World Horse Welfare has launched its latest campaign today in Scotland and is encouraging people in the country to contact their recently elected Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and call on them to pledge to protect and improve equine welfare during the next five years.
Although significant advances in protecting equine welfare have already been made in Scotland, the charity’s #ActNow4Horses campaign is encouraging the new Scottish Parliament, elected in May this year, to build on these successes and position Scotland as a leader in equine welfare.
World Horse Welfare is encouraging MSPs to commit to actively supporting a number of proposed laws, and animal lovers across Scotland are encouraged to contact their local MSPs by email or letter and request that they pledge to #ActNow4Horses.
Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare said: “A key focus for this campaign is ensuring all equines are identified and traceable, because our other proposals to improve equine welfare all depend on accurately identifying equines at all stages of their lives.
“The introduction of microchipping for all equines was a fantastic step forward but the legislation did not go far enough. We believe a frictionless and digitised equine ID system is the only answer and is a fundamental requirement for all other equine welfare legislation to work and be enforceable, so we urge people to ask their MSPs for this.”
The charity argues that the current paper passport system is too open to fraud, with evidence showing that horses are exported unnecessarily long distances on fake passports to slaughter and in poor welfare conditions. This needs to be addressed urgently, but without closing the loopholes in the Equine ID system it is simply not enforceable.
The other proposals include improved welfare during transport; the introduction of a centralised database of all premises where equines are kept, including recording the type of activity (such as breeder or dealer) taking place and updating 50-yr old riding establishment legislation with consideration of developments in equine welfare.
World Horse Welfare also believes that serious consideration should be given to the regulation of commercial equine establishments and breeders, which should be held to higher standards than the average horse owner, as they are profiting commercially and holding themselves out to be equine experts. This could include the licensing of stallions.
Collectively, the changes the charity is calling for have the potential to significantly improve the welfare of equines in Scotland, if they are acted upon.
For explanatory details around each of these points, you can read the Manifesto HERE.
You can also find out if your local and regional MSPs have already pledged HERE
World Horse Welfare highlighted some of the key issues for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids to prospective candidates ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections on 6 May this year. Now the charity needs the public’s support to ensure MSPs will act on these issues.
Since World Horse Welfare was formed in 1927, by working with horse owners, communities, organisations and governments it has influenced more than 50 pieces of legislation.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has announced a new £10 million Long COVID Support Fund to help health boards respond to the condition.
The announcement follows Mr Yousaf meeting with a range of healthcare professionals at Eastwood Health and Care Centre in East Renfrewshire and speaking with patient Pamela Bell who has been receiving support for long COVID since she contracted the virus almost a year ago.
The Long COVID Support Fund is designed to maximise and improve the co-ordination of a broad range of existing services across the health and social care system and Third Sector in response to the condition. It will be a flexible fund that will be tailored to local needs. It will strengthen the range of information and advice available, and ensure the right support is available within primary care, providing a response focused on each patient’s needs, with referrals to secondary care where necessary.
Mr Yousaf said:
“We know that long COVID can’t be handled with a one-size-fits-all approach. It can be complex and involve an array of diverse symptoms and combinations of those symptoms.
“The new Long COVID Support Fund will give our NHS Boards the flexibility to design and deliver the best care for those with long COVID, tailored to the specific needs of their populations.
“It’s been great to meet Pamela and hear how she has benefited from care and rehabilitation in a setting close to home. Long COVID patients are being supported by the full range of NHS services – primary care teams and community-based rehabilitation services with referrals to secondary care where necessary – and I want to thank our dedicated staff for their hard work.”
Mrs Bell, 62, from Glasgow, met with the Health Secretary to discuss her experience since testing positive for COVID last September. She has a mild chest condition – bronchiectasis – which meant she had to shield at the start of the pandemic. After contracting the virus she was admitted to hospital where she ended up in intensive care and intubated for almost three months.
By the time she was transferred to a respiratory ward on Hogmanay, she could not move and ultimately went to a Physical Disability Rehabilitation Unit for intensive physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
She also received intervention and oxygen therapy in a respiratory ward, and returned home with long-term oxygen at the beginning of June, where she receives ongoing care from a Community Rehabilitation Team to support her to regain her independence, function and mobility. Mrs Bell, who previously worked in a children’s nursery, has had to retire due to ill health.
