Applications for additional support open this week
Two funds, worth £1 million each, will open this week to support grassroots, community and residential organisations to improve drugs services.
A £1 million Grassroots Fund will provide resources to third sector organisations to enable them to increase capacity and provide further reach into the community. Eligible organisations must have an annual income under £1 million and can apply for grants up to £50,000.
A £1 million Improvement Fund will support service development and increases to capacity across residential and community services. It will consider applications for grants up to £100,000.
The funding is part of the £5 million support package announced by the First Minister last month to ensure immediate action on addressing Scotland’s drug deaths emergency before the end of this financial year.
Minister for Drugs Policy Angela Constance said: “I am delighted to support grassroots and third sector organisations to extend their services.
“The Grassroots Fund will help organisations working on the frontline that do vital and invaluable work. They often exist on shoestring budgets and this extra funding can help provide more security so they can stabilise or increase capacity and extend services to provide further reach into the community for people who experience problem drug use and their families.
“The Improvement Fund will help us get more people into treatment. We know the number of individuals who drop out of support and treatment services is too high. This funding will support activities which lead to quick access to treatment and support for families. It can also be used for residential rehabilitation and collaborative approaches which help people address all the underlying challenges that they face.
“A national mission is needed – those whose life is blighted by drugs are our relatives, our friends, our neighbours. Our vision is for a culture of change: a culture of compassion devoid of stigma in which people are given a real chance of recovery.”
The Corra Foundation will administer both funds. Both will open to bids on 18 February 2021. All allocations will be made before 31 March 2021.
Scottish-Pakistani presenter, comedian, journalist, writer and producer, Zara Janjua has been named one of the UK’s most talented up-and-coming women, winning ‘Highly Commended’ as a finalist for Women of The Future Awards in the Media Category.
Zara is a ‘multi-hyphen’ TV professional and human rights advocate who champions diversity, equality and women’s rights. She works on a 50:50 model, dedicating half her time to philanthropic media projects.
She has worked for BAFTA, NTA and RTS award-winning TV shows including This Morning on ITV. The stand-up comic has presented BBC comedy shows, daytime and news on STV. She is also in the BBC Comedy Writersroom and was shortlisted for the Funny Women Comedy Writing Award 2020.
Zara Janjua said: “I am delighted to be highly commended as a finalist for this incredible award. It means a lot to have my work recognised by such an impressive panel of inspirational people.”
The media panel included Julie Brown, CFO & COO, Burberry Julia Pasaron, Editor, I-M Intelligent Magazine and John O’Brien MBE, Managing Partner EMEA, One Hundred, Omnicom Group.
Zara promotes multiple income streams for women. After going full-time self-employed four months before the pandemic hit, Zara continued to successfully expand her career and build her business. She has developed courses in virtual/livestream presenting and ‘Dynamic Directions’ to help others discover flexibility and opportunities in their life and is now writing a book about it.
Zara said: “With unemployment at record levels, and women disproportionately affected, I want to help people discover passions and create opportunities in their lives.”
Zara debuted as a filmmaker last year, with a documentary about marginalised and disabled women in Nepal. She fronted an award-winning campaign for Solace Women’s Aid about domestic violence in lockdown and has presented multicultural events for NatWest and a podcast about inspirational businesswomen for The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Zara added:“Throughout my career I have been supported by talented women who have helped me to develop and given me confidence to realise my ambitions. It’s important for me to pass that kindness on and use my skills to create positive change.”
Zara is looking forward to travelling to Tanzania in September for her second philanthropic filming project as she scales the highest free-standing mountain in the world – Kilimanjaro, for CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland).
The online awards ceremony took place on Thursday, February 4 and were attended by HRH The Countess of Wessex, Miriam González Durántez, International Lawyer and Founder of Inspiring Girls International, Sara Davies MBE, Founder and Creative Director of Crafters Companion.
