Time, gentlemen, please … renewed call for minimum unit pricing

Pubs feel the pinch: Almost three quarters of alcohol sold in Scotland was from supermarkets or off-licences

Alcohol sales went up again during 2014 – and the Scottish government says the latest figures reinforce the need for minimum unit pricing to tackle the sale of cheap, strong alcohol.

This comes after recent statistics showing a second year of increases in alcohol-related deaths.

Despite recent improvements in alcohol-related harm levels following measures such as the multi-buy discount ban and increased investment in alcohol treatment and care services, affordability remains a key issue, and is closely related to consumption and harm.

Figures published today show that 10.7 litres of pure alcohol were sold per adult in Scotland in 2014 – equivalent to 20.5 units per adult per week – compared to 10.6 litres in 2013. This is in contrast to the trend for declining sales seen in recent years and is mainly due to more alcohol being sold in supermarkets and off-licences – known as the off-trade.

Scots continue to drink almost a fifth more than in England and Wales, where nine litres of pure alcohol were sold per adult – equivalent to 17.4 units per adult per week.

The figures also show that for the first time since 2007, the average price per unit in the off-trade has not increased and remains at 52 pence. However, more than half of alcohol sold in off-trade costs below 50 pence per unit – the level proposed for minimum unit pricing.

The shift from sales in pubs and clubs to supermarkets and off-licences, where average prices are much lower, has also continued. Almost three quarters of alcohol sold in Scotland – 72 per cent – was from supermarkets or off-licences, the highest market share seen.

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “It’s concerning that the decline in consumption seen in recent years now appears to have stalled, especially after figures published last week showed alcohol-related deaths have increased for the second year running.

“That is why we remain absolutely committed to tackling Scotland’s difficult relationship with alcohol head on. In particular championing the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing.

“We recognise that no single measure will help change our relationship with alcohol. Our Alcohol Framework has more than 40 measures to reduce alcohol-related harm, such as the multi-buy discount ban, increased investment in alcohol treatment and care services, increased delivery of Alcohol Brief Interventions, legislation to ban irresponsible promotions, and introduction of a lower drink drive limit.

“The Framework has had a positive impact so far, but while an average of around 22 people a week still die because of alcohol, there can be no room for complacency. That is why we are working on the next phase of our alcohol strategy which will be ready in 2016.

“The fact that more than half of alcohol in the off-trade is being sold at under 50p per unit is worrying, given the established link between affordability and alcohol-related harm. It reinforces our belief that minimum unit pricing is an essential part of an effective alcohol strategy.”

Weird and wonderful: weapons and windmills

The wacky world of engineering

Edinburgh College students have been erecting Game of Thrones-style siege weaponry in Midlothian, capable of launching ammo through the air towards scattering foes. But they’re not planning an assault on Dalkeith or Melville Castle any time soon – and anyone who gets in their new trebuchet’s path is more likely to get soaked than wounded!

Inspired by mediaeval military engineering, students at the college’s Midlothian Campus have constructed a trebuchet to demonstrate the role and importance of engineering in the ammunition industry. The weapon fires water balloons as ammo. The team called itself Flower Power, and its choice of a bright pink paintjob could be spotted quickly by any sentry, despite the flowers it also painted on for a bit of camouflage.

A second team from the NC Pre-Access to Engineering course looked to the future with their project.

The six students worked on ‘Project X’, a wind turbine generator to demonstrate that wind energy, one of the fastest-growing renewable energy resources, can be a potential support to meet energy demand and reduce carbon emission. Their wind turbine was wired into a model house containing multi-coloured LEDs that shone when electricity was generated by the windmill.

Both projects were designed, constructed and tested by the students under the guidance of their supervisor, lecturer Yash Kotak.

The students were working towards their NC Pre-Access to Engineering course. Students on the course develop their knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and systems covering a range of mechanical, electrical and manufacturing disciplines. In addition, they develop practical skills through workshop project time and study additional units to allow progression onto more advanced courses.

