Mackie’s family/business story. Angus, Karin, Kirstin and Mac
CHARITIES and community groups across the country are being invited to apply for a share of a £40,000 fund, set up to mark 40 years of Mackie’s making ice cream on the family farm in Aberdeenshire.
The Mackie’s of Scotland Charity Grant will award three organisations with a £10,000 grant through an application process, while a further ten will be awarded £1,000 donations through a staff-led selection process.
Charities and community groups supporting young people, strengthening communities, promoting wellbeing, protecting the environment or delivering vital services to those who need them most are being encouraged to apply.
Mac Mackie, Chairman at Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “Forty years ago, we started making ice cream on the farm and the support of our local community has been central to the business’ growing success ever since.
“Mackie’s has always supported local causes and the community, but as we celebrate this milestone, we wanted to find a way to link it to our giving something back and our continued commitment to charities and communities across the country.”
Applications for one of three £10,000 grants can be submitted via the Mackie’s website by charities, with groups invited to share details of the work they do, the people they support and how the funding would help them make an even greater impact.
The ten £1,000 donations will be selected separately, with Mackie’s staff nominating charities and organisations close to their hearts.
Mac added: “Whether it’s a small local group or a charity supporting families right across the country, we know £10,000 or £1,000 can make a real difference. We can’t wait to see the applications come in and find out more about the incredible work taking place across the UK.”
The Mackie’s Charity Grant is the latest in a series of community-focused efforts by the ice cream maker, including its ongoing support for NHS Grampian and The Archie Foundation.
With the first ice cream tubs made on the family farm in 1986, Mackie’s has grown into one of the UK’s fastest-growing premium ice cream brands and Scotland’s best-selling (KantarWorldPanel, volume), while staying rooted in its Aberdeenshire community, where it still makes all of its ice cream and chocolate.
Charities have until 21st August to submit their applications for the £10,000 grants.
A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a series of sexual and violent offences in East Lothian and Elgin.
Christopher Malcolm was sentenced to 16 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register at Edinburgh High Court on Friday (17 July, 2026).
He was previously convicted of the crimes, including rape and assault to injury and endangerment of life, against four women between 2010 and 2024 on 16 June, 2026, following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell said: “Malcolm subjected four women to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives.
“I would like to acknowledge the support provided by all victims throughout the investigation and court process, which has ultimately led to his conviction.
“Violence and abuse of any kind have no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice.
“I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or violence to report it to police. Every report will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”
The Growing Together Course is a new venture of Edible Estates working in partnership with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, and a range of community gardening and community farming organisations in Edinburgh and the Lothians. It is funded by the Local Growth Fund to support the green transition and employability.
The course will run from the start of September to the end of March 2027, it will be a part‑time (seven hours/week), training programme that combines hands‑on placements with community gardens and farms, with structured learning in working with people and the land.
The course will have places for 24 people who must be resident in Edinburgh. The course is free, and some travel and subsistence costs will be funded.
Participants will spend time in real settings – such as community gardens, market gardens, school farms, therapeutic gardens and community woodlands – while also taking part in seminars and guided self‑directed projects on topics like community garden design, nature restoration, climate adaptation, and working with community groups.
More information about the course below, you can also download the Course Description.
If you are interested in participating in the course, please fill in the Application Form.
Aisling Thomas, a mother of five who has combined academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive education, has graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh with a Master of Nursing with Distinction and a remarkable trio of awards.
Aisling’s outstanding achievements include the Dean’s Student Citizenship Award, the Joan and Muriel Burnside Award for care of persons living with dementia, and the Students’ Student Award, recognising her invaluable contributions to the university community.
Aisling began her higher education journey in 2022 in her thirties after years spent balancing family responsibilities and caring roles. As the first person in her family to attend university, she has transformed personal experiences of caring into a passion for nursing and educational leadership.
