Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that a 44-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a hit and run on the West Approach Road.
The incident happened around 4.40pm on Friday, 6th November, 2020, when a car struck a six-year-old pedestrian. The boy was taken to hospital for treatment of facial injuries.
The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
A programme designed to keep disabled people physically active during the coronavirus pandemic has been recognised for its positive impact, taking home the Coaching for an Active Life Award at this year’s UK Coaching Awards.
The prestigious annual celebration of Great Coaching, which showcases the diverse work of coaches, projects and organisations making a huge difference to the health and happiness of the nation, was held virtually on Thursday, 3 December.
Scottish Disability Sport’s ‘Be Active, Be Well’ programme was created to ensure participants with a disability were able to stay active, to encourage the physically inactive to become active and to combat social isolation during the pandemic.
Working in partnership with the Scottish Association of Mental Health, individuals were encouraged to take part in daily activity sessions, including yoga, wheelchair-based activity, stretching and HIIT, as well as weekly mental well-being sessions.
Reacting to the news, Scottish Disability Sport CEO Gavin Macleod, said: “We’re really honoured to be the recipient. It’s a prestigious UK-wide award and is a testament to the work undertaken by staff at SDS.
“The Be Active, Be Well programme really encapsulates how we’ve tried to reach out, connect and support participants that are shielding or were struggling during the lockdown period. We have good working relationships with the governing bodies, coaches and the volunteers, so encouraging them to get involved [in the programme] was relatively easy.
“The satisfaction for me is that a programme we’ve put in place in Scotland has been recognised on a UK level.”
Reflecting on this year’s awards, UK Coaching’s Director of Coaching Emma Atkins, said: “Our heartfelt congratulations to Scottish Disability Sport and all of our winners and finalists. What you’ve all achieved in this extremely difficult year is superb.
“You and the rest of the 3 million coaches in the UK have gone beyond the call of duty to make sure your participants didn’t lose momentum with their sport and physical activity goals and ambitions or weren’t isolated from the social-side of activity.
“You realised that for your participants, and indeed yourselves, coaching and staying active isn’t just a hobby or a past-time, it’s a way of life that deeply affects mental and physical well-being.
“We applaud you for your efforts, your inspirational resilience and the way you conducted yourself without fuss or fanfare.
“As we move towards Christmas and the new year, our message to the British public is don’t forget to thank your coach for the positive impact they’re having on yours and other people’s lives. Be kind, support one another and stay connected – we’re here for the coach.”
Winners on the night were:
Awards for Coaches:
Children and Young People’s Coach of the Year
Tom Bowen-Hall (rugby union) (Wiltshire, Melksham)
Community Coach of the Year
Prina Karia (badminton) (East Midlands, Leicester)
Changing Lives Award
Scott Burns (rugby league) (Greater Manchester, Wigan)
Talent Development Coach of the Year
Emma Collings-Barnes (swimming) (Devon, Tavistock)
High Performance Coach of the Year – supported by UK Sport
Peter Rome (wheelchair fencing) (West Midlands, Coventry)
Young Coach of the Year – supported by Sport Wales
Amy Moulton (gymnastics) (Somerset, Yeovil)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Donald Park (football) (Scotland, Lochaber)
The Coaching Chain
Marcus Rashford (football) – Colin Little, Dave Bushell, David Horrocks, Eamon Mulvey, Louis van Gaal, Maria Kelly, Neil Harris, Paul McGuinness, Stuart Leicester, Tarun Kapur and Tony Whelan.
Awards in Support of Coaches:
Coach Developer of the Year
Sarah Green (netball) (East Midlands, Nottingham)
Transforming Coaching Award
ECB – Cities Programme Team
Coaching for an Active Life Award
Scottish Disability Sport – Be Active, Be Well
Amazon’s development centre in Edinburgh is encouraging children in Edinburgh to get involved in free STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) resources the company has launched to help students improve their maths skills, learn how to code, and develop their career aspirations over the winter school holidays.
In many circumstances, children’s education has been impacted by COVID-19, with schools and families trying to catch up following lockdown and related closures and absences. One report from Ofsted highlighted the worst-case scenarios, reporting that some school children had lost basic skills and learning as a result of school closures caused by the pandemic.
Speaking on the donation, Graeme Smith, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “At Amazon, we are passionate about education and learning, so we have brought charities and educational institutions together with our Maths4All and Amazon Future Engineer programmes to provide a fun way for children to learn and get a head start with maths, computer science and coding.
