Ben Philip
@BenPhilip_
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📺 📻 📱💻 Journalist @BBCScotlandNews - based in Aberdeen. Always looking for stories. DMs open. [email protected]
Joined September 2010
Handbag at Don: .Earlier this week, a family discovered a handbag washed up on Aberdeen Beach near to the Don Mouth. Their efforts to trace its owner would result in solving a mystery going back more than 30 years. 1/6
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A flypast has honoured the bravery of Britain’s last surviving Victoria Cross holder in Aberdeen. A Catalina flew over where 104-year-old John Cruickshank lives. He was awarded the VC, 80 years ago today for his part in sinking a German submarine in 1944. More on @BBCScotlandNews
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Thousands of Scotland fans are ‘boogying’ their way to London ahead of Scotland’s #EURO2020 clash against England at Wembley on Friday. This was the scene on the @ABZ_Airport to @Gatwick_Airport @easyJet flight this morning. #SCO #eng #ENGSCO ⚽️ .[📱Ruaridh MacVinish]
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A statue of @ScotlandNT and @ManUtd legend Denis Law has been unveiled in Aberdeen. It’s the second such sculpture dedicated to the former footballer in the city where he was born and raised. The bronze tribute was revealed by Denis Law and Sir Alex Ferguson.
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BREAKING: Five of Scotland’s hospitality industry bodies have started legal proceedings against restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government. A deadline of Wednesday 28 October at 4pm has been set for the government to respond to the legal challenge.
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Prince William has launched an initiative in Aberdeen which offers city tours, guided by people who have experienced homelessness. It’s being supported by the future king’s Homewards project which aims to eradicate homelessness. He met the first graduates of the project.
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Prince William mobbed by children from Allan's Primary School for high-fives before departing @stirlingcastle.
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Aberdeen Town Sergeant Stephen Smith reads out proclamation paying tribute to Her Majesty The Queen and announcing a beacon will be lit in the city this evening in her honour of her #PlatinumJubilee.
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Audrey said she was delighted with the unexpected reunion. Speaking of the process in tracing the handbag owner, Kim Coutts said: “The power of social media is incredible”. 6/6
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Aberdeen FC has applied for a temporary alcohol licence for a pre-match fan zone trial. Council papers suggest plans are in place for an event on 7 December ahead of the Dons v St Johnstone. It would be held outside the RDS, serving alcohol between 12pm and 2:45pm. 1/2
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We were able to capture the moment Maisie returned the bag to its owner, Audrey Hay, now 81. It emerged that Audrey’s bag had been stolen in 1993 from her office in Aberdeen. She told me that she never expected to see her handbag again after all these years. 4/6
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Audrey said £240 was inside the bag when it was stolen. She believes the thief must have taken the money and then thrown her bag into the River Don. Incredibly a number of items have survived the passage of time and conditions including a house key, lipstick and earrings. 5/6
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A statue of Sir Alex Ferguson has been unveiled by Aberdeen FC to commemorate his success with the club.
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You hear them before you see them! The massed pipes & drums have arrived to a very warm welcome along with The Atholl Highlanders.
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Hundreds of people have gathered in Aberdeen for the arrival of King Charles and The Queen Consort. They will meet refugee families who have settled in the city from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria during a reception at the Town House.
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The handbag was found on the sand by 11-year-old Maisie Coutts seen here with her Mum, Kim. The bag looked as if it had been in the water for some time. When they looked inside they found cards with 1993 printed on them. 2/6
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These were the conditions on the way back to Aberdeen from Braemar last night where a temperature of -23C had been recorded earlier in the day. Incredibly beautiful but bitterly cold! . @BBCNorthEast @BBCScotlandNews @BBCScotWeather @bbcweather ❄️
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The Coutts took the bag home and searched the name printed on several cards inside the handbag. They posted on social media to see if anybody had any information about them and if they were still alive. They later received a message: “I believe you’ve found my handbag?” 3/6
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King Charles departs Aberdeen Town House following a reception with refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria who have been resettled in the city.
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has called for the Scottish Government to “pause” recently announced Covid measures and consider whether they “remain proportionate”. It follows new research which suggests Omicron may be milder than first thought.
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Security checking no Frankfurt fans are entering the home end at Pittodrie. Aberdeen had warned fans not to resell tickets to travelling fans who are banned from the match. The method appeared to be asking how people were doing? A man with a Doric accent replied: “gut danke”.
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Up Helly Aa 2018 gets off to a roaring start. Spirits definitely not dampened by the rain. 🔥
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I asked a question on Christmas Eve…she said YES! 💥🕺🏼. Both absolutely delighted and excited about our promotion to Fiancé / Fiancée. Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. Best wishes for 2022!
