a member of global women’s organisation Soroptimist International, which marks its 100th anniversary this year. “We were looking for ways to celebrate this important milestone, and I thought a pack of cards would be a great way to do that,” says Melanie, who lives in Kirkintilloch. “I thought it would allow us to commemorate the lives of 52 women.
IRN-BRU: the people’s ginger. The west of Scotland generic term for a soft drink is apt in this case, as the liquid under advisement is ginger-coloured, or rusty as some see it, in a nod to the iron alleged in the name. So, let’s clear that one up right away. Does Irn-Bru actually contain iron? Well, you may be surprised to learn that the answer is … yes! But only a tiny amount: 0.002 per cent of ammonium ferric citrate. Other ingredients of the main un-dieted, un-energised brand are: carbonated water (natch), sugar (controversial), citric acid (yummy!), flavourings (including caffeine and quinine), sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K), preservative (E211), and colourings Sunset Yellow FCF and Ponceau 4R – oh, that explains the hue (though I can’t see the expression “I fancy a can of Ponceau”).
A family have launched a desperate appeal to bring a loving caring dad home after a man they believe could be their missing father has been spotted in Glasgow nearly seven years after he vanished.
Paul Harley Jr, 37, saw a photo shared online of a man who he thinks bears a strong resemblance to his father Paul Harley Sr being assisted to shelter outside Glasgow Central Station last week.
The father-of-three, who worked as a welder for Network Rail and lived in Dumbarton, disappeared on September 28, 2014, then aged 53.
Mr Harley Jr, who lives in Coatbridge, said he has been into Glasgow city centre since the photo was shared on Facebook and spoken to two people who say they recognise the man in the image.