Day: November 27, 2020

Five ways to decorate your Christmas tree for free this year

Using fruit, fabric scraps, and utilising Facebook marketplace are all frugal ways for Brits to save money decorating their Christmas trees this year.

Penny-pinching gurus from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have revealed some inventive ways to decorate trees for free and bring the family together by creating and crafting decorations.

Using scraps of paper and old magazines is one way to bring your tree to life but will also help to keep more money in Brits’ own pockets. 

Taking inspiration from years gone by, using dried fruits such as orange slices are also a great way to add colour and also fragrance to the tree. 

NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have recently surveyed 4,566 people and a fifth (20 per cent) have already put their Christmas tree up, and a further 33 per cent plan to have their festive decorations up before the end of the month. 

A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “After the year we’ve had, people need something to lift their spirits and to look forward to. There’s been a massive increase in people getting their trees up in November this year. 

“Brits might think they’re out of festive luck, but the good news is, there are plenty of ways to decorate your Christmas tree for free. 

“You don’t need a lot of expensive decorations to have a beautiful Christmas tree this year. It is so easy to enjoy a beautiful tree without spending a penny.”

Here is NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s advice on decorating your Christmas tree for free. 

Use dried fruit

Beautiful, fragrant and budget-friendly, this tip is an old-fashioned way to decorate the tree. If you have fruit that is starting to turn and go bad, then dry it! Most fruits can be dried but cranberries, apple slices, and orange slices are most traditional and they can be dried in a dehydrator or oven. Once dried, they can then be strung with thread and a needle to create a sweet decoration for your tree.

Use scrap paper

Growing up, many of us will remember making paper snowflakes as a kid. Why not get the scissors out and make them again? Use scrap paper or leftover magazines to make colourful snowflakes or snowmen.

Or you can cut out pictures you like from magazines of scenery, celebrities, or just pictures of items you are interested in. You can use dental floss or string to hang them from your tree. 

Use old fabric scraps

If you have fabric scraps sitting around, such as old or damaged clothes, or bedding then you can always tie them into bows to use on the tree. This is so simple. Just cut them up and tie them to the tree. 

Check online marketplaces and trading sites

The internet is full of free and for trade sites. Facebook marketplace and Gumtree are often the go-to sites, and this time of year, lots of people are giving items away such as old decorations. Make sure you are Covid compliant when picking up items you source through Facebook, but it is a free way to pick up some nice second-hand decorations. 

Look in your garden and local parks

Chances are your garden and the local park is full of natural items that would make pretty decorations for your tree! Curly branches, pine cones, acorns, and flowers would all bring your tree to life this Christmas. You can even use some glitter or paint to add some personality to the decorations.

Open Fund: Edinburgh creative projects share in over £820K

A debut poetry collection, a collaborative funk and soul album, and the publication of four new books by female authors are among the Edinburgh-based creative projects and research and development initiatives sharing in over £820K of National Lottery and Scottish Government funding through Creative Scotland in the latest round of Open Fund awards.

Award-winning poet Sam Buchan-Watts has received funding towards debut collection Path Through Woods, which draws on the writer’s experience of working with asylum seekers and oral histories. The funds will also support Sam to widen the audience for his work by building on relationships with small publishers.

Sam Buchan-Watts said: “This funding has made possible the development and completion of my first book-length poetry collection, centred on the means of listening to vulnerable subjects.

“I am enormously grateful for the work Creative Scotland does to make writers and artists feel valued – especially in a time when many struggle to stay buoyant, spiritually and materially.”

Funk and soul band James Brown is Annie have also received funds to create a collaborative album with award-winning jazz and folk artists.

Featuring eight original tracks written during lockdown, the album will be produced by platinum-selling Scottish musician Hamish Stuart. Hamish is best known as the frontman of Average White Band and has previously worked with artists including Sir Paul McCartney and Aretha Franklin.

Polygon have also been awarded funds to publish four new works from female authors at various stages of their careers.

Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said: “The Open Fund is enabling creative people and organisations to explore ways of working that is helping them to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances brought about as a result of Covid-19.

“From researching and developing new work and practices, to exploring safe ways to reach and engage audiences, these projects reflect the resilience, innovation and determination of Scotland’s creative community in the face of extremely challenging circumstances.

“Made possible by the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, and the Scottish Government, these awards are helping to sustain the immense value that creativity adds to our lives.”

Tyl by Royal Bank calls on Scots to support local businesses this festive season

·        83% of Scots agree that they have a greater appreciation for the staff working in local businesses as a result of the pandemic

·        However, despite this stated support, less than one in five, (18%) expect to ‘support local’ and do most of their Christmas spending with local independent stores

·        Additionally, more than a third (37%) have cancelled plans to spend money eating or drinking at local, independent businesses since the outbreak of Covid-19

·        Gift giving takes on a deeper significance as more than a third (38%) report that they have sent gifts as a way of staying in touch with family and friends during Covid-19

Over four-fifths (83%*) of Scots have a greater appreciation for staff working in local businesses as a result of the pandemic.

The latest data from Tyl in partnership with YouGov revealed that with many UK small businesses forced to firstly shut up shop and then to adapt to new ways of working in response to Covid-19 restrictions, public appreciation for those working in local independent retailers, restaurants and other SMEs has soared.

However, despite the increased appreciation of small businesses on their doorstep, less than one in five (18%) report that they intend to spend most of their Christmas budget with local, independent businesses. Additionally, more than a third (37%) admit to having cancelled plans to spend money eating or drinking at local, independents because of Covid-19.

In response to social distancing measures, gift giving has taken on a deeper significance during the festive season with more than a third (38%) of survey respondents reporting that they had sent gifts to friends and family as a way of staying connected to their loved ones throughout the pandemic. 

Mike Elliff, CEO, Tyl said: “This research clearly demonstrates that now, more than ever, people across Scotland have an appreciation for those working in their local cafes, pubs and shops.

“The weeks and months in the run up to Christmas are traditionally filled with parties, meals out and last-minute shopping trips. Although this year’s festive season might look different, we’re calling on everybody who can support their local independent stores to make sure their purchase behaviour reflects their good intentions.

“Covid-19 has had a substantial impact on small businesses – many of whom have been forced to close or operate with reduced hours. Through contactless and telephony payments and the facilitation of eCommerce transactions, Tyl, along with the wider payment industry, has a clear role to play in helping the country’s high street and hospitality sector to recover and rebuild for the future.”

The survey examined predicted consumer spending behaviour in the run up to Christmas.

Unwrapping support for small businesses

As the festive season approaches, the data predicted where consumers will spend this Christmas, revealing that only 18% expect to buy the majority of their Christmas gifts from local independent stores.

With social distancing reducing capacity in shops, and pubs and restaurants no longer able to accept payments at the bar, Tyl offers customers the freedom to process transactions throughout the entire venue, reducing wait times and ultimately increasing revenue. Tyl also offers next day settlement, ensuring that money reaches the merchant the next business day.

Rise of eCommerce

As a result of the UK high street operating under lockdown restrictions,  eCommerce is anticipated to play a central role in gift-giving this Christmas, with more than a quarter (26%) intending to do most of their shopping with online only business and more than two fifths (44%) anticipating that at least 70% of their Christmas purchases will be made online.

Only 3% of respondents estimate that they will do all their Christmas shopping in traditional bricks and mortar retailers, indicating that local independent stores will have to adapt to online demands in order to maximise festive returns.

Support for all payment methods

Whilst the consumer and business trend towards contactless and card payments continues, Royal Bank continues to support its personal and business customers with cash requirements, as supporters of UK Finance’s Access to Cash Initiative. The bank has become the first in the UK to offer fee-free secure cash home delivery to vulnerable customers, as well as keeping over 95% of the branch network open throughout the pandemic, and backing ATM operator LINK’s 12-month pledge to maintain free-to-use ATMs.

