A grandmother living with Raac says she hopes Angus Council is “starting to listen” after a residents’ backlash reversed a plan to consider the future of their homes in secret Councillors were due to consider an options report for houses in Monifieth’s Milton Street in private The authority has 25 houses there which were built in the 1960s using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) there are also around 50 privately-owned properties in the street which could contain the potentially dangerous material Council bosses have now confirmed the options appraisal will be heard in public after a backlash from residents It will recommend the Milton Street council houses are fitted with replacement flat timber roofs. The houses are the only element of the council’s 7,770-unit housing stock where Raac was discovered the council has ruled out compulsory purchase of private homes It has promised council tenants “one-on-one meetings Grandmother Williamina Rylance previously condemned the decision to mark the options report as exempt She now intends to tune into Thursday’s full council meeting “I’m glad they seem to be starting to listen but it should never have come to the situation where they had to backtrack,” she said “Why is it that we really have to shout from the rooftops to be heard “Where is their duty of care to the people who have to live with this and who it is causing so much stress for?” She has already said the worry of the Raac situation has led her to decide not to have her grandchildren visit her home Williamina added: “I’m glad it will be discussed in public “The idea of repairing or supporting the Raac panels would never have done anyone any good “But I’m not overly thrilled that we’re not going to be having pitched roofs you hear so much about flat roofs causing problems “There are also so many homeowners that I don’t know how it is all going to work but I just think they’re making promises they’re not going to fulfil.” An Angus Council spokesperson said: “Following feedback from affected residents the main body of the paper referring to Raac was moved to a public report.” But the potential costs of the preferred option will remain under wraps “The commercial aspects around the anticipated costs of the options presented (were) removed to a separate exempt appendix,” added the council The step was taken because the information is commercially sensitive prior to seeking tenders for the work “Putting this financial information in the public domain may give an advantage to potential bidders seeking to enter into a contract with the council for works to be undertaken and prevent the council from obtaining best value,” the spokesperson said The Courier has launched our Trapped by Raac campaign to press for the issue to be debated by government We’re asking readers to sign this petition to give them a voice and get the issue to parliament Comments are currently disabled as they require cookies and it appears you've opted out of cookies on this site. To participate in the conversation, please adjust your cookie preferences in order to enable comments Monifieth High School proudly hosted a book launch event on Wednesday 29 January, to celebrate the publication of A Periodic Table of Greek Mythology a new book that features contributions from both young people and teachers at the school Led by teacher Mr Connor who has played a key role in reintroducing classics to the school’s curriculum the book includes work from eight young people and four teachers at Monifieth High School showcasing their dedication and passion for the subject raises awareness of classics and aims to make the subject more accessible to a diverse range of people “Being involved in the publication of this book is a fantastic achievement for Monifieth High School It is inspiring to see young people so engaged with the classics a subject that has shaped our understanding of history Our communications team's contact details are on our contact us page Sign up for e-news All about Angus Visit Angus Invest in Angus ANGUSalive Social media Skip A-Z links All Content © Angus Council 2025 An elderly Monifieth couple fear they are “stuck” in the home they have lived in for 60 years after it was found to have been built using Raac Jim Tait and his wife Ann have lived in their Monifieth house since 1965 They first moved in as council tenants before buying the property in the 1990s The pensioners had planned to sell the Milton Street house in order to move into a single storey retirement home in September 2023 they received a letter from Angus Council informing them their property had been identified as one of those in the region built using Raac The discovery has left the couple fearing they will no longer be able to sell their home told us: “We are on two storeys at the moment and we’re not very good on stairs at this time in our lives “Our only hope now is removing it and replacing the roof.” Raac was commonly used in the construction industry between the 1950s and 1990s concerns over its limited lifespan have prompted fears of structural collapses in extreme cases if water gets through cracks At least 26 flats and houses are known to be affected in the Monifieth area The Courier has launched our Trapped by Raac campaign to help those affected by the burgeoning crisis and have the issue debated by government We’re asking readers to sign this petition to give them a voice and get the issue to parliament Jim hired a structural engineer to inspect the property He was told a Raac panel in one of the bedrooms was showing a deflection of between 30 and 35mm The former Michelin employee now fears irreversible damage has already been done “They took off the top felt and before the laid the new one they put in blocks that gave a greater incline and allowed the water to run off quicker “But prior to that there were a number of houses in this street that had water ingress so there is no saying what damage had been done at that time.” Angus Council says private homeowners living in properties with Raac have been contacted and advice provided The local authority adds that owners may wish to contact their own professional advisors for more information A report on the issue is also expected to come before councillors in the coming weeks And whilst Jim remains concerned about the future of this home he says the local authority has been willing to speak to him about the situation Angus Council are speaking to us,” he said “I’ve had email conversations and face to face contact with councillors and the housing asset manager.” “They are willing to speak to us and I don’t think we are being treated badly “They still have decisions to make though “But if it doesn’t get replaced The Monifieth Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre are under offer after being put up for sale The hotel and restaurant at Ethiebeaton Park are being sold off by owner Whitbread as part of a national plan to get rid of poorer-performing sites The site is on the market for £1.35 million and is under offer, according to the listing from Christie and Co Details of the prospective buyer have not been confirmed The hotel features 41 en-suite bedrooms while the Brewers Fayre restaurant has covers for 190 people along with a soft play area Both are still operating despite being on the market the Gourdie Croft Beefeater at the Dundee West Premier Inn has also been put up for sale The restaurant, just off Kingsway West, has an asking price £425,000 Whitbread says the sales will allow the company to invest in existing hotels and build new ones The plans – announced last year – will result in the reduction of about 1,500 roles across the company The firm has already lodged plans to demolish a Beefeater restaurant in Stirling and build additional rooms The Courier asked Whitbread for a list of all hotels and restaurants affected across Tayside Fife and Stirling but the firm said it did not have one to share Angus Council is considering replacing the roofs on 25 Raac-affected homes in Monifieth But the authority has ruled out the compulsory purchase of almost 50 privately owned houses in the town’s Milton Street And the potential cost of removing and replacing the potentially dangerous panels is being kept secret The council properties are the only ones in the authority’s stock of 7,700 homes to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) It was discovered during an inspection in 2023 after concerns emerged nationwide around the risk of Raac to homeowners An options report will go before a special meeting of the full Angus Council next week It had been due to be considered behind closed doors on Tuesday The decision to discuss the plans in secret was described by Milton Street resident Williamina Rylance as “shocking” The 59-year-old says the Raac situation has left her too worried to let her grandchildren visit. The Raac discussion was delayed by a change in the council administration after the minority SNP administration was dumped from power Angus infrastructure director Graeme Dailly reveals five options were considered for the Milton Street council houses Mr Dailly said the new flat roof option scored “significantly higher” than the other appraisal options “This would completely remove the risks associated with Raac and create a new roof insulated to current standards and with a new finish which could last for c.40 years,” he said Mr Dailly has promised council tenants will receive “one-on-one meetings clear communication and regular updates” The Monifieth development was completed in 1966 The plan will also involve talks with neighbouring private owners Letters were previously sent to private householders advising them to seek advice on the potential presence of Raac Their properties were sold under right to buy either by Dundee District Council prior to reorganisation in 1996 Mr Dailly confirmed a letter which has already gone out to Milton Street residents had informed them the compulsory purchase of privately owned homes is not being explored “We understand the uncertainty and concern for those affected,” he said “We are committed to keeping residents fully informed and supported throughout as we work towards a solution.” the cost of the replacement roofs for the council housing is being kept secret It is contained in a private report to be considered alongside the options appraisal on Thursday May 8 Mr Dailly adds: “It should be noted that there is currently no specific budget identified for Raac-related works there has been no funding identified by the Scottish Government to support such work.” The Courier has launched our Trapped by Raac campaign to help those affected by the burgeoning crisis and have the issue debated by government The corridors of Monifieth High School offered a walk down memory lane for generations of former pupils the secondary opened its doors to ex-pupils and staff for a last look round before its £66.5 million learning campus replacement is completed this summer Current staff and pupils were thrilled by the numbers who flooded back to the classroom Almost 1,000 people booked to tour the building and view video footage and photos from years gone by And many caught up with old classmates and teachers on their way round the school Construction of a new school began in 1977 and it opened to pupils two years later The open day was organised by ASN teacher Laura Cooper whose own life and career have revolved around the school Laura was a Monifieth High pupil from 2004 to 2009 became a school assistant in 2012 for ten years The weekend event also gave visitors a chance to view progress on the learning campus nearing completion next door It is on schedule to be handed over to the council in July with pupils due to move into the 1,200 capacity secondary at the start of the new school year A Monifieth grandmother living in a council property with Raac says she has stopped allowing her grandchildren to visit over fears for their safety Williamina Rylance is one of the residents on Milton Street who is living in a house  which has been found to have been built using the concrete The lightweight construction material was commonly used in floors walls and roofs across Scotland between the 1950s and 1990s And this has left Williamina fearing the worst The 59-year-old said: “I’m really depressed and anxious with this “It is eating me up constantly and it impacts my mental health every day “I don’t have my grandkids (over) now because I am worried They are all boys aged between six and 13 and it’s in the case they jump about “My whole living room- bar one panel – is bowed and I’m worried the vibration could make it worse.” She added: “My housing inspector said I could put in for a mutual exchange but I did laugh I would not want to out anybody in the same position I’m in and secondly “I don’t think the council will be helpful in getting things done any time soon I think it will be on a needs must situation I just want information that shows they are getting something done.” The Courier has launched our Trapped by Raac campaign to help those affected by the burgeoning crisis and have the issue debated by government We’re asking readers to sign this petition to give them a voice and get the issue to parliament Angus Council’s housing committee is due to meet on Thursday to discuss an options appraisal report on what work could be carried out on properties with Raac However, the press and public are likely to be excluded from viewing the debate due to the report containing “exempt information” Williamina has called on the local authority to be transparent with tenants and homeowners living in houses with Raac She said: “I want to