Growing up in Prestonpans, university was not something Aisling had always envisaged for herself. However, after completing Edinburgh College’s Routes to Health Professions programme, she enrolled at QMU and quickly became one of the University’s most engaged and influential students.
Her aspiration to become a nurse was shaped by her own experiences of healthcare, particularly the exceptional care she received from NHS staff when her daughter was born prematurely.
Reflecting on her journey, Aisling said: “The care my family received during some of our most difficult times had a profound impact on me. It inspired me to pursue nursing and to support others in the same way. Studying at QMU has given me opportunities I never imagined possible, and I’ve been able to use my own experiences to help other students find confidence and succeed.”
As well as excelling academically, Aisling has made an outstanding contribution to university life through a wide range of leadership and representative roles. These include serving as a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) Leader, Class Representative, Academic Board member, Student ChangeMaker, Widening Participation Ambassador and Clinical Skills Teaching Volunteer.
As one of the first Nursing students to become a PALS Leader at QMU, Aisling played a key role in establishing and developing peer learning within the nursing course. Her sessions have been widely praised for creating supportive, inclusive environments where students feel empowered to ask questions, build confidence and develop academically.
Aisling has presented at international conferences focused on peer learning and student support, and her work exploring neurodiverse leadership has helped inform the development of training resources for future peer leaders.
Committed to widening participation and ensuring higher education is accessible to all, Aisling has also worked extensively with prospective students through outreach activities, induction programmes and mentoring initiatives. Her efforts have helped students from underrepresented backgrounds feel welcomed, supported and confident in their transition to university.
As a Student ChangeMaker, Aisling co-developed QMU’s Neurodiversity Affirming Learning and Teaching Guides, helping to shape more inclusive educational practices across the institution. Drawing on both research and lived experience, the project has contributed to creating learning environments where all students can thrive.
Aisling’s commitment to professional development has also seen her participate in an international nursing exchange programme in Canada at Trent University, made possible by QMU’s Vice Chancellor’s & Student Development Fund.
The exchange allowed her to explore person-centred nursing approaches across a range of healthcare settings, broadening her understanding of global healthcare systems and contributing to ongoing work examining the value of international learning opportunities in nursing education.
Ruth Magowan, Head of Nursing at QMU, said: “Aisling has overcome personal adversity while balancing significant family responsibilities to make an exceptional and lasting contribution to QMU.
“Her hard work, leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting others led to her being named a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student category at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2026.
“Aisling’s story is a powerful example of how one student’s dedication can make a real and lasting difference to the experience of others across our University. We are incredibly proud of everything Aisling has achieved during her time at QMU. As she joins our graduating class of 2026, we know she has a very bright future ahead of her, and we look forward to seeing all that she goes on to achieve as a nurse.”
Aisling was able to celebrate her graduation success with her family, who enjoyed being part of an impressive graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, followed by a reception on the University’s campus.
Aisling said: “When I decided to return to education and pursue a career in nursing, I knew I needed a university that aligned with both my personal and family commitments.
“What really sold me on QMU was how well the course structure fitted with my family’s needs and how supportive the university’s ethos felt. QMU has always championed accessible education, and I felt that the nursing programme lived up to that legacy by offering a course structure that recognised the complexity of students’ lives.
“For me, QMU wasn’t just the right choice, it was the best choice.”
Aisling has recently secured a full-time role in District Nursing in East Lothian, a position she earned following a highly successful placement she completed during her time at QMU – a fitting start to what promises to be a rewarding nursing career.
It’s the fourth week of the summer holidays and we have yet more events on for you. All of them are free and there is no need to book ahead.
If Saturday doesn’t suit you for board games, come along on Tuesday from 2-4pm with your family or friends to play new games and classics with a member of staff available to teach the rules.
We have a special extra Zoo Tails session on at the usual time on Wednesday at 3:30pm. This is a great one for younger children, but everyone can enjoy the stories and activity with a community zookeeper!
If the weather is still good on Thursday afternoon, we have another toddler-friendly event: some parachute songs and games with Emily!