“On behalf of the team at Edinburgh, we want to encourage the young learners and families in Edinburgh to make the most of these free and easily-accessible resources to keep learning while having fun over the school holidays”
What is Amazon offering?
· Amazon has expanded Amazon Maths4All beyond the free resources for primary school children and now also offers secondary school students free educational materials. Amazon Maths4All offers hundreds of worksheets on Kindle and Fire Tablets, new maths challenges on Alexa, apps and games for school pupils, and given the restrictions in place and uncertainty around the holidays, these resources aim to supplement student’s learning and development. The initiative is run in partnership with several organisations including Open University, Conquer Maths, White Rose Maths, Dr Frost and Cazoom Maths.
· Amazon has also launched the Cyber Robotics Challenge to provide students with a free, three-hour virtual challenge to learn the basics of programming as part of Amazon Future Engineer. Recommended for anyone aged eight and above, young learners are asked to code an Amazon Hercules robot to deliver a friend’s birthday present on time. This challenge is the first of its kind and teaches students coding and computer science in a real-world setting.
· With Alexa, you can also open the skill ‘Maths Coach’, which helps your mathematical brain stay active with five levels of difficulty. To get started, use a phrase like “Alexa, ask the Maths Coach to start a test” or “Alexa, ask the Maths Coach for a hard addition test”. For some light-hearted learning you can also ask “Alexa, tell me a fact about maths?”, “Alexa, tell me a joke about maths” or “Alexa, rap about pi”.
· Amazon has also just launched The Amazon Longitude Explorer Prize, delivered by Nesta Challenges, which calls on young bright minds to put their passion for STEM subjects to the test by creating and developing technological innovations to help solve some of the world’s biggest issues from climate change to aging populations.
The programme aims to reach students aged 11-16 across the UK and hopes to provide young people from all backgrounds with an introduction to the possibilities of entrepreneurship in STEM and children can form team and enter the virtual competition until 12 February.
Parents of children aged 2-5 living in Edinburgh, who missed a child flu vaccine appointment, are being invited to attend a new drop-in vaccination clinic this weekend (Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December).
NHS Lothian is organising the session at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People to offer parents another opportunity to make sure their child is protected against flu this winter.
The clinic is specifically for children who are registered with an Edinburgh GP but were unable to attend a previously scheduled appointment time.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director, Primary and Community Care, said: “Flu is very infectious and can be serious. Even healthy children can become ill, which can be very unpleasant for them, and they can spread it to family.
“This winter it’s more important than ever to prevent people getting the flu, particularly because of coronavirus. The best way to protect your child and others who are vulnerable is to get vaccinated.”
“We understand that parents are really busy and might not have been able to make an appointment. To help make sure they don’t miss out we’re putting on this extra flu vaccination clinic.”
The children’s flu vaccine is safe and effective. It is offered free every year as a simple, painless, nasal spray to children to help protect them from getting and spreading the flu.
In Edinburgh, parents of children aged between and 2 and 5 years old, who are not yet in school, will have received a letter to attend a scheduled appointment at a children’s flu clinic in the city.
Anyone who has received a letter to attend a child flu vaccine appointment at a clinic after 6th December should continue to attend that as normal. Children who require a flu vaccine by injection for medical or religious reasons, should approach their GP practice.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director, Primary and Community Care, added: “As this is a drop-in clinic there might be short wait for parents, but we strongly encourage anyone who has missed their appointment to take up this opportunity and to attend over the weekend.”
The drop-in children’s flu vaccination clinic is being held between 9am and 4pm at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA.
The drop-in is only for children aged 2-5yrs (and not yet at school) registered with an Edinburgh GP Practice who have missed a flu vaccination appointment.
The pandemic has set the public on course to transform their shopping habits as they turn to businesses that give back.
New research from Social Enterprise Scotland shows that 38% of Scottish residents said the experiences of lockdown have made them more likely to support social enterprises. [1]
There are over 6,000 social enterprises in Scotland generating over £3 billion in trading income and employing almost 90,000 people. Social enterprises deliver positive social or environmental change and re-invest some or all of their profits into supporting Scottish communities.
Currently a third (29%) of Scottish consumers have bought from a social enterprise in the last year, with 20% of these buying products and services from social enterprises on a regular basis.
But of those who haven’t purchased from a social enterprise this year, 46% highlighted it’s because they don’t know of any social enterprise to buy from.
To address this problem, Buy Social Scotland, a new online directory of social enterprises, has been launched. It will tap into the huge demand for gifts, goods and services with a positive impact on communities, local areas and the environment.