hear the full truth and nothing but the truth We know they are looking into it but tell us what your options are “There are bound the be contingency plans so tell us rather than saying there will be a meeting and hearing nothing for months “We need to know what is being discussed and we what they are thinking.” A secret meeting to consider the future of Raac-hit houses in Monifieth has been put on hold after an Angus Council political coup opposition councillors seized control of the authority after winning a no confidence vote against the SNP administration It will see a new Conservative/Independent/Labour coalition take over the reins of the authority But it means a housing committee meeting which was set to discuss an options report on council homes in Monifieth’s Milton Street will now be put on hold The new administration has agreed Kirriemuir councillor George Meechan will be council leader Arbroath member Derek Wann is to be deputy leader other senior councillor posts such as convenerships will be set at a special meeting of the full council It is yet to be set, so all of the council’s scheduled committee meetings have been suspended Those include this Thursday’s housing committee Monifieth SNP councillor Beth Whiteside raised the Raac issue during Tuesday’s showdown meeting which ended her party’s grip on Angus control “I think the residents of the affected properties might be really disappointed that this could be the result of this meeting,” she said More than 20 tenants are living under the shadow of the potentially dangerous material the council inspected its entire stock of 7,700 council houses Only the Milton Street properties were found to contain Raac However, the council said another 24 council homes were “not of concern” at that time Engineers are regularly monitoring their condition almost 50 private homeowners were written to urging them to seek expert advice over the possibility of Raac in their property The secrecy surrounding Milton Street contrasts with options around Storm Babet-hit homes in Brechin Around 60 council houses still lie empty in the worst affected area of River Street since the October 2023 disaster Public consultation sessions on the future of the wrecked homes have already taken place Those followed the publication of expert reports on options which include a £17m price tag to rebuild the properties Earlier this month, the council warned no definite decision on the recovery plan will be taken when a follow-up report is presented to councillors in May Angus Council was asked why the Brechin report was considered in public while the Monifieth paper is to be taken in private It said the paper was exempt from publication under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 It includes “information relating to any particular occupier or former occupier of…accommodation provided by or at the expense of the authority.” Milton Street resident Williamina Rylance said this week she is “scunnered” by the situation “We got a letter to say they have a meeting where everything will be discussed but they didn’t tell us what they would discussing,” said Wilma Elderly residents have been moved out of a Monifieth care home after a “complex” incident involving emergency services Firefighters were called to South Grange Care Home just after 2pm on Tuesday It was initially feared there had been a gas leak at the Grange Road home with residents being safely evacuated Firefighters spent about four hours at the scene using gas monitoring equipment and a DIM unit to check for contamination No further details have been revealed on what sparked the emergency response or the evacuation operator Barchester Healthcare says an investigation is under way Some residents were initially sent to Monifieth High School before alternative accommodation was found It is not known when residents will be able to return A spokeswoman for Barchester Healthcare said: “We can confirm that all residents and staff are safe “Their wellbeing is our utmost priority “Our first area of focus is to ensure continuing care for all our residents and we are also investigating the cause “We are working closely with the authorities and taking expert advice on this complex and emerging situation “We are doing our best to keep family members updated as events happen “Any statements regarding the source are uncorroborated at this stage as the cause is being investigated “People were moved to local care homes and hospitals depending on their needs supported by staff from South Grange.” Angus Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) confirmed it was supporting residents at the nursing home A spokesperson said: “AHSCP was made aware of an incident at South Grange Care Home yesterday (Tuesday) “AHSCP is working closely with Dundee HSCP and South Grange Care Home “Following the evacuation of South Grange Care Home some residents initially went to Monifieth High School “Alternative temporary accommodation was arranged for all residents until they are able to return to South Grange.” Construction of the £66.5m Monifieth Learning Campus remains on schedule and on budget And it means Monifieth High pupils are counting down to moving into the state-of-the-art building in 2025 Work began in June 2023 and is scheduled for completion in July 2025 ready for the new school session starting in August The demolition of the existing high school building and development of external spaces is expected to be complete by summer 2026 Angus Council has funded the capital investment for the project which is part of phase two of the national Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) The council will benefit from Scottish Government revenue funding once the project is complete Designed to meet Passivhaus requirements the energy efficient campus will also be available for community use through education lets The project was awarded to Robertson Construction Tayside by Angus Council through the Procurement Hub Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2) Photographer Kim Cessford captured the latest stage of work at the Monifieth campus site – from the ground and above The daughter of a Monifieth care home resident claims elderly people were left “standing in the cold for hours” after an evacuation South Grange Care Home was locked down on Tuesday afternoon after fears there may have been a gas leak Barchester Care has since confirmed to relatives of the 79 residents that there was an issue with water contamination The operator has also apologised to residents and their relatives Residents were taken to Monifieth High School before being temporarily rehomed at other sites the daughter of one man living in the home has criticised how it was handled claims residents were left standing around in the cold and later forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor of the school She said: “The elderly people were left standing out in the cold for two to three hours “Someone had given them foil blankets but that was all “Family members couldn’t get near them because of the police cordon and at that point we had no idea where my dad was – no one from the home or (operator) Barchester was giving us any information.” her family eventually tracked her dad down to Lochleven Care Home in Broughty Ferry She said: “We had no idea where dad was “Most people didn’t know where their relatives had been taken We were then told that he was being transferred via taxi to Whitehills Hospital in Forfar – this was at 1am “We are incensed at how this was handled: the general lack of contact and information how our elderly relatives were dealt with and no apology at all over what has happened.” A letter sent to relatives by Barchester Care said water going into the home had been contaminated – and tests were being carried out to ascertain the cause It added that the earliest residents would be able to move back was Friday afternoon but more likely over the weekend or Monday A spokesperson for Barchester said it was an “incredibly complex emergency situation with minimal notice.” “It was not our decision to evacuate,” they added “But we complied with the authorities to safeguard our residents by doing so as safely and quickly as possible and we had no further access to the home except to pack up care plans and medication “But we kept relatives informed as frequently as possible with the resources we had via calls and emails although not all families were contactable “Residents were moved to local care homes and hospitals depending on their needs “All residents were accompanied by staff during transit and in their new settings “An apology to all residents and relatives has already been made as we recognise how worried they were and that we were unable to contact everyone in a timely manner all residents and staff are safe and well.” A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We were asked to attend the centre to investigate reports of a problem with water quality “There are no issues with the supply entering the property and it would appear to be a private matter contained within the building.” The owner of a bridal shop in Monifieth is to close down the business after 10 years Yvonne Watson has announced that Ivy Lane Bridal is to shut The 60-year-old established the firm in 2015 She needed bigger premises so moved to Ivy Lane’s current home five years later also came on board to form a mother-daughter team But Yvonne says the boutique will close its doors in July She posted on the shop’s Facebook and Instagram pages: “It is with great sadness that we announce the difficult decision to close Ivylane Bridal in July 2025 “This has not been an easy choice for us as we have cherished every moment spent helping you and all our brides find their perfect dresses and create unforgettable memories “We are incredibly grateful for the support and love from our wonderful community customers and the community over the years “I want to reassure you and all of our brides that all outstanding orders will be fulfilled “If your dress is stored with us we are happy to keep all stored dresses until we close.” The Courier saw Yvonne and Rebekah at work helping brides find the perfect wedding dress Yvonne said at the time: “Sometimes bridal shops are seen as snooty and a bit frightening We just try our best to find the right dress for every bride.” Today’s announcement also sought to reassure current clients that they would continue to be looked after for the next five months “We have reached out to you and all of our brides to reassure them during this transition,” Yvonne added “We want to ensure that everyone feels supported and informed as we move forward and we are committed to making this process as smooth as possible “Thank you for your understanding and continued support “We will continue to provide our services until our final day “Thank you for being part of our journey “If you have any worries or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out.” The shop sells a range of designer gowns that can cost up to £2,200 But prices are now being slashed as Yvonne tries to shift the remaining stock before closing She added: “We are continuing to accept orders for the upcoming month and are thrilled to offer a 20% discount on all new orders “We have an extensive collection of wedding gowns all at reduced prices with everything having up to 70% off the original price “This is a great opportunity to find anything you still need for your special day while taking advantage of significant savings “We are happy to help you create beautiful memories and make your vision come to life.” inside Monifieth’s new community centre has quickly become a favourite with locals since opening its doors last week I visited with my mum and two enthusiastic dogs and we were treated to a delightful blend of scenic views the reason for the cafe’s instant popularity was evident –  its prime location The cafe is right by the beach and surrounded by sprawling green spaces, the Blue Seaway park and a wonderful view over the Tay to Tentsmuir Forest in Fife my dogs enjoyed a spirited romp on the grass and along the sandy shore making friends with other canine visitors and anyone who would give them a pat with expansive windows offering stunning views Despite being newly opened, MAC Café was buzzing with energy – families I opted for the smashed avocado on gluten-free brown toast paired with a fried egg and slow-roasted tomato My mum went for scrambled eggs on sourdough toast with a generous portion of crispy bacon and the same slow-roasted tomato with sweet and savoury pancake stacks and crunchy granola I was very tempted by the hearty breakfast hashes – including bean and sausage hash My smashed avocado was everything I hoped for: creamy The fried egg was cooked just right for me – slightly runny – and the homemade slow-roasted tomato offered a delicious sweetness mum’s scrambled eggs were velvety and rich sitting on a thick slice of sourdough toast But it was the bacon that stole the show for her – crispy and bursting with flavour Her initial doubts about finishing the generous portion quickly disappeared and she happily declared it the best bacon she’d had in ages Both our coffees – a flat white and a cappuccino – were excellent they passed mum’s rather particular coffee-loving tastes we couldn’t resist browsing MAC Café’s display of baked goods From indulgent cheesecakes to a towering sourdough croissant and an apple and walnut sponge the selection was as enticing as the breakfasts while I nabbed the huge sourdough croissant MAC Café’s setting is a big part of its charm a sprawling play park is great to tire the kids out making the café a convenient