‘That’s a business trying to be a good citizen’

Deirdie Brock MP visits Sainsbury’s Blackhall

Deidre Brock, local MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, visited Sainsbury’s Blackhall on Monday where she met staff and local customers (writes GAIL WILSON).

The MP was welcomed by store manager, George Paton and taken on a tour of the 71,000 sq ft store on Craigleith Road.

Ms Brock learned about the store’s new Local Charity Partner, Meningitis Research Foundation. The charity has a vision of a world free from meningitis and septicaemia and was chosen by customers in July.

She also had a chance to hear about the store’s Food Donation Partner, Fareshare, who Sainsbury’s are teamed up with to make use of surplus food and Granton Baptist Church food bank, who they support with in-store collections.

Ms Brock, who was elected to represent Edinburgh North and Leith May’s general election, said: “I was delighted to hear about the work that Sainsbury’s staff do to reach out into the community, the support they and the store’s customers give to a local foodbank and to Crisis Fareshare. That’s a business trying to be a good citizen.

“The store is also a zero waste store recycling all of its packaging as well as providing recycling facilities for customers in the car park. It’s the first time I’ve seen an oil recycling bank in a supermarket car park and I’m looking forward to coming back soon to see how it works out.”

Store Manager George Paton said: “It has been great having Ms Brock in to our store, and introduce her to our customers and colleagues. I’m incredibly proud of our team, our store and the impact we have on the community. ”

Deirdie Brock MP is pictured with Sainsbury Blackhall PR Ambassador Gail Wilson

Happy birthday, Muirhouse Millennium Centre

Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre is celebrating a special anniversary today, writes JAMES McGINTY

Today’s our BIRTHDAY!! Yes we’re 15 today (sorry, that’s the Millennium Centre, not the average age of our workers – how they wish!!) Yes it’s fifteen years from the day Councillors Maginnis and Hinds officially opened the Centre. Have we changed? Ask our visitors!

YES we have, we’re busier more creative in our activities and projects in our activities than ever.

YES We have also improved our publicity and transparency with our venture into our own website, tweets on Twitter posts on our electronic North Edinburgh News and declaring the number of people who participate in the centre activities each month.

YES 15 years on, roll on the 25th & 50th anniversary! Click onto our website for full report with some nostalgic pictures:

www.muirhousecommunitycentre.co.uk

Bogus callers target 81 year old woman in Nichollfield

‘This is a despicable theft from an elderly lady in her own home’ – Detective Constable Mark Seymour

Police in Edinburgh are investigating a theft from an 81 year old woman in Nichollfield in Newhaven.

The incident happened around 10.45 am on Saturday (22 August), when the woman was visited by two men who said they needed to speak to her about her water supply.

She allowed the men into the house and after a short while they stole items from her house and made off. The suspects were chased from the scene and were last seen running through a common stair in North Fort Street.

The two suspects are described as:

(1) male, white, about 6’ tall, slim build, short dirty blond/grey hair, wearing a dark grey woollen jersey and carrying a carrier bag;

(2) male, white, about 5’10” tall, slim build, short dark hair and possible moustache, wearing a dark top.

Detective Constable Mark Seymour of Gayfield Police Station said; “This is a despicable theft from an elderly lady in her own home by these two suspects who have managed to trick their way into her home by acting as bogus officials.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the suspects as they fled the scene around 10.45 am on Saturday to get in touch.

“A robust and thorough investigation is underway to catch those responsible and I would urge anyone who has any information which may help in this investigation to call us on 101, or if they want to remain anonymous then through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Walking in West Pilton

This Thursday sees the last in a successful series of local walks. Join PCHP’s band of walkers for an evening stroll and an opportunity to discover the hidden history of West Pilton …

Walk leaves The Prentice Centre at 7pm

Check it out: cancer awareness campaign launched

#GetChecked for potential signs or symptoms of cancer

#GetChecked – a new campaign to encourage people to get checked for potential symptoms of cancer in a bid to save more lives in Scotland – has been launched.