Finalists will become part of the network and will have the opportunity to attend the University of Oxford’s Said Business School, undertaking courses in Leadership, Negotiation and Career Strategy.
The Women of the Future Awards, founded by Pinky Lilani CBE DL in 2006, were conceived to provide a platform for the remarkable female talent in the UK.
The awards recognise the inspirational stars of tomorrow across diverse sectors. HRH The Countess of Wessex is the Global Ambassador, Cherie Blair is patron and Baroness Gabrielle Bertin is Chair of the Awards judging panel.
The Women of The Future Awards are supported by The Financial Times, Oxford University, CNBC and The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.
Bird keepers in Scotland are reminded to maximise biosecurity and keep their flocks housed after avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in a flock of approximately 14,000 mixed gamebirds on a gamebird rearing premises in Leven, Glenrothes.
Laboratory results of samples taken from the flock have identified the strain as highly pathogenic in poultry. In order to limit the further spread of disease, appropriate restrictions have been imposed on the premises.
A Protection Zone (PZ) of 3 km and a Surveillance Zone (SZ) of 10 km have now been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of spread of the disease. Within these zones a range of controls are in place, including restrictions on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure.
Legislation for the H5N1 strain require a Restricted Zone (RZ) to also be declared. However, this RZ will also be 10 km and will have the same extent as the PZ and SZ, with no additional measures.
Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs.
Producers and bird keepers are reminded to comply with the order to house birds that came in to effect on the 14 December 2020, or ensure they are kept separate from wild birds and follow biosecurity procedures.
Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment Ben Macpherson said: “Following this confirmation I have put in place controls required under domestic and EU legislation that will help control any further spread of the disease in the surrounding area.
“We ask that the public remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds. People should not handle the birds. ”
Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “This highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed on a farm of approximately 14,000 mixed gamebirds with high mortality in the last few days. All remaining birds are being humanely culled for disease control purposes.
“It is vital that keepers take steps to improve their biosecurity and protect their birds from disease. Keepers who are concerned about the health or welfare of their flock should seek veterinary advice immediately. Your private vet, or your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office, will also be able to practical provide advice on keeping your birds safe from infection.”
Valentine’s Day this year, like so many other occasions, will be very different from what we’re used to. But that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate a romantic meal for two from the comfort of your own home.
To help make Valentine’s Day a night to remember, Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, alongside a leading Michelin starred front of house manager, reveal how to create a romantic, Michelin star worthy dinner.
Get the lighting right
Rebecca says: “Candles go hand-in-hand with romance thanks to the ambience they create when the lights are turned down low. Placing as many as is safe around the dining room and on the table itself will help create a lovely atmosphere.”
Dimitri Marqueteau, Front of House Manager at Michelin Starred restaurant Bohemia, adds: “For a romantic evening, don’t forget candles, but not a scented one as this could distract from the food. The light from candles rather than harsh light from modern bulbs will set the scene and bring a warmth to the room.”
Pay attention to the little things
Achieving a Michelin star involves painstaking judging, which means every tiny detail needs to be just right. When it comes to setting your table, Dimitri advises: “White tablecloths are a must to create that special feeling and they must be creaseless. We achieve this by re-ironing them when laid on the table, it is the small attention to detail that will be noticed on special occasions. All cutlery should be hand polished and placed perfectly on the table.”
Setting the table
Achieving an elegant dining table set-up needn’t be complicated but it can make all the difference when it comes to creating a cosy and romantic atmosphere. Rebecca advises: “When it comes to setting the table, keeping it simple is key for an elegant feel. Avoid clutter in the room and try not to overcrowd the table so you have plenty of space while dining. In particular, steer clear of any statement centrepieces, as these can easily get in the way of you both making eye contact, or perhaps holding hands across the table.”
Get your pre-dinner drinks just right
To get you in the mood, Dimitri advises: “Pre-dinner drinks are the perfect way to set the mood. For romantic meals, we always recommend starting with a Lanique Rose Fizz made with Lanique – Spirit of Rose, distilled from rose petals, topped up with Prosecco or Champagne. Valentine’s is definitely the evening to drink better rather than more, so select wines you know you both like and push the boat out a bit price wise, to really feel a bit special.”