Tyl is a new, innovative payments service designed in partnership with UK SMEs to make it easier for small business customers across the country to receive payments in-store, online and over the phone and manage cash flow during COVID-19 and beyond.

Tyl provides next-day settlement for users, ensuring money is in their bank account the next business day, which has been a crucial factor in assisting businesses with cash flow during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of our commitment to help businesses and communities thrive, Tyl has partnered with Pennies, the UK’s leading charity working to protect and grow micro-donations. The partnership grants a proportion of profit to charities, meaning that Tyl customers can benefit their local communities by choosing us as your payment partner.

Police Scotland advice: Time to review your home security

As we approach the festive period and darker nights, it’s a good time to review security of your home, says Police Scotland.

Do you keep your keys in view of a window? If you have an alarm, do you use it, is it zoned? Have you recorded the serial numbers for your electrical equipment? Are your valuables easily accessible? Have you uploaded your photos to the cloud or onto a hard drive? Here’s a few tips

:• Ensure your locks are tested to British Standard or meet the needs of your insurance company.

• Keep doors and windows locked.

• Keep car keys secure and hidden.

• If you are out whilst it is dark, consider fitting light timers or leaving a light on.

• Fit outside security lights, either motion senor or dusk to dawn.

• Window locks should be fitted where appropriate and used all the time. Do not leave the key in the lock.

• Mark all the electrical equipment with an ultraviolet marker pen

• At the front of the house hedges or trees should be trimmed or cropped so as not to provide cover for thieves.

• Laptop computers and mobile phones are favourite housebreaking targets. These should be locked away or removed from view. Add tracking software to smart phones, laptops and Ipads to aid in the recovery of these items

• Consider investing in a safe or strong box for storage of cash and valuables. A safe should be securely fixed to the fabric of the building and should only be used for short-term storage of cash.

• Consider an intruder alarm system. More info can be found here www.nsi.org.uk or www.ssaib.org

• Secure your shed and all tools (may be used to force entry).

• Consider a shed alarm.

• Consider joining www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

If you see anyone acting suspiciously contact the police immediately with a description of any person or vehicle involved.

Call 999 if an emergency or 101 to report the matter to the police. Further advice – https://www.scotland.police.uk/…/home…/secure-your-home/

Happy Christmas from the UK – here’s some fresh air‏!

‏ ‏

‏Bottles of fresh air from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are being marketed as the perfect gift for homesick Britons living overseas this Christmas.‏‏ ‏

‏Relocation website‏ ‏My Baggage‏ ‏is offering‏ ‏fresh air bottled from the four home nations‏ ‏for £25 each and claim the bottles are already being snapped up by families with loved ones living abroad – in a bid to remind them of home and possibly tempt them back to our shores.‏

‏The company is also offering special limited edition bottles featuring air captured on the London Underground and air from the inside of a busy Norfolk fish and chip shop.‏‏ ‏

‏Each ‏ ‏500ml ‏ ‏of air comes with a cork stopper so the owners can open for a moment, take a breath and quickly close again, allowing many weeks or even months of use.‏‏ ‏

‏My Baggage‏ is also willing to fulfil special customer requests by bottling air from any UK location, and have already fulfilled an order of air from the misty summit of Snowdonia for a homesick Welshman living down under.‏‏ ‏

‏The company, which helps thousands of Britons to relocate to other countries each year, claims their bottled air offers Brits living overseas the chance to reconnect with home by purchasing authentic UK air to remind them of home.‏

‏They decided to launch their bottled air range following research which linked our sense of smell to emotional memories.‏‏ ‏

‏They said that while many UK residents hanker after a new exciting life in another country relocating leaves some pining for home.‏‏ ‏

‏The hope is that a bottle of air from one of our home nations will ease homesickness and make settling into a new country that much easier.‏‏ ‏

‏But they also said they were seeing orders for the bottles as Christmas gifts from parents keen to tempt their sons and daughters back to the UK.‏