The Scottish Government has joined forces with Cancer Research UK to call on people in Scotland to wear checked patterns in support of finding cancer early as part of the drive to turn the Big C into the wee c.

The campaign aims to make check patterns synonymous with early detection, so that every time someone sees a check they think about getting checked, attend screening when invited, or encourage a loved one to do the same.

X Factor and The Voice coach Yvie Burnett and Lindsay Blake from Burntisland, Fife who survived breast cancer after early detection, kicked off the campaign with M&Co, who were unveiled as its first #GetChecked partner yesterday.

The women are big supporters of the #GetChecked campaign and they joined staff at M&Co’s flagship store at The Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh to raise awareness of the importance of early detection to help save more lives in Scotland.

#GetChecked will be promoted in M&Co’s network of 62 stores across Scotland over the next two weeks to help spread the message. Their windows will also be dressed in colourful checks and staff will be handing out leaflets and stickers to promote the importance of early detection to customers.

Members of the public will also be encouraged to take a ‘check selfie’ showing an item of check as a visual prompt for making people think about getting checked, either themselves or nudging a friend or relative.

Statistics show that the likelihood of surviving breast cancer is five times higher if detected at an early stage compared to a late stage, 14 times higher for bowel cancer and 20 times higher for lung cancer.

Around 1,000 deaths could be avoided each year if Scottish cancer survival matched the best in Europe and early detection is key.

Yvie Burnett said: “I lost my wonderful Dad in 1992 when I was in my twenties, which was far too soon. When I had children he wasn’t around to see them and there are so many things I have done in my life which I would have loved to share with him.

“That’s why I’m passionate about what #GetChecked aims to do. I’m proudly wearing my checks today, and I hope others across the country will as well – the more we can encourage people to present early, the more lives that will be saved. It’s as simple as that.”

Mum of two Lindsay Blake, 42, said: “I was on holiday in Turkey when I first spotted a small indentation in my right breast that I’d never seen before. As soon as I got home I went to my GP to get it checked out and was referred to hospital for a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy.

“It was a shock when I was told I had cancer but my husband, kids, family and friends were all amazing from start to finish. Their support kept me feeling positive, even through the tough days. Now two and a half years on I’m well, back at work and starting to feel more like me again.

“I lost my own mum to lung cancer in 2009 and it broke my heart to watch her fade away. I don’t want that to happen to any other family. That’s why I’m determined to do everything I can to raise awareness that if cancer is caught early it can be very treatable. It’s so important women and men of all ages get to know their body by looking and checking themselves regularly then if they find any unusual changes or feel unwell go to see the GP.”

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, said: “We know more about cancer today than ever before, and thanks to early detection, research breakthroughs and treatment advances, half of men and women now survive cancer in Scotland. But early detection is key to further boosting survival rates.

“#GetChecked is part of the wee c initiative, which aims to bring cancer down to size in Scotland. Early detection is one way we can all help turn the Big C into the wee c and we’re calling on the people of Scotland to show their support by wearing their checks.

“Having the support of M&Co, Cancer Research UK’s charity partner, who will be displaying checks throughout their 60 stores will help create the association between checks and ‘getting checked’ and lead to early detection. We want to empower people to visit their GP or attend a screening appointment, as well as encouraging their loved ones to do the same.”

John Hodgson, Central Operations Manager at M&Co, said: “We’re delighted to be kick starting such a vital campaign in association with our charity partner Cancer Research UK. Through our network of 62 stores in towns and cities across Scotland, 750 employees and large number of customers we’re committed to helping reach as many people as possible with the early detection message.

“Most people have been or will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives. If we can play a part in encouraging people to get checked earlier with signs or symptoms so more lives can be saved, we’ll be extremely proud.”

Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior policy manager, said: “More people than ever are living beyond a cancer diagnosis and, over the last 40 years, survival in the UK has doubled. Today half of all those told they have cancer will survive the disease for at least ten years.

“We know that early detection saves lives but to help make that happen it’s important that people with unusual or persistent changes to their body go and #GetChecked. It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, diagnosing and treating it at an early stage, means treatment is more likely to be effective .”

