Day: March 14, 2020

The MoonWalk Scotland presents Stars on Stage

Breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk is calling on artists, singers and performers from across the country to take up the opportunity of performing on stage at The MoonWalk Scotland 2020. 

Whether it is singing in a choir, a solo, playing in a band or doing a soft shoe shuffle – for one night only, the stage could be yours!

Perhaps your specialty is something completely different – this is your chance to perform on Saturday 6th June in front of a large enthusiastic audience of walkers at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, before they set off on their MoonWalk Scotland challenge.

By being part of Stars on Stage not only will you be showcasing your talents to many people, but also motivating them before their midnight challenge commences, you will be making a difference to people living with cancer in Scotland.

Nina Barough CBE, Chief Executive and Founder of Walk the Walk said:
“We are so excited to launch Stars on Stage at this year’s MoonWalk! We hope this encourages people from across Scotland to enter this night of opportunity.

“Open to anyone aged 10 and over, we want soloists, double acts, groups and troops to be part of what is going to be a fantastic evening which raises hundreds of thousands of pounds to support people living with cancer in Scotland. To find out more, visit our website www.walkthewalk.org.”

This year marks the 15th MoonWalk Scotland. Since the event started in 1996, it has raised almost £22 million.

Don’t miss your opportunity to audition for Stars on Stage at this year’s MoonWalk Scotland. Closing date for applications is Friday 3 April 2020.

Find out more and sign up now: www.walkthewalk.org

eBay’s review system can dupe consumers, says Which?

Ebay’s product review system has flaws that are allowing unscrupulous sellers to mislead shoppers and boost sub-standard, counterfeit and even dangerous products, Which? research has revealed.

The consumer champion found sellers are easily able to exploit gaps in the system to unfairly share positive reviews for potentially legitimate products from brands like Apple and Samsung.

By using the same product ID they can attach the glowing reviews to listings for inferior, or completely different, goods – making it difficult for shoppers to tell which items are the real thing.

Which? experts looked at hundreds of listings for several categories of products on eBay, including chargers, charging cables, headphones, smoke alarms and travel adaptors.

They found products that shared the same reviews despite clearly looking different from each other in images posted by the seller. In other cases some customers had posted warnings about the quality of the items amid the suspicious positive reviews.

There were hundreds of listings for counterfeit Samsung chargers that had been subject to a Europe-wide recall alert – but customers would be unaware because the sellers had been able to adopt four and five star reviews, shared across multiple listings, to falsely lend credibility to their listing.

To establish whether these products matched up to the positive reviews, Which? ordered 20 supposedly “official” Apple and Samsung accessories, including chargers and USB cables. Despite these multiple products being listed by different sellers, they all shared the same reviews.

For the 20 products ordered, eBay showed that more than 33,300 had been sold. Yet all fell short of what a buyer would have expected based on the listing, while some were out-and-out fakes.

During the investigation, Which? identified several underlying problems suggesting the eBay product review system is flawed.

Sellers appeared to be exploiting the eBay Product ID (ePID) – a code that can be chosen by any seller listing the same item. It is designed to make it easier for sellers to list products, by pulling relevant information from a central database.

But the system means reviews from all listings claiming to be the same item can be shared, regardless of the seller or the condition of the product.

When researchers looked further into eBay’s product review guidance, they also found concerning gaps such as sellers being able to leave reviews for their own products – a practice banned by other online marketplaces including Amazon.

When Which? shared its findings with eBay, the company said it would investigate the listings and remove any that breached its policies. While some of the products have now been removed, as of Wednesday 11 March the recalled counterfeit Samsung charger listings were still live.

Which? believes the findings demonstrate fundamental flaws with eBay’s review system – leading to a lack of transparency and a risk of consumers being duped by fake and misleading reviews. It is also clear that eBay’s enforcement of current policies around product safety, counterfeit goods and action against unscrupulous sellers are proving ineffective.

Ebay must take urgent action to make its review system more robust and transparent, so that consumers can trust the customer feedback on products they are buying.

The company must also demonstrate that it can put in place an effective system to remove misleading listings, unsafe products and counterfeit goods – and take strong action to shut down sellers who try to break the rules.

The CMA estimates £23 billion a year of consumer transactions are influenced by online reviews and it has already intervened on the trading of fake reviews on eBay.

Which? is now calling for the regulator to extend its scrutiny of online platforms to include an investigation of the seriously flawed online review systems that put consumers at risk of being misled.

Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products and Services, Which?, said: “Our investigation has uncovered yet another example of online reviews being manipulated to mislead people.

“Ebay’s product review system is confusing for consumers and could even direct them towards counterfeit or dangerous products sold by unscrupulous sellers.

“Online reviews influence billions of pounds of consumer spending each year. The CMA must now investigate how fake and misleading reviews are duping online shoppers, taking the strongest possible action against sites that fail to tackle the problem.”

An eBay spokesperson said: “We have investigated the listings shared by Which? and will remove any that breach our policies.