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New images have been released showing what Aberdeen city centre and beachfront could look like as part of a £150m transformation. In August, councillors voted to take forward plans for potential changes including pedestrianising part of Union Street and a new football stadium.
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Emergency vehicles and an air ambulance in a field near to the railway. Smoke still billowing from the area.
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A major emergency service response to a train derailment near Stonehaven. An air ambulance is in attendance. A lot of smoke is coming out of the tree line where the railway track runs. Ambulances arriving by the minute.
The emergency services are dealing with a derailed train near Stonehaven. There are several Fire appliances at the scene. There are no reports of any injuries. Network Rail says it's investigating.
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You really couldn't make it up. A rainbow has appeared just as the final deck section begins to be lifted into place. #QueensferryCrossing
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Incredibly sad to report the news that Battle of Arnhem veteran, Sandy Cortmann passed away earlier this evening at his care home in Aberdeen. The 97-year-old has spent the last few days surrounded by close family and friends and will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.
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🚨Personal News Klaxon🚨.I’m delighted to announce that I have accepted the role of Senior Reporter, on a 12 month attachment. I’ll remain with my brilliant colleagues @BBCNorthEast in #Aberdeen and continue to tell stories that are important to people here. A new challenge! 🙌🏻
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The Scottish Beer & Pub Association, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, UK Hospitality (Scotland), Scottish Hospitality Group and Night Time Industries Association Scotland will move forward with a petition for a judicial review if the Scottish Government fails to respond.
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Meanwhile down at Aberdeen Beach there was a very striking drawing sketched out on the sand to mark #VEDay. @BBCNorthEast @BBCScotlandNews @BBCScotNine
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Not quite sure how I’ve done it but I’ve won the Young Journalist of the Year @RTSScotland Awards 2018. Completely overwhelmed and totes emosh but I’d like to thank everyone for their encouragement and support. Waiting for it to sink in. but first pass me the champagne! 🍾😁
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The group’s spokesman, Paul Waterson, said: .“It is with regret that we now commence the first stage in the legal process. “Our sector has been repeatedly targeted without consultation and without the evidence. “The battle is now on to save the hospitality sector.”.
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Anti-racism protesters in #Aberdeen are beginning to put up #BlackLivesMatter posters and signs across the city as part of a planned demonstration. Supporters are being asked to attend and leave at certain times in order to avoid a mass gathering in respect of #SocialDistancing.
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The first weekend since the #CoronavirusLockdown was announced and residents of #Aberdeen appear to be heeding #SocialDistanacing advice. Union Street usually busy with people and cars was virtually deserted this afternoon. Take care folks! 🙌🏻 @BBCNorthEast
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Denis Law, 81, known affectionately as The Lawman, is the only Scottish footballer to have received the prestigious Ballon d’Or. He’s also Scotland’s joint top goal scorer. This has been one of his first public appearances since being diagnosed with dementia earlier this year.
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Thank you to those who have sent kind messages following my reporting of a truly tragic incident in Aberdeenshire today. My job is to report facts as they are confirmed. I hope I did that during my 12 lives on BBC Scotland, UK and World. My thoughts are with all those affected.
A major emergency service response to a train derailment near Stonehaven. An air ambulance is in attendance. A lot of smoke is coming out of the tree line where the railway track runs. Ambulances arriving by the minute.
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And so it begins… ❄️.
2030pm Good evening from Braemar where the light snow has come to village level @highlandweather @SeanBattyTV @philippetrieTV @BenPhilip_ @Davyshanks @Meopham_Weather
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A one minute’s silence will be held across the UK on Wednesday August 19 to mark one week since the Stonehaven derailment which resulted in the death of three men. Railway stations across the country will fall silent at 9:43am - the time the incident was reported.
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Aberdeen city centre eerily quiet this evening after today’s announcements to re-impose several lockdown restrictions and close all pubs and restaurants. These restrictions will be in place for at least the next seven days.
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.@trinityaberdeen steps. 😅
What's something that ISN'T a sport, but still FEELS like a sport?.
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🚨Job News🚨.Just over a year ago, I started a Senior Reporter attachment @BBCNorthEast. I’m now delighted to announce that I have accepted this role on a permanent basis. It’s a privilege to serve the people of the North East & shine a light on issues important to people here.
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Fantastic to hear my neighbours out clapping in #Aberdeen and showing appreciation to our NHS workers. Listen carefully and you can also hear a bagpiper in the distance! 🏴💙 . #ClapForCarers #clapforNHS #TheNine . @BBCNorthEast .@BBCScotlandNews .@BBCScotNine
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Staff from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary take part in #ClapForCarers tonight live on the BBC’s #BigNightIn programme. Fantastic stuff! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 . @NHSGrampian @BBCNorthEast
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Sad news about Denis Law. He was in fine form in November 2021 when he returned to his “beloved Aberdeen” to unveil the city’s second statue dedicated to him and his footballing achievements. He told me that he still missed butteries! The Granite City loon with a Balon d’Or. 👏🏻
Man Utd and Scotland legend Law dies aged 84
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Prince William arriving @stirlingcastle earlier this morning. On arrival he was presented with the keys to the castle.