For more information on #GetChecked and the wee c visit: www.theweec.org andwww.facebook.com/theweec

Health advice for students from NHS24

STUDENTS starting university and college this year are being advised to prepare ahead by Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation, NHS24.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks is reminding students that there is a wealth of health advice and information available to them at the dedicated Freshers’ Health section at www.nhsinform.co.uk

He said: “Many students find themselves living away from home for the first time when they start university or college and I would urge them to plan ahead for their health.

“Freshers’ week is the ideal time for new students to register with a GP when getting to know their new area. A number of universities have a dedicated GP practice for their students and for those that do not, you can use NHS inform to search for local services.

“For those students who use regular repeat prescriptions, make sure you take enough with you to last until you register with a GP and it is also a good idea to have a first aid kit and supply of pain relief with you.

“Setting up home on your own for the first time is a daunting, yet exciting experience. By preparing ahead and thinking about your health, students can make sure they make the most of it.”

The Freshers’ Zone at NHS inform provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years, including safety advice, what to pack and where to go for health care.

From August 1 this year, young people under the age of 25 who are starting university for the first time, and have not previously received it in school, will be offered the MenACWY vaccine to protect against meningitis W.

For more information on the immunisation programme, and the signs and symptoms of meningitis, visit http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/vaccines-and-diseases/menw.aspx

News from Millennium Community Centre

All the latest from Muirhouse by JAMES McGINTY

Update on Ongoing projects:

Muirhouse Mini’s (above): The first sessions after the Summer Recess takes place in 2 sessions tomorrow 10.30-11.30 & 12.30-2.00pm. The committee have been working all week with Paula (Making it Work) to put a new programme for this group. See you all tomorrow. 50p per session (for snack + coffee & biscuits) Just come along. For information on this group click HERE.

IMP (Improving Muirhouse & Pennywell) are holding a meeting in the Centre Boardroom on Wednesday (26 August) from 2 -4pm.

Matthew Bakewell’s computer class run by MHA (for MHA tenants only) will restart on 7 September.

Saluting our Volunteers:

Last week our Centre manager Peter regained the reins after his 3 week holiday and his participation with the Summer Programme residential visits; we at the centre would like to give our thanks to the Volunteers who kept the Centre running smoothly despite having to deal with the increase in the kids (on their summer holidays).

Special mention must be made of our Chairperson (John Davidson) and Board secretary Eileen Carr for their dedicated approach not only during this period, but indeed all year. Welcome back Peter, and thank you John and Eileen and to our young volunteers who worked so hard in the cafe and the gardens.

And finally …

Many thanks to the ASDA Foundation (Granton) who donated £50 to Muirhouse Community Centre!

Canonmills campaigners fired up for final week

Actress Hayley Mills supports Canonmills campaign

The Save 1-6 Canonmills Bridge team kick off the final week of their campaign with a public meeting tonight.

The city council’s Planning Committee hearing is set for Wednesday, when a decision will be made on the proposed demolition of the building currently occupied by popular restaurant and organic produce store Earthy.

After weeks of campaigning and signature-gathering the team will conclude their efforts with a public meeting tonight at 7pm in Canonmills Baptist Church.

The meeting is an opportunity for the general public to hear those who will be speaking at Wednesday morning’s hearing and also offers the chance to air opinions and put questions to the team.

Speakers include campaign leader Jan Anderson, Marion Williams (Cockburn Association), urban designer Ross McEwan, Pam Barnes (Stockbridge & Inverleith Community Council) and Councillor Nick Gardner.

With the hardcopy petition at over 2000 signatures and the online campaign nearing 5000 the team was also thrilled to receive the backing of film and theatre star Hayley Mills.

Ms Mills said: “Good luck with your campaign to retain the heart of Canonmills. The loss would be a sad one for the local community and part of Edinburgh city.”

With those good wishes campaigners hope that council members will take notice and do the right thing by halting the demolition.