“However the research does not fully consider that there are distinctions between product reviews (which provide buyers with a holistic review of the same product), and seller feedback (which can be used to see specific reviews of a seller’s performance and may reflect the item’s condition).

“In addition, all listings have a ‘report’ feature. Any user can use this to report a concern with a listing, its seller, or its reviews.

“eBay enforces its Product Safety Policy at a global level using block filter algorithms that prevent unsafe products being listed, and our international security teams also work around the clock to help safeguard our marketplace.

“We take enforcement action against any seller found to be in breach of our policies, which can be in the form of a warning, suspension or ban.

“eBay runs several anti-counterfeit initiatives including the Verified Rights Owner Program (VeRO) and is continually introducing new proactive measures to combat the global trade in counterfeits. We are investigating Which’s claims on these items.

“Further information on seller feedback can be found here on eBay UK’s Help Hub.”

Film based on NSPCC ambassador’s life comes to Edinburgh

Newly released film Sulphur and White, which depicts a man’s journey from childhood abuse to eventual healing, is lauded by Edinburgh campaigner as the drama is screened in the city.

Ruth Moss, who lives in Edinburgh and is an honorary member of the NSPCC Council, praised the film after watching it and meeting David Tait, whose story of trauma to eventual healing is portrayed through the deeply personal screen drama.

The brutally honest yet inspiring film, which shows the impact of child sexual abuse on David’s life, is being screened at Vue Cinema, Edinburgh Omni Centre, on Tuesday (March 17), with 20% of ticket sales going to the children’s charity.

The film about David, an NSPCC ambassador and fundraiser, was directed by BAFTA and Emmy Award nominee Julian Jarrold and written by Susie Farrell. Actors starring in the film include Mark Stanley, Emily Beecham, Dougray Scott and Anna Friel.

Ruth, who met David at the film’s premiere in Glasgow, said: “David spent many years with this as a hidden secret, and I really hope this film encourages people that have gone through similar dreadful experiences to realise that there’s no better time to speak out, even if it’s been a long time since that experience took place.

“This film is powerful, it has impact and it provides a real message. It’s a film that everyone should watch and will come out feeling different from when they went in.”

David, who has raised more than £1.5 million for the children’s charity, said: “I backed Sulphur and White being made because I wanted people to understand the reality of child sexual abuse and the collateral damage it can cause. I also wanted to show people that there is redemption and a future.

“I’m hoping the film will encourage people with hidden pasts to talk about their own problems and it will give them comfort going forward.

“The NSPCC and Childline is such an incredibly important resource for children these days – that they can reach out for help and there is someone there to listen to them and support them.”

Last year, over 500 children and young people in Scotland contacted Childline about sexual abuse. During the same period, Police Scotland recorded more than 5,000 sexual offences against children.

Matt Forde, national head of service for NSPCC Scotland, said: “It is so important that people feel that if they speak out they will be listened to and believed, however much time has passed since the abuse happened.

“We hope that David’s story will give people the courage to do so, and that they will receive the support they need.

“We are also extremely grateful for David’s incredible support and fundraising feats for the charity.”

Since leaving his role as a city trader, David has raised money for the children’s charity by climbing Mount Everest on five occasions and was the first person to complete the North-South traverse. He was awarded an MBE by The Queen for his services to children.

He continues to be a significant figure for the NSPCC, speaking personally about his experiences to raise awareness and champion its work at events throughout of the UK.

Mark Stanley, who plays David on screen, said: “I hope that people watching Sulphur and White will gain some of the insight and understanding that I got from playing this part about the profound impact of child sexual abuse.” 

Sulphur and White in Vue Cinema, Edinburgh Omni Centre on Tuesday (March 17) at 7.30pm. https://www.myvue.com/cinema/edinburgh-omni-centre/film/sulphur-and-white/times

Briggs: Health Secretary ‘misled Scottish Parliament’

On Tuesday this week, Miles Briggs MSP asked Jeane Freeman MSP what her response was to concerns raised by the former chair of NHS Lothian regarding the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=12568&i=113612

The Cabinet Secretary for Health stated: “I stress that, on 4 July, I took the decision to halt the move. Mr Houston next met me on 18 July. At no point in the intervening period did he – the chair of a major NHS board – feel that it was incumbent upon him to contact me, as the cabinet secretary, to discuss what might have gone wrong or what should be done next and where the board should be involved.”

It has since transpired that the Cabinet Secretary for Health was contacted by Mr Houston by email on 12 July, despite Parliament being repeatedly told otherwise.

The Scottish Government have refuted that Parliament had been misled on the grounds that the email by Mr Houston did not refer to specific issues.

The correspondence from Mr Houston referred to the “RHCYP/DCN situation” as well as assurances that himself and the board were handling the situation and an offer to meet for a 1 to 1 chat prior to the meeting on the 18th July.

Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, Miles Briggs, said: “It truly beggars belief that while Jeane Freeman was answering allegations of lying, she misleads the Scottish Parliament.

