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!
Reusable face covering workshop from Zero Waste Scotland
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:
CAS has made a positive difference to carers, not just financially but to their mental health and wellbeing
while carers feel more recognised by the Scottish Government, they don’t feel as visible to, or valued by, the wider public
carers want more chances to undertake work outside the home, to help give them a sense of identity outside their caring role and reduce feelings of isolation
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.
‘One of the best’ – Scottish coaching legend Donald Park wins lifetime achievement award
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.
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
Enforcement of evictions from rented properties will be halted in Scotland for a six week period until mid-January.
The move will give extra protection to tenants during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It will reduce the burden on local authorities, who have a duty to rehouse people made homeless through evictions, and will also make it easier for people to self-isolate if they choose to form extended bubbles during the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions over Christmas.
Regulations will now be introduced that will prevent eviction orders being brought between 11 December and 22 January, with the exception of cases of serious anti-social behaviour.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “We took early action to, in effect, halt eviction action until March 2021 due to the pandemic.
“We have supported tenants throughout this difficult period through a number of actions including increasing our Discretionary Housing Fund from £11 million to £19 million to provide additional housing support and shortly we will introduce our Tenant Hardship Loan Fund.
“We are now taking this additional, temporary step after carefully assessing the unique housing situation created by the pandemic.
“A temporary ban on carrying out evictions will give additional peace of mind to tenants over Christmas and into the new year. It will also prevent additional burdens being placed on health and housing services, during a time where they are already working hard due to the impact of the pandemic.
“It will allow tenants who are facing eviction, and may decide to take the opportunity to form extended bubbles over the festive period in line with relaxed guidance, time to effectively self-isolate afterwards should they come into contact with a positive person.
“Where there is evidence of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour, including in cases of domestic abuse, evictions can still proceed as normal.”
The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 is an emergency law to protect renters in Scotland during coronavirus.
The temporary law applies to all eviction notices issued on or after 7 April 2020. The original end date was 30 September 2020. The Scottish Parliament has extended the law until 31 March 2021 with some changes to notice periods.
Further information on tenants’ rights during the pandemic can be accessed here: https://www.mygov.scot/private-rental-rights/
The nation’s favourite root vegetable will don a kilt once again this year in celebration of Aldi’s ongoing partnership with Kiltwalk. Limited-edition ‘kilted’ Kevin the Carrot plush toy (£3.99) will be appearing in store from 6 December.
Last year, Aldi launched a giant kilted Kevin the Carrot and this year, for the first time, Kevin will be available in a smaller size, standing approximately 25cm tall, wearing his official Kiltwalk tartan kilt.
Aldi is Kiltwalk’s official ‘Supermarket Partner’ and in 2019 was responsible for fuelling over 20,000 Kiltwalkers across events in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Dumfries. This year, Aldi has continued their partnership with the Kiltwalk, by supporting their virtual events.
Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland commented:“Kilted Kevin the Carrot proved to be hugely popular last Christmas and we wanted to make sure that he returned this year.
“It has been a real shame that Kiltwalk events haven’t been able to take place physically this year, but thousands of people have still taken part in virtual events raising money for causes close to their hearts, and we wanted to do our part to help.”
Aldi is donating £3,000 to Kiltwalk from the sale of the kilted Kevin. The small kilted plush has already sold out online and sales will be limited to two per customer in store.
Kiltwalk CEO, Paul Cooney, added: “Our Kiltwalkers usually love to meet ‘kilted’ Kevin the Carrot at our events but unfortunately that wasn’t possible this year, so I am sure they will be delighted to hear they can get their very own kilted Kevin for Christmas.
“It’s been a very different year for us all, but despite the pandemic, Kiltwalkers raised £2.5 million this year which was doubled by Sir Tom Hunter; a total of £5 million for 906 Scottish charities. We are very grateful for the continued support from Aldi especially in these challenging times.”
The partnership with Kiltwalk builds on Aldi’s commitment to supporting communities across Scotland. Since launching in 2016 the Aldi Scottish Sports Fund has supported 394 clubs across Scotland with funding of more than £190,000. Meanwhile, since July 2019 Aldi has helped over 200 charities provide over a million meals to vulnerable people across Scotland through its partnership with community engagement platform, Neighbourly.
Kevin enthusiasts across the UK can also now take home the latest plush toy range, featuring Pilot Kevin, Wingman Turkey, Harry the Hedgehog and even Grate Grandma and Grandad (all £3.99 each).
The range also sees the return of the whole family, Katie the Carrot (£3.99) and Chantenay, Jasper (pictured) and Baby (£3.99). For an even bigger helping of carrots this Christmas, shoppers can also get their hands on Giant Kevin (£19.99), a festive favourite complete with a Christmas party hat.
City police are looking forward to working with CashBack for Communities who will be funding their VOW project from April 2021.
The VOW Project is a funded initiative which aims to reduce offending and harm to people in Edinburgh. This is done by building positive relationships with those caught up in the cycle of offending and building a bespoke service for each person, to meet their individual needs.
The project is unique in that, in addition to plain clothes police officers, it makes use of inspirational peer mentors who have lived experience of the Criminal Justice System.
The team engage with and empower young people (aged 16-24 years) to break the cycle of re-offending and to pick up their shattered lives, by assisting them to make positive decisions and changes to their lives.
By having an open and frank conversation with the individual about their life, actions and choices, there is a much greater chance to break down barriers between the offender and the police and this greatly increases the possibility that the person will engage with the project and work towards reducing and hopefully ceasing their offending.
