Day: July 18, 2020

Surprise winner of Britain’s best seaside resorts

A Cornish village with a population of less than 1,000 has triumphed over some of the nation’s most famous seaside resorts in Which?’s annual rankings of the UK’s best coastal destinations. 

The survey – carried out before the coronavirus lockdown – shows British holidaymakers favour peace and quiet over crowds, crazy golf and roller coasters. It also highlights some of the lesser-known resorts savvy travellers can escape to if they want to avoid busy beaches, bars and restaurants this summer.

Which? asked thousands of holidaymakers to rate their recent visits to the UK seaside across a range of factors including food and drink, seafront, beach, value for money and peace and quiet.

St Mawes, in Cornwall, came top ahead of better-known beach destinations like Salcombe or St Ives – earning a full five stars for its scenery, seafront and peace and quiet – and a glowing overall customer score of 85 per cent.

Those who visited St Mawes recommended eating crab baguettes at Mr Scorse’s deli and spotting dolphins on the ferry to Falmouth, but admitted that avoiding peak season was the best way to dodge the crowds.

Dartmouth, arguably one of the most famous destinations in the Which? top 10, and home of Agatha Christie, scored 84 per cent. Those who visited drew attention to steam trains and delicious seafood, but advised using the park and ride service as finding a parking spot in town is “near impossible”.

With many people seeking to avoid already oversubscribed hotspots, particularly in Devon and Cornwall that may not be able to cope with the surge in people holidaying at home this year, Which? found that there are still lots of beautiful places which holidaymakers may not have considered.

Coastal Suffolk had two entries in the top five, with both Southwold (84%) and Aldeburgh (83%) scoring top marks for scenery and peace and quiet. 

Holidaymakers highlighted the great food and drink on offer in Southwold  – earning five stars in this category – as well as the deliberate lack of ‘kiss-me-quick’ gimmickry.

Aldeburgh was praised for its tranquillity, with one person telling Which?: “It’s not got the usual ‘seaside entertainments’”. Another described it as “far from the madding crowd of South East England.”

Bamburgh in Northumberland (83%), which topped last year’s rankings, has not fallen out of favour with visitors this year. It was rated a full five stars in almost every category.

One person summed up Bamburgh as “one of the UK’s top-secret locations,” adding that “Northumberland is outstandingly unspoilt and a UK treasure”.

St Andrews (81%), home of Scotland’s oldest university, also made it into the top 10, with a full five stars for food and drink, beautiful views and its attractions, including the world-renowned golf course.

Those who visited pointed to the West Sands beach, which extends for almost two miles and was made famous in the opening scene of the film Chariots of Fire. Visitors looking for peace and quiet were advised to check term times before travel, as the town is much livelier when the students are around.

For a more easy-going Scottish seaside destination, Oban (74%) could be a better option.

It is best known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, thanks to its role as a hub for tourists departing to the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, but this seaside town has enough to charm to warrant being a holiday spot of its own and also gets top marks for stunning scenery.

In Wales, St Davids (81%), Llandudno (80%), Tenby (79%) and Conwy (78%) all scored highly, with many destinations in Wales getting high ratings for scenery and value for money.

Which? found that crowds can easily be avoided by missing better-known destinations by heading a little further up the coast. For example, instead of Llandudno and Conwy, fewer people will know Criccieth which achieved a respectable 74 per cent customer score. This town was also received a full five-star rating for its stunning views, and being a bit further afield will also mean that hotel rooms are a little cheaper.

Also in the Which? top 10, but may be often overlooked by holidaymakers is Tynemouth (81%), eight miles east-northeast of Newcastle upon Tyne. This coastal town was awarded five-star ratings almost across the board, including for its sandy beach which is popular with walkers and is a nationally recognised watersports hub.

Meanwhile Skegness, the famous home of the original Butlins, only managed a 44 per cent customer score. It achieved one-star ratings in each category, apart from the three stars for its beach.

While some of those who spoke to Which? were scathing in their comments, going as far as to say the Lincolnshire town was “to be avoided,” nature lovers highlighted the seal sanctuary and bird watching at the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve.

There were also those who spoke fondly of a “typical town that caters for all ages” and one visitor who told Which?: “Don’t be put off by the stereotypical opinions of Skegness. It’s a well maintained, vibrant area.”

Further down the table were other iconic seaside resorts complete with Victorian-era piers, amusement arcades and roller coasters, including Great Yarmouth (48%), Clacton-on-sea (48%), Bognor Regis (49%) and Blackpool (53%).

Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor said: “With many people choosing to holiday in the UK this summer it is a good time to explore parts of the country you may not have considered before and to spread our sandcastles beyond the beaches of Devon and Cornwall. As our survey shows, it’s smaller seaside towns and villages with fewer visitors that holidaymakers love. 

“Whether that’s hitting the waves in Tynemouth or camping in Criccieth, there are good options for those of us keen to keep our distance from the crowds this year but still want to combine stunning scenery with sumptuous seafood. Don’t forget, if you book your hotel or accommodation direct and over the phone, you may even get a discount or free bottle of bubbly thrown in.”

First titles for Edinburgh’s Drive-in Movies confirmed

Edinburgh International Film Festival and Unique Events are delighted to confirm the first film titles for their ambitious new project, Drive-in Movies, arriving at Edinburgh Airport on Thursday, 27 August. Tickets are on sale at www.edinburghdrivein.co.uk now. 

Organisers of the Drive-in Movies said: “We are delighted to be able to share with our audiences the first batch of titles to be screened as part of Drive-in Movies next month.

With a broad selection of timeless classics, family favourites and blockbusters, it truly offers something for everyone. We’re already working behind-the-scenes on the programme for the future events, but in the meantime book yourself a wild ride and we’ll see you at Edinburgh Airport for some cinema magic.”

The Drive-in Movies August line-up includes 13 films: classics such as Airplane!, cult titles like The Princess Bride, family-favourites including Up and recent hits like Get Out and Mary Poppins Returns. 

Every month from August 2020 until January 2021, Drive-in Movies will welcome up to 250 cars at the Edinburgh Airport car park, offering film fans of all ages a world-class cinematic experience in a safe, controlled environment. 

Audiences are encouraged to book now at www.edinburghdrivein.co.uk for 27-30 August, the first weekend of Drive-in Movies. 

More titles for the future events, including the second Drive-in Movies weekend (24 – 27 September), are to be announced in due course. 

Line-up confirmed so far includes:

Thursday, 27 August

6pm – Sunshine on Leith (2013)

10pm – Get Out (2017)

Friday, 28 August

2pm – Grease (1978)

6pm – Airplane! (1980)

10pm – Con Air (1997)

Saturday, 29 August

10am – Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

2.15pm – Clueless (1995)

6pm – William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)

10pm – Alien (1979)

Sunday, 30 August

10.30am – Up (2009)

2pm – The Princess Bride (1987)

5.45pm – La La Land (2017)

10pm – Dirty Dancing (1987)

The films will be shown on a state of the art 100sqm LED screen, one of the largest mobile screens in the world with the audio broadcast straight to cars, for audiences to control the soundtrack.

Audiences will be able to arrive up to 1 hour prior to the film’s starting to take part in a car disco with a playlist relating to the screening, along with an interactive on-screen quiz with spot prizes. Food and snacks will be available to purchase from a selection of local food suppliers who will have stalls on site. 

With cars suitably distanced apart Drive-In Movies will be a safe environment for families and friends to enjoy an event, in line with government guidelines for outdoor events. Standard tickets priced at £35.00 per vehicle for up to 5 people, with a number of tickets being made available to EIFF’s community partners.

Drive-in Movies offer accessible toilets and food units. Please check listings for captioned screenings. 

If you have access requirements please email admin@filmhousecinema.com.

Screen & Shield Face Masks Are Best Bar None for Montpeliers

Pioneering face mask supplier Screen & Shield has landed a groundbreaking deal after one of Scotland’s leading bar, restaurant and hotel groups signed up to provide coverings for all its staff.

Montpeliers – which operates seven venues in Edinburgh including the iconic Tigerlily on George Street – has decided to take advantage of Screen and Shield’s novel business solution ‘Team Vouchers’ to provide hundreds of their staff with face coverings, as they prepare to re-open to customers.

As part of the many unique features offered by Edinburgh-based Screen & Shield, ‘Team Vouchers’ lets employers pre-purchase masks in volume and lets their employees individually choose their preferred mask designs. And 10% of all online sales go to charities that support NHS frontline workers.

Paula Greenan, Montpeliers Operations Manager, said: “Safety of our staff and customers is paramount to us, so we were drawn to the safety features of Screen and Shield’s masks.

“We really love the designs – they give us the opportunity to allow our staff to choose their own mask and have some individuality in wearing it.”

