Month: June 2020

Be vigilant against lockdown scams

Concerns have been raised over the emergence of new types of scams which try to take advantage of vulnerable households in Scotland during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Over 2,000 online fraud attempts have been identified and blocked in the past month, according to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, including fake online shops and websites which attempt to steal user data, and fraudulent adverts.

It is estimated that scams cost the UK economy up to £10bn each year with the average victim losing over £3,000.

In response, OFTEC, the registration body for off-grid heating, is helping to raise awareness of the types of scams taking place during the lockdown and how households in Scotland can protect themselves from unscrupulous activity.

These include:

  • Email scams. Be wary of any emails which say you can obtain a refund on taxes, heating bills or other expenses during the lockdown. Avoid clicking on links as they may contain viruses or direct you to fake websites which are designed to impersonate well-known organisations such as banks.
  • Social media scams. Adverts offering miracle coronavirus cures or treatments are fake and should be ignored or reported through the relevant social media platform. These adverts may occasionally be mistakenly shared by a friend or family member but this does not make them any more legitimate.
  • Telephone scams. With more people at home, there is an increased risk of telephone scams from criminals pretending to be calling from a bank, mortgage provider or utility company. If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call, do not share any financial or personal information and hang up immediately. If you have any concerns about a call you have received, contact your provider directly.
  • Door knocking scams. Unqualified individuals may impersonate heating technicians or other tradespeople. If your boiler needs essential work, use a qualified technician who is GasSafe (for mains gas) or OFTEC (for heating oil or solid fuel) registered and ensure they follow government guidelines on social distancing.

Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC, commented: “Since the lockdown was announced, communities across Scotland have come together to support each other during this uncertain and unsettling time. 

“Unfortunately, a small number of individuals have sought to take advantage of the current situation and target households through scams or other fraudulent activity.

“We all need to be on the lookout for suspicious calls, emails or visitors and regularly keep in virtual touch with vulnerable family, neighbours and friends to ensure they are not being harassed in any way.

“If you do need to have essential work undertaken in your home, always use a qualified professional. Check their ID badge upon arrival and ensure they follow the government’s advice on social distancing at all times.”

For more information and advice, visit www.oftec.org.

Magic! Amazon Edinburgh team helps children receive free breakfasts

Three quarters of a million healthy breakfasts are set for delivery to doorsteps of thousands of children across the UK, supported by the team at Amazon in Edinburgh as part of an expanded partnership with Magic Breakfast 

Breakfast packs containing food supplies from Arla, Heinz, Kellogg’s, Morrisons, New York Bakery Co and Quaker Oats UK will be delivered for free directly to children’s homes by Amazon 

New figures released by the Food Foundation have highlighted the growing issue of child hunger during COVID-19

Parcels of healthy breakfast food delivered by the local Amazon Delivery Station team have been arriving on the doorsteps of thousands of children across the UK, thanks to an expanded partnership between Magic Breakfast and Amazon. 

The team at Amazon’s delivery station in Edinburgh will support the delivery of the parcels of breakfast food through Amazon Logistics to the homes of children across the UK.

Between 11th – 22nd May, more than 1,880 children across Scotland received packs containing two weeks’ worth of Magic Breakfast food, either via their schools, or via an Amazon delivery.

The children receiving these meals can normally have a free breakfast at school, provided by Magic Breakfast, to give them the fuel they need for their morning lessons. Since schools closed due to Covid-19, however, the charity has adapted its delivery model, with help from Amazon, to ensure that children from its partner schools can continue to enjoy their Magic Breakfast at home.

Guided by its partner schools, and with generous support from food suppliers (Arla, Heinz, Kellogg’s, Morrisons, New York Bakery Co, Quaker Oats UK), Magic Breakfast has been able to deliver take home breakfast packs to schools or alternative delivery sites during lockdown. School staff have then been organising for these packs to be collected by families or arranging deliveries to families’ doors.