Mrs Bell, a mother-of-two who is due to become a grandmother next Spring, said:
“Recently I was able to walk for two minutes and 40 seconds – which is a huge achievement for me.
“Before COVID, I was a senior child development officer, which involved outdoor play. I’d be in the playground or taking the children on forest walks, doing at least 15,000 steps a day. I’d help out in my community. I was there for everybody.
“This last year has been a challenge, when I’ve had to let other people take care of me. But I’m blown away by everything I’ve been given by the NHS. They are just amazing. Some of them visit me weekly, some are at the end of the phone, they deliver my oxygen and really look after me.”
Details of the new Long COVID Support Fund will be shared with NHS Boards in due course.
Edinburgh-based Lung Ha Theatre Company and touring theatre company Plutôt La Vie are pleased to announce their collaboration on An Unexpected Hiccup, a new play directed by Ian Cameron and Maria Oller and written by Michael Duke, based on a story by Ian Cameron and developed by the acting ensemble.
It is due to receive its World Premiere at The Studio in Edinburgh on 27 October.
Caught in a storm and miles from anywhere, Murdo decides to ask for the help of total strangers. But when he knocks on the door of a dark old house, the family inside seem to be expecting him. Whatever Murdo has stumbled upon, there’s no escaping it now. He steps into a long night of comic misunderstandings, sinister goings on and dangerous eccentricities.
Keep an eye on Kurt…Don’t worry about the noises in the cellar…And never ask Louisa why she’s crying…!
The play will feature Tim Licata from Plutôt La Vie working with Lung Ha Theatre Company performers Emma Clark, Emma McCaffrey, Nicola Tuxworth, Keith Watson, Gavin Yule and Ryan Duncan from the Lung Ha Theatre Company Support Team.
Ian Cameron said: “The original idea for this production grew from an experience I had many years ago which, although serious in itself, grew in my head into a dark comic farce about a rather dislocated family.
“This story became the catalyst for development by the company and the writer Michael Duke. What has been wonderful has been to see how the company has grown to own the story, and develop it through their imagination and humour, and this despite the constrictions of Covid!”
Maria Oller said:“An Unexpected Hiccup is the outcome of a long connection between Lung Ha Theatre Company and Plutôt La Vie. Farce, dark comedy and physical theatre is something that the actors at LHTC seems to enjoy and have a talent for.
“Combined with training on how to play farce, the actors have stepped up to master the skills required. Working together with Plutôt La Vie, playwright Michael Duke and the rest of the creative team has taken us from development weeks on Zoom, to a first face to face rehearsal and the return to the theatre room and very soon a performance in front of a live audience! This means more to us than just doing a show. We are back and on our first steps out of Covid! Hurray!”
Music for An Unexpected Hiccup is composed and performed by BAFTA Scotland award winning composer Andrew Cruickshank with set and costume design by one of Scotland’s leading artists in the field, Karen Tennent.
Lung Ha Theatre Company and Plutôt La Vie present the World Premiere of
An Unexpected Hiccup
A long night of comic misunderstandings, sinister goings on and dangerous eccentricities.
27 – 30 October 2021 (preview on 26th)
The Studio | 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh
Tickets from £10 available on capitaltheatres.com or by calling 0131 529 6000.
The first exhibition dedicated to the Scottish artist John Henry Lorimer (1856-1936) will open at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh on Saturday 6 November.
Over the years, Scottish audiences have shown a lot of support for John Henry, voting Spring Moonlight at the Kirkcaldy Galleries and The Flight of the Swallows at the City Art Centre (above) as their favourite paintings in the galleries’ permanent collections. Both paintings will be included in the exhibition, along with many from private collections, some of which have not been on public display for several decades.
Further highlights include the Tate Galleries’ portrait of the artist’s younger brother Sir Robert Lorimer, A.R.A., as a Boy and the Musee d’Orsay’s painting Grandmother’s Birthday. Also known as Benedicte Grandmother’s Birthday, the first painting by a Scottish artist to be bought by the French Government, is displayed with one of the chairs that features in the painting, designed by architect and furniture designer Sir Robert Lorimer. The painting was last exhibited at the Musee d’Orsay in 1989, alongside paintings by Millet, Whistler and Morisot.