Minimise your kitchen time
Nothing kills romance quite like having to run to and from the kitchen throughout the meal. Dimitri advises: “Ensure the food you select is easy to prepare or can be prepared in advance as you don’t want to have to be getting up and cooking all night, rather than being able to talk and laugh together. Consider the finish at home meal kits from top restaurants, to ensure the food is special, but simple to prepare so you and your partner can both enjoy your whole evening together.
If you’re not spending Valentine’s Day with your partner, there is no need to miss out on a romantic evening.
Rebecca offers her top tips on how to celebrate the season of love even if you can’t be physically together: “Valentine’s Day does not have to be just another day. Given the difficult times the country is facing, there is no better time to find the joy in little things and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress up and sit down to a lovingly cooked meal.
“Of course, there will be many people across the country who can’t spend Valentine’s with their loved one this year. There are so many ways to connect virtually now to still make the most of the day, such as taking the time to cook and eat together over a video call, creating a shared playlist to listen to, or watching a movie together on a platform like Netflix Party.
“We hope these tips have got you in the mood for a romantic evening every Michelin starred restaurant would be proud of and have inspired you to do something different this Valentine’s Day.
“Whether you’re spending it with your loved one, family or even friends, this is an opportunity to feel connected and keep spirits high.”
Millions of drivers are at risk of being fined because they don’t know when their MOT is due, amid confusion caused by the MOT extension scheme introduced during the pandemic.
Some nine million* UK drivers (28% of all drivers) don’t know when they need to get their vehicle tested to ensure it meets required legal standards, according to a survey of 1,292 drivers by Total UK.
The majority of drivers also don’t know what the penalties are for failing to get their car’s MOT done on time. Some 53% of drivers believe the fine for not getting a MOT when it is due is three points on their driving licence, whereas they may receive a fixed penalty fee of £1,000 and risk the vehicle being impounded.
Drivers over the age of 55 are the most impacted, with one-third (33%) admitting they don’t know when their current certificate expires. Despite the lack of awareness of their MOT due dates among drivers, one in four say they worry about their MOT in case it shows there is something wrong with their car.
Many drivers are also failing to insure their vehicle properly, with four in ten (39%) believing their car doesn’t need to be insured if it is sitting in the drive or garage and 17% believing they only need insurance if they are driving it.
John Ryder, general manager of Total Lubricants’ UK Blending Plant, said: “The past year has certainly been one of great uncertainty and it seems this has extended to people not knowing when their MOT is due.
“Since the beginning of the first lockdown, people have been driving a lot less due to increased home working and less commuting so their cars and maintenance requirements, including getting their MOT done, have not been front of mind.
“The confusion stems from the MOT extension scheme which was introduced in March last year as lockdown restrictions limited people’s movements to all but essential travel. However, it is important that drivers do not miss their MOT to ensure their car insurance remains valid, that vehicles are roadworthy and meet the necessary standards.”
Drivers in Bristol were least likely to know when their MOT is due with four out of ten admitting they do not know when it is up for renewal. Drivers in Newcastle are most on top of their annual vehicle health check, with nine out of ten drivers knowing when their next MOT is due.
Almost one in five drivers (17%) admit to having driven their car knowing there was something wrong with it.
The MOT extension scheme advised drivers with a test due after March 30, 2020 that they would get an extra six months automatically added to their existing MOT certificate, meaning their tests would not be due until September 30, 2020 at the earliest.
The MOT extension scheme has now ended and despite the latest lockdown, Total UK is advising drivers to check when their MOT is due and get an appointment booked in order to ensure their current test certificate does not expire.
Once a MOT test certificate has expired, if the vehicle is more than three years old, the only journey a driver is permitted to make is to the garage for a pre-booked MOT appointment.