BuySocialScotland.com features a wide range of ethical gifts that give back, with products, experiences and vouchers ranging from arts and crafts to health and beauty, home and garden, clothing and accessories for adults and children, and sport and wellbeing.
The directory includes 100 listings from social enterprises from all over Scotland.
These include Invisible Cities, which trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides in their cities and Mecoco, that offers work experience opportunities for disabled people to make eco-friendly candles, diffusers and soaps.
Also featured are Grace Chocolates where women who have touched the Scottish Criminal Justice System make exquisite handmade chocolates and The Blankfaces, the UK’s first non-profit fashion label, helping the homeless in Glasgow.
Another participant in the campaign, Chris Gillan, Founder of Heroes Drinks, said: “There has never been a more important time for the public to buy local and support businesses in their community. Buying Social is a great way to do this, as profits are often used to support those most disadvantaged or in need of support in our community.”
“Heroes Drinks was formed to support our military community by donating profits to our partner charities and using the remaining profits to support employment and work placement opportunities for veterans.”
A 2019 study by the Thomson Reuters Foundation claimed Scotland was a “rising star” when it came to supporting social enterprises, in part due to Scottish Government support for the sector.
Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Aileen Campbell said: “Scotland’s social enterprises have a positive reputation for giving back to their communities and delivering positive change while contributing to the Scottish economy. They are supported through the Government’s social enterprise action plan.
“The Buy Social Scotland directory will help the public support their local communities by choosing to buy a present with a purpose this festive season.
“I would encourage people to see if there is a good ethical gift option for their loved ones this year, so they can make a gift with a difference.”
Chris Martin, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise Scotland, added: “Scotland leads the way in social enterprise, but for too long many social enterprises have been a hidden secret.
“With so many ethical shoppers looking to find great products and services while also helping to build a better, fairer society, now is the time for Scotland to Buy Social and support businesses that give back.”
The public can find social enterprises to shop from at www.buysocialscotland.com.
SECRET Santa – a stalwart of the festive workplace – is sadly something else that we’ve had to put aside in these changed times. How will we cope without receiving a plastic doo-dah from (maybe) Barry in Sales or something that looks a bit rude from (maybe) Margaret in Purchasing?
Well, worry no more – The Leith Collective is helping to maintain the mystery and enigma that is Secret Santa AND ensuring it’s plastic free and one-of-a-kind at the same time as managing the whole process (on Santa’s behalf)!
Continuing with its mission to rid the world (starting with Edinburgh) of single-use plastic, The Leith Collective works with over 150 local artists, crafters and makers to deliver the most stunning pieces – all recycled, upcycled or created plastic-free.
Simply choose how much you want to spend on your Secret Santa gift, provide a bit more info about the recipient and Catherine, gift curator at The Leith Collective and officially approved by Santa himself, will select the perfect Secret Santa gift for your friend and /or colleague. Once we’ve chosen, wrapped and stored the gift, we’ll send an email to the recipient to tell them to come and collect their pressie!
The air of mystery is maintained, and no plastic cheapness needs to be wrapped up for George in Packing!
Secret Santa is ready at: https://www.theleithcollective.co.uk/secret-santa
Scots are being urged to ‘choose to reuse’ to protect our beautiful landscape from littered face coverings.
In the next phase of its campaign Face It – Reuse Beats Single-use, which aims to persuade Scots to choose reusable face coverings over disposable ones, Zero Waste Scotland is laying on a virtual workshop to show the nation how to make their own.
The environment body has teamed up with Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Marine Conservation Society to persuade Scots to choose reusable face coverings to protect our environment and is calling on those keen to be more conscious in their choice of protective wear to sign up for this free event.
Supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the virtual workshop will take place on Friday 11 December.
It will see upcycling expert Rose Hall of Edinburgh-based charity EcoArt lead participants through a series of simple steps to create a bespoke face covering from old or unwanted fabric most of us will have at home – from an old shirt or pillowcase to a pair of pyjamas.
Hosted by Zero Waste Scotland’s consumer waste prevention project manager, Miriam Adcock, the tutorial will also feature opportunities for questions and chat on how to be more sustainable at home – including some ideas for less-waste Christmas gifts.
Miriam (above) said: “Sadly, littered single-use face coverings are among the items increasingly being seen discarded on Scotland’s beaches, in parks and in urban areas. In fact, recent data from the Marine Conservation Society showed Covid-related litter like face coverings and gloves turned up on nearly a quarter of Scotland’s beaches.
“What’s more, used disposable coverings have been found contaminating council recycling collections – costing money to deal with that could be better spent on other priorities and potentially resulting in recyclable material ending up in landfill.