‏ ‏A spokesman said: “Many Brits have a dream of moving abroad and the exciting thing about our work at My Baggage‏ ‏is that we help make those dreams come true.‏‏ ‏

‏“But we know from our customer feedback that a small but significant number of Britons who move abroad do experience homesickness.‏‏ ‏

‏“We wanted to help them reconnect with home and we know from published research that our sense of smell is very evocative when it comes to emotions.‏‏ ‏

‏“By allowing recipients to take a deep breath of the air from their home country we’re hoping to ease homesickness and help them settle into their new life, wherever that may be.‏‏ ‏

‏“At the moment the majority of orders are coming from parents and loved ones of Brits who have moved abroad. A bottle of fresh air from home is the perfect gift for a family member who is living overseas – and it might even entice them back home.‏‏ ‏

‏“The smells Britons miss might surprise some. Orders for the fish and chip shop air have been strong while the London Underground air is one of our best sellers and seems to be popular with ex-commuters who perhaps want to remind themselves of what they’re missing.”‏‏ ‏

‏My Baggage have created a special product page on their website where visitors can find out all about the air. Please visit: ‏https://www.mybaggage.com/shipping/air/

The Ivy on the Square transforms into a Narnia-inspired winter wonderland

This Christmas, The Ivy on the Square celebrates with a magical, Narnia-inspired installation for guests and passers-by to enjoy; as well as a limited-edition, non-alcoholic cocktail menu.

Transporting guests through the whimsical world of Narnia, complete with playful and fanciful Christmas decorations, guests will step inside the wardrobe before being greeted with an array of delicious, bespoke cocktails available from Thursday, 26 November.

Mixed up by the restaurant’s bar team, creations will feature an array of non-alcoholic concoctions including Some Candy Talking (£6.25), an alcohol-free riff on our famous Candy Floss Fizz with Rose syrup, cranberry, ginger, lychee and lemon juices finished with Scavi & Ray non-alcoholic Spumante and Candy Floss, the Virgin Bellini (£5.00), a delicious version of the classic peach fizz incorporating white peach pureìe and Fever-Tree White Grape & Apricot Soda, and the Elderflower Garden (£5.95) a Seedlip Garden, Æcorn Dry non-alcoholic Aperitif, elderflower cordial and Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic, garnished with cucumber ribbon and edible flowers.

For those looking to indulge in something a little sweeter, the brasserie will also be serving up a bespoke The Greatest Snowman dessert, to keep guests in the Christmas Spirit. 

Chris Greenan, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square says: “Christmas has always been a special time of year for us here at The Ivy on the Square and we’re delighted to be able to welcome residents and visitors to join us in the festivities.

“Our Narnia themed winter escape is the perfect way to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.”

The Ivy on The Square is situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, offering approachable sophistication and luxury with an underlying feeling of glamour and theatre for residents, businesses, and visitors.

A third of young people could only last 4.5 months without family financial support

A third of all young people – those aged 18 to 34 – receive regular monetary ‘support gifts’ from their parents and grandparents, according to research from Legal & General Home Finance1.

According to the findings, of those who need financial support to make ends meet each month they could only maintain their current outgoings (e.g. bills, rent)  for up to 4.5 months if this support were to stop.

Many young people appear to utilise gifts from older family members to supplement their income. On average, since turning 18, young adults have received £19,347 in regular support gifts from their parents and grandparents2.

In 2020, the need for family support has increased further.

On average, parents who provide monthly support will give £1,356 a year, in the form of a monthly gift (or £113). This has increased by 26% in 2020, as parents  have added an additional £353 in support to help their children face the financial pressures of the pandemic.

The research comes at a time when young people are more dependent on family as a financial safety net than ever before, as Office for National Statistics results reveal that the unemployment rate among young people is far higher than the overall rate (14.6% vs 4.8%)3.

This pinch may be further impacted by a fall in seasonal jobs due to fewer available non-essential retail roles in the run-up to Christmas, typically filled by younger workers.

