Month: September 2021

Ten million tests

More than 10 million COVID-19 PCR tests have now been carried out in Scotland over the past 19 months since testing got underway.

The tests, which include those processed at the three NHS regional hubs set up around Scotland, have now reached 10,017,000. They also include the four-nations network of Lighthouse laboratories, partner laboratories and testing sites.

More than one million tests have also been conducted by the Scottish Ambulance service at mobile testing units around the country.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Reaching ten million tests is a major milestone and recognition of the hard work and dedication of our testing teams across the country.

“Testing has a vital role to play as restrictions are phased out and we learn to live with the virus.

“It may be tempting to think as vaccinations increase and cases drop, that testing will become less important. In fact, this will only make it more important to spot and prevent new outbreaks as cases emerge. We know from our experience  just how quickly one outbreak can lead to another.

“The ability to quickly identify new outbreaks and put appropriate measures in place will remain at the heart of our strategy to help break chains of transmission.”

All adults are encouraged to take a PCR test if they have any one of the three symptoms of coronavirus. These are a high temperature or fever, a new continuous cough, as well as any loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste.

People are also encouraged to take two rapid (lateral flow) tests a week, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

https://youtu.be/X0Kj8dD_X_M

Three regional hubs were established this year at Gartnavel hospital in Glasgow (West) operated by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde,  Foresterhill in Aberdeen (North) operated by NHS Grampian and Lauriston Place in Edinburgh (East), operated by NHS Lothian,  to increase capacity.

The 10,017,000 figure for tests comprises those processed through to midnight on  September 20.

A PCR test can be booked through NHS Inform:  NHS inform – Scottish health information you can trust | NHS inform

The George commemorates 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott with special operatic performance

InterContinental Edinburgh The George has partnered with Scottish Opera to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott with a special balcony performance of ‘Spargi d’amaro pianto’ from Lucia di Lammermoor, an opera based on Scott’s historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor.

Yesterday’s performance – on 21 September, which is the anniversary of his death – featured Scottish Opera’s emerging artist, soprano Catriona Clark, accompanied by pianist Toby Hession. 

Forming part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of Sir Walter Scott, and in the wake of the pandemic, Scottish Opera will feature the novel, The Bride of Lammermoor as a creative stimulus and inspiration to explore issues such as loneliness and isolation.

‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ aims to empower women who have been struggling during lockdown and to help build creative skills, as well as increase self-confidence and self-expression.

The hotel boasts a historical connection to Scotland’s beloved Sir Walter Scott and was originally a collection of five prestigious townhouses. James Ferrier and his family lived at Number 25, with many literary links including Sir Walter Scott, who was also a well-known friend of novelist Susan Ferrier and was regularly entertained at the family home.

InterContinental Edinburgh The George will welcome back Scottish Opera next year to host a curated exhibition of the artwork created throughout the ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ sessions.

Kieran Quinn, Hotel General Manager InterContinental Edinburgh The George said: “It is hugely exciting to host Scottish Opera at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, both to support the launch of Scottish Opera’s ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ as well as commemorate Sir Walter Scott. 

“This world-class performance is not only a nod to Sir Walter Scott, whom had a personal connection to the historical building of this hotel, but also highlights that InterContinental Edinburgh The George is open, following the many challenges faced by the hospitality industry.

“The impact from the pandemic has left many people with feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety and it is important that we support them. We look forward to our partnership with Scottish Opera, and to welcoming them back to host a selection of the artwork created during their ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ workshops.

Jane Davidson, Director of Outreach and Education, Scottish Opera said: “The past 18 months has been a challenging time for many people, and even although some things are returning to normal, some of us are struggling with mental health and well-being which can make it difficult to re-connect with our usual activities, social circles or with the places where we live and work.

“At times like this it is important not to undermine the power of opera and the ability individuals have to connect with the art forms involved. We thank InterContinental Edinburgh The George for its support in our ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ sessions and look forward to celebrating the artwork created during the workshops with them later in the year.”

As part of the partnership The InterContinental Edinburgh The George join The Cruden Foundation and Scottish Opera’s Education Angels in supporting the Sweet Sounds in Wild Places project.