“There’s a simple solution to all of this. Choosing a reusable face covering is better for both purse and planet, with fabric face covering users estimated to save around £180 a year compared to those using disposable options for daily use.
“They’re also really easy and fun to make – and I would encourage anyone interested to sign up to our workshop and have a go.”
Among those getting behind reusable face coverings are children from Langlees Primary School in Falkirk. Pupils in primary six have designed reusable coverings made from the school’s purple tartan to be sold in aid of local charity Langlees Food Provision.
Victoria Smith, primary six class teacher at Langlees, said: “The children are so passionate about this campaign and they have been involved in all aspects of planning from ordering the material, calculating costs, designing the poster to writing the script for the advert.
“As a school we are working towards gaining our Gold Rights Respecting School Award after receiving our Silver award earlier this year. By choosing a food provision charity we are including the global goal of poverty as well as climate change.
“I am so proud of all the children’s hard work and their commitment to this cause.”
Zero Waste Scotland’s reusable face covering workshop with EcoArt will take place online on Friday 11 December from 2 to 2.30pm. To find out more or to sign up for the event, visit https://zws.scot/facecoveringworkshop .
Zero Waste Scotland leads on the delivery of the Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, which will invest £27million in Scotland in circular economy projects until December 2020 thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
A new report has revealed that unpaid carers in Scotland have valued increased support.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement (CAS) was the first payment introduced under the Scottish Government’s new social security powers. It is given twice a year to those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance as a temporary top-up until full delivery of the benefit is taken over from the Department for Work and Pensions. The payment rate in 2020/21 is £230.10.
The Scottish Government has now published its first evaluation of CAS – and has announced that the next payment will be made on 18 December.
The evaluation found:
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This report gives us a greater understanding of what carers want and need, and we’ll use this to help develop Scottish Carer’s Assistance – our replacement benefit for Carer’s Allowance – so that we can meet the needs of carers better.
“There is no doubting the positive impact Carer’s Allowance Supplement has had on carers in Scotland. And I’m happy to announce the next automatic £230 payment will reach carers in time for Christmas.
“In some cases this payment has made a great difference to carers’ mental health and wellbeing, where it has enabled them to pay off debts or been used towards a trip away to give them a much-needed break.
“I know this has been a hard year for many carers which is why we also provided an additional coronavirus supplement of £230.10 this year. This means around 83,000 carers in Scotland will get up to £690 more this year compared to those in the rest of the UK.”
The majority of eligible carers got the coronavirus payment in June but those who have received backdated awards of Carer’s Allowance since the June payment may get it with their CAS payment this month.
The Evaluation of Carer’s Allowance Supplement can be found here and is the first evaluation of the devolved benefits to be published.
Donald Park, affectionately known as ‘Parky’, has been announced as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s UK Coaching Awards, which took place virtually on Thursday (3 December).
The award was officially presented to the former Scotland Under-19s coach by Scottish FA Head of Coach Education and Development Greig Patterson on the evening of the prestigious event, to recognise his achievements through a lifetime dedicated to coaching.
Originally from Lochaber in the Highlands, Parky’s impact on Scottish football has stretched far and wide. Across his career, which spans five decades, he has been a player, coach, manager, coach educator, volunteer and member of staff with the Scottish FA. His reach has largely included working with young Scottish talent at grassroots clubs, professional clubs and at international level.
Pro-footballer to full-time coach
As a player, he is best remembered for his time at Patrick Thistle and two spells at Hearts. His coaching career saw him take up posts at Meadowbank Thistle, Arbroath, Hibs, Inverness Caledonian Thistle – where as assistant manager, working under John Robertson, he helped the team win the Scottish First Division and promotion to the Scottish Premier League – and finally, as head coach of the Scotland Under-19s.
So deep was Parky’s commitment to nurturing the footballing talent of young people across Scotland, he spent a lot of his time travelling back north to the Highlands, even whilst based at Hampden Park in Glasgow, to share his wisdom with youth players.
He was also Head of Coach Education at the Scottish FA for eight years, where he worked to develop and broaden coaching opportunities, and used his influence to write, design and deliver coach learning to thousands of coaches. Parky was the driving force behind a bespoke UEFA B Licence for Scotland’s women’s team players, helping several start their coaching journey.
Having retired from his head coaching role with the Scottish FA in 2018, he returned to Hearts to support the youth coaches at the club’s academy as a coach mentor.