“Supporting a local Edinburgh business is also very important to us, as is the charitable donation to NHS charities that Screen and Shield make.”  

Hass Peymani set up Screen & Shield from scratch after becoming alarmed at the poor quality and unavailability of face masks for his family as he faced lockdown with a pregnant wife and his dad in a high-risk category.

Hass, who had previously set up a hugely successful global video business that saw him work with likes of football icon Neymar and pop superstar Katie Perry, spent 10 weeks exhaustively researching the market and supply chains, before launching his #sasMASK brand from home, in the midst of national lockdown. 

Hass said: “From a standing start, we are building up a reputation as the UK’s premier face mask supplier.

“We’re delighted that Montpeliers have recognised this and placed their trust in our #sasMASK to help protect their staff and customers. We are confident other hospitality businesses will quickly see attractions of the #sasMASK especially as they start the process of encouraging back customers to their venues.”

Paula added: “We have introduced new policy surrounding hygiene practises and social distancing measures to ensure our staff and customers feel safe and happy.  Staff training is also being conducted to introduce everyone to the new normal and make sure we can still provide the best service to our guests.   

“In short we’ve missed our customers and can’t wait to welcome them back.”

The Montpeliers portfolio includes Montpeliers of Bruntsfield, Indigo Yard, Rabble, Candy, Eastside, Lulu as well as Tigerlily.

Unlike many of the masks on the market, the #sasMASK is manufactured in Europe and complies with the latest material and layering guidelines for non-medical-grade face coverings.  

The #sasMASK has not only been designed to be washable, comfortable and affordable but also comes in more than 30 designs; with this range due to double in size in the coming weeks.               

Screen & Shield can work flexibly with businesses of all sizes, providing small orders for the likes of cafes and shops, to providing bulk orders with large firms, and offer custom branding to any and all.  Business customers can also benefit from the ‘Team Vouchers’ system, which provides pre-paid voucher codes so staff can choose their own designs.

Since its launch, Screen & Shield have had over 1,500 orders from individuals, businesses and community groups from around the UK and new supplies of tens of thousands of custom #sasMASKs are being produced to keep up with demand.

And, with the wearing of face masks now compulsory on public transport in Scotland and set to become mandatory in shops in Scotland from July 10, Screen & Shield is expecting orders to continue to surge.

Screen & Shield is largely operating as an e-commerce business, using its website https://screenandshield.co.uk/ and social media to drive awareness and sales, particularly facebook.com/screenandshield/.

From its fledgling start, the business is already approaching 1,500 Followers/Likes and 17,000 people have viewed its launch video.

For more information on Screen & Shield, go to: https://screenandshield.co.uk/

Excavation of medieval graveyard begins on Constitution Street

The excavation of human remains which could date back as far as 1300 has begun on Constitution Street, as part of the Trams to Newhaven project.

Archaeologists are on-site outside South Leith Parish Church, where previous investigations have shown that in the medieval period the church’s graveyard extended across the road with graves surviving beneath the current road surface.

The team are removing any human remains that are likely to be affected by the tram works, and have so far exhumed more than ten bodies, dating from between 1300 and 1650, as well as finding the apparent remnants of the original medieval graveyard wall.

After the excavation the remains will be subject to examination and analysis that will reveal information on the origins, health, diseases and diet of the people of medieval Leith.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: This is an extremely fascinating, essential part of the broader project to bring the tram to Newhaven, shedding some light on centuries of history here in Leith.

“It’s crucial that we conserve the remains found here, and a team of archaeologists are carrying out the painstaking job of doing this. What’s more, further examination of the excavated graves will give us an invaluable glimpse into the lives of Leithers past.”

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “The Trams to Newhaven project is now up and running again and progressing well, as the main works get underway on Leith Walk.

“This element of the scheme is just as important as track-laying or landscaping and allows us to conserve a small piece of the area’s heritage for generations to come”.

Council Archaeologist John Lawson said: The historic port and town of Leith is one of the Scotland’s most significant urban archaeological sites with evidence of occupation going back over 900 years. 

“Although only just started, the excavations by our team from GUARD have already provided important new evidence regarding the history of the graveyard and earlier town with the discovery of what we believe are the remains of its original medieval graveyard wall.

“It is hoped that further new discoveries will be made and that we will learn important new evidence for the lives of Leith’s medieval inhabitants so that we can tell their story to modern Leithers.”