Kerry-Anne Lawlor, Country Director of Amazon Logistics, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing support of Magic Breakfast by delivering breakfast parcels to the doorsteps of thousands of children during this difficult time, ensuring they have a healthy start to the day.” 

To help Magic Breakfast reach more children at risk of hunger under lockdown, Amazon, a long-standing supporter of Magic Breakfast, has stepped in to help with its warehousing and logistics expertise. Since the partnership began in 2016, Amazon has helped Magic Breakfast provide over 1.5 million breakfasts to thousands of children across the UK.

Alex Cunningham, CEO of Magic Breakfast, said: “Amazon staff have bent over backwards to help the children and schools we support.

“In a time when hunger is a reality faced by many, Amazon is enabling Magic Breakfast to reach thousands of vulnerable children with a healthy breakfast – children who can no longer access breakfast provision at school and whose families may be finding it difficult to provide food under lockdown.  A very big thank you to Amazon”.

The Headteacher of a Magic Breakfast partner school said: “Thank you so much for this valuable support you are offering to our families. It is much needed and much appreciated.” 

Amazon will be continuing to offer this free home delivery service to Magic Breakfast for 12 weeks, or for as long as schools remain under lockdown.

Councillors give green light to more student flats

‘A new lease of life’ for Abbeyhill?

A planning application for the development of student accommodation by property developer Glencairn Properties has been approved, subject to conditional cycle parking provision, by Edinburgh City Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee on Tuesday.

The site is located at the corner of Montrose Terrace and West Norton Place next to the General Store and across from the Abbeymount studios. The proposals will introduce a characterful building which has been designed to ‘complete’ the original plans for the street set out in the 1800’s.

Developers say the plans will ‘deliver a high quality, sustainable building that will contribute to the regeneration of the former petrol station at the site’.

The site is the gap site left by the former Shell petrol station which was built in 1970 and was closed in 2011 following a fuel leak. Works to remediate the site and clean the ground started in 2012 but significant contamination remains.

The proposed purpose built student accommodation will provide living space for students and activation of this corner site. It comprises a building of circa 141 student units in a mix of clusters and studios, together with space for use by the students, common areas, a laundry, gym, cycle parking and underground bin stores.

The Montrose Terrace proposals will support the growth ambitions of the universities and colleges in Edinburgh which are major drivers of the local economy, providing accommodation for new researchers and students, as well as supporting business and tourism activity indirectly.

The development will not only deliver jobs during construction, but on completion will deliver further employment opportunities in terms of maintenance and support staff.

An increased student population will also deliver additional expenditure on items such as food, clothing and eating out.

 Economic impact studies for the University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University estimate that on average each student spends around £12,000 per annum, injecting more than £275m in the city economy annually.

They also indicate that one job in the city is supported by the spending of every 11 students.

Daryl Teague, Managing Director at Glencairn Properties, said: “We’re thrilled our application has been approved and the strong community support we received for it.

“These proposals will redevelop a vital location in the heart of the capital and help to tackle Edinburgh’s growing student accommodation without removing available properties from housing stock.

“We believe that these proposals are in line with City of Edinburgh Council’s stated aim to deliver purpose-built student accommodation throughout the city, reducing pressure on mainstream housing stock.

“Montrose Terrace not only makes use of a derelict site but offers a realistic use for the location without placing additional parking or access issues on the immediate community.

“The plans represent the conclusion of a collaborative discussion about how best to make this site work. Glencairn consulted widely with stakeholders and the community to ensure this site represented the kind of forwarded momentum the city-centre needs.

“We welcome today’s vote, and Glencairn is thrilled to offer a new lease of life to Montrose Terrace.”

Putting voters first? Scottish elections to be held every FIVE years

 

Scottish Parliamentary and local election terms will be extended from four to five years in line with the UK Parliament and other devolved legislatures under changes approved by MSPs.

The Scottish Elections (Reform) Bill, which has now passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament, increases the election cycle from the current four-year term.