Friday Crafternoon is back for one week during the summer holidays, so come along and get colourful and creative from 2:30pm.
We’ve got Bookbug on this Saturday at 11am, as well as our usual sessions on Tuesday at 11am and Wednesday at 2pm.
Remember to register for the #SummerReadingChallenge and earn your first sticker by coming to a library event!
POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information following the discovery of an injured man in the Saughton area.
A 43-year-old man was found with serious injuries in a garden in the Whitson Road area at around 9.30pm on Friday, 17 July, 2026.
He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and is described as being in a critical condition.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonny Wright said: “I am appealing for information on how the man has come to be injured.
“If anyone in the area witnessed anything or has any CCTV or door camera footage from Friday evening, that hasn’t already been shown to officers, I’d ask them to get in touch.
“The response from the local community has been very helpful to the investigation and I’d like to thank them for their assistance so far.
“If anyone has information and has not yet spoken to officers, I would ask them to call 101 with any details they may have.”
Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting incident number 3838 of Friday, 17 July, 2026.
Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
More than 800,000 people in Scotland are already living with cardiovascular disease as doctors warn popular ‘summer body’ trends could be putting thousands more at unnecessary risk
Doctors are warning that Scotland’s annual rush for a “summer body” could be creating the perfect storm for heart health, as crash diets, intense workouts, dehydration, alcohol and rising temperatures combine to place extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
More than 800,000 people in Scotland are currently living with cardiovascular disease, with 17,444 deaths recorded in 2024, making heart and circulatory conditions one of the country’s leading causes of death.
Despite cardiovascular disease remaining one of Scotland’s biggest public health challenges, experts are warning that many people could be unknowingly placing additional strain on their hearts this summer by combining crash dieting, dehydration, increased alcohol consumption, hot weather and sudden changes to their exercise routines.
Every summer, thousands of people across Scotland attempt to achieve a “summer body” before holidays and special occasions by drastically cutting calories, dramatically increasing exercise, spending longer outdoors and enjoying more social occasions where alcohol is consumed.
While each of these lifestyle changes may appear harmless on its own for most healthy adults, experts say the combination can create what they describe as the “perfect storm” for people living with high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, obesity or existing cardiovascular disease, many of whom may not even realise they have an underlying condition.
Olivia Wickens, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, explains:“People often think they’re doing something positive for their health before a holiday, but it’s the cumulative effect of several sudden lifestyle changes that concerns us.
“We see people drastically cutting calories, dramatically increasing the intensity of their workouts, drinking more alcohol, sleeping less because of social events and spending long days in the hot weather at this time of year. Individually and as occasional changes, these behaviours may seem harmless, but together they create what I would describe as a ‘perfect storm’ for the heart.
“For somebody living with raised cholesterol, high blood pressure or an existing cardiovascular condition, which can develop silently, often without obvious symptoms, the cumulative effect can become much more significant. As a result, this can place unnecessary strain on the heart and increases the risk of cardiovascular complications.
“Although many people are often looking for a ‘quick fix’ solution prior to going on holidays or attending an important social event, it is important to ensure weight loss is done gradually and safely. Heart health is built through small, consistent habits over many months and years.
“Summer should be about enjoying yourself safely, not placing unnecessary strain on your cardiovascular system through extreme lifestyle changes.”
One of the biggest challenges surrounding cardiovascular disease is that many of its risk factors develop without noticeable symptoms.
Around one in three (30%) UK adults have high blood pressure, equivalent to approximately 16 million people, with as many as five million thought to be living with the condition without knowing it. High blood pressure is associated with around half of all heart attacks and strokes, while raised cholesterol also commonly develops silently.
According to the latest figures from the British Heart Foundation, more than 8 million people are currently living with cardiovascular disease, with 169,205 deaths recorded in 2024, 47,257 of them under the age of 75.