Last month, archaeologists from GUARD Archaeology Ltd, who are undertaking work on the council’s behalf under contractors Morrison Utility Services, shared images of discoveries made during initial investigations on Constitution Street. These include rare whalebones, a cannonball thought to date back to the 17th century and historic drainage.

Archaeological work began on Constitution Street in November 2019 and was stopped at the end of March, along with the wider project, to comply with Government guidance and to protect the safety of workers and residents in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

During the first phase, the team took down part of a wall surrounding Constitution Street Graveyard, dating back to 1790, ahead of excavation of the historic graveyard. Preparatory work led archaeologists to discover what appears to be a large charnel pit which may contain the remains of some burials recovered from the laying of 19th century services in Constitution Street. 

The main construction works on Leith Walk from Elm Row to Crown Place are currently underway, with traffic management involving Leith Walk being reduced to one city bound lane between London Road and Crown Place for the duration of the works.

All works, including archaeological investigations, are being carried out while maintaining physical distancing and with additional measures to protect workers’ and the public’s health in place.

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven on the project website.

Natalie secures business degree despite mystery blackouts

New graduate praises University support measures

A STUDENT who almost dropped out of university after a series of mystery collapses is today celebrating completing her Edinburgh Napier degree at the same time as her classmates.

Natalie Dunsmore’s health woes emerged when as a second year she blacked out while on a sunshine break in Cyprus.

Many more episodes followed, including periods when Natalie collapsed every two or three days, once in front of a class at a lecture.

On another occasion she blacked out on the day of an exam, but still managed to complete the paper after being checked over by an ambulance crew.

However, her ill health was taking its toll, leaving her wondering if she would ever complete her studies.

“I decided close to the end of third year that I was going to give up university,” said Natalie, 21, of Harthill, Lanarkshire.  “I felt as if I was a hassle to everyone, and decided it was easier to drop out.

“But the University pushed me on and told me I could do it. They had already put in place a buddy system for me, meaning someone from my year was with me at all times on campus.

They also gave me a medical pass with first aid instructions on a lanyard, and allowed me to use a separate exam room and have extra time if needed.

“The University couldn’t have done any more for me to ensure I felt safe on campus.

“Despite missing most of fourth year due to being unwell in hospital, I finally got diagnosed with epilepsy, and I managed to hand in my dissertation and complete fourth year normally alongside my peers.  Looking back I’m so glad I stuck with it and pushed on.”

Natalie is now the proud holder of a BA (Hons) in Business Management.

She said: “Whatever problems people come across, there are always routes you can take to what you want to achieve. I had many low times when I thought dropping out was my best option, but I have overcome this and now have a degree after suffering terribly for three years of my course.”

Natalie now hopes to go on and do a Professional Graduate Diploma in Business Education with a view to taking up a teaching role.

Dr Mike Sanderson, lecturer in Human Resource Management and Disability Contact for the Business School, said: “The staff at Edinburgh Napier University have been extremely impressed by Natalie’s determination to complete her studies in the face of many health difficulties.

“As an institution we are highly student-focused, and will leave no stone unturned to explore ways in which we can support students through their studies.

“We are delighted for Natalie and congratulate her on this great achievement.  She is an inspiration to us all.”

Tenants prove you’re never too old to pick up a new hobby

TENANTS at a housing development in Edinburgh have been kept busy with a new hobby during lockdown, creating a ‘Garden of Hope’ to bring fellow tenants together while remaining socially distant.

As the lockdown restrictions brought all events at Bield’s Milton Court in Portobello abruptly to a halt, two tenants took it upon themselves to focus on creating something positive out of an uncertain time.

The Garden of Hope was created by two tenants who turned an unused part of Milton Court’s development into a flourishing green space for tenants to enjoy.

A successful application was made to Bield’s small grant fund which saw the development receive £200 for the project, with additional donations from various tenants resulting in the project getting off to a flying start.

Di Joseph, 72-year old a tenant who has been at Milton Court for two years (above) said: “At the beginning of April, the management team were looking at ways to keep everyone motivated during lockdown as all of our normal activities were cancelled.

“As we were coming into spring, a fellow tenant and my buddy on this project, Francis, suggested we could fix up the garden at the back the development, where we had just recently got a new patio and seating area – everybody loved the idea and we got to work right away, observing all safety measures of course!”

The grant fund and donations from tenants were used to buy bedding plants, tools and a water butt for the outside so tenants did not have to come inside to fill the watering cans.