and delicious pitstop after a workout And while there was a slight wait for our food due to the number of customers we were happy to relax and enjoy the stunning views and lively atmosphere Whether you’re looking for a leisurely breakfast this dog-friendly gem is sure to become a favourite for locals and those further afield They are currently open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday while they find their feet with a view to opening at weekends from sometime in March 10am-4pm – opening weekends from sometime in March Nestled in the historic St Rule’s Church offers a captivating experience blending local heritage with warm community spirit I wasn’t sure what to expect as the photos on Facebook didn’t give much away but I was stunned on arrival by the classy entrance as we climbed the steps to the B-listed Gothic building and soft lighting create an almost sacred atmosphere honouring the church’s original character while making it feel welcoming and lively large statement chairs – I want to sit in them all I think I did – a ginormous Christmas tree and a grinning owner who is also renovating the old church hall next door to live in welcomed us to a large table and handed us beautifully designed menus while we still stared around ourselves agog restaurateur and cookbook author she has unique insight and I had never seen her so quiet as she took in her marvellous surroundings who spent 35 years in the corporate world and had always dreamed of doing something like this shared her joy in reimagining the space: “It’s taken two years to open “And we are still learning and making tweaks every day I chose a Greek salad and a tuna baked potato from the varied menu while mum opted for the grilled chicken Caesar salad – and I really felt for the chef at that point as mum is particular about her Caesar salads Up some steps and beneath two wonderful stained-glass windows is another seating area with smaller tables and the odd luxurious seat or sofa covered in wild and gorgeous designs The walls are covered in colourful local art for sale and we could peek through to the kitchen from up there where 18-year old chef Lewis Finnie was hard at work We also found a kid’s area with wee tables whose only brush with hospitality was a stint working in the Wellgate’s BHS café as a 16-year-old is thrilled with the reception from the community though she notes that the concept initially took some adjusting to What is it?’ We’re trying to offer something different – a place for gathering that isn’t quite like anything else here,” she explained we reached out to engage the community from early on,” she said She recalled a memorable interaction with a local resident who had visited the café shortly after its opening So many locals will have memories of the church and one lady who came in to make a booking said it was her mum’s church She just lives up the road and has plans for many visits St Rule’s was closed under a previous merger and was replaced by the award-winning £2.3 million Monifieth Parish Church building Every detail in the design of the new Monifieth café pays homage to the past including the preserved choir gates and other original church elements The pulpit stood where we now place the Christmas tree and pews filled the entire area where people now gather over coffee.” One distinctive element of The Culdee is the bathroom décor which features fixtures made from reclaimed pews is one of my favourite touches,” Gillian said “I always judge a place on their toilets.” In addition to the open seating area, The Culdee includes a private meeting room which Gillian says is perfect for intimate events or group gatherings Gillian’s affection for preserving the building’s heritage is apparent particularly in the careful attention paid to its historical features She points out one stained-glass window that serves as a tribute to those who fought in World War Two “There’s one for those who lived and one for those who died Perhaps one of the most intriguing pieces of history within The Culdee is a replica of a Pictish stone “The original was discovered here long ago and is now in the National Museum in Edinburgh,” Gillian explains known for their dedication to community and spirituality A fitting homage for a venue that invites people to connect and enjoy the wonder of Monifieth’s history lunch and sharing boards each served at different times of the day and offers a mix of comfort food and healthier options The full breakfast may suit some on a Saturday morning whereas other will be delighted to find they serve overnight oats and smoothie bowls The lunches range from indulgent dishes like fish finger sandwiches and macaroni cheese to salads that leave you feeling full up large chunks of quality feta with lots of olives and chunks of crunchy salad The baked potato was served with an unnecessary but the tuna filling was seasoned perfectly and the potato was lovely and light on the inside with crisp skin Mum’s grilled chicken Caesar salad was met with but more quiet ensued and she got through the lot “I’m often disappointed by Caesar salads but not today – this one was fantastic!” she said “The chicken breast came in generous tender slices that were absolutely delicious all coated with a gorgeous Caesar dressing And then came a delightful surprise: good-sized pieces of beautifully roasted ham that added just the right touch of salty flavour For drinks we had a cappuccino and a flat while and mum didn’t do her regular horrified face as the first sip of coffee – so that is a very good sign It was too early for one of their lovely cocktails or a selection from their fantastic wine list Mum’s Lemon Lush was delightful and refreshing with just enough lemon for flavour but no sharpness And the flower on top added some fancy flair My Chilli Mango Spritz was a stunning orange colour but had little too much chilli which they will be working on for future customers – so do try it as the flavours were wonderful We plan to return to the Monifieth café for wine and a sharing board on an afternoon a healthy breakfast after a beach walk and any other opportunity we can think of The opening of the new Monifieth McDonald’s has been cancelled at the last minute due to a lack of a council certificate The outlet had been due to open at 11am today (Tuesday) after being rebuilt following a huge fire just over a year ago The Courier was given an exclusive look inside the restaurant as franchisee Nick McPartland prepared to welcome customers back it has now been confirmed the new Monifieth McDonald’s will not open until Thursday at the earliest as the council cannot attend until then to inspect the building and issue an occupancy certificate Nick would not be drawn on who was to blame for the delay but told The Courier: “Unfortunately our restaurant is not in a position to open for business today as originally planned “This is due to an outstanding occupancy certificate that is still to be issued by Angus Council “Council inspectors will now visit the restaurant and we fully expect to be open from around 11am on Thursday “I apologise to all our customers who were planning to visit our premises on Tuesday and we now look forward to welcoming them from Thursday onwards.” An Angus Council spokesperson said: “It is unfortunate that McDonald’s was unable to open today because their agents did not complete and submit the required legal documentation in time “Once all required information is received and assessed Angus Council staff will prioritise this matter to enable opening as soon as possible “This includes conducting necessary inspections and obtaining legally required documents to ensure the public’s safety “Angus Council staff have been in regular contact with McDonald’s regarding the requirements for completing the statutory process.” Graeme Ogg was shaving one morning when he first noticed a small pea-sized lump just under his jaw The 48-year-old from Monifieth says it wasn’t sore and initially he didn’t think it was anything too concerning decided to mention it to his neighbour who is a doctor and she advised him to make an appointment with his dentist to get it checked out “I saw my dentist who thought it might be a blocked salivary gland and I was advised to go home and suck a lemon,” he explains “The lemon would clear whatever was causing the blockage and then it would be fine “But I ended up going back and forth to the dentist a few times “I was given a few courses of antibiotics and eventually referred to Dundee Dental Hospital.” He continues: “They did an x-ray and from there I was referred to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee “I had an ultrasound and a biopsy from the lump was taken but it proved to be inconclusive “So they ended up taking another biopsy “Initially they thought the lump was secondary and that I might have a tumour in my brain.” After further tests were carried out including CT, MRI and PET scans, Graeme was diagnosed with high grade B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) – a type of blood cancer The former Royal Marine sergeant reveals how the experience has affected him and changed his outlook on life In December 2023 Graeme discovered the lump while he was shaving he had had a few dental appointments and he remembers feeling very fatigued He was also having a lot of night sweats and had lost weight “By this point I had had a few courses of antibiotics from the dentist and been to the dental hospital “But I just knew something was wrong “I was referred to Ninewells Hospital where I had some scans done “Then in March 2024 my wife Lynne and I went to see an oncologist “I remember him saying to me: ‘Right Graeme we’ve got good news and bad news “‘The bad news is you’ve got high grade B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma “‘But the good news is that it’s treatable’.” “I had a feeling it might be cancer so when I got the diagnosis it was a relief to find out exactly what it was,” he says “I first found the lump in December 2023 and since then we had been trying to find out what it was “And this was now towards the end of March the following year so it was a relief “But the diagnosis still came as a shock “While I have had injuries and broken bones “So Lynne and I were devastated with the news.” Graeme decided not to tell his sons Spencer about his suspicions it might be cancer until he was officially diagnosed “We didn’t want to tell them what was going on without a path out and what the treatment was going to be,” he explains “We held off telling them as long as we could.” He adds: “We didn’t tell the rest of the family until we could say exactly what type of cancer it was and what the treatment plan was going to be.” Graeme was given positive news when it came to his cancer treatment “My consultant told me because I had been so persistent in going back and forward to the dentist and the doctor I was in the 10 per cent of people who had caught the cancer really early “He said this meant I would only need four sessions of chemotherapy.” In April 2024 Graeme started his treatment and he had chemotherapy every 21 days over the next few months at Ninewells Hospital “Within two weeks of my first chemo session I woke up one morning and couldn’t understand why there was all this hair on my pillow “We initially thought the cat had been sleeping where I sleep in the bed “But when I went into the shower and washed my hair it all came out “The following day we got Spencer to shave the rest of it off My hair only started coming back in at the end off November.” Three weeks after his chemotherapy finished “I was absolutely delighted to get this news “But I was told that this is a disease which has a 60 to 80 per cent chance of returning so they wanted to give me radiotherapy treatment “They said they could understand if I didn’t want it but they suggested I have the radiotherapy the dad-of-two went on to have 15 sessions of radiotherapy at Ninewells “After the sessions finished Lynne bought me a bright red bell which I rang to say I was now in remission.” Graeme took around 10 months off his arboriculture business to focus on his recovery and regain his strength “I enjoyed being back at work but I was absolutely shattered,” he says “The first two weeks were a bit clunky because –  Jack Renton and works for me – and I hadn’t worked together for the best part of a year “It’s the kind of work you have to build back up to to be capable again for all her support throughout his illness “Lynne has been amazing and my sons have been brilliant too “My mum and brother Stuart have also been really good – picking me up and dropping me off for chemo He continues: “When you are told you have cancer you are suddenly faced with your own mortality “It’s not pleasant to be in that position and I wouldn’t wish chemo or radiotherapy on my worst enemy “It was horrible and I never want to go through it again – which why I opted for the radiotherapy.” He adds: “It’s been a bit of a scare but hopefully we are now through it and out the other end “Life is too short so now I am really focused on my family and I just want to make sure my wife and my boys are ok.” A car flipped over after crashing in Monifieth on Saturday afternoon Emergency crews were called to the collision on High Street just before 1pm Police closed the road between Tay Street and Well Street following the crash Residents told of hearing a “loud bang” before looking out to see a white car overturned on the pavement One nearby resident said:  “There was a loud bang just outside the window when I went for a look a car was sitting upside-down on the pavement “Lots of people quickly gathered around the vehicle