The new Help to Save tool in the HMRC app lets savers set goals and personal reminders
Over 80,000 people have signed up to the UK government’s new saving account – Help to Save – depositing over £10 million. Continue reading New tool helps savers get a 50% UK government boost
Be part of an exciting new chapter for historic Newhaven
Adventure golf fans in Livingston are some of the first in the UK to use Augmented Reality (AR) in their game, as Paradise Island Adventure Golf has launched an app to give players a whole new dimension.
By simply scanning their phones over triggers positioned around the venue’s 36 holes, players will now be transported to a new world with talking Easter Island Heads and Aztec Warrior putting tips.
This is the first time AR has been used in an adventure golf setting, with special hazard effects including: treacherous lava pits, snakes and scorpions to make the experience even more exciting.
In addition, golfers can enlist the support of Team Trouble, a crew of four AR characters to help distract their fellow golfing opponents. They can choose from; Cheeky Monkey, Holey Moley, Poopy Parrot and Funky Frog who each have their own methods of distraction – from banana throwing to disco dancing.
Each of these elements has been designed to be snapped and filmed and are easily shared on social media via the in-app function. Selfie-loving golfers are also given the chance to receive an AR makeover and transform into a cheeky chimp using the app.
Craig Nichol, Marketing Manager of Paradise Island Adventure Golf, comments: “We are one of Livingston’s most popular family locations, but we know it is always about pushing the boundaries and bringing something new.
“As well as all the fun animal and special effect features, the app includes an interactive scorecard, a winner’s podium which transports players through an active volcano, a booking function and a loyalty card.
“It should really appeal to the young digital-savvy audience and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying this groundbreaking new way of playing the game.”
The app was designed by Glasgow-based Fore Digital and is free to download on Apple and Android. Paradise Island Adventure Golf offers a great day out for families, friends, couples and groups.
Adventure golfers can choose from one two 18-hole courses, each of which are compatible with the new AR technology.
Paradise Island Adventure Golf is the UK’s leading indoor adventure golf provider with sites in Manchester, Chester, Derby, Sheffield, Livingston and Glasgow.
To download the app, visit www.paradiseislandgolf.com/get-the-app.
For further information or booking enquiries, please visit www.paradiseislandgolf.com
To keep up to date and to receive exclusive offers, sign-up to the GolfClub at www.paradiseislandgolf.com or visit www.facebook.com/piagliv.
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City services face £41 MILLION cut
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New benefit will increase eligibility by around 40%.
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Positive progress on equal access to higher education
A record number of full time first degree students at Scottish universities were from the most deprived areas in Scotland last year.
New figures show that, in 2017/18, 15.6% of students entering university were from the 20% most deprived areas. This is 0.4% short of the Government’s target for 2021.
Last year also saw an increase in the total number of Scottish students enrolling in Scottish universities.
The statistics, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), show the latest progress in the drive to widen access to higher education.
Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: “These statistics highlight the good progress being made on widening access to higher education. I’m pleased to see more Scots going to university here and a record increase in entrants from our most deprived areas.
“Combined with recent UCAS statistics, this shows demonstrable progress towards giving every young person in Scotland an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstance.
“It is also great to see a record number of enrolments and an increased number of qualifications achieved in 2017/18. All of this speaks to the level of excellence found across our higher education institutions.”
Between 2016/17 and 2017/18:
Following the Commission on Widening Access, a target was set that, by 2021, 16% of students entering university will be from Scotland’s most deprived backgrounds, increasing to 20% by 2030. At 15.6% for 2017/18, this is just 0.4 percentage points off the 2021 target.
The latest UCAS statistics from the 2018 End of Cycle Report showed an increase in acceptances for 18 year old students from deprived backgrounds.
The full set of information on 2017/18 enrolments published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency is available as an interactive publication.