For more information about the InterContinental Edinburgh The George visit:

https://edinburgh.intercontinental.com/.

For more information about Scottish Opera’s ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ sessions visit: https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/join-in/sweet-sounds-in-wild-places/

Fall in love with the UK all over again this Autumn

As we leave summer behind and enter the autumn months, the UK will change before our eyes. Its most recognisable landscapes will soon be draped in golden leaves, famous peaks will be topped with snow, and mysterious mist will embrace our treasured landmarks.

Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is offering tours throughout our transformed nation, on which we’ll fall in love with the UK all over again.

The award-winning small-group tour operator has departures across the UK throughout the autumn months, and with its guaranteed departure policy – those who book are certain to travel (and have a great time). Every adventure promises new experiences, gorgeous views, local stories from an insightful driver-guide and an unforgettable exploration.

  • Discover natural beauty in the borders: The land that separates Scotland and England has seen conflict in its time, visits to the magnificent Alnwick Castle and the ruins of Kelso Abbey will tell you as much. But in this landscape, natural beauty still reigns supreme. The River Tweed weaves gracefully through the region and an evening drive along the Northumberland coastline will show sandy beaches painted in glorious dusk shades. For some, nothing is cosier than a well-stocked bookshop. This tour stops at one of the largest and most impressive second-hand book shops in Britain, the perfect opportunity to stock up on some autumn reading! Prices for this one-day tour of Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland Coast & the Borders start at £47.
  • Holiday like the Romans in Bath: The city’s bath complex must have been the perfect destination for Roman settlers seeking refuge from Britain’s unpredictable autumnal weather. Today it is a must-visit attraction for those wishing to peek back in time. Travellers to this gorgeous city can also admire its splendid architecture and medieval cathedral. Be sure to take shelter from autumnal winds in one of the splendid emporiums or designer boutiques. One of the many Rabbie’s tours that incorporate Bath is the Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & the South West Coast tour. Few sights are more magical that seeing Stonehenge, the ancient world wonder, on a crisp and misty autumn morning. This 3-day tour departs from London and starts at £169.
  • Experience the snow-capped peaks of Northern Scotland: Northern Scotland boasts a wild landscape and nothing complements this more than a sprinkling of snow atop the peaks. Skye’s Cuillin Mountains look more epic, Glencoe’s curves look larger than life, and the landscapes of the North Coast 500 look even more striking at this time of year. The days may be a little shorter, but if you’re an avid photographer, the gentle light will ensure some majestic shots. Take a North Coast 500 3-day tour with Rabbie’s, departing from Inverness from £159.

Rabbie’s operates sustainability-focused, eco domestic travel options, ensuring that the places we love are there for future generations to enjoy and advocates ‘taking only photos and leaving only footprints’.

Rabbie’s tours provide worry-free journeys so guests can enjoy a sustainable staycation without concerns.

For more information and to book, visit www.rabbies.com

Charity thrilled after receiving incredible donations via post after lockdown clearouts

The British Heart Foundation has received high value and unique donations via its postal donation service

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has received an array of high value and rare items through its freepost donation service, helping to raise funds for life saving research.

The UK’s largest charity retailer was delighted to be sent treasures, ranging from incredible World War Two memorabilia, OMEGA watches and designer clothing, to electric guitars and the newest phones, cameras and gaming consoles.

The charity believes the boost in these eclectic donations can be credited to the nation decluttering during lockdown and the convenience of its freepost donation service. This service allows people to send smaller quality donations for free, by simply downloading a freepost label via the BHF’s website and dropping to a local Collect+.

These one-of-a-kind items went on to be sold on the charity’s eBay store, helping to raise just shy of an incredible £70,000 in just five months, for research into heart and circulatory diseases.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of UK households who have and continue to dig out some of their very best preloved items and post them off to us.

“We’ve been thrilled to receive such a vast array of high value and collectable items from vintage Lego sets, Sigma camera lenses, to Vivienne Westwood shirts and a collection of Hornby Dublo tin trains, via our freepost donation service.

“Our team of experts at eBay are trained in recognising the true value of donations so everything auctioned on the site goes for the absolute best price.