For parents that provide financial aid, the majority will come from their own savings (49%) or income (43%). 14% of parents will use property wealth such as the sale of property, to provide gifts. Legal & General has found that of its equity release customers, approximately 1 in 6 will use part of their payments to support gifting.

While most parents like to ensure gifting is split equally across any younger relatives (68%), in one in five cases (21%) the amount given varies across family members. This is usually driven by the individual’s needs (61%) but 27% parents admit they feel closer to the relatives they provide additional support to.

Claire Singleton, CEO of Legal & General Home Finance, said: “It is clear that without the generous gifting of parents and grandparents, many young people would be unable to independently sustain their lifestyle. The monthly cost may not initially seem high but as we can see from our data, the cost of gifting to younger family members can add up over time.

“In addition to monthly support, many parents and grandparents will be called on to provide additional one-off payments to help with large expenses like weddings or putting a deposit on a house.

“Utilising property wealth, by either downsizing or using equity release, can often be helpful here as it allows the opportunity to give a living inheritance without touching your income. However, these decisions aren’t easy and should be closely considered. Be sure to do your research, free information from the Money Advice Service is a great place to start, or, if gifting is likely to have an impact on your retirement income, turning to an adviser may be the right path.”

Many people who provide support are happy to do so, respondents to the research shared the following:

“I supported my younger brother when he started sixth form this year. It really makes me feel good, satisfied and enriched that I’m making a difference in someone else’s life.”

“We provided financial support to my partner’s children during the pandemic… they weren’t working, they didn’t have any savings to pay for their rent. We actually paid for all of them during the time of the lockdown. We’re quite happy to have supported them through it, I wouldn’t see them struggle.”

Those who receive financial aid often feel it brings them closer to their relatives, respondents to the research shared the following:

“It’s been hugely helpful for me as that gave me the push to buy at that time, it’s given me the chance to own my own home … It’s something I hope to be able to do for my own children in the future.”

“I recently received a sum from my aunt, she said she would rather be alive and see me make use of the money…since receiving it I definetely feel a lot closer to her. I just feel eternally grateful that she’s done that for me.”

NOTES

1.Opinium Research ran a series of online interviews among a nationally representative panel of 4,001 UK adults between the 25th September and 3rd October 2020

2.This is averaged across all people 18-34 who have received financial aid from their parents or grandparents.

3.https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/uklabourmarket/november2020

Port of Leith HA to help ease pressure of pandemic over winter through Leith Gives campaign

Port of Leith Housing Association is proud to be one of 17 north Edinburgh charities, community groups, schools and other organisations who have joined forces to support people most likely to be hit hardest by coronavirus and associated restrictions this winter in a new collaboration, called Leith Gives.  

The Leith Trust is coordinating the campaign which seeks to provide tailored food hampers and other household essentials to vulnerable individuals and families in the run up to Christmas and again in late January. 

It also plans to provide gifts and other items people may need to celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Hanukah and other festivals, and to offer practical help to get people online and connect with loved ones or support groups. 

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “The first wave of this pandemic showed just how much we all need each other to get by. Our tenants, the people of Leith and north Edinburgh, charities and community groups, have already demonstrated great resilience and perseverance.

“Now as we head into winter, we’re thrilled to help harness that collective dedication through Leith Gives to spread hope and offer practical support over the festive season and into the New Year.”

To make a donation, please go to: https://justgiving.com/campaign/LeithGives 

Birthday cake sends ice cream fan to new heights!

AN ICE CREAM FANATIC who flew supersonic on the Concorde was left amazed after receiving a birthday cake in the shape of her favourite ice cream tub.

84-year-old Cecilia Leishman celebrated her birthday with a cake in the shape and design of a Mackie’s of Scotland Salted Caramel ice cream tub.

The cake was made by Cecilia’s long-time friend Susan Stitt, a cake designer from Port Seton, East Lothian.

Cecilia was so stunned by the likeness of the cake that her granddaughter, Kirsty Allan, shared a photo on social media and sent it to the ice cream giant.