and it looked like everyone got out okay “An ambulance was here checking everyone over but it left soon after “It could have been so much worse.” A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called to a single-vehicle crash in Monifieth at 12.54 “One appliance arrived from Balmossie Fire Station to make the scene safe.” Police Scotland has been contacted for more information A Monifieth mum is on a mission to help women “feel their best” with a new hair and beauty salon opens the new salon on Mortimer Drive this Tuesday (April 1) The former Dundee College student has worked in several salons in the area over more than 20 years and is now bringing all her experience to her own venture told The Courier: “I have been in the hair extensions industry for over 20 years “I previously opened my little salon but after having my third child and discovering he needed extensive speech therapy after a difficult birth I decided to concentrate on him and my other children I worked within Charlie Taylor in Dundee and Partners in Broughty Ferry and I still have great friendships with them “My husband and I have recently moved home and I had to make a decision about where I wanted to work from “Chris mentioned his friend from his work at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had opened up a beautiful high-end tanning salon in Monifieth and he had the perfect space available right next door for me to open my own salon “As soon as I saw it I knew it felt right and within a few weeks I had my sign up and was organising my open night.” Ashley says she has clients who travel from as far as Perth She has spent an “extensive amount of money” to transform what was formerly an empty shell into her new salon She said: “People who know me and remember Glamour will know exactly what to expect “I run my business like a home-from-home “My clients over the years have become friends I’m known for my life coach attitude and need to listen to people and offer advice and hugs “I feel strongly about women knowing their worth and feeling their best women often feel guilty for spending money on themselves “Seeing your dream hair materialise right in front of you is cathartic and often emotional “Ashley Hutton Hair Extensions and Beauty is a safe place where women from all walks of life and all ages can come together and exhale knowing they will be leaving with a bounce in their step.” Ashley is also hosting an open night at the salon on Friday (April 4) Traffic was at a “standstill” between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth Drivers faced delays eastbound on the A930 Ferry Road on Friday afternoon It is thought the timing of traffic lights was a cause of the hold-ups drivers reported queues from Orchar Park to Grange Road One witness told The Courier: “Traffic is queued all the way between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth “You join the queue just after Orchar Park and it’s nose to tail all the way to the Grange Road traffic lights entering Monifieth “You’re only moving a couple of car lengths at a time “There’s nothing obvious holding the traffic up but the lights aren’t letting many cars through at a time “It might be a combination of Christmas traffic and folk avoiding Balgillo but it’s a bit of a nightmare and you’re in for a long wait if you’re in the queue.” It was suspected some drivers were unaware that Balgillo Road reopened on Friday after being closed for renewal work Rev Donald Fraser delivered the sermons to Monifieth South Church’s congregation for 49 years But his ministry was far from a solo effort when I speak to 90-year-old Donald about his life in the church He tells me they met at a rugby dance at Aberdeen University when Donald was 20, studying at Christ’s College and a tremendously good team,” he smiles “What a great help she was in my ministry “She was very involved with the Sunday School and she ran the Women’s Guild – do they still have those “She was very good at that with me as well.” And among the congregation of the Monifieth South church which was one of the three which merged to become the united Monifieth Parish Church “She helped to start the sale of goods in front of the church hall and she was well known – but she wasn’t at the front counter!” Donald recalls “She was at the back making pancakes and everyone would come and ask for them made different ways.” but Donald says she taught much more than her subject “She taught me about life and relationships by being a great wife and mother grew up in the manse attached to the church Was there ever any rebellion or complaining about sitting through Sunday services they enjoyed going to church and mixing with the other kids,” Donald recalls as well as being part of Christian commitment “Nicky even became an elder when she was older She could have gone on to be in the ministry herself but after my retirement she became very active in the church.” And the ‘kids’ got to watch their dad navigate the burgeoning community for which they had taken responsibility “The minister who was looking after things before I came in there’s not much prospect of an increase in population,” recalls Donald because Monifieth became the fastest growing small borough in Scotland “The congregation went from under 500 to over 700 it had to be moved to a hall down the road!” Donald was inspired to become a minister as a very young man and he credits his father as being a strong role model in his faith very committed Christian,” he explains “I grew up going to church every Sunday and my father was everything – session clerk but quickly decided that ministry was the right path for him after all he did his probationary year at Dunfermline Abbey it was on to his “own little church” in Monifieth at the age of 24 three of the churches in the area decided to unite,” says Donald proudly “I stayed in the union for three years until the age of 77 when I retired.” One of the highlights of Donald’s ministry has been getting to perform baptisms and wedding ceremonies alongside his brother Ian “Jock” Fraser who often accompanied by playing the organ or accordion “Baptisms were my favourite,” he admits “I almost managed to get through them without weeping but nothing is better than new life coming into the world and being part of that.” However, some of his most special memories are of the family weddings he’s performed over the years “I had great pride in conducting the marriage of my daughter “I remember meeting her on the pavement as she came out in front of the church going up towards the manse and waiting there with her mum Donald also ministered his son Alastair’s wedding in 2015 so we gained some lovely step-grandchildren,” Donald says And most recently, at the age of 89, he took on the dual role of grandad and minister at grand-daughter Iona’s wedding to Callum Wood at Bachilton Barn, near Methven the reverend only performed weddings in his own church he’s enjoyed doing them in scenic venues like barns and castles “You do feel very proud to do the family ones,” he smiles “You do it as you would do any other wedding of course their dog Honey brought the rings up the aisle – they were tied to her she didn’t like people being on either side of her Other than seeing his “beautiful” granddaughter marry her husband a highlight of the day for Donald was an unexpected exchange with the piper “I was thanking him for doing the piping when he looked at me suddenly and said: ‘I know you “I used to be a chaplain for the local primary schools and I loved it I loved the teaching,” recalls Donald “And I devised a series of stories about ducks illustrated by plastic ducks I took with me and he would learn to swim and all sorts of things “And that was a really lovely moment of connection to the ministry.” After the three Monifieth churches united, Donald and Nan stayed in the South Manse for a while before buying a house in Broughty Ferry And Donald still attends the united church as a member where he can see the legacy of his family’s commitment living on “I attended the induction of the new minister not so long ago,” he says “There’s a lot of committed people A Monifieth McDonald’s restaurant is set to reopen more than a year after a horror fire The Ethiebeaton Park outlet is being rebuilt with a projected opening date of December 3 The fast food restaurant was left in ruins following the fire in the early hours of November 21 2023. Fire crews spent more than 10 hours tackling the blaze, which started after a fault in an ice machine inside the diner. Plans to rebuild the fast-food store were approved earlier this year, and work began in August. told The Courier: “The restaurant is now watertight so work can start on the inside and I expect everything will start coming together pretty rapidly now “December 3 has been set as the projected opening date and I’m very confident we make that target.” who runs several other outlets in the area said it’s been an “uncertain year” for everyone involved so to lose 25% of the business had a massive impact there were around 120 members of staff who had to be relocated to other restaurants “Unfortunately some part-time staff left due to increased journey times however people have got back in touch when building work started at the site “When we reopen the Monifieth restaurant will employ around 95 members of staff which will rise to previous levels within a couple of months.” He also thanked Angus Council for their support as the project nears completion it’s incredible we are planning to reopen the franchise just over a year after the fire “Angus Council has been incredibly supportive of the plans considering the amount of work required “We look forward to welcoming customers back at the Monifieth restaurant.” who runs WellGround Coffee Co in Monifieth with her husband Trevor “It’s something that I’ve always really wanted to do,” she says a coffee van – isn’t that everybody’s ideal job “Having a coffee van on a beach is a dream.” but helps out at the coffee truck when she can She plans to join Trevor in the coffee truck once she retires “We were mulling it over,” says Nikki “But then a van came up for sale and we thought “We get to meet amazing people along the way “The community is incredibly supportive.” The Broughty Ferry to Monifieth cycle path – plus Trevor’s wealthy supply of banter – help to encourage repeat visitors has worked in hospitality much of his life He spent two years renovating the food truck into the colourful mobile eatery it is today “It’s a lot of fun,” he says “It is nice interacting with people all day we get grannies coming to sit here [at the outside tables] “They come and they sit in the freezing cold Nikki adds: “This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our boys “All four of them have helped us enormously “They have given up their time freely and made it a whole family success really.” I tried some of the tasty bakes available at the Rooney’s coffee truck I tasted the Millionaire’s Shortbread (£2.60) and a layer of caramel underneath is an excellent sugary treat while you’re on the go I also tried the Empire Biscuit (£2.30) from WellGround Coffee Co The layer of jam on this is incredibly sweet and the icing isn’t at all bland which I find often the case with Empire Biscuits This chunky bake is an old favourite for a reason This is a lovely light bake which is far from dense The sweet custard is settled in a nest of buttery pastry The custard has a crème brûlée-like quality burnt – in a good way – in places adding a delicious crunch to every mouthful Monifieth’s new £66.5 million pound high school campus remains on schedule and on budget In a bang up-to-date progress report on the under-construction learning campus Angus councillors were assured progress on the authority’s biggest ever infrastructure project is firmly on track But it brought an early note of caution the timing of the build might mean an exams flit for pupils next spring It would avoid the youngsters having to sit Highers and other exams beside a busy building site Otherwise construction crews might have to down tools on the busiest exam days Work is progressing well on the new high school and community campus beside the existing secondary Robertson Construction started the 24-month build last summer The new building is scheduled for completion in July 2025 It incorporates an early years facility and swimming pool alongside the 1,200-pupil replacement high school Angus education director and interim deputy chief executive Kelly McIntosh briefed members on progress at the latest full council meeting She said: “The plan is on time and on budget “However this is the time when the focus of the build will see many more contractors come onto the site “It is logistically more difficult to manage and that increases the risk of slippage in the timeline.” And she added: “The next SQA examination diet next April and May also requires us to have certain conditions in the old school building for young people undergoing exams at that time “So that will be another pinch-point,” said Ms McIntosh “We’re looking at whether we can have other buildings in the Monifieth community designated as centres for examinations,” she added “That’s not quite as simple as it sounds “So that’s another time when we might lose a few days on big examination days But otherwise everything is on track.” The high school decant is programmed for July next year Demolition of the current Monifieth High will then take place as part of the year-long second phase of the project In May, Angus finance director Ian Lorimer revealed a developer contribution boost for the project He said revised housebuilder contribution which the council seeks