The legislation also enables all 14-year-olds to register ahead of attaining voting age, and bans people from voting in more than one area in local elections – mirroring the law for Scottish and UK Parliament elections.

The legislation gives the Scottish Parliament oversight of the work of the Electoral Commission on Scottish elections for the first time. In order to focus on removing barriers to voting for disabled people, the Commission will report on the assistance provided to disabled people at Scottish elections.

Minister for Parliamentary Business Graeme Dey said: “From the outset, this Bill has been focused on ensuring robust electoral processes, building on the progress of previous legislation, and putting the voter first.

“The integrity and smooth functioning of elections is a cornerstone of any democracy, and these reforms will deliver a real difference.

“We consulted extensively on whether to change election terms for Parliament and local government elections and the majority were in favour of five-year terms. This will reduce voter fatigue and avoid clashes between elections.

“Longer terms provide the opportunity to build upon and develop expertise in Government and Parliament. They should – depending on possible early UK general elections being called – avoid clashes with UK elections.

“We are not alone in making this change – the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Welsh Parliament both moved to five-year terms in 2014.”

Politicians vote to give themselves an extra year … there’s a shock!

Grass Roots Remedies herbal response project

For the last couple of months Grass Roots Remedies co-op have been busy making herbal teas, syrups & chest rubs to give out for free to local residents.
Due to the covid-19 restrictions our North Edinburgh Herbal Clinic & free community workshops have had to temporarily stop. This of course has been necessary, but it feels as though access to herbal community healthcare has never been more important, so please help us spread the word to get these herbal remedies to the folks that need them the most.
Take a look at our wee Herbal Community Healthcare leaflet, choose the remedies you would like, and place your free order with us.
For more information please contact hello@grassrootsrmedies.co.uk

More cash for Scottish Government’s Food Fund

People most at risk from food insecurity due to the COVID-19 outbreak are to receive further support from the Scottish Government’s £70 million Food Fund. An additional £1.6 million of funding will help FareShare purchase more food for local authorities, community-run initiatives and frontline charities across Scotland.

FareShare, a national network of charitable food distributors, has distributed over 1,440 tonnes of food –  the equivalent of almost 3.5 million meals – since 23 March, supported by £500,000 of Scottish Government funding.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “At this difficult time, it is more important than ever that we tackle food insecurity by supporting the work of community food distribution groups across the country who are best placed to ensure vital supplies reach those who need it most.

“By working in partnership with FareShare and their partners in communities across Scotland, this extra funding will help frontline charities and community food groups provide support to even more people in need.

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling to afford or access food during these challenging times to contact our national helpline on 0800 111 4000.”

Head of FareShare Scotland Gillian Kynoch said: “We are experiencing an enormous pull on our resources during these challenging times. While food companies continue to make their surplus food available to us, the need in communities for support with additional food remains great.

“This additional £1.6 million will enable us to top up our food supplies through the coming months and keep on providing food to the frontline organisations caring for and supporting people hard pressed by the current crisis.”

 Leader of Highland Council Margaret Davidson said:  “The strong collaboration between the council and FareShare has benefited the many households who have been receiving nutritional food parcels from our local community hubs since lockdown began.

In addition to the food supplies for the council, FareShare continues to supply a wide range of community groups across the Highlands who in turn are ensuring local households are nourished.

“Our welfare team continues to carry out benefit checks ensuring that all benefits are claimed, including the Scottish Welfare Fund.”

The £70 million Food Fund supports people facing additional barriers in accessing food, and has been distributed as follows:

  • £30 million for the national shielding programme to provide food parcels to those at high clinical risk from COVID-19
  • £30 million to Local Authorities for others who are at-risk or struggling financially, including over-70s and families eligible for free school meals
  • £10 million to third-sector partners delivering community-based responses at national and local levels, including FareShare.