Parky continues to give back to the part of the game he loves most: grassroots football. He can be found as a volunteer at his local club, Spartans in Edinburgh, where he currently works with their Under-13s.
“He gave me confidence”
Acknowledging the countless hours and infectious enthusiasm he continues to give to the sport he loves, Celtic FC captain Scott Brown said that Parky had shown him the true meaning of being a professional footballer.
“He gave me confidence as a young kid to push myself in every aspect and to truly understand the game. He came in every day with a smile on his face and he always wanted the best for all the lads that came into Hibernian; he had so much time for everyone.”
Former Hibs, Rangers, Celtic, Wolves, Derby, Cardiff and Scotland striker Kenny Miller called Parky “one of the best” he’d ever worked with and former Hibs and Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson said that he was one of his favourite coaches throughout his whole career.
“As a young player, he helped guide me on the right values you need not only as a player but as a person.
“His demand of the highest standards every day are the same that I demand of my players now as a coach at Rangers. His infectious personality and love of the game can’t help but make you gravitate towards him.”
Donald Park, said: “If I’m being completely honest, it’s an absolute shock to receive this award. To be presented with this award for doing something that I’ve loved for so long, and been very lucky to be involved in, is very humbling.
“It’s very nice to hear from players and coaches I’ve worked with during my career and what they have to say about me. I’ve been lucky to have worked with so many talented people and seeing some familiar faces when I received the award meant a lot to me.”
Scottish FA Head of Coach Education and Development Greig Paterson, said:
“If you’re involved in the game of football at any level in Scotland, then you more than likely know Parky.
“He is renowned for the attention to detail he imparts and he has an incredible ability to have everyone eating out of the palms of his hands during his sessions – whether its grassroots players, senior professionals or coaches undertaking a coach education course.
“His enthusiasm is absolutely infectious and his love for coach education was clear for all to see. I was delighted to be able to come back to the Scottish FA and work closely with Parky, getting to know him better during the three-year period we had before he moved on. There’s not a day that goes by without me reminding myself that I need to live up to the legacy he has left for the coaching workforce in Scotland and beyond.
“It is testament to the man himself that so many people within the game speak so highly of him. It’s a thoroughly deserved award.”
sportscotland’s CEO Stewart Harris, said: “Every year across Scotland, thousands of dedicated sporting enthusiasts devote their time, knowledge and skills to afford others the chance to take part in sport, and experience all the benefits that come with sport participation.
“People like Donald are the bedrock of Scottish sport and I’d like to congratulate him for an incredible career that has largely been dedicated to helping others progress.”
UK Coaching’s CEO Mark Gannon, said: “We would like to add our own salute to the applause and congratulations that Donald richly deserves for his efforts in changing people’s lives across 50 years of coaching.
“Great coaching is about guiding, support and inspiring people to fulfil their aspirations. It is obvious from Donald’s career that he took that responsibility extremely seriously, not only did he help mould great Scottish footballers, he nurtured them to be confident, independent and capable women, men, boys and girls. Well done once again on your fine achievement Donald.”
The UK Coaching Awards showcases the diverse work of coaches, projects and organisations, making a huge difference to the health and happiness of the nation – especially, against the backdrop of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Find out more about the awards and this year’s winners by heading to ukcoaching.org/coachingawards.
People across Scotland are being encouraged to be prepared for winter illnesses in a new campaign launched today/on Friday 4th December.
The NHSScotland campaign takes the ‘clap for carers’ idea and turns it around, showing healthcare workers applauding people as they check their prescription, visit their pharmacy for medicines and health advice, and check the self-help guides at nhsinform.scot.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan said: “It’s always a good idea to prepare for the common winter illnesses, and this year it’s even more important. Services tend to be busier in the winter so anything we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthier is good.
‘No one can predict illness, so it’s a good idea to keep some common remedies at home such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Knowing the best place to get help if someone does become unwell is also important – there is a service directory on NHS 24’s health information site NHSinform.scot which also has a range of really helpful self-help guides.
‘In the run up to the festive holidays it’s worth checking any repeat prescription you rely on, making sure you order only what you need and in plenty of time.
‘Your local pharmacist can also help with advice about winter health and medicines – all provided in a COVID-safe way! You should continue to stick to the rules for COVID-19 including self -isolation advice and how to access a test if you develop symptoms. All of the up to date information on COVID-19 is on our dedicated pages on NHS Inform.
These are just a few of the ways we can all show we care – for ourselves, each other and our NHS.”
NHS 24 supports the Show You Care, Prepare campaign in partnership with NHSScotland and all Scottish Health Boards.
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/winter
