Category: North Edinburgh News

FND Stories

Capturing the stories and lived experience of those diagnosed with neurological condition, Functional Neurological Disorder, through art.

Inspace Gallery, 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AB 

Inspace City Screen, window display on Potterrow – Tuesday 7th – Sunday 26th June;  

Opening Event Wednesday 22nd June, 5-7pm; 

Internal Exhibition Thursday 23rd – Sunday 26th June.

 

This June, East Lothian based artist, Andrew Brooks will be exhibiting art focussing on telling the stories of those diagnosed with neurological condition Functional Neurological Disorder, FND, often referred to as the most common condition you’ve never heard of.

Brooks makes art that concentrates on small details of information to tell stories, using the particular to find the universal.

The multidisciplinary exhibition, FND Stories, is based on in-person interviews with six people from around the UK who live with FND along with contributions from over 90 of those diagnosed from around the world.

The interviews gave first-hand accounts of living with FND and include a beauty queen finalist from Croydon who only began competing since her diagnosis in July 2020. The artwork was created using techniques of data analysis from the interviews and contributions in a range of media including silent video, text-based art, and large-scale ink and gold leaf pieces.

The exhibition seeks to raise awareness of the condition and highlights the lived experiences of those diagnosed. It will be on show through the 20m long windows of InSpace Gallery for the full period to engage as many people as possible, as well as a shorter internal show with an opening event.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a common and disabling cause of neurological symptoms. The symptoms are not caused by a structural disease of the nervous system but it is a problem with the “functioning” of the nervous system.

It is a problem with how the brain and body send and receive signals. The symptoms can cause impairment in quality of life that is similar to and in some aspects worse than other neurological conditions.

Symptoms are highly varied and can include weakness and abnormal patterns of movement, attacks of abnormal movement / change in awareness that resemble epileptic seizures, sensory problems, cognitive problems, and visual and speech problems.

Andrew Brooks began making work involving the condition while studying a Fine Art MA in Bristol: “FND is a constant part of my life as my wife was diagnosed with it in 2015 following a bicycle crash involving a car.

“I began to make and exhibit work about our experiences living with FND reflecting on our married life, subsequently broadening the project making further work with members of Southwest England based charity ‘FND Friends’. Having moved to Scotland I secured funding from Creative Informatics.

“The ‘Connected Innovators’ funding stream has given me the time and resources to continue making work with those diagnosed with FND developing new skills to represent people’s stories and raise awareness about the condition”.

With support from FND Hope UK (whom he is independent from) Brooks has been able to broaden the project and had responses from around the globe, including America, Canada and Gibraltar, with over 90 participants answering the question what three words would you use to describe your FND – the top three responses being frustrating, debilitating and misunderstood. Six in-person interviews with participants from around the UK were filmed and transcribed, these stories are the basis for much of the artwork.

Those interviewed are from a range of ages, backgrounds, types and severity of condition and were asked the same set of questions about life with FND. In response to “what is a good day with FND?” one interviewee answered, “a good day is having a shower and not having to sleep after it (laughing)…good days are when I can do the things I used to take for granted”.

Coverage Briefing

The artwork is multidisciplinary and varied including video, sound, word and physical paper-based art, to tell different facets of stories, often focussing on specific details. Large paper-based pieces, some of which are over 2m long, use ink, water, gold leaf, graphite dust and latex, encoding words, meanings and information.

As Brooks explains “the encoded presentation is to create a slower understanding of what is being discussed or described be it data or words, hopefully enabling a more nuanced interaction with the subject matter.

“The interview films are shown as a pair without sound, one film showing the subject’s reaction while listening to their favourite childhood story and the other show’s them explaining about their life with FND.

“Removing the sound avoids the primary forms of storytelling and shifts focus from what is being said to the emotional communication of the person. Relying on body language and the contrast of the two films allows the viewer to emotionally engage with the teller.”

Brooks added: “My aim is to make work that can portray some of the lived experiences and stories of those diagnosed with FND. I don’t want to portray a list of symptoms but reveal different facets of people’s stories.”

FND Stories will be partially on display on Inspace City Screen (Inspace windows facing on to Potterrow), Monday 6th – Sunday 26th June, with full exhibition inside Inspace Thursday 23rd June – Sunday 26th June, 11am – 5pm.