FareShare is a UK-wide network of charitable food redistributors, made up of 17 independent organisations. Together they take quality surplus food from across the UK and get it to almost 11,000 frontline charities and community groups.

If you live in North Edinburgh and are experiencing hardship, local support is right on your doorstep:

MSPs to quiz Health Secretary on coronavirus in care homes

The Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee is to question the Cabinet Secretary for Health Jeane Freeman on the impact of coronavirus on Scotland’s care homes.

Recent figures show more than half of Scotland’s Covid-19 deaths have taken place in care homes and Ms Freeman will be quizzed on the various issues faced by the care home sector.

Ahead of the meeting, Lewis Macdonald MSP, Health and Sport Committee Convener, said: “The shocking impact of coronavirus on Scotland’s care homes has been well documented with over half of Scotland’s deaths taking place in this setting.

“Some have felt that the NHS was prioritised over care homes at the outset of this pandemic and we are keen to examine whether this was the case.

“We also know that access to adequate PPE and lack of testing have impacted on care homes and we want to investigate these issues further.

“We are also seeking to find out how prepared care homes were for this crisis, what support the Government provided to them and how they will be supported to ensure that if there is a second wave of this deadly virus, care homes are not exposed again.”

The Committee’s meeting takes place this morning (Thursday 4th June) at 9.30am and will be broadcast live on www.scottishparliament.tv .

Madeleine McCann mystery: new appeal as suspect identified

Detectives leading enquiries into the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann have made a new public appeal for information. 

It is now 13 years since Madeleine was reported missing during a family holiday in Portugal and the team of officers leading the Met’s investigation, known as Operation Grange, yesterday made public appeal linked to a significant new line of enquiry.

Met detectives working with German authorities have identified a man currently imprisoned in Germany as a suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance.

This man is white and in 2007 is believed to have had short blond hair, possibly fair. He was about 6ft in height with a slim build. He is 43-years-old, but in 2007 may have looked between 25 to early 30s.

We have established that he lived on and off in the Algarve between 1995 and 2007. He is connected to the area of Praia da Luz and surrounding regions, and spent some short spells in Germany.

This individual, who we will not identify, is currently in prison in Germany for an unrelated matter.

The Operation Grange team is revealing details of two vehicles which the suspect is known to have had access to and used around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance.

The first vehicle is a distinctive VW T3 Westfalia campervan. It is an early 1980s model, with two tone markings, a white upper body and a yellow skirting. It had a Portuguese registration plate.

The suspect had access to this van from at least April 2007 until sometime after May 2007. It was used in and around the area of Praia da Luz.

We believe he was living in this van for days, possibly weeks, and may have been using it on 3 May 2007.

We are appealing for anyone who may have seen it in or around Praia da Luz on 3 May, the night Madeleine went missing, the days before, or weeks following the disappearance.

The second vehicle is a 1993 British Jaguar, model XJR 6, with a German number plate and registered in Germany.

This car is believed to have been in the Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007. The car was originally registered in the suspect’s name. On 4 May 2007, the day after Madeleine’s disappearance, the car was re-registered to someone else in Germany.

To re-register the car in Germany you don’t have to have the car in the country or region. We believe the car was still in Portugal and would like information if you saw it.

The Met is asking if anyone saw these cars together or individually during the spring and summer of 2007. Both of these vehicles are now held by the German authorities.

Detectives are also appealing for information about two mobile phone numbers, one of which is believed to have been used by the suspect on the day of Madeleine’s disappearance.

The first number is +351 912 730 680. Extensive enquiries have led investigators to believe the suspect was using this number and received a call, starting at 7.32pm and finishing at 8.02pm on 3 May 2007. This call was received in the area of Praia da Luz.

The second mobile number is +351 916 510 683. This number is the phone number that made this call. We know the person was not in the area of Praia da Luz.

Investigators believe the person who made this call is a highly significant witness and are appealing for them to get in touch.

The Operation Grange team is also asking anyone if they recognise these numbers. Did you ever call them? Do you have them in your phone, an old phone or your electronic contacts?