“The Health Secretary’s transparent attempts to smear Mr Houston have been exposed for what they are.

“The truth is that Jeane Freeman simply refuses to take responsibility for the mess at the Sick Kids hospital and continues to blame everyone but herself.

“It is clear that Mr Houston did attempt to contact the Cabinet Secretary for Health prior to the 18th July, but was ignored by her, as he has been since Ms Freeman took up the post.”

Planting begins at Pennywell Nature Garden

Local schoolchildren have planted the first trees at the new Pennywell Nature Garden.

Pupils from Pirniehall Primary School were joined by members of the Pennywell community as planting got underway in time for spring yesterday.

Set within Urban Union’s and the City of Edinburgh Council’s Pennywell Living development, the shared nature garden will help foster a sense of community and provide local residents with an attractive outdoor space.

The garden will also allow the community to get involved in several projects which will benefit both the environment and their neighbourhood as a whole.

By creating the nature garden, developer Urban Union and North Edinburgh Arts are hoping to create a space for both adults and children at Pennywell Living to enjoy, as well as attract wildlife and boost biodiversity by planting trees, hedges, snowdrops and seed-bombing wildflowers.

Neil McKay, managing director at Urban Union, said: “Having the chance to enjoy the outdoors is incredibly important. Being in the fresh air and around nature is fantastic for people’s health and well-being.

“The garden will also help create a green area and tranquil setting for the development and neighbourhood.

“Located in the hub of the community, the nature garden will feature a range of colourful flowers, trees and plants. It has been great seeing local pupils, community and organisations all come together to help plant the garden’s first trees.”

Natalie Taylor, designer of the Pennywell Nature Garden, added: “The garden will be a fantastic nature haven full of biodiversity for the Pennywell community to enjoy, offering both adults and children a brilliant chance to see nature’s life cycle in action.”

Set to complete in 2023, Pennywell Living is part of a wider housing regeneration project being delivered through a partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and Urban Union which will see the delivery of over 770 new homes, half of which will be affordable housing.

With great local primary and secondary schools, as well as a wealth of useful amenities in the area, the development is perfect for young professionals and families.

To find out more about the houses on offer at Pennywell Living, visit: www.urbanunionltd.co.uk/pennywell-living

Coronavirus: Business Helpline goes live

A helpline providing businesses across Scotland with advice and guidance on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has been announced by Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

The helpline, which is now live, will be open Monday to Friday, between 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Based at Scottish Enterprise’s call centre in Clydebank, advisers across Scotland will answer questions from businesses related to COVID-19. The helpline will also help the Scottish Government identify the current challenges facing businesses.

On Thursday the First Minister confirmed that the Scottish and UK Governments are moving from the containment phase to delay, and that large gatherings of over 500 people will be cancelled to support the resilience of emergency services.

The first death of a Coronavirus patient in Scotland was confirmed yesterday.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Catherine Calderwood said: “I am saddened to report that a patient in Scotland who has tested positive for Coronavirus has died in hospital. I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time.

“The patient, who was being treated by Lothian Health Board was an older person who had underlying health conditions. No further information will be available to protect patient confidentiality.”

There are currently twenty confirmed cases in the NHS Lothian area.

The Chief Medical Officer has advised people with mild symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 including continuing coughing, or a fever or a temperature of above 37.8 should self-isolate for seven days.

Those who have been in contact with someone who is experiencing symptoms should only self-isolate if they begin to experience symptoms.

During a meeting with representatives from Scotland’s business support organisations including the STUC this week, Ms Hyslop stressed the importance of everyone following the latest COVID-19 advice.

Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but people have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice.

“This situation presents a significant risk to global and domestic economic activity. That is why today we are launching a business helpline which will provide companies in Scotland with the support and guidance they need to respond appropriately.

“We continue to work closely with our partners to identify what further support businesses need. For example, the Minister for Local Government and Planning and the Chief Planner wrote to all planning authorities this week encouraging them to relax their approach to the enforcement of planning restrictions on shop delivery times and opening hours.

“I also chaired a meeting with representatives from Scotland’s business support organisations including the STUC to hear their concerns and provide reassurance that the Scottish Government will do everything in our power to protect the workforce, businesses and our economy.

“I’d also encourage everyone to refer to the new guidance on COVID-19 that includes workplace advice on reducing the spread of infection.

“Following the UK Government’s budget we also require urgent clarification on what funding Scotland will receive from the announcements made by the UK Government, at a time when prospects for the economy and public finances remain very uncertain as the short term impacts of COVID-19 unfold.”

The business helpline number is 0300 303 0660. The helpline will be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. Callers should select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team.

People with symptoms told to stay at home.

First Minister announces large events to be cancelled.

Last week new guidance on Covid-19 that includes workplace advice was published.

Further additional guidance and information, including links to guidance for travellers and the general public, can also be found on HPS’ COVID-19 page.

The latest numbers of test results are published at 2pm each day on the Scottish Government website.