Linda Mason, development manager at Milton Court (above) said: “Di and Francis have done an amazing job and we are so thankful for the enthusiasm and motivation they have brought to this project and to our tenants and staff at such an uncertain time.

“The Garden of Hope was the perfect idea to take the residents’ mind off the difficult situation and brings them a lot of joy – especially when they have been able to enjoy it more outside in the sun as restrictions lift.

“Many of our tenants have been shielding, so we thought it was appropriate to call the project ‘The Hope Garden’ to signify the bright and colourful future to come.”

The Garden of Hope has become an ongoing project which will continue after lockdown ends, with plans in place to create herb wall and raised bed for potatoes. Spring flowering bulbs have also been ordered to create a lovely burst of colour next spring.

Bield is committed to investing, changing and innovating its services and operations to address the needs of the next generation of older people.

To find out more about Bield and its developments, visit www.bield.co.uk  or follow on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland

Children’s Outpatients’ services prepare for move to their new home

NHS Lothian staff working across a number of Children’s Outpatient services at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children have been busy packing, ahead of the move of the first children’s clinical services to the new facilities at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

This move is being delivered in a phased approach, and already a number of administration teams have migrated and settled into their new environment.

Alongside the provision of outpatient face to face appointments, NHS Lothian will continue to make use of video call technology ‘Near Me’ for a number of appointments, offering greater flexibility as well as reducing the need for families to travel to attend in person.

The move plan, which was agreed with the full involvement of clinical teams, is not only helping to free up space at the existing Royal Hospital for Sick Children site, but is enabling NHS Lothian to continue to deliver paediatric clinics in a way which fully adheres to and supports social distancing.

Susan Goldsmith, Finance Director and Executive Lead for the project, said: “It is exciting to see the first of our Children’s services move to their new home at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. We have reached a significant milestone in this project’s journey, which is important to acknowledge and celebrate. 

“While delays to the opening of the new facility have been well publicised, I hope that as each service moves and appointments commence; patients, visitors and staff will be able to see just how impressive the facilities really are.

“Reaching this stage in the project has required a tremendous amount of work from the contractors on site, as well as our own project and clinical teams and for that I would like to say a huge thank you.”

While the first outpatient services settle into their new home, work on the final stages of the remedial and enhancement work in other areas of the building continues. Once this has been completed, and following final commissioning, the second phase in the move of NHS Lothian’s Children’s services will take place.

At this point, those services still situated at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children site will also move to the new building.

 Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “It is terrific that staff are finally able to move across to the new facilities at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, based at little France.

“This move has been a long time coming and I wish all NHS Lothian staff the best at their new home.”

FAQs

How do I know where my child’s appointment will be?

Your appointment letter will tell you where your child’s appointment is being held. If it is to be held at the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, you will also receive a phone call to make sure you know where you are going. 

Is there parking available?

Parking is available on site. Parking stewards will direct you to the most appropriate car park. A small number of spaces are also bookable in advance, but these are reserved for patients with the greatest need, based on clinical priority.

My child has an appointment at the RHCYP, how do I find out the latest travel information?

For the latest travel information, including up to date details on parking facilities, we encourage you to visit the following website – https://www.nhslothian.scot/GoingToHospital/Locations/RIE/Pages/default.aspx

With COVID ongoing, is it safe to bring my child to hospital?

Yes. We have separate areas for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and for those who have not. There are also a range of enhanced infection control measures in place, such as staggered appointment times to limit the number of people in any one area of the building, physical distancing within waiting areas and enhanced cleaning in consulting rooms between each patient.

My child has an appointment in August, does this automatically mean it will be in the new building?

No. Although most outpatient services are moving over the coming weeks, some will remain at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children site at Sciennes, until the new building is ready to be opened to all services, including inpatients. This is because some services need access to other clinical support, which will not be moving until the whole building is open. Departments that will not be moving at this stage include, but are not limited to: Pain, Respiratory (asthma, allergy, CF), Cardiology, Haematology Oncology, Plastics and Plastics dressings clinic.

Does the move mean that the reported problems in the building have been fixed?

Our project team, as well as the contractors on site, are continuing to work on the final stages of the remedial and enhancement work. Once this has been completed, and following final commissioning, the second phase of the move will take place.

Why has everything not moved across to the new building?

Remedial and enhancement work is still taking place at the new building, which means that some services cannot move at this time.