“We rely on the generosity of the public whose donations of quality items deliver much-needed stock for our shops and online outlets. Every item sold helps raise funds for life saving research. That’s why we are appealing to the nation to keep donating unwanted pieces to us and take on our Declutter Challenge, so we can support the 700,000 people living with heart and circulatory diseases in Scotland.”

This September, the charity is calling on the nation to have a clear out and donate any quality preloved and unwanted items by taking on its Declutter Challenge.

Donating to the BHF couldn’t be easier. Simply drop your items to one of BHF Scotland’s 76 shops and stores, send them straight to the charity via its free post donation service, or arrange a free collection.

Every item sold by the BHF in store or online, through the charity’s eBay shop and Depop site, will be turned into funds for life saving research. 

The charity retailer says its shops are particularly keen to receive winter wear to sell throughout the coming season as well as clothing, jewellery, toys, books and vinyl, and larger items such as sofas, furniture, homewares, tech and electronic gadgets.

Take on the Declutter Challenge this September:

Declutter and donate today at: www.bhf.org.uk/declutter  

Hospital visiting guidance

We know visits from loved ones can help with recovery. Please help us keep everyone safe by following this guidance:

  1. To ensure that there are not high numbers of people in multi-bedded rooms we need to work with you to plan visits.
  2. Please do not visit if you have COVID symptoms or have been identified as a contact of someone who is.
  3. On arrival please check-in with a member of the ward team who will make sure that it is safe to visit.
  4. Each patient may have two designated visitors (this can be changed throughout the stay if required).
  5. If both visitors are from the same household, they may visit together. If they are not, they must visit separately.
  6. Visitors must have had both doses of the Covid vaccine, the second dose more than 14 days before any visit.
  7. Unfortunately, children and young people under 16 will not usually be able to visit.
  8. These arrangements may vary. In certain circumstances more than two people may visit, e.g. when patients are nearing the end of life, or for patients with dementia whose distress may be eased by the presence of a relative or carer.
  9. You must wear a face covering during your visit and follow infection control guidance.
  10. We want to ensure that our patients have close contact with you during the visit, therefore holding hands is permitted but you must adhere to hand hygiene requirements. You do not need to wear gloves.
  11. During outbreaks we may need to amend our guidance to maintain safety.
  12. Please maintain physical distancing in communal areas of the hospital.
  13. The name and contact details of those visiting will be kept should we need to inform NHS SCotland Test and Protect.


Thank you for following our guidance and helping keep everyone safe.

We encourage all visitors to take a voluntary Lateral Flow Test prior to visiting. Information on how to order Lateral Flow Tests is available on the Scottish Government’s website. Tests can also be collected from COVID testing centres in the afternoon or early evenings. If you do not wish to have a test or are not able to, you will still be permitted to visit.

It is essential you do not visit if you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)

  • a persistent cough
  • flu-like symptoms
  • fever
  • new loss of taste or smell

It is also essential that you should not visit if you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19); you should remain at home for the required isolation period, which is currently 14 days.

In order to keep our patients as safe as possible, the guidance may need to be amended at short notice. If this is the case, we will tell you why and keep it under review where possible.

Record your organ and tissue donation decision

This Organ and Tissue Donation Week marks six months since Scotland moved to an opt out system of organ and tissue donation.

New figures show over half of people (54%) in Scotland have now registered their donation decision – 51.5% to be a donor and 2.8% choosing to opt out.

The opt out system was introduced on 26 March to save and improve lives. If people aged 16 and over haven’t opted out of donation, they will be considered a possible donor if they die in circumstances in which they could donate.

Under the opt out system everyone has a choice – to be a donor, or opt out of donation – but it’s important to make that decision known.

In Scotland, there are an average of around 500 people currently waiting on an organ transplant, however only around one per cent of people die in a way that makes organ donation possible.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Over half of adults have now recorded their donation decision – the highest percentage in the UK.

“Donation remains a personal decision and everyone has a choice.  We are committed to continuing to raise awareness of the choices people have under the opt out system and the importance of making their donation decision known.

“I would encourage people to make a decision about donation, record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell their family and friends, so they know what you would want to happen.