To view the research and for further information, visit:
On 12 August, 1865, an 11-year-old boy named James Greenlees was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) after being run over by a metal-wheeled cart, which crushed his left leg.
Undergoing surgery then meant a 50/50 chance of survival. However, that day, he was operated on by the house surgeon, a 38-year-old Englishman named Joseph Lister, who was developing a new antiseptic technique to reduce the appalling mortality rate.
Lister cleaned the dirt from the wound, operated on the fracture and applied a dressing of carbolic acid. There was no infection, no sepsis or gangrene and the wound began to heal. After six weeks, the boy was discharged, leg intact and fully recovered to return to his grateful family.
Now more than 150 years on from pioneering work that led to the discovery of antiseptic surgery, the life and legacy of Joseph Lister is being celebrated by The Friends of Glasgow Royal Infirmary (FOGRI) a new charity, set up in May 2020 to celebrate the history of the place where Lister’s work took place, Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
The charity’s Chairperson is Prof Ross Lorimer, a retired Professor of Cardiology at GRI and former President of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG).
#Listerweek, in association with the RCPSG, will be the charity’s very first event and it will be held virtually and be freely available to anyone who is interested. #Listerweek runs from 22nd to 26th February with daily presentations, a virtual exhibition and a Twitter takeover from the acclaimed author and medical historian, Lindsey Fitzharris.
FOGRI plan to organise several more events to highlight the incredible history and accomplishments associated with GRI. #GRIwomensweek, expected to be held in the spring and in association with The Friends of the Necropolis, will commemorate key female figures in the hospital’s history including Rebecca Strong, Ellen Brown Orr and Bella McDiarmid.
John Stuart, who started his nurse training in the GRI and who recently retired as Chief Nurse after a career of almost 40 years, is one of the founding members of the charity.
He said: “The hospital is the oldest in Glasgow and many Glaswegians have a connection to GRI. Celebrating Lister seemed an obvious choice for our first event because his discoveries have had such an impact on healthcare and he made them whilst working at GRI.
“Lots of people use Listerine mouthwash but most will not make the connection – it is named after Lister, the father of antisepsis. Lister revolutionised surgery throughout the world. There are many notable figures who have worked within these walls and we wanted to bring people together by sharing the accomplishments associated with GRI over the 226 years since it opened – and who better to start with than one of our most famous sons?”
John, together with three of his colleagues, Dr Morven McElroy, Dr Hilary Wilson and Dr Kate Stevens came up with the idea for #Listerweek.
In this current climate where life is drastically different, a shared love of the GRI campus and history has created a strong sense of camaraderie within the hospital and beyond. They hope that the feeling of friendship and teamwork will endure for many years to come and that a common love of the GRI buildings and history can continue to bring everyone together. All four relish the opportunity to share the fascinating tales of GRI in days gone by with the wider community.
Dr Morven added: “We are lucky in many ways because we can still come to our work. Our work is a privilege – we get to spend time talking to people, learning about their lives and helping them. Every year, when new members of staff begin their careers, they enjoy hearing about and seeing the history within GRI.”
You can register for the #Listerweek presentations on The Friends of GRI website: http://friendsofgri.org/
They will also be available on YouTube and Twitter. You can follow the charity on Twitter @friendsofgri
Pictured (left to right): Dr Kate Stevens, Dr Hilary Wilson and Dr Morven McElroy at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
To mark this major milestone, the self-funded charity is introducing all babies born in the month of February 2021 to the wonderful world of hostelling by offering them a free lifetime membership (worth £150).
Since 1931, the organisation’s mission has been to make more of Scotland more accessible to more people, especially young people, which is as relevant today as it was then.
The new, young lifetime members can look forward to a future of travel with friends and family, staying in great value, affordable, flexible and welcoming hostel accommodation in some of the best locations throughout Scotland.