At 7.15pm UK time on Wednesday, 3 June, the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) also broadcast an appeal on German channel ZDF.

There is a £20,000 Met reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, who leads Operation Grange, said: 
“It’s more than 13 years since Madeleine went missing and none of us can imagine what it must be like for her family, not knowing what happened or where she is.

“Following the ten- year anniversary, the Met received information about a German man who was known to have been in and around Praia da Luz. We have been working with colleagues in Germany and Portugal and this man is a suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance.

“The Met conducted a number of enquiries and in November 2017 engaged with the BKA who agreed to work with the Met.

“Since then a huge amount of work has taken place by both the Met, the BKA and the Polícia Judiciária.

“While this male is a suspect we retain an open mind as to his involvement and this remains a missing person inquiry.

“Our job as detectives is to follow the evidence, maintain an open mind and establish what happened on that day in May 2007.

“Please contact us without delay so we can get answers for Madeleine’s family.”

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “Madeleine’s disappearance has attracted huge international interest. We are appealing for the public to help us establish what happened.

“We are committed to do everything we can to establish what happened and to find Madeleine.”

Speaking in support of the public appeal, Kate and Gerry McCann said: “We welcome the appeal today regarding the disappearance of our daughter, Madeleine.

“We would like to thank the police forces involved for their continued efforts in the search for Madeleine.

“All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know, as we need to find peace.

“We will be making no further comment regarding the appeal today.

“We would like to thank the general public for their ongoing support and encourage anyone who has information directly related to the appeal, to contact the police. Thank you.”

The Operation Grange incident room can be contacted via 0207 321 9251 or operation.grange@met.police.uk

First Minister thanks pandemic volunteers

Celebration of community helpers

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has recorded a video message thanking the tens of thousands of volunteers who have helped Scotland’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The clip – filmed as part of this year’s Volunteers Week – celebrates those who continued to carry out voluntary work in the initial stages of the pandemic and more than 60,000 people who signed up to the Scotland Cares campaign.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1268467530915631108

Just one of the many thousands of volunteers is grandfather Neil Aitkenhead, 62, a delivery driver with Start Up Stirling, which helps people who need basic essentials.

Neil said: “My experience has been so enriching. People from all backgrounds volunteer; some who have been having a hard time in their personal life, others who have been laid off and many people like me who are retired and just love the companionship.

“The best part about being a delivery driver is that you’re encountering the people who really need your help and the people receiving the food deliveries are always delighted to see you. It is really eye opening to see the variety of people who rely on foodbanks. There are people from all parts of society who need our help.

“I think the volume of people volunteering in Scotland is just what you’d expect from Scots. It’s no surprise that in times of crisis people really do come together.

“I would encourage anyone to start volunteering. It’s really satisfying and great for your mental health.”

Adding her thanks, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Over the last few months, volunteers have been organising shopping, delivering food packages, dropping off medicines and helping support lonely neighbours with phone calls.

“On top of the thousands already giving their time and skill before the pandemic began, an extra 63,000 signed up through our Scotland Cares project.

“Like Neil, these volunteers are making a massive contribution. As we begin to ease some of the restrictions in place because of the virus, our volunteers will be at the heart of helping to build our communities back up again.”

Neil’s Story:

Neil Aitkenhead, 62, lives in Thornhill, Stirlingshire, and started volunteering on 20 March with Start Up Stirling,  which helps people experiencing hardship.

Neil said: “I’m now living on my own since my wife, who has advanced Alzheimer’s, has moved into full-time care and is in hospital.

“After I was no longer her sole carer I felt like I had got my life back in some shape or form and  I wanted to give back to the community. My neighbour actually let me know that Start Up Stirling urgently needed more drivers.

“I volunteer at two sessions a week. I first started out as a driver but, when lockdown began, a few of us started shadowing the team leader, in case anything happened to him during the pandemic. On Tuesdays I shadow the team leader and on Thursdays I head to the depot, roll up my sleeves and do anything that needs doing.