Mackie’s too were amazed by the cake creation, and followed up with a gift hamper containing items such as an ice cream scoop, apron and ice cream vouchers to celebrate her birthday.

The great-grandmother is such a fan of Mackie’s Salted Caramel ice cream, that she found herself eating three bowls a day during lockdown.

Cecilia, from Edinburgh, said: “I had no inclination whatsoever that I was going to be surprised with a cake like this for my birthday. My granddaughter told Susan about my love for Mackie’s Salted Caramel ice cream.

“When I was presented with the cake I was gobsmacked. Susan is very talented as it looks like the real thing.

“After I learnt my granddaughter had sent an image of my cake to Mackie’s, I was delighted to see they had shared it with their followers on social media – I felt famous!

“It was so kind of the team at Mackie’s to follow up with a lovely birthday hamper full of goodies.”

Throughout her life Cecilia has experienced some incredible moments from dining on the Orient Express to trailing through the Rocky Mountains in Canada as well as touring China and Hong Kong.

The grandmother added another experience to her bucket list by becoming one of 100 people to fly on the Concorde from New York to Edinburgh in 1996.

Cecilia celebrated her 60th birthday on the Supersonic aircraft after a cruise and week stay in New York.

Cecilia added: “My husband and I sailed to New York, which was a fantastic experience, to go past the Statue of Liberty towering over us was breath taking, but it was amazing to have the opportunity to be one of the few who got to travel on the Concorde from New York to Edinburgh.

“The flight took approximately 2hours and 40minutes, and I remember the pilot telling the cabin that we had gone supersonic and broken the sound barrier – to be honest I didn’t notice any difference!”

Cecilia’s love affair with Mackie’s ice cream began at a small restaurant in South Queensferry, adding: “We were going out for dinner, when I saw a sign at the window say ‘we sell Mackie’s here’.

“I didn’t know what Mackie’s was, so naturally I tried some and I’ve loved it ever since, and now their Salted Caramel is without a doubt my favourite flavour.”

Marketing Director of the family-run business, Karin Mackie, said: “Thanks to Cecilia’s family for sharing the lovely picture of her salted caramel ice cream tub birthday cake – it is amazing and looks even better as a supersize tub!

“We were delighted to hear that Cecilia’s simple joy is having some salted caramel ice cream every day and we send our best birthday wishes.”

Mackie’s is a fourth-generation family farm based, Westertown, is in North East Scotland – and Mackie’s still produce all their ice cream using fresh milk and cream from their own dairy herd on the farm.

The company’s sky to scoop ethos sees it create everything from milk to its packaging on site, powered predominantly by their own renewable energy – via four wind turbines, a 10-acre solar farm and a biomass energy plant. In addition, a £4.5million project is underway to install an innovative new low-carbon refrigeration system, set to be among the greenest in Europe and the first of its kind in Scotland.

To find out more about Mackie’s, please visit: www.mackies.co.uk    

Police appeal following assault and robbery in Leith

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an assault and robbery in Leith.

At around 2.10pm on Tuesday (24 November) two men and a woman forced entry into a property on Buchanan Street where a 45-year-old man was assaulted and various personal items were stolen.

He was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment of serious but not life threatening injuries.

The first suspect is described as a white man, around 5ft 10in tall, of a large build and in his 20s. A second man is described as white, around 5ft 7in tall with a thin build and in his 30s.

Both men were wearing dark clothing, black beanie hats and black surgical masks.

The female suspect is described as white, around 5ft 5in tall with long hip length auburn hair. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a red and black checked shirt, pink trainers and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor, of Edinburgh CID, said: “We are appealing to members of the public who may have seen anyone matching these descriptions around the time of the incident.

“The three suspects headed off in the direction of Iona Street towards Easter Road.”I would ask if you were in the area and noticed anyone acting suspicious that you contact police.

“If you have any CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage the could assist with our investigation, please get in touch with officers.

“Police can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident number 1641 of Tuesday, 24 November, 2020 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”