If my child has an emergency, where do I go?

Children’s Emergency Services remain at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Sciennes. If you need to access this service, you should continue to do so at the old site. There are no Emergency Services at the new building within the Little France site at this time.

It has been reported that the RHCYP building will be opening in Autumn 2020, are things on track for then?

Our project team, as well as the contractors on site, are continuing to work on the final stages of required remedial and enhancement work. As part of this, we are due to imminently receive the final works programme. Once this has been received and discussed with the services involved, an opening date for the full building will be announced, alongside more detailed plans for the migration of the remaining Children’s services. 

Planning for re-opening schools safely

Advice on physical distancing and school transport published

Scientific advice for the safe re-opening of schools and resumption of school transport has been published.

The advice will inform the development of comprehensive guidance on how to ensure the safe re-opening of schools for learners, teachers and families. This includes a package of measures on hygiene and contact management that must be in place to reduce the transmission of the virus and which will form part of the future guidance.

The advice also indicates that no physical distancing is required between children and young people in primary and secondary schools.

On school transport, the advice says dedicated services should be regarded as an extension of the school estate, with physical distancing measures between pupils therefore unnecessary for as long as infection rates in Scotland remain low.

For pupils using public transport, the advice recommends that guidance from the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland should continue to apply.

The advice has been published by the COVID-19 Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: “This scientific advice will inform the way schools can re-open safely from 11 August, if infection rates continue to remain low.

“The Education Recovery Group which comprises local authorities, parent representatives and teachers’ organisations and trades unions, has been developing plans for how to open schools safely for everyone.

“We are considering this advice as we develop comprehensive guidance which will give confidence to our school communities that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and staff is ensured as we welcome them back.

“Ensuring the highest quality education for our young people, in a safe environment, must be a priority for us all and I know that everyone is committed to make sure that children’s education is not adversely affected in the longer term.”

Read the advice.

Subject to the continued suppression of the virus, and to surveillance and mitigations being in place, schools will re-open from 11 August.

British Heart Foundation shops re-open after months of lockdown

~ Leading charity says crisis could cut its income in half this year, and urges public to support Britain’s best loved charities in months ahead ~    

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is reopening the first of its shops across Scotland, as it seeks to recover from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 crisis on its income.   

The charity planned a phased reopening to ensure it could create a safe working environment for its staff and volunteers, many of whom are living with heart and circulatory diseases.  

Ten stores across Edinburgh and the Lothians will open today (Saturday 18th July) with all 76 shops in Scotland due to reopen by the end of July.

BHF shops in Lothian Road, Edinburgh and Leith, Dalry, Bathgate, Craigmillar, Dalkeith, Westside, Shandwick, Musselburgh and Stockbridge open at 10am Saturday 18th July.

As the doors reopen, the charity is urging the public to support it by donating good quality items, or by popping in to snap up a bargain. Every item donated or sold will aid the BHF in its recovery from the crisis, which it predicts will cut its net income in half this year.   

James Jopling, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “Our shops fund a huge proportion of cardiovascular research, so the reopening of doors is welcome news for our scientists, the 720,000 people living in Scotland with heart and circulatory diseases, as well as our shoppers. 

This moment was difficult to imagine just a few weeks ago, and is testament to the incredible commitment of our BHF team of colleagues and volunteers that we’ll be trading in every corner of the country within two weeks.   

“But the coronavirus crisis will unfortunately have a long-lasting and devastating impact on charities like ours, with our funding for new research falling by a shocking £50m this year alone. That’s why, not only do we need urgent help from our loyal supporters, we’re also urging the UK Government to ensure funding for vital research charities. For us, it will mean we can protect the progress we have made so far and continue to transform the lives of those with heart and circulatory diseases. It’s ultimately patients who will suffer if this doesn’t happen.

“Our charity shops run purely on the support of the public, which is why we treasure every person who shops with us or hands in a donation. Every item we sell helps fund our vital research and we are so looking forward to welcoming everyone back.”

The BHF says its shops and stores will have new measures in place to keep staff, volunteers and customers safe. This includes social distancing on the shop floor, protective equipment for staff and volunteers, and facilitating contact free collection and processing of donated items.   

In line with Government advice and to keep customers safe, all donations given to the BHF will now be rested for 72 hours before being placed on the shop floor. Customers will also be able to donate at new contact-free donation points set up at every BHF shop entrance.   