Deaths from, and number of people living with cardiovascular disease (2024):
Region
No. people dying from CVD (2024)
No. people under 75 dying from CVD (2024)
Estimated no. people living with CVD
England
137, 572
37,723
7 million+
Scotland
17,444
5,195
800,000+
Wales
9,260
2,660
400,000+
Northern Ireland
4,416
1,330
230,000+
UK total
169,205
47,257
8 million+
In Scotland, more than 800,000 people in Scotland are living with cardiovascular disease, with 17,444 deaths recorded during 2024, including 4,755 people under the age of 75.
7 Summer heart health myths, debunked:
Olivia addressed seven of the most common misconceptions about heart health, explaining why some seemingly harmless habits can place unexpected strain on the cardiovascular system:
Myth: “Hot weather is only dangerous if you get sunburnt.”
Reality: Hot weather doesn’t just make you feel uncomfortable; it makes your heart work harder.
When temperatures rise, the body diverts more blood to the skin to help regulate its temperature; on a hot day, the heart can pump two to four times as much blood per minute as on a cool day. At the same time, sweating depletes fluid, reducing the volume of blood the heart must circulate. For people living with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or raised cholesterol, this additional workload can place extra strain on the cardiovascular system. Heat also widens bloods blood vessels, which can cause blood pressure to fall, bringing dizziness or fainting, particularly for people taking blood-pressure medication.
Myth: “A few drinks in the sunshine won’t affect my heart.”
Reality: Alcohol and hot weather are a risky combination.
Alcohol accelerates dehydration, precisely what the heart doesn’t need in high temperatures. It also affects blood pressure, heart rhythm and sleep quality, all of which are important for maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Myth: “Crash dieting before a holiday is good for my heart.”
Reality: Sustainable weight loss with a balanced diet supports heart health and crash diets can do the opposite.
Many people preparing for holiday dramatically cut calories, skip meals or attempt restrictive “detox” diets to lose weight quickly. Rapid, extreme restriction can deplete electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium that keep the heart’s rhythm stable and very low-calorie diets have been linked to heart rhythm disturbance. Anyone with a heart condition should take medical advice before attempting any crash diet.
Experts say the concern isn’t healthy weight loss itself, but rapid, unsustainable calorie deficit combined with dehydration, heat and increased exercise, which may leave the body under greater physiological stress.
Myth: “It doesn’t matter when or how I eat while I’m on holiday.”
Reality: Your eating routine changes more than you realise.
Summer often disrupts normal habits. People skip breakfast before flights, eat larger and later evening meals, consume saltier restaurant food, drink more alcohol, all shift the pattern your body is used to. One indulgent meal won’t damage your heart, but weeks of disrupted routine, layered on the other factors here, place additional demands on the cardiovascular system.
Myth: “Flying has no impact on heart health.”
Reality: Travel can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
Long journeys and flights can contribute to dehydration, prolonged immobility, disrupted sleep and medication routines. People living with cardiovascular disease should make sure to stay hydrated, limit alcohol and caffeine while travelling, move around regularly on longer flights, continue taking prescribed medication and speak to their healthcare professional before travelling if they have concerns about their condition.
Myth: “If I had heart disease, I’d know about it.”
Reality: Many cardiovascular risk factors develop silently, but it is checkable.
One of the biggest challenges surrounding cardiovascular disease is that many people don’t realise they’re already at risk. Around 16 million UK adults have high blood pressure, and up to five million adults could be living with the condition without knowing it.
Both can be picked up by simple, free checks: in England, everyone aged 40 to 74 is entitled to an NHS Health Check every five years, and pharmacies offer free blood-pressure checks for over-40s with no appointment needed. A five-minute check is a better pre-holiday investment than another week of crash dieting.
Myth: “Getting fit quickly before my holiday is always good for my heart.”
Reality: More exercise isn’t always better, especially if too much, too soon.
Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your heart – being active can reduce the risk of heart and circulatory diseases by up to 35%.