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “As we reflect on our most challenging year since 1931 and celebrate being 90 years young, we are determined that 2021 will be a year of positivity and hope, celebrating our hostelling family’s past, present and future.
“Hostelling Scotland is delighted to enable a new generation of hosteller to experience travel and adventure across this beautiful country of ours, exploring new places, making memories and friendships to last a lifetime.
“Any child born in February 2021 is eligible for a free lifetime membership, which includes loads of additional member benefits. All you have to do is sign them up on our website before the 31 March 2021.”
Like the young hostellers of the 1930’s, the new lifetime members (and their families) will have the freedom to learn about Scotland visiting places of historic and cultural interest and explore its stunning countryside, environment and natural heritage.
They will be able to take advantage of the many additional benefits, from retail and visitor attraction discounts to exclusive member promotions. When the world opens up again, they will also have access to more than 4,000 hostels in many countries around the world with dual membership of Hostelling International.
Hostelling Scotland prides itself on being the largest participant in the youth hostel market in Scotland. As a membership organisation with over 8,000 lifetime members, it has 33 youth hostels and 27 affiliate hostels.
In recent years the network has welcomed up to 380,000 guests annually with a turnover of £9m and an estimated annual contribution to the Scottish visitor economy of £25m.
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the organisation incredibly hard, the worst crisis it has faced since it was established in 1931.
An 89 per cent drop in annual operational income has resulted in a massive swing, from a £1.4m operational surplus in 2019 to a £2m operational loss in 2020.
Margo Paterson added: “2020 has been the most challenging year in the organisation’s history but we feel confident there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“We are delighted and thankful for all the messages of support and as we recover from this crisis; we look forward to welcoming our guests to our youth hostels once again when the time is right and it is safe to do so.”
Former primary school teacher Oli Ryan of education resources experts PlanBee says that while adults tend to focus on romantic expressions of love, February 14 is an ideal opportunity to show children how to demonstrate compassionate love and kindness to friends and family:
What is Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is a saint’s day in the Christian calendar when the martyrdom of a Saint Valentine is celebrated; Saint Valentine was buried on February 14.
Who was St Valentine?
It depends who you ask, and which St Valentine you’re talking about. There are 11 saints named Valentine according to the Roman Catholic Church. Most commentators agree, however, that Valentine’s Day celebrates Saint Valentine of Rome, a priest who ministered to persecuted Christians living in the Roman Empire.
DID YOU KNOW …
Britons are predicted to spend more than £900m on Valentine’s Day in 2021 (statista.com)
Men tend to spend more than women on Valentine’s Day (statista.com)
Unsurprisingly, most lovers intend to celebrate at home this year – getting a takeaway or cooking a meal, and watching a movie together (finder.com)
Many people express their love for one another publicly on social media
Five Valentine’s Day traditions around the world
In Wales, it’s traditional to give your loved one a hand-carved wooden ‘love spoon’!
In Finland and Estonia, 14th February is better known as the ‘Day of Friends’. Rather than expressing romantic love, friends show their affection for one another by exchanging gifts or meeting up to spend time together.
In Japan, women give gifts to men on Valentine’s Day.
Italians and Brazilians celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way: typically, music festivals and street parties are held
Slovenia has so much love to give that it celebrates twice! March 12 is Saint Gregory’s Day, the Slovenian lover’s day. Children and adults make little lights and float them on lakes and rivers, marking the start of spring.
How was Valentine’s Day celebrated in the UK in the past?
In the UK, it was once more typical to send a card or a love note anonymously, perhaps leaving a clue about yourself for your love interest to work out.
In Scotland, it was popular to play a parlour game where single men would put their name into a hat. An equal number of single women would take turns drawing a name. The man who they picked would then accompany the woman for the rest of the day.
In England, women used to write the names of potential lovers on little pieces of paper, then roll them together inside a ball of clay. They would then drop the clay ball into the water. Whichever name rose to the surface first would be their one true love.