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A man shouts “Charlie boy, come this way please - we’ve been waiting all morning for you!” as Prince Charles departs Peterhead Fish Market before being able to say hello to all of the waiting crowd.
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A school in #Aberdeenshire is doing its bit to help protect people in the community during the #coronavirus crisis. Staff from @BXADET department are making face shields out of A3 lamination pouches. Caroline McFarlane will be chatting to @BBCJohnBeattie on @BBCRadioScot shortly.
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The joint statement added: “We understand and entirely support the goal of suppressing the virus, but our sector is at breaking point. “The industry simply cannot endure the extension of the current restrictions. We are now facing the end of our industry as we know it.”.
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Ice skaters and ice hockey players take to Duthie Park’s boating pond in Aberdeen this morning. ⛸❄️
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Hot spot: Thousands of spectators have arrived at a rather warm and sunny Braemar Gathering. His Majesty the King - who is currently on holiday at nearby Balmoral - is expected to make an appearance later for one of the biggest events in the Highland Games calendar.
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ICYMI: The King and Queen were among spectators at the Braemar Gathering today. Thousands of people descend on the village every year for the highland games event. This weekend marks two years since the death of Queen Elizabeth the second, who was patron of the gathering.
King and Queen enjoy Braemar Highland Games
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For the first time in more than 50 years, the public are being given access to Rubislaw Quarry in Aberdeen. @AdventureAbz will be running canoeing sessions on what was once Europe’s biggest man-made hole which provided much of the granite for the city’s buildings.
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The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen ✨ . I feel so Aberdonian. 🤩. #aurora #Auroraborealis #northernlights #Aberdeen
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In September last year, Sandy went viral on social media after doing a parachute jump in the Netherlands as part of the 75th Battle of Arnhem commemorations in a poignant and emotional tribute to his fallen comrades. He described the jump as “throughly terrifying but wonderful”.
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One of Aberdeen’s oldest buildings will re-open to the public this weekend. Provost Skene House which dates back to 1545 has undergone a £3.8M refurbishment. It will become a visitor attraction with a ‘Hall of Heroes’, celebrating notable people with links to the North East.
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You know how some people spray fake snow onto their windows around Christmas time? Well, I’ve got it for real. #StormArwen bringing gale-force wind and snow to the North East. Stay safe folks.
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A Wintery scene in Spring outside @BBCNorthEast’s office in Aberdeen this morning. Don’t let the blue sky fool you. More snow is expected throughout the day across the region. How is it looking where you are? ❄️
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Snow continuing to cause blizzard-like conditions in Aberdeen this evening. The current yellow warning of snow and ice for the north of Scotland will extend south across the whole country on Tuesday. Stay safe out there folks! 🥶
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An “emergency summit” will take place this afternoon aimed at tackling the decline of Aberdeen’s Union Street. More than 150 businesses and organisations are taking part to identify improvements for the thoroughfare. What do you think can be done to revive the Granite Mile?
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The face shields are made using facilities at Banff Academy including 3D modelling software and a laser cutter. A box has been set up outside the school for people to donate materials. Caroline said the response and demand has been “overwhelming”.
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I would love to find out more about this photograph. Giant snowman (17ft) built by two girls in Aberdeen 3rd January 1963. It would be great if we could identify them. do you know who they are? . Any info, please DM me or email ben.philip@bbc.co.uk. ⛄️#RT #JournoRequest
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A bonfire beacon will be lit beside cliff-top medieval fortress Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire at 9:45pm. The flaming tribute is just one of more than 2,000 being lit around the world for The Queen’s #PlatinumJubilee.
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It’s frosty 2.5°C November evening in Aberdeen and the ice cream van has turned up at the end of the street and appears to be scooping up a roaring trade. Fair play! 🍦.
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Prince William speaks with pupils from the Queen Victoria School - a school for children whose parents are in the armed forces.
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One year ago, I started the next chapter of my career as a reporter for the BBC. What a year it has been! I’m lucky to work with a top team, navigating the highs and lows of the current situation together. Thanks to everyone for your continued support! . #LocalNewsMatters
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The sky in Aberdeen is showing off again tonight. It looks like a scene from a sci-fi! What kind of cloud is this? .@BBCScotWeather @joydunlop @SimonOKing @bbcweather .[PIC: @mrs_duckinator] ☁️
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Today a colleague pointed out my unfortunate yet hilarious resemblance to Count Duckula in this ‘noddy shot’. Glad to offer some amusement to the newsroom. 😂🧛♂️
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This is how I will remember Sandy Cortmann. A fighter to the very end. Tonight his close friend said Sandy was a proud man with an infectious smile that would light up the darkest of rooms. A paratrooper through and through. RIP Sandy 1923-2020.