“We have made tremendous progress in increasing donation and transplantation in Scotland over the last decade, with the move to opt out part of a package of measures to reduce the number of people in Scotland waiting for a transplant at any one time.”

You can record your donation decision or change your decision at any time.

To record a donation decision go online at www.organdonationscotland.org or call 0300 123 23 23.

Dobbies launches Edinburgh 2021 festive events programme

New quiet grottos introduced at the Edinburgh store

With colder months on the way, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, launches its events for the festive season, with booking open now in the Edinburgh store.

The ever-popular Santa’s Grotto experience is back. As one of the most loved, traditional festive experiences at Dobbies, little ones in Edinburgh will love walking through the outdoor woodland, spotting Christmas characters along the way before being welcomed by Santa and receiving a special gift. For those looking to create a lasting memory, a photo can be purchased.

New for 2021, at 50 stores across the UK, will be Quiet Grottos. Working in partnership with Autism Together, there will be Santa visits which are supportive of children with additional needs, considering sound and visual elements, and helping to minimise anxiety. 

Michelle Walklett, Head of Autism Together’s Autism Training and Advisory Service, said: “As a specialist UK charity supporting autistic people, we’re pleased to be working with Dobbies in Edinburgh to help enhance their Christmas Grotto experience for visitors with autism and other sensory needs.

“Through this partnership, we’ll also be delivering autism awareness training for Santa and all his elves and helpers in time for the festive season.”

Christmas is not just for children, and Dobbies is extending the festive fun to four-legged friends. At Santa Paws in Edinburgh, dogs have the chance to meet Santa, along with the whole family. Guests are invited to bring their cameras to get a snap, making it the perfect Christmas card photo opportunity.

At Santa’s Breakfast, families will be able to enjoy the ever-popular Dobbies’ breakfast. The festive event includes breakfast options for adults and children, followed by fun games and a visit from Santa with a special gift for each child. This event is suited to families with children aged 10 and under.

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager, said: “At Dobbies we want to offer families an opportunity to come together and make memories that last a lifetime. There truly is nothing more magical than Christmas for a child and our range of events helps to bring the season to life for all the family.”

Dobbies’ Edinburgh Christmas events are available to view online, with customers requested to book in advance. Also new for 2021 is the opportunity to add a donation to the price of an event ticket, for Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Bookings can be made at https://www.dobbies.com/events 

·         Christmas Afternoon Tea is available in 66 stores and starts on 1 November, £12.95 per adult and £6.95 per child.

·         Santa’s Grotto starts on 27 November in all 50 stores, from £11.99 per child.

·         Santa’s Breakfast is available in 66 stores and starts on 4 December, £13.99 per child and from £6.99 per adult.

·         Santa Paws starts on 4 December in 23 stores, £6.99 for dogs, £11.99 for children.

·         Quiet Grottos will be hosted on 10 December in 50 stores, from £11.99 per child.

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence. For more info: https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence

Sweet smell of success: The Kilted Donut dishes out 10,000 doughnuts

Doughnut shop set to expand and recruit thanks to Scotmid partnership

A popular, independent doughnut shop has opened a second store in Edinburgh following the success of its partnership with a leading Scottish convenience retailer.  

Leith-based The Kilted Donut began supplying Scotmid in February. Since then, it has supplied over 10,000 delicious doughnuts to customers at Scotmid’s flagship store in Leven Street. Firm favourites have proved to be the Nutella Bomb and the Brown Butter Biscoff. 

As a result of the relationship with Scotmid, the business’s growth plans have been accelerated. Co-Founders, Mark Anderson and Lena Wollan, an ambitious husband and wife team, are now poised to extend their reach across the city with the opening of a second store in Stockbridge – and aim to expand their team by more than 50% through the recruitment of four more members of staff.    

The consistent wholesale order has also supported the business to increase their daily output through the purchase of key equipment and an upgrade to a larger kitchen. This has led to new partnerships including one at Easter Road Stadium, helping to feed hundreds of hungry football fans. 