But leaping from a sedentary winter into high-intensity training, particularly in hot weather asks the heart to cope before the body has had time to adapt.
Build up gradually, stay hydrated and allow time for recovery is far more beneficial than trying to get fit fast: fitness gained over months will always beat fitness forced in a fortnight.
Olivia added:“Summer holidays should be about making memories, not creating avoidable health risks.
“It is very important to stay well hydrated, particularly if you’re exercising or travelling, build up your activity levels gradually rather than pushing yourself too hard too quickly, avoid restrictive crash diets in favour of balanced, nutritious meals; and be mindful that alcohol contributes to dehydration, especially in hot weather.
“Most importantly, never ignore warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness, fainting or heart palpitations. While many summer activities are perfectly safe, persistent or severe symptoms should always be assessed urgently.”
TGJones has partnered with beloved children’s comic Beano to launch an exclusive issue which will be available FOR FREE in all stores between Thursday 16th and Thursday 23rd July.
The exclusive edition of Britain’s longest-running comic has a ‘Summer of Sports’ theme and will feature exciting new adventures from Dennis the Menace and his dog Gnasher, guest appearances from famous sporting faces, as well as several vouchers for readers to enjoy in their local TGJones store.
In a special four-page story, Dennis and Gnasher’s school Sports Day is transformed into a hilarious Summer of Sport spectacular, where they meet National Year of Reading Team Go All In captains including Joe Wicks, Tim Henman, Georgia Stanway and Jodie Cunningham, with legendary commentator John Murray joining the action. Packed with Beano humour and sporting mischief, the story celebrates how reading can help kids discover even more about the sports and heroes they love.
The vouchers will allow fans of the comic to get a future issue of the Beano with £1.50 off, a 40% discount on its usual price of £3.75, whilst jokesters who enjoy Beano’s humour will be able to pick up the official Beano Joke Book online for just £2.99 using the code BEANOJOKE, a 50% discount on its usual price of £5.99.
There will be a total of 50,000 issues available as part of the giveaway, available in every TGJones store.
The giveaway in partnership with Beano has been formed to support the National Year of Reading 2026, the biggest campaign in a generation designed to inspire everyone to discover a passion for reading and embed it into our everyday lives. A Department for Education initiative supported by the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading is delivered with the support of major sponsors and partners, including TGJones.
Recent research from National Literacy Trust found that the daily reading habits of children and young people have risen for the first time in five years, with more than a third (36.1%) of those aged 8 to 18 stating they enjoy reading in their free time.
Research from TGJones also revealed that schoolchildren between the ages of 5 and 12 years old spend roughly 6.8 hours a week reading. This trumps time spent on other activities including gaming (5.5 hours a week), playing outside (6.2 hours) and even chatting with their friends (5.8 hours).
When it comes to why children want to read more, TGJones polling showed that 52% are driven by the desire to learn new things, 40% said they were inspired to pick up a book based on its cover, while 33% want to keep up with what their friends are reading.
The campaign and upcoming giveaway aims to encourage the nation to Go All In in 2026, reading into our passions and interests to get more out of the things we already love, whether it’s football, gaming, music, sci-fi, or baking.
Mike Stirling, Beano Director of Mischief, said: “”My job is mainly listening to kids and filling Beano every week with the stories, characters and mischief they love. Comics make reading fun and that’s a superpower worth celebrating.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with TGJones and supporting the National Year of Reading to help introduce as many kids as we can to the joy of picking up a Beano.”
Alex Willson, CEO of TGJones, said: “Reading is so important for a child’s development, and as partners of the National Year of Reading 2026 we are continuously striving to encourage more children to pick up their favourite book or comic.
“Our partnership with Britain’s most beloved comic is just one more way to bring bookshelves to life across the UK.”
Beano fans can get their hands on the free issue between the 16th and 23rd July by visiting their local store.
In addition to the weekly issues, TGJones has a huge collection of Beano goodies accessible in-store and online for fans of the comic to browse.