The peer mentors carry out initial interactions using their own life-experience and decide if the young persons are ready engage and to take the next step in moving away from their harm inducing behaviour.
Existing strengths, are gradually brought out, through the peer mentors building a rapport and a positive relationship with the young person in a safe environment. They are then assisted in making positive choices and together, a plan of action is established around support, resilience building, signposting to partners, training and in some cases employment.
The ultimate aim of the project is for the young person to be assisted in moving forward with their lives in a positive manner.
The VOW Project also deliver presentations within educational settings,to local youth groups, Care Experienced Young People and statutory and third sector partners, where they to talk about positive lifestyle choices and resilience.
Pictured: PC Graeme Buchan & Peer Mentor Kevin Neary
The biggest names in Scotland’s traditional music scene have come together to raise funds for the Eilidh Macleod Memorial Trust.
Eilidh who came from Barra tragically lost her life in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017 and the artists have produced the “Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook”, a collection of their favourite recipes.
Eilidh was only 14 years old when she lost her life in the Manchester bombing. She was a huge music fan and played the pipes in her local pipe band, and the Trust continues her musical journey by supporting music education for children and young people.
Artists contributing to the lockdown cookbook include Skerryvore (who secured a UK number one during lockdown with “Everyday Heroes”, which raised funds for the NHS), Tide Lines (who recently completed a sold out UK wide tour), The Vatersay Boys (members of the Barrowlands’ Hall of Fame) and multi award-winning Scottish supergroup Mànran.
With recipes from dozens of world class performers, covering “the pre-show”, “the support act”, “the headliner”, “the encore” and “the after party”, readers are guaranteed a fine dining experience and plenty of craic.
The “Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook” has already sold more than 500 copies in the first fortnight since release, and is available by contacting their Facebook page or by emailing donniemaroot@hotmail.co.uk
Commenting on the book’s release, organiser Donald Macleod commented: “This year has proven incredibly challenging for musicians and for charities and I am so grateful that they have come together for this cause, which hopefully hits the right note.
“Eilidh was an incredibly talented individual and I would urge everyone who is able to dig deep to raise funds for the Trust established in her name, which supports music education for children and young people.”
Marks & Spencer yesterday opened its largest M&S Food store in Scotland, in Straiton. The store’s 100-strong team welcomed customers, helping them get everything they need whilst enjoying the new M&S offer.
Located in Straiton Retail Park, the new 15,000 square foot store is home to a large greengrocer-style fresh market, offering an outstanding range of M&S Select Farms produce, lots of which is locally grown in Scotland, including Inverness-grown Rainbow and Baby Carrots, and Arbroath-grown sweet Strawberries. The store also offers a pick your own eggs station where customers can self-select any number of eggs, tailoring their box to their preference according to egg size, type and yolk colour.
The store will be led by Store Manager, Thomas Tierney, alongside his team of 100 colleagues. Now open, the M&S team will be working hard to offer the community the very best service, drawing on M&S’s 135 years of serving the British public.
To help celebrate the opening and relaunch of Sparks, M&S’s customer loyalty scheme, the team will be treating seven customers over seven days to their shopping, totally for free. One recipient will be chosen at random each day, and whatever is in your trolley will be complimentary!
M&S’s previous location in Straiton will close the day before, in line with the new opening, with colleagues moving across to the new store. The relocation to a larger site will provide customers with a bigger and better Food offer to enjoy.
Store Manager, Thomas Tierney, said yesterday:“We’re delighted to open our new store in Straiton today. The last few weeks have been spent putting the finishing touches in store and making sure all our measures are in place to support customers, so they can shop with confidence.
“It’s brilliant to now be open in time for the festive season – chatting with customers today it’s fantastic to see them get excited about our new Christmas products, as well as shop for all the essentials. Our new store also offers Click & Collect, which means customers can shop for the full Clothing & Home collections via M&S.com.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to the team, who have been amazing getting the store ready. We’re all so excited show the community all that Scotland’s largest Food store has to offer.”
Local customer, Lisa Whigham from Loanhead, was one of the first customers through the doors. She said:“I’ve been an avid shopper at M&S for years and I now feel spoilt for choice with all that my local M&S has to offer.
“The pick your own eggs station is particularly exciting – I love that I can now choose my perfect yolk for poached eggs, and know which ones are best for frying!”
M&S Straiton offers thousands of M&S’s quality and great value food products, from daily essentials and fresh produce, to dinner favourites and ready-to-go family meals.
The new Food store also has everything customers will need for a truly delicious Christmas meal, along with all the trimmings. Shoppers will be able to pick up M&S’s sweet and savoury showstoppers, from the Our Best Ever Mince Pies to the Scottish Salmon Pastrami.
M&S Straiton offers the full range of M&S Clothing & Home products via its Click & Collect service. Customers can opt for next day pick up if they order online by 10pm the night before on M&S.com and the store will also offer hassle free returns. With over a thousand free car parking spaces, the store is ideal for convenient Clothing & Home collection.
The store is located at Foodhall Unit 2B, Straiton Retail Park, Loanhead, Scotland EH20 9PW, and is open Monday – Friday, 8am – 9pm, Saturday 8am – 8pm and Sunday 9am – 7pm.
M&S Straiton will offer extended shopping hours which will gradually increase up until Christmas and from the 21st – 23rd December, the Food store will be open until midnight.