There will be an opening event on Wednesday 22nd June 5-7pm.

Tickets to the opening event can be booked through Eventbrite here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fnd-stories-exhibition-launch-tickets-343015437407  

Brighton student Sarah wins award for UK’s dirtiest university digs 

  • The UK’s grimmest student houses revealed: Brighton flat crowned the messiest in nationwide search 
  • Winner and runners up revealed in UK’s messiest student competition  

 
A female student from Brighton University has been crowned the UK’s messiest as part of a nationwide competition. 

20-year-old Sarah, who is studying PGCE, sent in pictures of her kitchen in a state of carnage, which she shares with her four flatmates, after a wild night out. 

She has been crowned the UK’s messiest student as part of a photo competition by insurance providers, SO-SURE, and has now been awarded a £200 Just Eat voucher, which should hopefully help her avoid the washing up. Here is her winning entry, as well as a roundup of five of the worst offending pictures from across the UK: 

1.     Sarah, 20, Brighton University  

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Mmmm floor pizza! And a kettle in the sink?!

This sight is not something you want to have to deal with after a heavy night on the tiles. The sheer volume of chaos in this picture earned Sarah and her pals the £200 food voucher, so they can add a few more takeaway boxes to the collection!.  

2.       Natasha, 21, Derby University 

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Natasha, a student from the University of Derby, is a little behind on her laundry, oh well, floorspace is overrated any way. Extra points for spotting her opportunist cat who hopes she doesn’t find the washing machine any time soon.  

3.     Josh, 19, Nottingham Trent University  

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Josh from Nottingham Trent University shared this spectacular image, can you spot his house mate amongst the mess? Looks like the two of them have a lot of cleaning to do on a hangover… 

4.       Jack, 19, Oxford Brookes University 

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We’re not 100% sure how Jack, from Oxford Brookes University, manages to get around his room. Clothes, bedding, and dodgy meal deals everywhere, it’s ok though, at least he has incense sticks.  

5.       Cassie,  20, Bournemouth University 

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Maximising wardrobe space by leaving everything on the floor, this ‘messy gal’ is one step ahead of us all. It can’t be easy finding an outfit in that pile of clothes. 

6.       Max, 21, Cardiff University  

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Finally, someone found the bin bags! Looks like the clean-up of Max’s living room has already started here, what could it have looked like before?! Stella, Greggs, and Red Stripe, a classy combo and student staple.  

If you haven’t got your fill of messy student accommodation, you can find even more entries on the SO-SURE blog. 

Senior Marketing Manager, Gabriel Cabral at SO-SURE, commented:   “We often hear students have a reputation for messy flats and a party lifestyle. And  so, we wanted to put this to the test and find some of the filthiest in the UK.

“We wanted to give the winners of the messiest accommodation a takeaway voucher, so they can treat themselves to a takeaway after a good old tidy. We had some great entries, from universities all over the UK, but Sarah’s kitchen in Brighton is definitely a worthy winner!” 

£1 entry to Scotland’s historic sites returns for all Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders

The initiative between National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, and Historic Houses Scotland, seeks to engage the next generation with Scotland’s heritage

The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, and Historic Houses Scotland, today announces the relaunch of its campaign to offer all Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders access to over 600 historic sites across the country for only £1. 

The initiative encourages young people to get out and explore many of the historic sites Scotland has to offer. With natural and built sites across the country there’s an experience for everyone to enjoy, from stunning landscapes through to castles, magnificent gardens, historic dwellings, and significant places, such as the battlefields on which the nation’s future turned.

The £1 offer means that anyone aged 11-25 with a Young Scot National Entitlement Card will be able to visit 100 National Trust for Scotland properties, such as the spectacular Culzean Castle in Ayrshire and the carefully restored Gladstone’s Land in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. It also enables access to over 70 Historic Environment Scotland properties across the length and breadth of the country, including iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.

In addition to offering £1 entry to all National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland sites, Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders can also access the following Historic Houses Scotland sites this year: Inveraray Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Blair Castle, Hopetoun House, Cawdor Castle, Floors Castle & Drummond Castle. 

Originally introduced in 2018, the initiative has seen young people across the country save hundreds of thousands of pounds in entry fees to enjoy and explore Scotland’s rich heritage.

Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: “The last two years have been a challenging time for all of us and exploration of the beautiful places Scotland has to offer was a cherished respite.

“Now that we are largely free from restrictions, we hope to welcome more people back to our sites and encourage young people with a Young Scot card to get out there and explore the wealth of places available to them across the country.

“At the Trust we know how much of a positive impact access to Scotland’s heritage can have on wellbeing and happiness and we hope to share this with the next generation – something so important to us that we’ve made engagement with young people one of our key aims in our new strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone.  Since 2018, we’ve seen many young people at our sites reaping the benefits of the reduced £1 entry and we look forward to welcoming many more in the coming months.”

Kirsten Urquhart, Chief Executive of Young Scot, commented: “Young Scot is delighted to be continuing our partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, and Historic Houses Scotland – and supporting young people to access Scotland’s remarkable historic sites using their free Young Scot National Entitlement Card.

“If they are under 22 years old, they are also eligible for free nationwide bus travel using their card, making it even easier to enjoy the hundreds of historic sites Scotland offers.”

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive at Historic Environment Scotland said: “We are delighted to once more be a part of this initiative and be able to offer Young Scot cardholders the opportunity to explore many of our historic sites for only £1.

“This summer I would like to encourage as many of Scotland’s young people as possible to take advantage of this initiative and explore some of our much-loved heritage attractions, from castles to cairns, and enjoy our rich and diverse historic environment and the many benefits it brings.”

Andrew Hopetoun, Chairman of Historic Houses Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to be involved with this initiative. We represent the nation’s largest collection of independently owned historic houses and gardens and are here to ensure these historic homes stay alive for generations to come.

“Making these sites more accessible to young people is of huge importance to us and we hope that Young Scot card holders enjoy exploring our fascinating homes.”

Young Scot Card holders aged 11-25 will be able to access over 600 sites across the country. Since the scheme first started in 2018 sites including Crathes Castle, Pollok House and Brodick Castle have proven to be most popular with Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders.

To find out more and explore the full list of properties and locations available as part of the scheme, please visit all participating organisations’ websites:

 nts.org.uk, 

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/ ,

or historichouses.org,

or visit young.scot/the-young-scot-card for more information on the National Entitlement Card. 

Afghanistan: Systemic failures of leadership, planning and preparation

MPs slam Government role in UK withdrawal from Afghanistan

  • Fundamental lack of planning, grip or leadership at a time of national emergency
  • No clear line of command within political leadership of Government; untraceable and unaccountable political interventions
  • Total absence of plans to evacuate Afghans who supported the UK mission without being directly employed, put lives at risk
  • Committee loses confidence in Foreign Office’s top civil servant and urges him to consider his position

In a damning report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, MPs say the Foreign Office, the National Security Advisor and Ministers must accept responsibility for the failure to prepare or respond, abandoning the UK’s allies and damaging the UK’s interests.

Missing in action: UK leadership and the withdrawal from Afghanistan is the result of the Foreign Affairs Committee’s inquiry into government policy towards the country. The Committee considered the role of the Foreign Office in the run up to withdrawal, during the evacuation effort, and in leading engagement with the new regime in the following months.

They heard from senior officials; met with Afghans who were evacuated; surveyed MPs’ offices on their efforts to help Afghans; and received written, often sensitive, evidence from a wide range of stakeholders including two Foreign Office whistleblowers. 

The MPs’ inquiry found that important policy decisions were made through informal, unaccountable means. Senior officials believed that the Prime Minister played a greater role in some decisions than has been admitted.

The Committee was not offered a plausible alternative explanation.

More seriously, the FCDO provided answers that were intentionally evasive and often deliberately misleading. Government officials should not be expected to obscure the facts to shield others from political accountability.

Today’s report refers to the ‘appalling mismanagement of the crisis’ and the misleading statements to Parliament which followed.

Those who lead the Foreign Office should be ashamed that civil servants of great integrity felt compelled to risk their careers to bring the situation to light, says the report. It is the responsibility of the Permanent Under-Secretary to ensure the system operates effectively, leading the Committee to conclude that he no longer has their confidence and should consider his position.

The UK Government must commit to a serious strategy for future engagement with Afghanistan. The failure to do so would abandon women and girls in the single biggest reversal of rights in a generation.

Today’s report calls on the Government to re-establish a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan as soon as it is safe to do so, and to work with those on the ground who can support civil society.

Attempts to isolate the new regime entirely may only hurt the Afghan people and leave a vacuum to be filled by China. The report argues that humanitarian aid alone will not be enough to avert catastrophe and that the UK should aim to resume development aid when possible, placing Afghan women at the heart of its policy towards the country. 

The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugendhat MP, said: ““The UK’s part in this tragedy exposes a lack of seriousness in achieving co-ordination, a lack of clear decision-making, a lack of leadership and a lack of accountability.

“At a time when we face critical foreign policy challenges, and the risks to our lives and economy are so serious, including from the current energy and inflation pressures, our diplomacy and security cannot be so confused and unstructured. Unity of purpose, clarity and coordination require serious intent and consistent political leadership. 

“The timeline of misery exposed by this report reveals serious systemic failures at the heart of the UK’s foreign policy. The absence of the FCDO’s top leadership – ministerial and official – when Kabul fell is a grave indictment on those supposedly in charge.

“While junior officials demonstrated courage and integrity, chaotic and arbitrary decision-making runs through this inquiry. Sadly, it may have cost many people the chance to leave Afghanistan, putting lives in danger.  The integrity of the Civil Service depends on those leading these organisations showing the courage to tell the truth to the British people.

“There are many heroes in this story who worked under enormous pressures. The military and civilian personnel on the ground in Afghanistan, and many in the FCDO itself, during the evacuation and those who helped from afar deserve our thanks.

“Now, Afghanistan faces a terrible humanitarian crisis with 23 million people at risk of starvation and the rights of women and girls have faced their greatest reversal in a generation. All this while the threat from extremism has grown.

“We need a serious rethink in the heart of the UK Government to combine diplomacy, aid and trade in a concerted and strategic approach to future policy towards Afghanistan.”

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Monkeypox: First case in Scotland

Monkeypox has been confirmed in an individual in Scotland. The individual is receiving care and treatment appropriate to their condition and contact tracing is underway.

Monkeypox is a viral infection usually found in West and Central Africa. The West African strain that has been recently detected in the UK is generally a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone already infected and with symptoms of monkeypox. Most people recover within a few weeks.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Wales and Northern Ireland HSC Health Protection Agency to monitor and respond to potential and confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK.

As of Friday 20 May, the UKHSA has identified 20 cases in England but more are expected.

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director, PHS explains: “Public Health Scotland is aware of an individual in Scotland who is confirmed to have monkeypox. The affected individual is being managed and treated in line with nationally agreed protocols and guidance.

“We have well established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with such cases of infectious disease and these will be strictly followed.

“We are working with NHS Boards and wider partners in Scotland and the UK to investigate the source of this infection. Close contacts of the case are being identified and provided with health information and advice. This may include the offer of vaccination.

“The overall risk to the general public is low.

“Anyone with an unusual blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores on any part of their body, including their genital area, should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice if they have any concerns.”

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of monkey pox include fever or high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

A blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genital area.

The rash changes and goes through different stages, before finally forming a scab, which typically falls off over the course of a couple of weeks. Individuals are infectious from the point symptoms start until all the scabs fall off. During this time close contact with others must be avoided.

UKHSA identifies thirty-six more cases of monkeypox in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 36 additional cases of monkeypox in England.

The latest cases bring the total number of monkeypox cases confirmed in England since 7 May to 56.

The virus does not usually spread easily between people, but it can be passed on through close person-to-person contact or contact with items used by a person who has monkeypox, such as clothes, bedding or utensils. Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks.

While the current outbreak is significant and concerning, the risk to the UK population remains low.

Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, should immediately contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service.

A notable proportion of cases detected have been in gay and bisexual men, so UKHSA continues to urge this community to be alert to monkeypox symptoms.

People should notify clinics ahead of their visit and can be assured their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, said: Alongside reports of further cases being identified in other countries globally, we continue to identify additional cases in the UK. Thank you to everyone who has come forward for testing already and supported our contact tracing efforts – you are helping us limit the spread of this infection in the UK.

“Because the virus spreads through close contact, we are urging everyone to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact a sexual health service if they have any symptoms.

“A notable proportion of recent cases in the UK and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men so we are particularly encouraging these men to be alert to the symptoms.”

UKHSA health protection teams are contacting people considered to be high-risk contacts of confirmed cases and are advising those who have been risk assessed and remain well to isolate at home for up to 21 days.

In addition, UKHSA has purchased supplies of a safe smallpox vaccine (called Imvanex) and this is being offered to identified close contacts of someone diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection and severe illness.

We continue to engage with partners across the sector to ensure people are aware of the signs and symptoms and what action to take.

The vaccination of high-risk contacts of cases is underway. As of 10am on 23 May 2022, over 1,000 doses of Imvanex have been issued, or are in the process of being issued, to NHS Trusts. There remain over 3,500 doses of Imvanex in the UK.

Perfect Platinum Party Platters: Platinum Pesto Chicken!

Platinum Jubilee Pesto Coronation Chicken

The original recipe was created by renowned florist Constance Spry and Cordon Bleu chef Rosemary Hume for a royal banquet to celebrate the coronation of Elizabeth II.

It’s believed Coronation Chicken may actually have been inspired by Jubilee Chicken, the dish prepared for the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935! Chicken with mayonnaise and curry has been a firm favourite ever since. 

So, we’ve adapted the original recipe to create the ultimate street party celebration dish – Platinum Pesto Chicken!

Sensationally, it’s a simple dish from the Italian Pesto Pioneers Sacla’ – visit their website www.sacla.co.uk to find more party platter inspiration and a range of delicious authentic cakes and treats; perfect for this unique and special weekend.

Platinum Jubilee Pesto Coronation Chicken

Serves 4-6

Cooking Time: 20 minutes + 20 minutes cooling

3 chicken breasts

6 slices Parma ham

Olive oil

250g cherry tomatoes

120g cucumber, sliced

400g cooked Risotto rice, cooled

120g celery, sliced

Small bunch of chives, chopped

50g mange tout

15g toasted pine nuts

Parmesan shavings

Balsamic glaze

Basil to garnish

Dressing:

130g Sacla’ Classic Basil Pesto

130g mayonnaise

130g crème fraiche

Black Pepper

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan.

Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of Parma ham then place on a baking tray, drizzle with a little olive oil and roast in the oven for 20 minutes until the ham is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Take the chicken out of the oven and leave to cool before slicing.

While the chicken is cooling prepare the cherry tomatoes by slicing around the middles in a zig-zag pattern to make little flower shapes then use a flower shaped cutter to make cucumber flower slices.

Make the dressing in a large bowl by mixing the Pesto, mayonnaise and crème fraiche together with some freshly ground black pepper. Stir the rice through the dressing along with the celery, chives and cooled chicken. Then gently mix through the tomato and cucumber flowers and spoon onto a serving platter.

Use a smaller flower cutter to cut out little mange tout flowers and sprinkle these over the platter along with the pine nuts and parmesan shavings. Drizzle over some balsamic glaze and a few basil leaves and enjoy!

Sacla’ Classic Basil Pesto is available in retailers nationwide and  www.sacla.co.uk with an RRP of £2.80.

Still smiling: Legal & General pays a record £797m in UK claims

Legal & General paid out a record 46 personal protection claims every day in the UK during 2021, totalling £797.9 million – an increase of £33.9 million from 2020 – and benefitting 16,890 customers and their families.

As the UK’s number one individual Life Insurance provider Legal & General has paid out more than £3.5 billion in claims over the past five years across its Life, Critical Illness Cover (CIC), Terminal Illness Cover (TIC) and Income Protection (IP).

Overall, the provider paid 97% of individual protection claims with an average pay out of £47,243.

Of the small percentage not paid, almost nine in 10 were because of ‘deliberate or reckless misrepresentation’. Over 30% of misrepresentations were due to lifestyle factors that should clearly have been in the customers knowledge, with the majority of these being linked to alcohol. 

Legal & General continues to work closely with its partners and distributors to help minimise misrepresentation and do more to explain how insurance claims work so it can support even more customers in 2022.

The wider impact of Covid-19

As in 2020, the pandemic impacted the 2021 claims data; with almost one in seven life claims Covid-19 related. Legal & General paid out 1,579 Covid-19 life claims at an average of £46,769 per claim, making up a combined total of almost £74 million – over £34.6 million more than last year.

The difference in claims for men versus women when it came to Covid-19 related deaths is stark. Only 35% of Life Insurance claims came from women, compared with 65% from men. Legal & General’s figures continue to reflect those from the Office for National Statistics that show men are more likely to pass away from Covid-19 than women2. In contrast, 60% of Legal & General’s overall Life Insurance claims are for men, again indicating an increase when looking at Covid-19 claims specifically.

Income protection continues to play an important role

Legal & General paid 417 IP claims in 2021, at a monthly average of £1,067 per claim, totalling over £3 million. The main cause of IP claims was musculoskeletal disorders (37%), followed by cancer (12.5%) and coronavirus (9.8%).

All IP products include Legal & General’s Rehabilitation Support Service. It gives customers access to an in-house team of healthcare professionals who offer wide-ranging physical and mental health support at no extra cost.

Project Smile

This year saw the launch of Project Smile, an initiative to support children going through a difficult diagnosis.

For every claim relating to a child’s illness paid, the provider sends a gift to the child to help bring a smile to their face. Gifts are chosen according to the preferences of the child and can include anything from a voucher to a Peppa Pig toy.

David Banks, Director of Claims and Underwriting said: “Paying claims is core to what we do. As we continue to come back from Covid-19, we remain focused on giving our customers and their loved ones financial support when they need it most. But more has to be done to tackle misrepresentation.

“At Legal & General we’re working closely with partners and distributors to help make the underwriting process as transparent and streamlined as possible. We hope that increasing knowledge around the lifestyle and general health information required will minimise misrepresentation and help us support even more customers in their moment of need.

“We’re proud to have paid out more than £797million in claims last year, but it’s the personal impact behind the figures that’s most important. We know an injury or illness affects the whole family, none more so than when it happens to a child. That’s why we have launched Project Smile.

“Our assessors get to know the families throughout the course of a claim – we wanted to go beyond just dealing with the paperwork and show that we are thinking of them through what is likely to be the most challenging time of their lives.”

British Sandwich Week (22-26 May):

Turn up the heat with this no-knead focaccia sandwich with Rowse Chilli Fusion honey

Instagram baker and Rowse Honey Squeeze Collective member Michael Pozerskis (@doeshebakedough) has shared his original recipe for a no-knead focaccia sandwich with burrata, mortadella and Rowse Chilli Fusion.

To help people make their sandwiches even more epic, he’s also pulled together his top tips for making the ultimate sandwich at home.

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What’s the secret to creating the perfect sandwich?

Texture, texture, and texture! Adding crunch to a basic sandwich is the way forward! Think crispy onions (or the classic crisp sandwich). 

What makes focaccia so special as a sandwich bread?

Focaccia is light, airy and robust, which means it can handle whatever wet or dry fillings you decide to put in it. People don’t necessarily think of focaccia as a sandwich bread but it’s perfect for it. No more sitting in the shadows – let the carb jump out!

Store-bought or home-baked?

By baking your own bread, you know exactly what goes into it. From a health perspective, I encourage you to go read the ingredients in most shop-bought loafs… that’s the kind of stuff I don’t want to be putting in my body! It’s all chemically enhanced – not for you, but for the company to speed up processes to make more money. Plus, baking your own bread is a great skill to have! Back to basics kind of stuff!

Any top tips for adding instant flavour to a sandwich?

Use honey! The sweetness from just a small squeeze can help balance and enhance the flavours. Or use a chilli infused one like Rowse’s Chilli Fusion for an instant kick! 

What are the benefits of using honey in your baking?

Rowse honey adds a natural sweetness to the end result. This can help to bring the dough and all the flavours to life, and balance out the salt. Another trick is to use a squeeze of honey to activate your yeast; a small amount gives the yeast all the food it needs to spike it into action quickly, giving you consistently good results.

What’s the best way to stave off the sogginess?

Careful layering… ie don’t put tomatoes on the bottom. Or you can go one step further and lightly toast the insides (classic burger bun technique) but think about your toppings – you don’t want to go wet on wet on wet as it will be like eating a slug.

Crusts on or off?

There are no crusts on a focaccia so there’s no chance of leaving anything on the plate – but if we’re talking a straight-up sandwich… crusts on, always on. (But weirdly I would probably eat them first…).

Recipe: No-Knead Focaccia Sandwich

Preparation time: 4-5 hours

Cooking time:  20-30 minutes

Servings: 2

Inspired by Southern Italy where focaccia forms the basis of all great lunches.
This easy-to-make focaccia offers an incredibly soft, airy bread, with a great amount of strength, which makes it perfect for sandwiches!

By Michael Pozerskis (@doeshebakedough), Rowse Honey Squeeze Collective member

Ingredients

For the No-Knead Focaccia:

  • 550g strong bread flour
  • 410ml water
  • 10g Rowse Fusion Chilli Honey
  • 20ml olive oil
  • 11g fine sea salt
  • 7g dried yeast

For the Sandwich Filling:

  • 6 large slices of mortadella with pistachios (or any quality ham you can get your hands on)
  • 1 ball of Burrata (or fresh mozzarella if you can’t find any)
  • 1 tsp Rowse Chilli Fusion honey
  • 2 good-quality tomatoes
  • Handful of fresh rocket
  • Couple of leaves of basil
  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil to drizzle

Method

Step 1: The dough…

  • Add 7g yeast, 410ml water and 10g Rowse Chilli Fusion honey into a large bowl and mix until fully incorporated.  Add the flour to the wet mix and stir with a spatula until it starts to form a smooth dough. Pour in the olive oil and combine until thoroughly incorporated into the dough. Cover and leave for 15-20 minutes.
  • Add the salt and vigorously mix into your dough using your spatula (alternatively, get your hands stuck in and squeeze the dough repeatedly). Keep going until the salt is incorporated and the dough is smooth (about 3 or 4 minutes).
  • Cover the dough and place in a switched-off oven. Place a pan of freshly boiled water in and close it (this creates a super warm and humid environment). Leave for 1-2 hours until the focaccia dough has doubled in size.
  • Line a baking tray, take your dough out and place into the tray. Cover with olive oil and lightly press the dough out towards the edges, making sure you don’t press too hard. You’ll dimple the dough later so don’t worry about this now.
  • Cover and place back in the switched-off oven. Take the dough out 1-1.5 hours later and turn up your oven to 230 degrees Celsius.
  • Coat your hands in olive and press the dough creating dimples, pushing the air gently out of the dough. This will create bubbles in the surface – a classic feature of any focaccia! Sprinkle some flaked sea salt over the top.
  • Get the dough into the oven and turn it down to 200 degrees Celsius and bake for 15 minutes. Continue to bake until golden brown.

Step 2: Building the sandwich…

  • Slice the focaccia into the number of sandwiches you’ll be making.
  • Slice in half, open up, and drizzle with olive oil. Layer your slices of mortadella (or ham), the tomato, rocket, basil and the burrata.
  • Finally, squeeze a generous amount of Rowse Fusion Chilli honey over the top (as much heat as you can handle!), Place the two halves together and get ready for the ultimate focaccia sandwich!

New research explores antimicrobial resistance in Scotland’s waters

Research by James Hutton Institute and Heriot-Watt University scientists has carried out the first review of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Scotland’s waters.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, are a major source of concern for public health. According to the World Health Organisation, new resistance mechanisms continue to emerge and spread globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases and endangering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Work by Hutton and Heriot-Watt researchers, funded by Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters, considered the available information on antimicrobial resistance in Scotland’s waters and identified emerging monitoring approaches and potential technological solutions for detecting and tackling antimicrobial resistance.

Findings will help policymakers develop solutions for detecting, monitoring and reducing antimicrobial resistance in Scottish waters.

Dr Lisa Avery, a senior environmental microbiologist at the James Hutton Institute’s Environmental and Biochemical Sciences department and co-author of the study, said: “So far, there has not been enough monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in Scotland’s waters to know how widespread or how concentrated the levels of resistant microbes, genes and resistance-driving chemicals are.

“Globally, lots of different methods are used for detecting resistance. The most common ones are to detect antibiotic resistant bacteria by culturing (growing) them and using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – based methods to detect specific resistance genes. Our study found no consensus on the best detection method.”

Dr Helen Bridle, Associate Professor at the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering of Heriot-Watt University added: “A diversity of approaches is needed for research purposes.

“However, if we can develop some guidelines so that those researching or monitoring resistance in waters are encouraged to use at least one or two of the same approaches across all of the different studies, this would help in understanding antimicrobial resistance and how it is linked across humans, animals and the environment.”

At a recent meeting of the Scottish Parliament, Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, said: “We need to recognise that antimicrobial resistance does not affect only humans.

“Bacteria with the potential to become resistant to antibiotics exist in animals and in the environment. For that reason, we require a one health approach to the threat that recognises that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.”

The researchers conclude that agreement across methodological approaches and guidance would support technology developers to develop and validate new approaches for detecting antimicrobial resistance, as most current methods are developed for the clinical, rather than environmental field.

It’s hoped that treatment technologies can remove antimicrobial resistance, but cost-benefit analyses are needed to compare different treatment and mitigation strategies.

A spokesperson from SEPA commented: “SEPA welcomes the publication of the Centre of Expertise for Waters’ (CREW) policy briefing, which provides valuable insights to better understanding the risks of AMR in Scotland’s water environment.

“There are many sectors and activities we regulate that have the potential to exacerbate the spread of AMR through the environment, and we are committed to playing our role in understanding and helping to address the issue.

“Through research and multi-agency collaboration we are working to ensure that interventions are developed and implemented in a way that recognises how the health of people is closely and inextricably linked to the health of animals and our shared environment. This includes our involvement in key groups such as the One Heath Breakthrough Partnership and the Scottish One Health National AMR Action Plan Group.”

The policy outputs, including a policy note (Antimicrobial resistance in Scotland’s waters) and policy brief (Technologies for monitoring and treatment of antimicrobial resistance in water), are both available from the CREW website [https://www.crew.ac.uk/publications]. 

Policy_Brief_FINALDownload

Best Start, Bright Future: Poverty Alliance webinar on the Scottish Child Poverty Delivery Plan

Best Start, Bright Future – a Poverty Alliance Webinar

Monday 6 June 2022: 10am – 1pm 

Scotland is a country where compassion is strong, but where child poverty is an ongoing injustice that we have to end together.

Best Start, Bright Future, the Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, was published at the end of March. It’s designed to help create the change we need to drive down child poverty and reach Scotland’s interim child poverty targets in 2024. 

There are a lot of commitments in the plan, and we are hosting a special morning webinar to explore how we can make sure they are implemented, and how they can best deliver practical change in our communities. 

The plan includes pledges to: increase the level of the Scottish Child Payment; create a new employability offer to help parents get into work, and; mitigation of the benefit cap. 

There is lot more besides, and Best Start, Bright Futures will touch on all areas of anti-poverty activity in Scotland. It is crucial for groups and organisations across the country to understand what it all means for their work.

Please join us for a morning of discussion on how we can all work together to ensure that the ambition contained in the plan is delivered.   

Click here to register!

Agenda 

10:00 Welcome  Peter Kelly, Director, the Poverty Alliance 

10:05 Best Start, Bright Futures: What you need to know! 

Julie Humphreys, Deputy Director, Tackling Child Poverty & Financial Wellbeing, Scottish Government  

10:20 From Plan to Practice: Perspectives on Best Start, Bright Futures 

Professor Morag Treanor, Deputy Chair, Poverty and Inequality Commission 

John Dickie, Director, Child Poverty Action Group Scotland 

Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland 

10:50 Panel Discussion 

11:15 Comfort Break 

11.30 Workshops 

1. Making Employability Work for Priority Group Families 

  • Jack Evans, Policy Manager, Joseph Rowntree Foundation 
  • Laura Millar, Strategic Manager, Fife Gingerbread 

2. Social security: Priorities for tackling poverty  

  • Tressa Burke, CEO, Glasgow Disability Alliance (tbc) 
  • Polly Jones, Head of Scotland, Trussell Trust (tbc) 

3. Childcare and Child Poverty – Meeting the Challenges 

  • Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director, Close the Gap (tbc) 
  • Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive, One Parent Families Scotland (tbc)  

12.30: Feedback from groups and concluding remarks 

13:00 Close