for infrastructure upgrades was closer to £5m than the originally projected £2.7m A recent study by The Courier revealed the present Monifieth High to be close to its 1,060-pupil capacity This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Gillian Noble never intended to buy a church But that changed when a landmark building in Monifieth appeared on the market during her hunt for a venue to open a cafe – her dream after 35 years in the financial services industry “I always had a drive to do something a bit more creative than investments,” she says I was looking for a property that might be in keeping with that type of thing “I thought it would be something more like a little unit on the High Street – just like a normal kind of little coffee shop – but it developed when we saw this building And the windows are just spectacular.” Gillian bought St Rule’s Church on Church Street for £143,000 in the summer of 2022 Two years and a £260,000 renovation project later she is now running The Culdee – a cafe Its name references a monk settlement believed to be on the site from 600 AD up to the Reformation The gorgeous new joint – which features a gleaming baby grand piano and sparkling chandeliers – opened shortly before Christmas Following a full strip-out conducted by Gillian’s husband Simon and some friends the six-month renovation was led by Dundee property developer West Development The team worked closely with architect Daryl Barr of Gauldie Wright & Partners and quantity surveyor Ross Howie of Howie Construction Limited to create Gillian’s vision probably more so than everybody would have wanted,” she chuckles “But when it is your baby and you’re trying to get this really high-end feel on a budget you just have to be there for all the decisions and physically getting stuck in and getting whatever you can done “So I’ve been kind of hands-on all the way through.” “I wanted to be really sympathetic to the building and enhance the features that are already here,” she says an elegant events space and a meeting room for corporate gatherings The walls are covered in stunning artwork by local artists which customers can buy And among the antique furniture and tumbling plates of comfort food are charming reminders of the building’s history including the old pulpit and a replica of a stone cross Sustainability has been at the centre of The Culdee‘s transformation “It evolved into a piece of work that used a lot of the church materials,” says Dundee-born Gillian “Whether it be old choir gates or ecclesiastical panels that were sitting about – we’ve reused them some of the handrails and our shelving are made out of pew seats “The hand basin unit in the bathroom is crafted from an original pew “It’s all really skilfully done without feeling like a museum.” the majority of furniture in the building has been bought from Dundee auction house Curr & Dewar and Facebook marketplace “A lot of our tables are effectively what might have been your granny’s old dining table,” she laughs “Often you will find auction houses have got these beautiful big tables – and no one’s got anywhere to put them.” Gillian also reupholstered much of the furniture herself including updating the fabric on second-hand chairs “Everything’s ended up being quite kind of vintage and it’s got a really nice feel about the place.” She adds: “All the colours we’ve used really set off the amazing stained glass windows.” Perhaps the jewel in the crown of the 1812 building so it wasn’t a choice to keep them – but when we saw them there was never any question that they would absolutely be maintained and preserved The Culdee, which employs a team of 10, has been flat out since it opened in November. “The customers have all been 99.9% delighted,” Gillian says “Many of the old parishioners are overwhelmed that we’ve kept so much of the original building and tried to lift it Gillian is already thinking about what she might do next – namely with the unused upstairs gallery space “I think there’s a possibility that we’ll go down the retail route – maybe interiors “But we’ll play about with that idea before we decide.” Not to mention, she and Simon, parents to 12-year-old son Seb, have recently launched their second renovation journey.  “We’ve bought the neighbouring building and we’re converting that into a house “We like a project and we like these beautiful buildings “The purchase of them is quite good value for money – it’s the renovation works that cost an absolute bomb “We are living there with no heating at the moment.” The owners of Monifieth care home Tigh-Na-Muirn have sold the business Peter and Carol Philip opened the home in 1991 but instructed a confidential sale as they look to retire It occupies a converted mansion house and garden wing set in two acres of secluded gardens Selling agents Christie & Co said it had been sold to a national operator Records at Companies House identifies Tigh-Na-Muirn Limited’s new directors as Sachin and Samit Unadkat They already operate several care homes across Britain and have incorporated a new company which now owns the majority of Tigh-Na-Muirn Limited’s shares A statement from Mr and Mrs Philip said: “It is a wrench to pass on the home as we have owned and run it for 33 years we are passing it on to the new owners with a marvellous management team and staff and wish them every success.” The property was sold for an undisclosed price Martin Daw, senior director at Christie & Co, said: “I first visited Tigh-Na-Muirn in 2007 and was immediately impressed by the quality of the environment and care provided “The home has stood out from the hundreds of homes I have seen over my career “No expense was spared in providing a luxury hotel-style care home with the owners always looking ahead to source the best technology and care approaches to enhance the lives of the residents “I can honestly say I am proud and delighted to have helped Mr and Mrs Philip retire I look forward to seeing how the home continues to develop under the new ownership.” The most recent Care Inspectorate report in May 2023 rated Ting-Na-Muirn as “very good” across five categories I’ve wanted to be an architect,” Matthew Wilde tells me and when I was younger and the competition was going for an architect to design the V&A he would take me to the open days to see all the projects “He would buy me the latest architecture books “And he would talk to me about his time as a student at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design “That kind of started my interest in architecture.” Monifieth-born Matthew has graduated with a degree in architecture from Dundee University (where he won student of the year) gained a master’s in the subject from Yale University (where he was also a teaching fellow) and is now designing townhouses in New York Upon learning his age I can’t help but say this makes me feel under-accomplished (I am 28) which earns a bashful laugh So how does a former DC Thomson paper boy and Monifieth High School student get here who is speaking to me on the phone from his home in Brooklyn says every art project at school was an opportunity to throw himself into architecture This led him to Dundee University where he completed a three-year bachelor’s degree in the subject During this time he won a list of accolades that would exceed the character count on LinkedIn the Interior Design Award and the Institute of Architecture Student Award He was also nominated for the Architects’ Journal Student Prize in 2019 it was fun,” he says modestly of his university experience This teed him up perfectly for a role working at award-winning Dublin architecture firm working on museums and university buildings Then he got into Yale School of Architecture for a two-year master’s degree I ask if the Connecticut-based university (he calls it “grad school”) lives up to the hype There’s lots of very interesting architecture there I would say smarter than myself – by far – and just very switched on.” He emphasises this fact with an anecdote about his stressful first attempt at coding and they’ve been coding since the age of 14 and I’m just like – ‘this is insane.'” The architecture course itself is “intense” exhibitions on the weekends and educational trips to Mexico You need to really want to be there,” Matthew says And he clearly did – a fact that wasn’t missed by his professor and esteemed New York architect Steven Harris. After graduating from Yale, Matthew landed a job working for his company, where he is currently designing two townhouses in the posh Upper East Side He is also working on an extension to an existing project in the Hamptons – a luxury seaside resort on Long Island Funnily enough, this “aspirational” project has taken inspiration from the Scottish Parliament, designed by Spanish architect Enric Miralles “We’re designing it almost like a floating boat on top of a building,” he says Does Matthew – who was raised by mum Laura – enjoy living in New York “It is an absolute whirlwind of everything – it’s so busy “They make it seem like it’s busy in the movies “People are constantly moving around And they are as angry as you think they are Everyone’s incredibly focused on what they want to do.” And it seems like the perfect place to be for an up-and-coming architect “There is so much going on in terms of the art world and in terms of architecture There’s a different exhibition on every weekend.” I just couldn’t believe how quiet things were.” he took some friends from Yale up to the Highlands After they asked to go on a hike – “nothing too big” – Matthew took them up Ben Nevis Maybe it’s something to do with the Scottish charm “People are definitely fascinated by you here,” Matthew says “Everyone thinks that they’re Scottish here because they’ve got some sort of heritage towards it so it definitely helps in terms of the connection “It definitely makes life easier having the Scottish accent.” Whenever Matthew comes home he tries to visit the V&A “[The waterfront] is constantly changing Like after Covid we had a beach all of a sudden!” It seems the V&A designed by award-winning Japanese architect Kengo Kuma “I’m usually a bit reserved when I say where I’m from because I always think people wouldn’t know it,” Matthew says “But a lot of architects know about Dundee now through the V&A.” He is also a fan of the Maggie’s Centre – a cancer support centre near Ninewells Hospital – designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry It’s one of the buildings his architect uncle “I feel like a bit of me will always want to come home but I definitely don’t think there’s any time soon,” he says “I love the idea of coming back and designing a piece of architecture in Dundee “I would love to do a cultural building – a museum or a university building A Fife care home was criticised for its “dirty” kitchen floor and a Monifieth childminder’s dog was found playing with kids’ toys in the latest care inspections The Courier has taken a closer look at the most recent Care Inspectorate reports for Tayside The organisation is the watchdog for the care industry and inspects providers such as care homes and childcare services to ensure they meet standards The watchdog grades services on key areas including wellbeing leadership and staffing on a six-point scale where 1 is unsatisfactory and 6 is excellent Some reports were only published weeks after the inspections took place Inspectors raised concerns that the kitchen floor was “dirty and had debris which was obviously not fresh” The service’s sister home on the same grounds provided residents’ meals but the Craigie House kitchen was still used for alternative meals Inspectors said the laundry room was also not clean The Care Inspectorate also found that there were issues around the administration of pain medication and other “as required” medication The watchdog issued requirements to ensure residents’ health and welfare and improve the management of the home Inspectors were concerned about infection control after observing that “on occasion played with children’s resources” They added that the resources were not cleaned before then being used by the children The report also said the childminder should ensure the table used by children for eating was cleaned prior to use and that handwashing was “routine” Inspectors issued a requirement to be met by January 15 to update personal plans and highlighted several areas for improvement Inspectors found children experienced “high-quality care” at the Fife Council-run service They said children were “confident” and that staff were “committed to ensuring children experienced high-quality experiences and outcomes” The nursery had displays celebrating the children’s achievements with photographs Inspectors said staff were “passionate about providing high-quality care” at the housing support service They said people had “as much control as possible over their medication” and benefitted from support to make “informed health and lifestyle choices” there were some issues with nutritional intake forms Several were incomplete or completed incorrectly Inspectors issued a requirement to be completed by February 7 but added: “This serious issue should not detract from the other good care and support that was being delivered within this service.” The Care Inspectorate said staff had “warm and kind interactions” One parent told inspectors their children “never want to leave (the nursery) at home time” Parents were also invited to monthly “play and stay” sessions and had access to online learning journals inspectors did find some areas of the service were “cluttered and not well organised” They said this “reduced the ability to effectively clean and minimise