One flavour proves to be the cream of the crop and Scotland’s undisputed favourite, but regional tastes reveal some tasty surprises
THE BIG SCOOP: Alex Equi, Deputy Managing Director of Equi’s Ice Cream reveals Scotland’s favourite flavours on National Ice Cream Day, Sunday July 19
Scotland’s premier ice cream maker, Equi’s Ice Cream, has revealed the nation’s favourite ice cream flavours.
Released under embargo ahead of National Ice Cream Day, Sunday 19 July 2026, the results come from over 500 Equi’s stockists across Scotland, including supermarkets, independent retailers and ice cream parlours, providing the most comprehensive survey of the nation’s favourite flavours to date.
Taking Equi’s classic and best-selling Double Cream Madagascan Vanilla out of the equation, the research found Raspberry Ripple was the most popular flavour across the majority of Scottish regions, including Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.
Meanwhile, Scottish Tablet topped the rankings in four regions, Pistachio Swirl claimed first place in Edinburgh and Orkney and Shetland bucked the national trend with Oreo Cookies ‘n’ Cream emerging as its favourite flavour.
Scotland’s favourite ice cream flavours by region:
Region
1
2
3
Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Raspberry Ripple
Scottish Tablet
Pistachio Swirl
Argyll & The Isles
Raspberry Ripple
Scottish Tablet
Belgian Chocolate
Ayrshire & Arran
Scottish Tablet
Raspberry Ripple
Belgian Chocolate
Dumfries & Galloway
Scottish Tablet
Raspberry Ripple
Pistachio Swirl
Dundee & Angus
Raspberry Ripple
Scottish Tablet
Pistachio Swirl
Edinburgh & The Lothians
Pistachio Swirl
Raspberry Ripple
Scottish Tablet
The Kingdom of Fife
Raspberry Ripple
Scottish Tablet
Belgian Chocolate
Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley
Raspberry Ripple
Mint Choc Chip
Belgian Chocolate
The Highlands
Raspberry Ripple
Scottish Tablet
Pistachio Swirl
Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & The Forth Valley
Scottish Tablet
Raspberry Ripple
Belgian Chocolate
Orkney
Belgian Chocolate
Sea Salt & Caramel
Raspberry Ripple
Shetland
Oreo Cookies ‘n’ Cream
Scottish Tablet
Cookie Monster
Outer Hebrides
Sea Salt & Caramel
Scottish Tablet
Belgian Chocolate
Perthshire
Raspberry Ripple
Scottish Tablet
Mint Choc Chip
Scottish Borders
Scottish Tablet
Raspberry Ripple
Pistachio Swirl
Founded in Hamilton in 1922 by Pietro Equi after he moved here from Italy, Equi’s has grown from a family-run café into one of Scotland’s best-loved ice cream makers.
Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the business continues to produce its award-winning ice cream in Lanarkshire using locally sourced milk and cream, combining ‘Scottish craft with an Italian accent’.
Today, Equi’s produces more than 60 flavours, ranging from timeless favourites including ‘Chip Off the Old Mint Choc’ and Raspberry Ripple to Scottish provenance flavours like Isle of Skye Sea Salt & Caramel and Scottish Tablet.
Alex Equi, Deputy Managing Director of Equi’s Ice Cream, said: “There’s something really special about seeing what Scotland’s favourite flavours are, particularly when the data comes from hundreds of our customers right across the country, from independent parlours and our Equi’s stores to major supermarket chains.
“It’s great to see classic flavours like Raspberry Ripple and Scottish Tablet remaining firm favourites while people are also embracing new creations like our Pistachio Swirl. Every part of Scotland has its own accent and personality and their own favourite ice cream flavour.
“With Scotland enjoying some glorious weather just in time for National Ice Cream Day, there’s no better excuse to enjoy an ice cream and we’re incredibly proud that generations of Scots continue to choose Equi’s.”