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The Prince of Wales - who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland - earlier went on a walking tour of Aberdeen, guided by a man who had previously experienced homelessness.
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Snow has returned to Braemar in Aberdeenshire ❄️.
Enough of the teasing this is what you all really want isn’t it? A video of the snow falling in Braemar . 11/3/21 at 21.03pm @SeanBattyTV @philippetrieTV @BenPhilip_
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10 year challenge? Time to bring this absolute shocker out again. 2009 v 2019. 😂 Happy New Year folks! 🎉
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Haven’t done a live for a while, so why not blow away the cobwebs with an on-location chat with @BBCSimonMcCoy on Britain’s most watched news channel? 😅. Delighted to make my BBC live debut(s) to discuss all things @SPECTRAaberdeen - next to inflatable tentacles no less! 🦑
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Prince William stands in front of The Thin Red Line painting depicting The Battle of Balaklava during the Crimean War, 1854.
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Denis Law said he was a “proud Aberdonian” and the city meant everything to him. He described the statue as an “unbelievable honour”. Sir Alex Ferguson described Denis as the “greatest Scottish player of all time”.
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A WW2 Spitfire flying over Aberdeen Royal Infirmary as part of a tribute to NHS staff for their efforts during the #COVID19 pandemic. The words ‘THANK U NHS’ are emblazoned under the wings of the iconic aircraft. It is expected to fly over 25 hospitals in Scotland.
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#Breaking:: The final section of the new Queensferry Crossing is being lifted into place over the Firth of Forth.
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Just pawfect 🐾 .I was at a wedding at the weekend and the bride’s Dad arranged a surprise guest-appearance from the happy couple’s dog, Winnie the Goldendoodle. Here she is joining in the celebrations and wearing socks to ensure any excited jumping didn’t ruin any outfits! 😂
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Very sad & shocked to learn about the death of @DJMacDSTV. Someone who believed in me and gave me my first job in Broadcast Journalism. He was a proud champion of STV North. Below is a picture taken in a taxi after the programme won an @RTSScotland Award. He was SO chuffed. RIP.
It is with profound sadness that I learned earlier of the unexpected death of my friend & colleague @DJMacDSTV All of us at @STVNews are in shock. He was a champion of the North newsroom and we will miss him hugely. Duillich a'chreidsinn.
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It took Dougie just two hours to create his artwork in the sand. Over the years he has drawn several pictures on Aberdeen Beach. He told me that he doesn’t mind his hard work bring washed away by the tide within a matter of hours. #VEDay #VEDayAtHome #VEDay75 #VEDay2020
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BREAKING: A new variant of Covid-19, first identified in Manaus, Brazil, has been detected in North East Scotland. Three Scottish residents who travelled back from Brazil, via Paris and London entered self-isolation before testing positive for the virus in early February.
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Dramatic photograph of a funnel cloud above Cruden Bay Beach in Aberdeenshire around 4pm this afternoon. Similar images of the weather phenomena around the North East have been circulating on social media throughout the day. 🌪 .[Photograph: Mike Shepherd]
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Today was my last day @STVNews. It has been the most incredible three years filled with invaluable experiences and memories. I’ll never forget the support and guidance from my dysfunctional family-like colleagues whom I’ll miss seeing everyday. Thank you for the amazing send off!
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HRH The Princess Royal and Camilla Duchess of Rothesay leave a special graduation ceremony at the University of Aberdeen. Princess Anne received an honorary degree in recognition of her “outstanding service to the community”. #RoyalFamily
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“This unlikely friendship illustrates how resourceful nature can be.” . Wild rabbits in search of food have befriended several pet horses at stables in Aberdeenshire. 🐰🐴 . @BBCScotlandNews @BBCScotNine @BBCCountryfile @euanmcilwraith @BBCTheOneShow @BBCFarmingToday @BBCEarth
"Hay there - can we be friends?": Wild rabbits in search of food amid heavy snow befriend pet horses in Aberdeenshire (@nature_scot says it's an "unlikely friendship" which illustrates how resourceful nature can be) @BBCScotlandNews
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Had a lot of fun at the inaugural STV Awards in Glasgow last night. Surprised but very happy to pick up the Rising Star Award. Big thanks to all my colleagues across the country. Top team! 🙌🏻
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But as one door closes, another opens and I’m delighted to be joining @BBCScotlandNews as a reporter based in Aberdeen. I’m more passionate than ever at telling the stories that matter to people in this part of the world. 😁
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The Northern Lights making an early 2025 appearance over North East Scotland. 🤩 #AuroraBorealis #northernlights
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