the spread of infection” Other recent reports published by the Care Inspectorate are listed below (clicking will download a PDF): You can find the full inspection reports on the Care Inspectorate website You can compare and monitor care home performance using The Courier’s care home tracker The reopening of a McDonald’s restaurant in Monifieth has been delayed again after a council inspection The outlet at Ethiebeaton Park – which has been rebuilt after a fire in 2023 – had initially been due to welcome customers back on Tuesday This was pushed back to 11am today (Thursday) as the franchisee Nick McPartland waited on Angus Council to inspect the premises and issue the relevant certificates the outlet did not open as planned after “several issues” were reportedly found by the local authority Specific details have not been confirmed but the council says “public safety remains our priority” Nick says he does not know when the new Monifieth McDonald’s restaurant will open following an inspection by Angus Council earlier today we have not been able to get the required paperwork to allow us to open “McDonald’s and the local authority are working closely together to find a solution to several issues so that we can open as soon as possible “As soon as we have that required paperwork issued to us we will be able to get the restaurant open within a couple of hours “We are hoping that will be as soon as possible but as yet I have no clear indication as to when that will be.” Angus Council previously said Tuesday’s reopening had been delayed because the McDonald’s agents “did not complete and submit the required legal documentation in time” A spokesperson on Thursday: “The council continues to work closely with the company to make sure all necessary requirements are met before the restaurant opens “Public safety remains our priority.” The previous restaurant was gutted by a fire in November 2023 caused by a fault in an ice machine The Courier has already been given an exclusive look inside the new restaurant ahead of its opening Angus is set to get its first seaside sauna after councillors gave an enthusiastic response to a bid for one on Monifieth beach They hope Derrick Murdoch’s cabin could be the first of many along the Angus coast It’s a craze which has taken off in other areas Mr Murdoch’s plan went before Angus civic licensing councillors since he requires a fixed pitch street trader licence for the venture The sauna will be located on the beach near Tayview caravan park at Monifieth seafront Pauline Matthews spoke on the applicant’s behalf about the project She said their own experience had fired the Angus idea “We went for a seaside sauna in Elie several months ago,” she said “They are popping up all over the country And living in Monifieth we thought why isn’t there one on the Angus coast “We think it will be good for the health and wellbeing of Angus citizens.” The sauna is due to arrive within the next few weeks. But the committee unanimously agreed to grant the licence once officials inspect the set-up and agree it is suitable Montrose councillor Kenny Braes said: “The applicant asked why can’t we have one of these in Angus I’d be asking why we can’t have several of these “It’s an absolutely fantastic idea and much needed and welcomed “I’d also comment how glad I am to see people have a go at something “There’s no guarantees of success with this venture but we certainly shouldn’t be here to hinder you.” Councillor Gavin Nicol added: “I think it’s a good project and they’ll make a great success of it “It should go ahead and if environmental health find it’s not suitable we can put the brakes on it.” Fife has become Scotland’s seaside sauna hotspot There has been a wave of applications for local beaches And the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews plans to install a temporary unit on the edge of the West Sands when it hosts a global wellness summit next month A pair of dealers have been sentenced following a seizure of illegal drugs worth nearly £1 million in Tayside pled guilty to supplying illicit substances when they appeared at the High Court in Glasgow in May As well as an estimated £945,000 of drugs seized in Dundee and Monifieth Hayter was sentenced to 46 months in prison on Tuesday Henehan was also given a 300-hour community payback order Police said the seizures were made during intelligence-led raids on Thursday September 7 2023 “I hope it sends a message to those involved in serious and organised crime that you will be caught and made to face the consequences “There is no place for serious organised criminality in Scotland and working in partnership with other agencies and members of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce we will continue our fight against such activity to keep our communities safe.” For more local court content visit our page or join us on Facebook THE opening of a brand new McDonald's in a Scots town was scrapped at the eleventh hour today Monifieth McDonald's was set to open its doors at 11 am this morning after a major renovation The fast-food diner was demolished after a huge blaze ripped through it just over a year ago It has since been rebuilt from scratch with modern fittings its opening date has been postponed due to an outstanding council certificate The new Ethiebeaton Park restaurant cannot open without the local council inspecting the building and issuing an occupancy certificate Franchisee Nick McPartland told The Courier: "Unfortunately our restaurant is not in a position to open for business today as originally planned. "This is due to an outstanding occupancy certificate that is still to be issued by Angus Council. "Council inspectors will now visit the restaurant and we fully expect to be open from around 11am on Thursday. Angus Council has been contacted for comment We previously told of how McDonald's is proposing to open a new store in a remote Scots village where the nearest chain is over fifty miles away Elsewhere, an iconic American fast food chain has lodged plans to open its first-ever Scottish restaurant in Glasgow The fast food chain, known for its square burgers, had not been in the UK for over 20 years until its legendary return in 2021 Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click here The long journey from a condemned cabin to a sparkling new £2.3 million community hub has ushered in a new era for Monifieth As the town’s Boys’ Brigade pipe band led a symbolic march to the centre on Sunday a driving force behind the dream said it was a “momentous” day for the town Monifieth Community Resource Group chairperson Jean Lee is confident the new Monifieth Activity Centre (MAC) will become the town’s “jewel in the crown” MCRG began as a sub-group of Monifieth Community Council and acquired a condemned cabin to rent from Angus Council In 2012 it became a community centre run by MCRG But they always harboured the dream to deliver a purpose-built community hub And it has been realised in the seafront MAC. Work started on site a year ago The facility includes a 300-seat multi-use hall It will house Monifieth Library and ACCESS office when they move from the High Street Superfast wi-fi and a Changing Places toilet also feature in the hub a few minutes from the town centre Jean said: “Today is such a momentous occasion for us “It’s the realisation of a huge amount of work by a comparatively small group of dedicated and determined people “For far too long Monifieth was sadly missing a community facility somewhere we could host classes and services available in other towns in Angus “Our desire was always to have a building that would lift spirits and inspire people to live their best and healthiest lives “Light is everywhere and the vibrancy is palpable “Our professional team at AIM Design Dundee have created something very special We’re all super keen to put it to work for the community Linda Webster is already on the case with lots of ideas and plans “The MAC will very soon become the jewel in the Monifieth crown.” Finance has come from a variety of sources including the UK Government shared prosperity fund Scottish Government’s place based investment programme developer contributions via the planning process and generous awards from private funders said: “We want everyone to feel a sense of pride in where they come from and the opening of Monifieth’s Community Hub and library will help to do just that.” Scottish Government Investment Minister Tom Arthur added “This hub shows what can be achieved when a community comes together to meet the needs and aspirations of local people.” And new Angus Council leader Bill Duff described MCRG as “absolutely inspirational” It is expected to be fully operational by mid to late October Angus and Fife say their homes were shaken by a huge mystery bang on Friday Dozens of people took to social media to report hearing the noise – described as a bang explosion or rumble – just after 12.30pm The noise was reported predominantly in the Broughty Ferry and Monifieth areas Invergowrie and the north of Dundee also heard it The source of the bang has not been confirmed, but some have speculated it may have been a sonic boom – with military activity having been taking place in the area the RAF says it is unaware of any activity in the area around that time One resident in the north of Dundee said: “I’m sitting next to a window and there was a big thud that rattled the glass “We get quite a lot of lorries coming past the house so I thought it had come from one of them but then I saw comments on Facebook about it.” A woman who lives in Monifieth said that she has been left “perplexed” by the noise She said: “I heard a loud bang while I was in my kitchen and went to investigate as I thought something heavy had fallen over “I could see the neighbours coming out into the street and they all said the same sort of things one felt it was like something hit her windows and we all wondered if it was some sort of sonic boom or something at Barry Buddon (MOD training camp) “Most of the street came out but we are all perplexed as to what it was “I checked with some people at work and they had heard it in Kirkton and Barnhill too.” Many took to social media to report hearing the noise One person posted on X: “Did anyone feel an explosion/rumble in Monifieth or Broughty Ferry “Windows shook but no sign of anything.” Scores of people also said they had heard the bang on the Broughty Ferry Facebook group One said: “Heard it at the end of Monifieth A third added: “I thought something had fallen in my house – I’m in Downfield/Ardler.” with one person saying: “People heard and felt the same over in Tayport and Newport in Fife.” Another user said they had heard it in Invergowrie More than 20 Angus Council tenants are living under the shadow of potentially dangerous reinforced concrete found in one Monifieth street And another 49 private householders have been sent letters urging them to get their homes checked But Angus Council housing chiefs have assured Milton Street tenants the roofs of their homes are currently “not of concern” The council found reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in a survey of their 7,000-plus housing stock last year But officials have now updated councillors on progress in tackling the issue saying other residents have nothing to worry about It’s left local authorities facing huge repair bills for houses and other council buildings Neighbouring Perth and Kinross Council faced a £500k bill for one school alone And Dundee’s annual Raac inspection bill will be £70,000 An Angus Council council spokesperson said: “Inspections were carried out at all 26 council-owned properties in Milton Street, Monifieth “Raac was present in the roofs of 25 of these “Only one property was of immediate concern showing signs of significant movement and water ingress of the Raac roof “The tenants from this property have been moved to an alternative home “The remaining 24 properties are not of concern at the moment “But to ensure ongoing safety (they) are now the subject of either six or 12-month inspections by our structural engineers to monitor condition.” The spokesperson added: “Alongside the inspection regime we are also working on an options appraisal to consider potential remedial measures for council-owned properties “We don’t expect this to be completed before the end of March 2025 “Tenants have been updated on this by letter.” “We have also written to 49 privately-owned homes updating them on our findings within our properties “We have advised each property has to be treated on a case-by-case basis as the existing condition of any Raac panels (if present) could be different for each property “The responsibility of property maintenance falls to the owner “Angus Council cannot provide owners with property we have strongly recommended that owners have their property inspected by a suitable qualified chartered structural engineer.” It follows guidance issued by the Institution of Structural Engineers on the issue “The chartered structural engineer will be able to assess the condition of the concrete planks and give advice on any necessary mitigation works.” Kite surfing – an extreme sport involving wind a self-proclaimed beach bum from Broughty Ferry The dad-of-two spends his life chasing the best wind conditions across the globe “I lived in Thailand eight years ago and learned kite surfing from a guy called Yoda,” says Paul SUP-boarding and mountaineering… but sitting there on the beach watching these guys in Thailand I thought – that’s for me.” “I took a lump sum and redundancy and decided to get out of the rat race,” he says “I decided never to put on a shirt and tie