Lena Wollan, Director and Co-Founder of The Kilted Donut (above), said : “The partnership with Scotmid means so much to us. It has been the springboard to reaching a broad customer base, which has supported our business in many ways, not least through the opportunity supercharge our expansion plans and open doors to new supplier relationships.   

“We genuinely value Scotmid’s commitment to supporting independent producers such as ourselves. We look forward to introducing new flavours into our growing repertoire over the coming months and working in our new premises.” 

Influenced by a doughnut shop visit in New Orleans, The Kilted Donut began as a small stall at Leith market before moving into its current site in Great Junction Street. 

Lena and Mark have been perfecting their own recipe over the last three years and are committed to creating the best doughnuts from natural ingredients, without the use of pre-made mixes or artificial flavours. 

Their existing menu comprises around 40 individual flavours, with six flavours chosen on rotation each week. 

Danny Scobie, Food-To-Go Operations Manager at Scotmid, said: “Kilted Donut is a fantastic example of a Scottish business that is committed to supplying the best quality local produce and we’re thrilled to be able to sell their incredible products in our Leven Street store.

“The doughnuts have been extremely popular with customers, who are excited to see the new flavours we have every week. 

“We’re delighted to see Lena and Mark’s business go from strength to strength and to have played a role in their journey of expansion and success in Edinburgh.” 

The Kilted Donut partnership forms part of Scotmid’s wider local sourcing strategy, which focuses on both provenance as well as supporting local, innovative suppliers. The retailer aims to grow the business through innovation and partnership which comes as a direct response to meeting shifting customer demands for greater choice and top quality, local products.   

Other Scotmid suppliers include well-known Scottish names such as Grahams, Tunnocks and Barrs, all the way through to emerging brands such as Confectious Fudge and Lost Orchards Cider. 

The retailer is always interested in discovering new and innovative products via Product Guru’s free specialist platform: www.productguru.co.uk/scotmid  

Scotmid’s Leven Street store is located at 5-19 Leven St, Edinburgh, EH3 9LH. 

Free music lessons coming to Edinburgh this weekend

‘Learn to Play’ is back this weekend and offers free music taster sessions to encourage new and lapsed music makers to experience the joys and benefits of making music. 

The initiative, by the charity Music for All, will take place at the Music Room Edinburgh will offer free 10-15 minute music lessons.

A number of tutorials will also be available to subscribers of Music for All’s YouTube channel from the 25th September.  These will feature the likes of the band Skunk Anansie, David Tench the musical director of The Voice UK, jazz multi-instrumentalist Orphy Robinson, and more.

By offering free music lessons at venues across the county, in person or, for the first time, online, allows all ages and abilities to gain easy access to a wide range of musical instruments and fulfil their dreams of learning to play an instrument. 

Some of Music for All Ambassadors and supporters include Ace from Skunk Anansie, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Jools Holland, Chi-chi Nwanoku and Jamie Cullum.

Learn to Play ’21 has been growing in popularity. A record 10,000 people picked up and played a musical instrument during the last event in 2019.

To see video messages of support from Orphy, Ace, David, Sheku and Chi-chi subscribe here Music for All UK charity – YouTube.

Jools Holland commented, “Making music is very important to me. It’s my work, my pleasure, my friend, companion and therapist. The charity Music for All believes passionately in the unique power of music to change lives, and that’s why it runs Learn to Play, which last time provided over 10,000 free introductory lessons in 120 venues across the UK.

“So, if you’re a budding or lapsed musician, or you’d like to be a venue that holds a Learn to Play event on September 25th and 26th, please visit the Music for All website and sign up. Thank you.”

Tony Followell, Chair of Trustees at Music for All, said: “Being able to offer free music taster sessions to everyone is so very important. People may not have had the opportunity to pick up an instrument in the past and experience what joy can be found in making music.

“We encourage the people of Edinburgh to book their places today to discover what could be a new hobby or even career. Spaces are booking up fast so act now to avoid disappointment. We look forward to meeting and teaching as many people as possible.” 

Learn to Play ’21 is generously supported by the NAMM Foundation and partners include Music Industries Association, Musicians Union, Making Music and Music Mark.

To find a free music lesson close to you visit 

https://musicforall.org.uk/learntoplayday/

and click on the interactive map.