How to teach children about love and kindness on Valentine’s Day
At PlanBee, we think Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to teach children not only about why it’s important to express love for a partner but also how to strengthen friendships – just like the Finnish and Slovenians.
As well as sharing these fascinating facts about the day, you could arrange an activity for your child to do with a friend.
There are some lovely lockdown-friendly activities you could arrange for your children, to help foster their friendships at a time when it’s difficult for them to meet up.
Five great activities for fostering children’s friendships
1. Arrange a treasure hunt with another family
This is a lovely activity which your child will love to plan and personalise for a good friend. Place secret notes, painted pebbles, Christmas decorations or even make ‘nature art‘ along a short walking route. Write out some clues, and post it through your friend’s door. Next week, invite them to do the same for you and your family. Don’t forget to pick everything up afterwards.
2. Pen pals
Children love to share things with their friends, including pictures, poems and stories they’ve written themselves. Suggest the idea to your child. Hopefully, it will inspire them to write something nice to a friend, which you can either post in the mail or hand-deliver to their letterbox.
3. Book swaps
Arrange a book swap for your child and one or more of their friends. They can select one or two of their favourite books to swap for a while. It will give them something to talk about with their friends on Zoom! You could even provide some blank bookmarks on which they can write a little review of the book for their friend to read.
4. Video games
It’s easy to think of playing video games as a solitary activity, but these days it’s more often a social experience. With your child, choose a collaborative—rather than a competitive—game they could play online with a close friend (we like Splatoon and Overcooked – both good examples of child-friendly, cooperative gaming which your children will also enjoy playing with you.) Remember to plug in a headset so they can talk to each other.
5. Parlour games
With classes conducted over Zoom, children are pretty much over video meetings. Giving them a bit of structure will make virtual playdates much more enjoyable. Talk to them about how to play simple parlour games like Charades or Animal, Vegetable, Mineral – or help them set up their own version of ‘Kim’s Game’ to challenge their friends.
With a bit of imagination, there are all sorts of traditional parlour games which can be played over a video call.
Download these resources to help your child develop kindness and friendship here.
Edinburgh police will carry out increased patrols at tram stops and on trams over coming days following recent incidents of antisocial behaviour.
PC Mike McGill, Transport Liaison Officer for Edinburgh City Police Division, said: “We have received reports of issues on some trams in Edinburgh recently and damage being caused.
“Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a priority for us and we want tram staff and customers to feel safe. You’ll see a police presence on some trams this weekend and we will also be paying attention to tram stops.
“If you have any information regarding antisocial behaviour can I ask that you pass this on to police via 101. Alternatively, you can pass on any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Court of Session rules in favour of workers affected
Retail trade union Usdaw yesterday won an interdict in the Court of Session in Edinburgh against Tesco forcing some of the staff at the Livingston distribution centre onto a new contract, which would result in the affected staff losing between £4,000 and £19,000 per year.
The judgement, which applies to the Livingston site only, means that Tesco are legally prohibited from unilaterally withdrawing entitlement to retained pay and/or terminating the contract in order to re-engage the worker on new terms which do not include retained pay.
The ‘fire and rehire’ proposal also affects workers in Litchfield, Daventry clothing and Avonmouth Tesco distribution centres and we will continue to fight for same result for our members at these sites.
Joanne McGuinness, Usdaw National Officer, says:“We are very pleased to have secured this victory for our members who faced a huge cut in wages after Tesco moved to renege on a longstanding collective agreement made in good faith. It is a major victory in the fight against ‘fire and rehire’ tactics, which are now being used by too many businesses.
“The court delivered a temporary prohibition and we are now calling on the company to honour the judgment and withdraw its plans at all sites. We stand ready to seek a permanent interdict for Livingston and a High Court injunction for the other sites to defend this unfair pay cut for hundreds of key workers.
“Tesco can stop this now, by doing the right thing and withdrawing their threat to these longstanding staff, who have worked throughout the pandemic to keep stores stocked with the essential items we all rely on.”
