16 h. ago ‘She had no interest in the comfort zone’: celebrating the centenary of Celia Cruz, Cuba’s Queen of Salsa

Exiled from Castro’s Cuba, she became a superstar – and a trailblazer in the macho world of salsa. Fans and collaborators including Angélique Kidjo hail an icon of Black empowermentOn 13 November 1973, at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Puerto Rico, Celia Cruz took to the stage in a bejewelled, psychedelic blue dress and vast afro, saluting the 12,500-capacity arena with her trademark rallying cry: “Azucar!” – sugar.The Cuban singer had been a star for more than two decades by this point, but this concert marked a rebirth. Backed by the Fania All-Stars, the in-house orquesta of the label that brought salsa to the US, Cruz performed Bemba Colorá. Devotees have variously decoded its lyric and “big red lips” metaphor as a repudiation of a neighbourhood gossip, a commentary on anti-Black racism or an anthem for female empowerment. Stretched out to a righteous 12-minute call-and-response in Puerto Rico, she recast the song as a cry of anguish over her exile from her homeland, adding lines l...

Politics

47 h. ago Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy hails ‘good progress’ on minerals deal talks

Ukrainian president says legalities almost finalised and officials signal US concessions in talks that are progressing ‘quite fast’; deadly Shahed strike on Dnipro. What we know on day 1,149Minerals deal negotiators have made “good progress”, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Wednesday. A senior official with knowledge of the negotiations told Agence France-Presse that newer drafts of the US-Ukraine accord appeared not to recognise previous US military aid as a debt owed by Ukraine, adding that talks were moving forward “quite fast”. That assessment echoed a report by Bloomberg News that said Washington had eased a demand that Kyiv pay for aid already delivered since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.“The basic legal stuff is almost finalised, and then, if everything moves as quickly and constructively, the agreement will bring economic results to both our countries,” Zelenskyy said in his daily address on Wednesday. The Trump administration has demanded some sort o...

Economics

58 h. ago Remote Scottish airport with just one route hailed as one of the world’s 'most calming'

This airport in Caithness even played a critical role in the Second World War

Politics

6 d. ago These 18 memorable Scottish sweets will have you yearning for the tuck shop

Some treats hail from Scotland, while others are known worldwide - but all are no longer on shop shelves.

Politics

9 d. ago 'Breathtaking' remote Scots island beach previously dubbed 'best in country'

If you are looking for a quick getaway during the Easter holidays, why not visit this beautiful Scottish beach with views you won't believe.

Politics

1 week ago The heavenly and remote Scottish island hotel that's on sale for offers over £1.4million

This hotel is about to open for the season, and you could be its new owner

Economics

1 week ago Scottish region among 'most beautiful' in the world as Time Out hails 'atmospheric' landscapes

Time Out magazine was effusive in its praise of the area's breathtaking beauty.

Politics

1 week ago CalMac ferry which needs £1.5million battery set to be replaced by Polish

The MV Hallaig was hailed by Nicola Sturgeon at its 2012 launch as the world’s first to use a system which cut carbon emissions by 20 per cent.

Economics

2 w. ago Tornadoes will become more frequent in coming weeks. Here's what to know if your home is destroyed

An average of 1,200 tornadoes hit yearly, and the United States will probably get more killer supercells spawning tornadoes and hail as the world warms

Politics

2 w. ago Live and work on a remote Scottish island with less than 20 residents this summer

A rare chance has opened up to spend summer 2025 working in one of the country's most special places

Politics

2 w. ago Remote Scottish island with dramatic landscape named among best places to wild camp in Europe

This isolated island has a population of just 40 people.

Events

2 w. ago The Scottish island home to surprising animal from the other side of the world

The rare mammal was spotted on a remote Scottish island by wild campers Craig Ferguson and Greig McBride

Politics

2 w. ago Three remote Scottish villages named among 30 'greatest' in the UK

These beautiful Scots outposts have been praised for their rich history, tranquility and growing prosperity.

Politics

2 w. ago The city with '300 days of sun', pints for under a fiver and £14.99 flights from Manchester Airport

It's the latest route from Manchester Airport to one of the world's most in-demand holiday destinations

Economics

3 w. ago Brit hailed as 'true hero' after tackling crazed Amsterdam knifeman

The incident was caught on camera.

Politics

3 w. ago 'Elegant' luxury perfume hailed as 'best smell in the world' slashed by 34% on Amazon

Looking for a new bottle of perfume that has stood the test of time? Then check out this Amazon deal on the Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds.

Politics

3 w. ago Arsenal: Martin Odegaard hailed as 'one of the world's best' after starring in big Norway win

Odegaard has four assists across first two World Cup qualifying matches

Sport

3 w. ago Cambodia’s Siem Reap is the gateway to ancient Angkor – here’s how to get the best out of your trip

With a sleek new airport and more flight routes, Siem Reap – gateway to jungle-tangled temples – is an easy add-on to any southeast Asia travel itinerary, writes Nicole Trilivas

Politics

3 w. ago London’s Heathrow Airport Begins Limited Flight Resumptions After Fire: British Airways and Global Routes Slowly Recover : Why You Need to Know About It NOW!

London’s Heathrow Airport Begins Limited Flight Resumptions After Fire: British Airways and Global Routes Slowly Recover : Why You Need to Know About It NOW!  Travel And Tour World

Society

4 w. ago Unique job opening for a couple to experience life on adventurous off

A rare chance for a couple to embrace off-grid life on a remote Scottish island, is now up for grabs

Politics