For larger donations to BHF home stores, donors will be able to book a free collection service online from Monday 27th July. All pick-ups will be contact-free. For smaller donations, the BHF has launched a new postal donation service, making it even easier to donate without hitting the high street.  

Just £16 worth of donations can support an early career scientist in carrying out an hour’s research and £25 gives a researcher an hour’s access to equipment. If donations raise £100, this would fund a DNA extraction kit to identify genes linked to heart and circulatory diseases.   

To find your local BHF shop and details on when it is reopening visit: www.bhf.org.uk/shop 

SEPA cracks down on illegal dumpers advertising on social media

  • SEPA enforcement team targets criminals and chancers using social media to sell illegal waste services
  • Regulator reminds waste companies that compliance with the law is non-negotiable
  • Illegal operators contributing to fly-tipping and other illegal waste activity
  • Public are reminded – don’t engage the services of people who are not authorised

Chancers advertising illegal waste collections on social media sites are being targeted by Scotland’s environmental regulator in a new digital clampdown.

Household recycling centres are now open but many have restrictions in place – and people may still have bulky items and excess waste that cannot be transported. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning those trying to make a quick buck from the current situation by operating illegally that they are firmly in the spotlight, and that direct warnings would be sent to those not registered with SEPA placing adverts – with fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance.

SEPA’s specialist enforcement team has been working alongside partners Police Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland and local authorities throughout the lockdown period to tackle waste crime across Scotland.

These specialist officers are monitoring sites like Facebook and Gumtree to catch waste criminals as part of a wider effort to deter illegal activity across the waste management chain. SEPA is very clear that those who deliberately flout the rules will face the uncompromising regulator their behaviour deserves.

Jennifer Shearer, Head of Enforcement at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “We know that illegal activity places further stress on legitimate operators – especially where services are being pushed through social media and other channels.

“Through our monitoring of social media we’ve unfortunately seen a number of instances of couriers and so-called white van men taking the opportunity to offer an unauthorised waste collection service and then often dumping in public spaces or remote parts of countryside – creating an unsafe environmental hazard and an eyesore for the local community.

“Having witnessed an increase in adverts of this kind in recent months, our digital disruption is designed to take those operating illegally, out of the market.”

Where enforcement officers identify that adverts and messages are being distributed by carriers not registered with SEPA, they will make contact to warn them that they are operating illegally. If they do not apply for a registration or stop activities, SEPA will take enforcement action which could see them subjected to fines or criminal prosecution.

There is also an important role for the public, with a warning that the use of unlicensed waste collectors could result in waste contributing to fly-tipping and other illegal activity.

“Don’t engage the services of people who are not authorised,” Shearer explains. “Remember, services that sound too good to be true often are, and could lead to your waste being illegally fly-tipped or disposed of by other illegitimate means.

“Anyone offering to take your waste away should be able to provide a waste carrier registration number and tell you the named facility they will take the waste to – if they can’t provide this information, don’t allow them to take your waste.  

“Now more than ever, Scots are recognising the importance of local services like recycling and the part we all play in correctly managing our waste. You have the responsibility to take care of your waste and if we trace it back to you we can take enforcement action against you too. We don’t want people to be put in that situation so make sure that anyone who takes your waste for disposal is properly accredited.”

Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, added: “We owe a massive thank you to all those in the waste industry who are working hard to keep services running in challenging circumstances. Illegal activities such as flytipping adds to the burden of those who continue to deliver essential services.

“SEPA has a vital role in regulating and monitoring waste carrier services and I welcome the proactive approach they are taking to target unregistered waste businesses. It is vital that individuals take responsibility for checking that the waste carrier they use is registered and will dispose of waste correctly.”

Visiting the new website – managingourwaste.scot – from SEPA, Zero Waste Scotland and partners, you will find updates and advice on how to manage waste.  As part of Scotland’s campaign to help manage waste during current restrictions the site also explains how you can help to tackle fly-tipping. SEPA is also offering support to help those managing our waste operate against the challenges of coronavirus.  

Top 3 Do’s and Don’ts of Household Waste Disposal

  1. DO use common sense. If you are approached out of the blue with an offer to dispose of your waste so quickly and cheaply is sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  2. DON’T entrust your waste with someone if they are unable to tell you basic information like their waste carrier registration number and the named site they are taking the waste to.
  3. DO take responsibility for who you give waste to – if we trace illegally disposed of waste back to you then you could be liable for enforcement action too.