again so these days I work as a part-time handyman – painting I teach kite surfing and enjoy a stress-free life.” Paul says kite surfing is not just a sport: it’s a lifestyle “You meet fantastic people from all walks of life He kite surfs wherever the wind blows – most often at Monifieth Paul also travels to arguably more exotic climes to get his fix – this summer “It’s a cross between two things,” Paul explains “You’ve got a board and you’ve to control this kite that’s hugely powerful “Your arms and hands do one thing while your legs do another or you can just float on the water.” Paul says it’s a “steep learning curve” and admits he feared he would never get the hang of it when he started and slammed down into the water,” he recalls “You have to endure a gruelling few hours to get there Back in 2019, Dundee firefighter Raymond Cheng was killed in a kite surfing accident at Largo Bay near Elie in Fife Paul is well aware it’s a risky sport; he’s suffered his own share of injuries including dislocated shoulders An infection that developed after he was stung by a Portuguese man o’ war when he was learning to kite surf in Thailand turned bad “I had a hole in my leg the size of a 20p for six months,” he recalls “You get a different experience every time,” he muses “You get the days when there’s a light wind and you can cruise about There’s no other sound than the sloosh of water going over your board “Then there are the days when you want to jump as high as possible “You can get up to 50mph depending on wind and water conditions – and I can get 10m into the air “It’s amazing when dolphins and seals swim alongside you boasts a diverse group of “beach type” people ranging from doctors to scientists and builders “It’s not just for fitness – it’s good for your body and soul and mental health “Sometimes you just sit waiting for wind but you’re chatting to likeminded people and picking up rubbish from the beach Everybody cares about the environment.” So how does a typical weekend for Paul roll He kicks off his Friday night by cooking a Thai curry and eating it with friends while they discuss weather forecasts This helps them decide where to head – whether locally or up to the Western Isles or down to Troon “If it’s a long drive we jump in vans and head off late at night for an early start on the water,” says Paul After a walk with his springer spaniel Daisy he drives to the beach for coffee and bacon rolls A day of kite surfing usually ends with fish and chips and a chat about who had the “best crash” and who “jumped the highest” so he cooks dinner and enjoys it with a glass of red and an adventure documentary his 15-year-old daughter Miya makes him a breakfast of sourdough toast with poached eggs If the conditions aren’t right for kite surfing Paul goes for a yoga and gym session – or takes a trip to see family in Motherwell What it is he loves best about living in Broughty Ferry “There are so many beaches in close proximity,” he reflects “I love that you have endless views of the horizon where the sea meets the sky “There are brilliant walks. I’ll often walk along the coast from Monifieth to Budden Ness lighthouses The Monifieth Library building has been put up for sale with a price tag of £175,000 earmarked it for closure earlier this year as it looks to offload surplus properties The library will move to a new £2 million hub at Blue Seaway Park later this year The council has pledged there will be no gaps in the town’s library service during the move after previously agreeing to sell the building the building is situated on a “prominent corner” on the south side of High Street The property listing says: “Internally the subjects comprise substantial accommodation with the ground floor providing the main library with open-plan space with a series of interconnecting rooms female and DDA-compliant toilets along with further staff welfare facilities “The first floor comprises a series of individual rooms of varying sizes along with a gallery area overlooking the main library beneath “The site also includes the area of garden ground to the east of the subjects.” Graham and Sibbald says the building could be used for a variety of uses pending planning consents Angus Council is also looking to offload its headquarters based in Forfar as part of an 18-month search for a new owner An OnlyFans model was sexually assaulted by a Monifieth man in a local pub Edward Statter has been placed under supervision and on the sex offenders register after admitting his booze-fuelled crime His victim was visiting The Crown bar on the town’s High Street with her partner late last year made a rude remark and reached for the woman’s top He then tried a second time inside the bar and touched the woman as she tried to step away who was placed on the sex offenders register for six months Previously, Forfar Sheriff Court heard Statter’s victim was at the bar at around 7pm with her partner and she got into a conversation with another male She disclosed she was a content creator on OnlyFans the subscription-paying site synonymous with adult material Word spread through the bar and just over an hour later Statter approached and asked how the woman made money adding: “You must get your boobs out” He was stopped and his victim went back inside but did not tell anyone about the incident She and her partner were later invited to another table – at which Statter was sitting – to have chips and curry sauce Statter again reached for the woman’s chest She got up to leave and stepped across Statter’s lap cupped her private parts and moved his hand up to her buttocks The woman was startled and the food was spilled Statter later called the woman a “f***ing slut” and she called him a pervert At an earlier hearing, Statter, of Union Street, Monifieth, pled guilty to sexually assaulting the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons Solicitor Gary McIlravey explained Statter – who pled guilty at an early stage and only has two historic road traffic convictions – found out about his victim’s employment “That translated into something else in Mr Statter’s mind “He tells me he had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol – 10 pints plus nips “When (the complainer) stepped over him “He can’t explain his behaviour He’s wholly ashamed and embarrassed by his behaviour “He’s struggled with alcohol misuse for the bulk of his life.” Sheriff Neil Kinnear placed Statter under supervision for six months He said: “This is a very unfortunate incident “It’s not an excuse and it’s not a defence when you drink far too much – I know you’ve got difficulties with that “It’s fairly clear that this seems to have been not something you would ordinarily do “It seems to have been a one-off caused by clouded judgement caused by taking far too much alcohol For more local court content visit our page or join us on Facebook Despite having to learn English, 16-year-old Matvii Mishyn secured straight A results for his higher exams, coming top of the class. Despite having to learn English, 16-year-old fifth year pupil Matvii Mishyn secured straight A results for his higher exams at Monifieth High School. He only arrived in Angus two years ago after fleeing Dnipro in July 2022. Matvii told STV News: “It was very confusing at first, I was getting lost at school quite a lot of the time and I also didn’t understand the system of marking and the grades, so it was challenging at first. “But then I got to know the system, then I got to know people, and it was much easier for me to study.” The Dux award is presented to the top pupil in a school in recognition of their achievements. Matvii secured straight A results across three sciences, English and mathematics, coming top of the class. It’s something his mother Varvara is extremely proud of. She said: “Of course, I’m absolutely happy, and I’m proud of him, and I hope that he has a fantastic future in Scotland.” The host family who opened their doors to Varvara and her children when they first arrived in Scotland, joined them at the awards ceremony. Matvii said: “They were so excited and so surprised by my achievements because it’s not a common thing to achieve as a person from a different country.” Before his family were forced to leave Ukraine, Matvii already had a passion for science subjects. It’s something he was able to continue here, and his teachers were keen to support him. Matvii added: “They were definitely much more patient towards me and much more dedicated to teaching because it’s not easy to teach the person who doesn’t really speak English, at that time obviously, and they were very passionate about their job.” Matvii’s former head teacher, Andy Dingwall, said: “At Monifieth High School, we’re all about trying to prepare young people for success, and it’s all about doing that through our values. “Matvii just demonstrates those daily. He’s just exceptionally hardworking, hugely motivated, a kind, respectful person, and it’s just fantastic to see the success he’s reaped from that.” Next month, Matvii will start a biomedical science course at Dundee University and has his future set on becoming a medical doctor. He wants to help other people and demonstrate the kindness he was shown. Matvii said: “It’s all about hard work, so if you’ve put enough work into your studying process, you’ll definitely get good results. “If you’re actually trying to achieve something, you will achieve something.” STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Follow STV News on WhatsAppScan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country '+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text+' "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title+" "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text+" Local residents gathered in number to see the path between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth opened in style heralding the official opening of the path took place at noon and was performed by Councillor Steven Rome from Dundee City Council followed by the unveiling of several stunning new artworks along the route The new bidirectional cycleway is separated from the carriageway so even less confident cyclist can use it with ease The tall ambitions behind the Broughty Ferry to Monifieth project were clear from the outset.Following early consultation with residents and businesses in 2019, initial proposals sought to deliver a safe and accessible traffic-free route between the two communities.Tying in neatly with the planned Broughty Ferry Flood Protection Scheme which was already underway the new route would provide a direct and continuous link along the scenic coastline and enable people of all ages and abilities to travel actively every day.Overwhelming support was received for the suggested upgrades with over 75% of those engaged in favour of the concept designs which were presented.Despite setbacks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs of construction materials within the industry momentum continued to build as designs progressed demonstrating the effective partnership working of both Angus Council and Dundee City Council Clear demarcation of the pavement and the cycleway ensures all users are able to travel confidently and securely As well as a spacious new bidirectional cycleway running for 2.5 miles between Castle Approach in Broughty Ferry and Monfieth railway station significant public space improvements were also introduced widened access barriers and improved lighting.The communities were also closely involved in the design and delivery of a selection of stunning new artworks which complement the route.Another major consideration from the project was in ensuring that local nature and wildlife would be preserved in abundance within the delivery of the scheme.In order to do this existing coastal dunes were protected within the project designs and extensive wildflower planting along the route has allowed biodiversity to continue to flourish.One particularly significant milestone for the project was achieved in March 2024 when the new 5-metre wide Dighty Bridge was unveiled to the public.The new accessible crossing replaces the an exceedingly narrow structure opening up active travel to everyone and providing uninterrupted access to National Cycle Network Route 1 Artist Fanny Lam Christie created the Tay Fins three bronze dolphin sculpture which overlook the beach depicting three breaching dolphins cast in bronze.Following a poll of public suggestions the names were revealed on the day of the opening – Dooker Following the ribbon cutting ceremony and the artwork reveals delivery partners reflected on the project.Lee Muir Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development for Sustrans said:"This transformational and pioneering project has opened up an impressive route for active travel between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth and will links with the route right the way through Dundee.”“This makes the area more attractive for visitors and locals alike and the public art programme is creating a real sense of place.”Councillor Mark McDonald said:“I’m pleased to see the next phase of the active travel route connecting Broughty Ferry and Monifieth officially opened.“The area at Castle Green is looking great and the new user-friendly and accessible pathway means more people can use it to walk and cycle for everyday journeys and for fun.”“Thank you to everyone who contributed to achieving this milestone I’m looking forward to seeing the work progress as it continues further into Monifieth.”  