“From making up delivery packs for the vans, pulling fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries together and receiving incoming deliveries from supermarkets and donors. I’ll be driving again soon but volunteers generally just help wherever they can at Start Up Stirling.

“My experience at Start Up Stirling has been so enriching. There are people from all backgrounds who volunteer; some people who have been having a hard time in their personal life, others who have been laid off from their businesses and many people like me who are retired and just love the companionship.

“I think everyone has had a time in their lives when they’ve been down on their luck and they’ve needed to reach out to people for help. I’ve had plenty of support from many organisations with my wife so I really want to give back to the community.

“The best part about being a delivery driver is that you’re encountering the people who really need your help. You’re essentially the public face of Start Up Stirling and the people receiving the food deliveries are always delighted to see you. It is really eye opening to see the variety of people who rely on foodbanks. There are people from all parts of society who need our help.

“I think the volume of people volunteering in Scotland is just what you’d expect from Scots. It’s no surprise that in times of crisis people really do come together. I’ve been overwhelmed with how nice the people at Start Up Stirling are.

“I would encourage anyone to start volunteering – I think you really get a glow from having helped someone with no expectation of a reward. It’s really satisfying and great for your mental health.”

There are volunteering opportunities available across the capital. Volunteer Edinburgh is currently running a ‘Think Local, Act Local‘ initiative. Scores of local organisations could use your help – get in touch!

Edinburgh MSP Gordon Macdonald has paid tribute to volunteers who have helped the NHS and local communities during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).

Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution and work of millions of volunteers who give up their time to help others.

During this pandemic, volunteers have signed up to help in record numbers through the Scotland Cares initiative – over 53,000 in one month – joining the thousands of people who were already helping, either with one of Scotland’s many voluntary and community sector groups or informally with neighbours.

MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “Volunteers’ Week gives us a chance to celebrate the contributions of volunteers who have made such a huge difference to their local areas. 

“Many people in Edinburgh have taken on Covid-19 related volunteering roles to help communities deal with the many consequences of the coronavirus, and it’s more important than ever to show our appreciation for their hard work.

“I want to say a massive thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped the NHS and their local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, and continue to do so.

“Volunteers will be critical in our efforts to support and rebuild our communities, and I am sure I speak for everyone in Edinburgh when I say we are all appreciative and grateful to those who are ensuring people across the country get the help and support they need.”

 

 

Healthy Heart Tips: blood pressure

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure

High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels and this increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure affects around 1 in 3 people, however there are usually no symptoms and many people are unaware they have high blood pressure.

The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it measured. This can be done by your GP or you can use a blood pressure monitor at home. This healthy heart tip explains what high blood pressure is and it provides tips for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure?

When blood pressure is measured, two numbers are generated. An ideal blood pressure is 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The first number is the systolic blood pressure (higher number), which is the force at which blood is being pumped around your body. Ideally, this will be below 120. A systolic blood pressure of 140 or more is regarded as high.

The second number is the diastolic blood pressure (lower number) which is the pressure when your heart is at rest, in between beats. Ideally this will be 80 or lower. A diastolic reading of 90 or above is regarded as high. The lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

What can I do to maintain a healthy blood pressure?

  • Reduce the amount of salt in your diet to no more than 6g a day (1 teaspoon). Look at the amount of salt on food labels and avoid choosing snacks that are high in salt.
  • Maintain a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of physical activity. You can check whether your body mass index (BMI) is within a healthy range using the online BMI healthy weight calculator from the NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/
  • Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day
  • Keep your alcohol consumption within the recommended limits of no more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days
  • Aim to do 150 minutes of moderate activity (e.g. brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (e.g. running) each week plus some strengthening activities (e.g. lifting weights) at least twice a week.

Lots more healthy tips, exercises and recipes can be found at heartresearch.org.uk.