Escape to the sun this winter with TUI
AS the nights draw in, if you’re considering booking a winter holiday, you’re not alone.
Many holidaymakers have been talking to travel expert TUI about their plans to spend a bit more on a break, opting for those little extras that can make for a truly unforgettable trip. And the good news is there’s still plenty of time to book.
Always popular during the winter months are the Canary islands, boasting balmy temperatures all year round, as well as dramatic scenery and picturesque villages. The Canaries sing with life and beauty – just like the birds who share their name.
Many opt for the charms of Tenerife, from its bustling beach resorts to the tranquillity of its 40 protected nature areas. For brilliant dunes Fuerteventura is a perfect choice. Then there’s Lanzarote, with its stunning beaches and the amazing “lunar” black rock landscapes of its interior.
The Caribbean is another winter wonder: history and culture meet dramatic landscapes and glorious white beaches. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from St Lucia, with its jungles, volcanoes and secluded sandy coves, to Jamaica, where you can visit a historic plantation house one day and chill at a beach bar the next. New for winter 2021 is The Gambia. Dubbed the Smiling Coast of Africa, come for its crowd-free beaches and exotic wildlife.
TUI also offers amazing extras and a huge range of experiences to elevate your holiday even more. Upgrade your flight, book a private airport transfer or select from TUI’s portfolio of excursions.
A North Lanarkshire scientist has spoken of his delight after winning the Nobel Prize for chemistry.
David WC MacMillan received the award along with German scientist Benjamin List of the Max Planck Institute.
Mr MacMillan, 53, currently holds the position of James McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University.
The pair were cited for their work in developing a new way for building molecules known as “asymmetric organocatalysis”.
Hailing the banter of his homeland, David, 53, said: “Growing up in Scotland, you learn how to talk and tell a joke and you can get to a punchline. You can convey ideas quickly – growing up in Scotland you’re good at it.
“So we were able to convey this was a pretty interesting and valuable concept that people could use in science. It helped my career and helped the science move forward, but it wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t Scottish.”
David, who went to New Stevenston Primary and Bellshill Academy praised the “brilliant” education he got, adding: “I’m incredibly lucky to have come through that system.”
He went on to get his chemistry degree at Glasgow University before moving to the US for postgraduate studies.
David said that his breakthrough had been used to make medicines faster and helped with the development of drugs for Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease.
Asked to explain his discovery, he said: “Everything around you is made by chemical reactions, and how those reactions work is based on catalysis.
“We invented these new types of catalysis that allowed you to do things you couldn’t do before, to make new materials.”
Those back home in Lanarkshire were quick to praise Professor MacMillan’s remarkable achievements.
His former school, Bellshill Academy, were delighted with his achievement and tweeted: “Congratulations Professor MacMillan.
“Your journey is inspirational. A perfect role model for all of our young people. All at Bellshill Academy are very proud of your amazing achievement.”
New Stevenston Primary also retweeted the announcement from the Nobel Prize official Twitter account.
And North Lanarkshire Council posted: “Congratulations to Bellshillborn Princeton University professor David MacMillan on being awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.”