Learn more about Places for Everyone Find out more about the Broughty Ferry to Monfieth Active Travel Path Sign up now to hear more about our latest news Sustrans is committed to fundraising in a way which is legal, open, honest and respectful. Read our fundraising promise Sustrans is a registered charity in England and Wales (326550) and Scotland (SC039263) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England (1797726) at 2 Cathedral Square Being wheeled into the operating theatre at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on his 45th birthday was the best present Peter Boag could ever have wished for His liver was failing and he was just days away from death so it was literally now or never for the dad-of-one from Monifieth The transplant saved him and he says he will forever be grateful to the donor who gave him the gift of life “When I woke up in the intensive care unit my first thought was relief I was still alive,” the 54-year-old explains “I thought I have been given this gift “Someone’s loved one made it their wish to be a donor and I wanted that family’s loss to mean something.” Two years after the transplant, he competed in the British Transplant Games in 2017 and went on to take part in the competition the following year Peter has remained fit and healthy since the operation Now he is proving to be an inspiration to others as he in the best physical shape of his life wasn’t really aware of anything being wrong other than his skin was itchy He went to the doctor and he was referred to dermatology at Ninewells Hospital “They did some blood tests and the results came back as abnormal “And the results showed I had a liver condition According to the British Liver Trust, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is an uncommon chronic liver disease in which the bile ducts inside and outside the liver progressively decrease in size due to inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) who works in the pharmaceutical special service at Ninewells Hospital continues: “I was told it was a rare condition and that there is no cure for it “But the medics told me there was medication I could take which would help “I had blood tests every three months and check ups every six months at Ninewells.” Peter started realising something wasn’t right “People started to mention to me that I was looking yellowy – that was when the jaundice was appearing,” he recalls “I also had stomach pain and was feeling really tired “I went for blood tests and a few hours later I had a phone call telling me to get to Ninewells straight away “I was told the results for my liver were off the chart and that it needed to be investigated as soon as possible.” The test results showed the main bile duct coming from Peter’s liver was blocked The dad-of-one says medics did a surgical procedure to open the duct up So the decision was made to put him on the transplant list Peter was transferred to the liver unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary “I was told it was basically now or never – that I needed a liver transplant.” Peter was prepped for the operation and was taken into theatre “The nurses were doing all the preparation but suddenly there was a pause “Everything went quiet and I had a feeling something wasn’t right “I was seconds away from having the surgery when the surgeon told me ‘I’m really sorry but this organ is not fit for transplant.’ “It messed with my mind because I was so poorly – I had gone into hospital at 14 stone and now I weighed around ten stone “I had been hoping that transplant would be the beginning of a new chapter.” Peter’s condition continued deteriorating “Medical staff told Linda that without a donor there wasn’t a lot of time left for me – I think they put days on it,” he says Peter had not long arrived back in Ninewells when something amazing happened “At 10pm a nurse came in and said that’s Edinburgh on the phone they have a liver “It was a bit of a ‘wow’ moment,” he says “The operation took place on July 15 The surgery took over ten hours but it all went to plan.” Peter had rehabilitation for over a week at Edinburgh Royal He had to slowly build up his strength and be able to walk again He also started taking immunosuppressants so his body wouldn’t reject the new organ It was at this time the Monifieth dad saw something which would inspire his recovery He recalls: “I saw a poster all about the British Transplant Games and I thought if I am able to get my fitness back that is the sort of thing that would interest me “The 2017 games were going to take place in Lanarkshire and so it would give me two years to get fit enough.” Peter decided to sign up for the British Transplant Games in July 2017. “The first event was the triathalon involving a 400m swim “I came in second in the triathalon and got a silver medal.” Peter went on to win a bronze medal for the 50m freestyle swimming He says: “The experience was amazing “It was also good just getting to hear other people’s experiences and how they had adjusted to life post-transplant “It was also a nice way to celebrate the donors and promote organ donation.” Peter competed in the British Transplant Games for the second time He scooped a bronze medal in the 100m swimming Peter credits wife Linda and his parents for their support through his transplant journey “All I had to do was lie in bed and feel sorry for myself while Linda was the one holding things together as best she could “She was supporting our son Nathan and this was while she was going through her own emotional turmoil “It must have been so difficult for her “The support she gave along with that of my parents was invaluable.” In recent years he completed the Angus half marathon and got his SFA coaching badges so he could help out at his son Nathan’s football club Today he continues to go out running and attending the gym “Bizarrely I am probably the fittest I have ever been and in the best physical shape He added: “When it comes to my birthday I am always mindful of the fact that while I am celebrating there is a family which will be marking another anniversary without their loved one.” A woman from Monifieth has been honoured by the King for helping British nationals in the Canary Islands Deborah Edgington has been awarded an MBE for services to British citizens in Fuerteventura She was named in the New Year’s Honours list and travelled to Buckingham Palace last week to receive her gong from Princess Anne is the daughter of the late John and Carol Black who owned the Fort Hotel in Broughty Ferry They also had a chip shop in Douglas for many years who grew up in Monifieth and went to Grove Academy attended the presentation ceremony with Carol and her sons Jack and Harry She was recognised after supporting British nationals on the island during the Covid pandemic – keeping them informed of updates and restrictions Deborah also works with the British Consulate on the island assisting those who face difficult situations while visiting Deborah moved to live in Fuerteventura nearly 30 years ago and has worked with the British community there for many years She was also a local councillor for 12 years Deborah said: “I was told about the honour at the start of last December “It was a great honour and a surprise. The hardest thing was keeping it a secret until the honours list was published “I feel really humbled to have been given this MBE and it was great to go with my mum and sons to the palace and get the award from Princess Anne “She was lovely and really put me at ease “She recognised my Scottish accent straight away and commented on that Deborah added: “I am always happy to assist others especially when sometimes these can be the most difficult moments for people “This for me was always easier with the help and assistance I received from the fantastic team of consulate staff in Las Palmas Deborah has also worked with the local community to raise thousands of Euros for various charities Comments are currently disabled as they require cookies and it appears you've opted out of cookies on this site. To participate in the conversation, please adjust your cookie preferences in order to enable comments. © DC Thomson Co Ltd 2025. All Rights Reserved. has announced the sale of Tigh-Na-Muirn Residential Home in Dundee Built around You.Your expert business property advisers Tigh-Na-Muirn is a popular residential care home registered for 59 residents It occupies a converted mansion house and garden wing set in two-acres of secluded gardens It benefits from an onsite hair and beauty salon The home is located in the small historic town of Monifieth in Dundee The home was previously owned by Peter and Carol Philip who opened it in 1991 It was recently brought to market as a retirement sale Following a confidential sales process with Martin Daw at Christie & Co it has been purchased by a national operator “It is a wrench to pass on the home as we have owned and run it for 33 years “I first visited Tigh-Na-Muirn in 2007 and was immediately impressed by the quality of the environment and care provided The home has stood out from the hundreds of homes I have seen over my career No expense was spared in providing a luxury hotel-style care home I can honestly say I am proud and delighted to have helped Mr and Mrs Philip retire and I look forward to seeing how the home continues to develop under the new ownership.” Tigh-Na-Muirn Residential Home was sold for an undisclosed price Visit Christie & Co’s Business Search page to find out more about current healthcare listings. Keep up-to-date with our latest listings and more… © Christie & Co 2024 | A member of Christie Group Christopher Fairweather was known as the “pop star” of the Asda night shifts in Dundee He just always tried to look good,” his younger brother Gareth recalls with a laugh “And he was known for his aftershaves he was a fanatic when it came to aftershave “People would go to him for advice about aftershaves and he always went into depth – he was dead strange that way.” to those who knew him – died at the age of 36 on Tuesday October 29 The Angus dad passed away in hospital after his “generous” heart suddenly stopped beating His little brother Gareth came along four years later “We always used to refer to each other as our ‘four-year-aparter twin.'” Chris also shared a close bond with his late grandfather He and Gareth were close to their mum Susan Chris stepped into the role of a father figure for his younger sibling “He was very protective,” Gareth says he guided me through life and showed me right from wrong.” Chris attended Barry Primary School and Carnoustie High School his love of dance music saw him attend trance concerts across the country After leaving school he got a job at Morrisons in Arbroath where he made a “huge impression” on his colleagues Chris was known as a “very funny guy” “Everyone knew him as that,” Gareth says “He just had the best sense of humour “People would compare him to Robin Williams.” His quick wit was just one of his many talents ranking number one in the world for Call of Duty in 2015 – one of his proudest achievements and was always happy to share health and nutrition tips with his friends and family Chris underwent a career change in 2015 when he joined his brother as a chef at The Woodlands Hotel in Broughty Ferry always “incredibly in sync” with one another “We used to joke that we were telepathic,” Gareth says “I was always dead excited when we were on the rota together” And Chris’ passion for cooking only grew over time “One of his idols was Gordon Ramsay,” Gareth says Chris became known for his carbonara dish – which he often made at the request of his partner Cheryl Craig It was in 2016 that Chris “slipped into Cheryl’s inbox on Instagram” They quickly fell in love and Chris moved to Edinburgh to be with her He became a stepdad to Cheryl’s 13-year-old daughter And on Christmas Day in 2017 the couple welcomed their son Alexander Gareth says: “He was a fantastic dad “He used to love taking them on days out “I’ve never seen a bond like it He was “an incredible uncle” to Gareth’s three daughters as well “He spent a lot of time with them – they absolutely doted upon him he would see them and spend time with them “They just thought the world of him.” Chris would split his time between the capital city and Monifieth As per Chris’ wishes, he will be piped down to Highland Cathedral at his funeral. also played at his beloved grandfather Dempster’s funeral The ceremony will take place at Parkgrove Crematorium in Friockheim on Wednesday December 4 Donations will be collected for the British Heart Foundation Monifieth High School is among five Angus schools which are almost full Four primary schools are also operating at over 90% of their capacity Monifieth High School remains well occupied It was just 25 pupils shy of its 1060 capacity during the last pupil census in September 2023 The new Monifieth High School You can check how full your Angus school is in our table at the bottom Data on school buildings across Scotland was released this week We have looked at the occupancy rates for every Angus Council secondary and primary as of September 2023 Angus has no schools which are over-capacity several schools have far fewer pupils than they could have The capacity of a school is based the size of available teaching space Data released by the Scottish Government is based on a pupil census conducted in September 2023 An Angus Council spokesperson said: “We are managing this [school occupancy levels] through the careful consideration of placing requests reconfiguration of internal spaces where practical and consideration of temporary interventions such as modular units “Where appropriate we seek developer contributions.” Use our table to check how full your child’s Angus school is: