There has been a rise in tool thefts from work vehicles, renovation sites, and construction areas.
We urge everyone to be extra cautious and take preventative measures to protect your valuable assets.
Here are some practical tips:
Lock it up: Ensure your vehicle or site is securely locked when unattended.
Out of sight, out of mind: Keep tools hidden. The less visible they are, the less likely they are to be stolen.
Invest in secure storage: A tool safe or lockbox can provide an extra layer of security.
Mark your tools: Engraving or marking your tools can deter thieves and aid in recovering stolen items.
In addition to these, when it comes to vehicle security:
Hide your valuables: Avoid leaving property on open display within your vehicle, including the boot.
Remove tools at night: If you or anyone you know stores work tools in their vehicles, please remove them at night. It might take some time, but it’s the most effective theft prevention method.
Upgrade your locks: Installing additional or stronger locks can deter thieves from attempting to break into a vehicle.
8,256 horses were registered during Britain’s first ever Thoroughbred Census, of which 5,566 were previously unrecorded
The 2023 Census, undertaken by Hartpury University, has disclosed invaluable information on the lives Thoroughbreds lead after leaving racing
New insight confirms the remarkable versatility of horses bred for racing as they move into a range of second careers
Results found that a third are aged 15 years or over, and even more are still with their original owner post-racing
Combined with data obtained from equestrian association bodies, there is now a level of knowledge on an estimated 80% of the former racehorse population
The Horse Welfare Board outlines future plans to achieve complete traceability of racehorses at their first step out of the sport
The Thoroughbred Census was funded by The Racing Foundation as part of its 3-year, £3million grant supporting the work of British racing’s Horse Welfare Board
Details of 8,256* former racehorses were submitted by their owners during Britain’s first-ever Thoroughbred Census, 5,566 of which were previously unrecorded.
The initiative was launched last year by British racing’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB) to generate important intelligence on the lives Thoroughbreds lead after leaving the sport.
A key aim of the Thoroughbred Census was to help bridge the intelligence gap between the current estimate of the British Thoroughbred population and the reality. Through its work, Hartpury University has now sized the former racehorse population at 33,600**.
When the new Census data is combined with information from the 13,000 members of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), plus data from equestrian associations, the intelligence bank on former racehorses residing in Great Britain now covers an estimated 80%*** of the population.
Dr Neil Hudson MP, the only veterinary surgeon in the House of Commons, said: “This is a very welcome and crucial step in closing the gap in traceability.
“It is vital that the Government continues to work with the racing industry to implement important initiatives that will improve the welfare of all Thoroughbreds, both during racing, and once they leave the sport. Vital to that will be the progressing of a central Digital Equine Database.”
FUTURE PLANS TO IMPROVE TRACEABILITY
Whilst there was strong participation from people connected to racing, the Census identified gaps in contributions from wider equestrian communities and disciplines. As a result, the Horse Welfare Board, in collaboration with RoR, is now developing tailored plans to better connect with these underrepresented groups and will work with equestrian member bodies and associations to ensure any knowledge gaps continue to reduce.
Other recommendations set out by the report to increase traceability going forward include:
A repeat Census – The HWB has set an ambition to repeat the Census again within 3-5 years.
Develop a mechanism to ensure 100% of horses can be traced at the first step out of racing – The aim is to link the sport’s National Racing Administration System data with the RoR database so that all Thoroughbreds retiring from racing, and their new owners, are automatically enrolled with RoR when they leave the sport.
Central Equine Database (CED) – Racing will continue to lobby Government to further develop a Central Equine Database that can successfully operate as a repository for data on all Thoroughbreds throughout their life to increase traceability.
Defra Digital Equine ID – Lobbying work will continue with the Government to move away from the traditional paper passports and legislate a mandatory Digital Equine ID.
Tracey Crouch CBE, MP and independent member of the Horse Welfare Board, said: “We are delighted that Britain’s inaugural Thoroughbred Census has enhanced our intelligence on the country’s Thoroughbred population.
“The report has also generated valuable recommendations for further improvements, some of which we will be pushing Government to support.”
THE REMARKABLE LIVES AND VERSATILITY OF THE FORMER RACEHORSES
Analysis of the data collected by the inaugural Thoroughbred Census identifies that almost two-thirds (62.9%) of the former racehorse population are aged between 5 and 14. Roughly a third (31.2%) are aged 15 years or over, including 739 Thoroughbreds aged 20 years or older, illustrating the long lives that racehorses enjoy beyond the sport.
The majority of those registered (74%) are geldings, which is believed to be because mares and fillies often move from racing into stud as their second careers and are therefore not eligible to the Census, and the most common reason owners stated their horse had left racing was due to poor performance and/or lack of aptitude for the sport.
Thoroughbreds engage in wide and varied activities after racing, such as dressage (11%), showjumping (8%) and eventing (8%), whilst the majority are enjoyed for leisure riding, hacking, and unaffiliated competing (36%). The range of activities is broad and reflects how well a racing career prepares Thoroughbreds for other disciplines, with almost as many moving into equine assisted activities, such as therapy, as those moving into endurance riding.
Helena Flynn, Programme Director, Horse Welfare Board, said: “The Thoroughbred Census represents an important milestone in British racing’s commitment to improve the traceability of all former racehorses after they leave the sport.
“It also enriches our intelligence about what these horses go on to do. It is often misperceived that Thoroughbreds who are not successful in racing are discarded as they are unable to adapt to other roles, however the Census results showcase their incredible versatility and their ability to thrive in a host of new careers.”
Racing owners, as a whole, are careful and conscientious and frequently take all the necessary steps, often at personal cost, to ensure racehorses move to good homes. The Census findings reflect this, with more than a third of the horses submitted (38.6%) still with their original post-racing owner, demonstrating that post-racing owners care for their horses for long periods of time, and racing owners and trainers effectively and carefully select the next step out of racing for their racehorses.
Furthermore, a vast majority (87.3%) of former racehorses have been owned by three or fewer owners. Just under half of the owners have owned at least one Thoroughbred previously (43.2%).
The primary reasons for Thoroughbred ownership include for them to be used as a project to train and compete, companionship, and because of their characteristics as a breed (temperament, athleticism, versatility).
There is also evidence that owners who are, or have previously, worked in the industry have a personal connection with the horses in their care and want to give something back by looking after them once their racing careers have ended.
In terms of geographical spread, the highest population of former racehorses included in the Census were based in the South West (19.1%), South East (13.2%), East of England (12.9%), West Midlands (11.4%) and North East (10.6%).
USE OF EQUINE PASSPORTS
The primary source of traceability for all horses in Great Britain is the equine identification document (passport), which new owners of any horse are legally required to update within 30 days of new ownership.
During their racing careers this information is regulated and meticulously maintained with the Weatherbys General Stud Book via breeders, owners, and trainers. However, data for former racehorses reduces significantly when they go into private ownership after, and beyond, their first step out of racing.
Whilst most Thoroughbred Census respondents (64%) had changed the ownership details on their horse’s passport to their own name, considerably higher than the 20% average across all equestrian disciplines, there is still work to be done to ensure improved owner compliance in the future.
The Census has uncovered that the reasons owners don’t update their horse’s passport with new ownership details include an attachment to the horse (worried the passport will get lost), lack of knowledge, circumstance (didn’t seem worth it at the time), process (complexity, time it takes), procrastination and expense.
Furthermore, almost a third (30.8%) weren’t aware of the requirement to update an equine passport to notify a death, whilst most (75.4%) also weren’t aware they could be fined for not doing so in this instance.
Despite low compliance, most owners (83.5%) said they would be willing to use a new e-passport system to register a change of horse ownership rather than the existing postal system if it was free, or a minimal fee was charged.
Helena Flynn, continues: “Once retired from racing, these horses move out of the regulated space and into private ownership, and it’s clear that many owners need better education around their responsibility to keep every horse’s ID document up to date.
“Moving forward, the Horse Welfare Board and RoR will implement a communications plan to ensure owners of former racehorses are made aware, and reminded of, their responsibilities.”
Whilst there was no correlation in terms of passport possession in relation to the competitive disciplines undertaken, owners who kept their Thoroughbred as a field companion, broodmare, or engaged in equine assisted activities were less likely to have their horse’s passport in possession, presenting a need for increased education on the importance of equine passports and ensuring they’re always up to date.
This was partially achieved through the Census campaign, with Weatherbys General Stud Book reporting a 34% increase in passport updates compared to the same period the previous year.
Roly Owers OBE, CEO, World Horse Welfare, said: “It is encouraging to see the positive strides in intelligence made as a result of the Census, as well as the industry’s commitment to achieving complete traceability in the future.
“This is a fundamental goal for the future of the industry, both for the sake of the horses and industry’s reputation in light of the growing license to operate debate.”
The Census was undertaken in partnership with equine research experts at Hartpury University. The data, obtained following independent analysis by the University, will enable British racing and its aftercare charity, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), to better support owners, as well as continue to build informed and helpful communities.
In addition, data about this stage of a Thoroughbred’s life will be used to improve and adapt welfare initiatives and will, most importantly, enable fast and effective contact in the event of an equine disease outbreak.
The six-month census was funded by the Racing Foundation in partnership with Retraining of Racehorses and supported by World Horse Welfare and Weatherbys General Stud Book.
A hub is available for people in East Lothian to access information, advice and practical support about mental health and wellbeing.Set up in East Lothian Community Hospital, it aims to help people find out about the wide range of services that are available in the local community.
Any adult who is concerned about their own mental health and wellbeing, or supporting someone else’s, can drop in to pick up information or speak to an advisor.
The Hub is run by a team of psychologists at the hospital who are regularly joined by representatives from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, East Lothian Works, Changes East Lothian, and Community Link Workers from Penumbra.
Dr Alison Wells, Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Lothian, explains: “We started this hub to help signpost patients and visitors to the wide range of therapeutic, wellbeing, practical or social support available.
“Anyone can struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, feel anxious, low or down, particularly during these challenging times. There’s an abundance of services which can help so we encourage anyone who is worried to pop along for a private chat or just to pick up some information.”
The Hub runs every Wednesday between 12noon and 2pm in the foyer just off the main entrance to East Lothian Community Hospital.
It provides access to a range of materials including those from the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and local third-party organisations.
NHS clinicians are on hand to help direct people to the information and support available. A Citizen’s Advice Bureau Adviser is also available to help with queries about housing, finances and benefits and other questions.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer and Joint Director of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this open-door mental health support to the people of East Lothian.
“Taking the first step and seeking advice can often be the hardest. We hope this resource will encourage people to come forward, no matter how big or small they think the problem may be, and look after their mental health, just as they would their physical health.”
Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald has said the new Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will ensure that up to 3,155 people in Edinburgh will benefit from “an approach rooted in dignity, fairness and respect” with Social Security Scotland providing a total of 15 support payments.
Under the Scottish Government’s proposals, those in Scotland who currently receive the DWP’s Disability Living Allowance – around 66,000 adults – will, from next year, be automatically transferred to the new Scottish benefit. They will then be able to apply for Adult Disability Payment.
Commenting, the SNP MSP for Pentlands said: “Since its inception, Social Security Scotland has set out to support those who need it most, with an approach rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – and I am pleased that more people across Edinburgh will benefit from this progressive approach.
“For the 3,155 people who are currently reliant on the cruel and out-dated DWP, this new benefit will streamline the provision of support and enable them to apply for Social Security Scotland’s flagship Adult Disability Payment.
“This is just one of many examples of the progress that can be made when we have the power to make decisions in the best interests of Scots as we work to build a fairer, more prosperous country.”
Edinburgh father to fly son’s Pipe Band to New York
A group of gifted young pipers will enjoy first-class treatment as they travel to the Big Apple to perform in the 26th Tartan Day Parade aboard a plane piloted by a father to one of the youngsters.
Captain Simon Rankin from Edinburgh is thrilled to be flying the boys to New York for the big event. He said: “It’s a privilege to be flying The Merchiston Castle School Pipe Band to New York, particularly as I am a dad to one of the students!
“All of us at Virgin Atlantic are delighted to be part of creating such great experiences and memories for all of the boys. Enjoy Tartan Week and the magic of NYC!”
Merchiston Castle School’s Pipe Band is performing at the ceremony on the 6th of April, joining over 3000 bagpipers, highland dancers, clan organisations and Scottish dog breeds marching proudly up Sixth Avenue to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture.
Scotland’s leading independent all-boys school, Merchiston boasts an impressive Pipe Band, directed by the 5-time Champion bagpiper and composer Kyle Warren. Under Kyle’s tutelage, the music group has competed at local, national and international level, recently taking first prize in the Junior B Grade at the Glasgow Highland Club competition.
Kyle Warren, Director of Pipe and Drums at Merchiston, said:“It is a privilege to be attending the 26th anniversary of the NYC Tartan Day Parade with Merchiston’s Pipe Band to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture.
“I am incredibly proud of the boy’s dedication and commitment to rehearsals and practice to ensure the band performs at its best on the international stage.
“I’m confident this will be a trip the boys will remember forever and can look back on with incredible memories – starting with a flight expertly piloted by Simon Rankin!”
Salaried workers could be paid illegally low wages as minimum wage set to go up tomorrow
The TUC has warned that office workers and other salaried workers could be at risk of being “cheated” out of the minimum wage by their employer.
The warning comes ahead of the introduction of the new rate of the minimum wage from Monday 1 April.
A salaried worker – many of whom are office workers – is paid an annual salary which stays the same regardless of fluctuations in the hours they work. This is paid in equal payments, usually monthly or 4-weekly.
The TUC analysis shows that for an employer to be minimum wage compliant as of 1 April:
Workers doing 35 hours per week will have to be paid at least £20,821 a year
Workers doing 37.5 hours per week will have to be paid at least £22,308 a year
Workers doing 40 hours per week will have to be paid at least £23,795 a year
Workers doing 42.5 hours per week will have to be paid at least £25,282 a year
The TUC was easily able to find online adverts for salaried jobs still advertised below the incoming minimum wage in roles.
Minimum wage non-compliance is usually associated with jobs paid at an hourly rate where non-compliance is more prevalent.
The Low Pay Commission estimates that over 430,000 salaried workers are on the minimum wage or less. But as the minimum wage rises, many more salaried workers may be within scope – and will find that they are being illegally underpaid if their salaries do not rise.
Salaried jobs have almost doubled as a proportion of minimum wage jobs since 2015. LPC analysis finds that 14.6% of minimum wage jobs were salaried in 2015 compared to 28.8% in 2023.
Unpaid overtime
Even where salaries do go up, the TUC says many salaried workers could still be facing an additional risk of underpayment. This is because many will also be putting in hours of unpaid overtime. Although they might be paid the minimum wage or above for their contracted hours, their unpaid overtime could mean they are working hourly for less than the minimum wage.
UK employers claimed £26billion of free labour last year because of workers doing unpaid overtime, according to TUC analysis. The average weekly unpaid overtime is just over 7 hours.
That means a British salaried worker who is contracted 35 hours per week who does the typical amount of overtime would need to be paid £25,000 to be paid the minimum wage at an hourly rate.
The law sets out that employers must pay at least the minimum wage for all hours actually worked, even if they are in addition to the hours in the worker’s contract.
The TUC warns desk-based office workers are often expected to put in hours of overtime as part of their job.
Underpayment in the first month
The TUC has today warned April will likely see more than a quarter of a million workers paid less than the minimum wage this month, as the new rate of the minimum wage comes into force.
The union body says the significant scale of underpayment when a new rate comes in underlines the “urgent need for investment in our enforcement system”.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The minimum wage is the very least employers should pay their workers. It’s their legal duty.
“But too many workers are cheated out of pay by bad bosses, who choose to pay staff illegally low rates.
“Minimum wage cheats exploit workers from a range of jobs – and desk-based office jobs are no exception.
“And to make matters worse, many desk-based workers are expected to put in hours of overtime for free. That’s not right.
“It’s time for a New Deal for Working People – like Labour is proposing – which will deliver a real living wage, boost wages across the board and beef up our enforcement system so that bad bosses can’t get away with failing to pay their staff the minimum wage.”
#Op Springvalley is the south-east response to youth disorder, anti-social-behaviour & criminal activity, targeting all categories of criminality via prevention, disruption, intelligence gathering and enforcement.
Community Sgt Jen Macgregor said: ‘Our officers will be out conducting high-viz patrols to provide reassurance, engage with the community, prevent offending, and gather intelligence.’
Housing Bill measure to help tenants stay in their homes
Long term rent controls would help keep homes affordable for tenants in future, under new legislation to create a fairer, better regulated rented sector.
The Housing (Scotland) Bill, introduced to Parliament last week, sets out how close working with councils will ensure rent controls are tailored to the local needs of tenants and landlords in different parts of the country.
Publication of the Bill, which will be scrutinised and voted on by MSPs, comes as temporary changes to the way rents are decided, through adjudication, come into force. From 1 April, these changes will ensure people are protected from very steep rent rises, following the end of the rent cap. Proposed rent increases after this date will still need to give three months’ notice.
Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie said: “Scotland has led the way within the UK in supporting and strengthening the rights of people who rent their homes.
“The Housing Bill sets out our next steps on the path towards a fairer, well-regulated private rented sector, which is good for both tenants and landlords and encourages investment.
“While the Parliament prepares to consider this legislation, we are also taking steps to support tenants with the pressures they are facing here and now.
“Our temporary changes to the ways that rents are decided will come into place from April 1 – to protect people who may be facing very steep increases as the temporary rent cap comes to the end of its final extension period.”
How SCOTS Military Training Forged Gladiators Champion
The Edinburgh based fitness trainer at the barracks of Gladiators winner Major Finlay Anderson has expressed his lack of surprise at the standout performance of his fellow soldier.
Sergeant John Fleming, who has trained over a thousand soldiers at Glencorse Barracks in the outskirts of Edinburgh, believes Finlay’s military training played a huge part in his success in the hit BBC show.
John, who helps soldiers of all ranks reach and maintain peak physical fitness, said: “I’m not surprised that a soldier from The Royal Regiment of Scotland was able to beat the Gladiators – our training is to the highest, most demanding standards and anyone who is capable of enduring it could really take on the challenge in terms of fitness and endurance.
“The way we train means it’s not just about physical strength and stamina – it’s the mental resilience that gives our soldiers the edge and the ability to take on any challenge.”
SCOTS soldiers under John’s training are required to have a minimum of three physical training sessions per week, at least 60 minutes dedicated to self-directed fitness. And, in the lead-up to operations, sessions significantly increase in intensity, becoming testing and uncomfortable as soldiers’ overall fitness and mental resilience is pushed to extremes.
John said:“Our gym and training ground doesn’t exactly look like the Gladiators stadium, but it certainly is a space where soldiers learn physical discipline and, when necessary, push themselves to their limits.
“Soldiers are first put through the foundation phase, teaching correct movement and injury prevention. We then move onto the resilience phase, where soldiers’ cardio strengths are put to the test in full kit.
“The final phase is the ‘Specific Phase’, which puts soldiers through their paces by focusing on strength training through various testing exercises. This really is the toughest part.”
With seven years as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) under his belt, John has helped over a thousand SCOTS Soldiers develop and improve their own physical training, mental resilience, and overall strength.
Aged just 17, John started his army journey with six years as an Infantry soldier within the Royal Regiment of Scotland and two years as a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer before joining the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC), igniting his passion for fitness into his career development.
Ahead of stepping into the official role of Physical Training Instructor (PTI), John endured a tough selection process in Aldershot, which tested his physical and mental strength to the limit. Within the grueling 19-weeks of training, John was taught how to develop advanced physical training techniques, leadership skills, instructional methods and widen his military understanding.
John said: “Being a PTI in the Army is a tough, but extremely rewarding job. Not only do I get to bolster the fittest soldier athletes, but I also get to train those who need some extra support, where Army levels of fitness may not come as naturally to them.”
Happy Easter everyone. This weekend, as people come together to celebrate and reflect on the message at the heart of the Easter festival, I want to pay tribute to the incredible work of Christians in this country.
To the churches, charities, volunteers and fundraisers who live the Christian values of compassion, charity and self-sacrifice, supporting those in need and demonstrating what it means to “love thy neighbour”.
Many, I know, will also be thinking of those in pain and suffering around the world and Christians, persecuted because of their faith, who are unable to celebrate Easter freely.
For many of us in the UK, Easter is a chance to pause and reflect, and an opportunity to spend some precious time with our families and a moment to enjoy the start of spring.
So this weekend, let me wish you all a very happy and peaceful Easter.
There has been a rise in tool thefts from work vehicles, renovation sites, and construction areas. 
Lock it up: Ensure your vehicle or site is securely locked when unattended.
Out of sight, out of mind: Keep tools hidden. The less visible they are, the less likely they are to be stolen.
Invest in secure storage: A tool safe or lockbox can provide an extra layer of security.
Mark your tools: Engraving or marking your tools can deter thieves and aid in recovering stolen items.
In addition to these, when it comes to vehicle security: 
Hide your valuables: Avoid leaving property on open display within your vehicle, including the boot.
Remove tools at night: If you or anyone you know stores work tools in their vehicles, please remove them at night. It might take some time, but it’s the most effective theft prevention method.
Upgrade your locks: Installing additional or stronger locks can deter thieves from attempting to break into a vehicle.