Co-curator Charlotte Lorimer said: “While artists such as Claude Monet and Edgar Degas pushed the boundaries of painting and were rejected by traditional galleries and the Paris Salon, John Henry developed a more classical style and won medals from the Salon and praise from critics.
“History tends to remember the rebels. But there is also a place for the quiet craftmanship of artists such as John Henry.”
Co-Curator David Patterson added: “Here at the City Art Centre, we are really excited to be hosting the first ever major exhibition dedicated to the work of John Henry Lorimer.
“His work, which is so often overlooked in favour of his more radical contemporaries, is technically brilliant and his elegant interiors and light-filled landscapes will uplift everyone’s spirits during the winter months.
Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “I’m delighted that the City Art Centre is able to showcase this fantastic exhibition of the rarely seen works of John Henry Lorimer.
“It’s incredible to think this is the first exhibition dedicated to him since his passing in 1936. Reflections: The Light and Life of John Henry Lorimer will take visitors on a journey of his work through five themes of light, identity, family, femininity and home. Not only will it be an opportunity to celebrate his work, there are pieces from both public and private collections, the majority of which have not been on public display in decades!”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We’re excited to be exhibiting the first retrospective of John Henry’s work.
“A technically gifted, but somewhat forgotten artist, this is a chance for audiences to discover his work and learn about the artist himself and the role he played in Scottish art history. Alongside the exhibition there will be a programme of events and we look forward to revealing more details soon.”
In order to protect and maintain the safety of our visitors and staff, the City Art Centre has introduced a range of safety measures and procedures throughout the venue, including a one-way system, installation of screens at reception, hand sanitiser stations, extra barriers and signage. Staff will be wearing face coverings while offering visitors a very warm, socially distanced welcome.
Reflections: The Light and Life of John Henry Lorimer at the City Art Centre opens on Saturday 6 November 2021, and runs until 20 March 2022.
Admission is free.
Reflections: the Light and Life of John Henry Lorimer has been generously supported by The Lorimer Society, The Inches Carr Trust, The Binks Trust, The East Fife Members Centre and all those who contributed to our crowdfunding campaign.
Almost 300 additional ambulance service staff are being recruited through a £20 million Scottish Government funding injection made over last year and this year as the NHS continues to remobilise.
The latest recruitment tranche unveiled today will see dozens of paramedics, technicians, patient transport staff and advanced professionals taken on in the North and North-east of Scotland.
Additional ambulances and low acuity resources will also be introduced as part of the new resources to help meet current and projected patient needs through the Demand and Capacity programme.
A total of 296 additional ambulance service staff are being recruited as a result of investment over the past two years.
The Scottish Government has allocated £20 million as part of the £1 billion NHS recovery plan published last week. This resource will be directed to those areas of Scotland most under pressure including northern parts of the country.
Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service Pauline Howie said: “This funding is great news for the Service and is allowing us to continue to increase our investment in new frontline staff, new ambulances and new vehicles at pace.
“These new resources will ensure we continue to deliver the very best patient care by boosting capacity and increasing our resilience in communities across Scotland. They’ll also complement our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly over the last 18 months in extremely demanding circumstances.
“The reduction in on-call working will also improve the work/life balance of staff in the north of Scotland, as well as providing increased cover for the respective areas. Additional stations where on-call working will also be eliminated or reduced are currently being identified.”
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Our ambulance staff have been at the heart of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic and we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their courage, commitment and professionalism.
“These additional resources show that this Government is determined to ensure they have the support needed to meet patient demand as the NHS continues to remobilise.
“Our recent recovery plan targeted over £1 billion of investment over the next five years across the whole health system to increase capacity and ensure the health service is ready for the challenges ahead.
“Investment in support for staff and their wellbeing will be an essential and vital component of our recovery and the reduction of on-call working for ambulance staff will help with this.”
Robbie Neilson has told his players to forget the last six weeks because it’s all about winning today’s Edinburgh derby.
Tynecastle plays host to the first meeting of the capital clubs this season, with both sides flying high in the cinch Premiership.
Robbie Neilson, who this week picked up the Scottish Premiership Glen’s Manager of the Month award, knows the match could be a frantic affair but he believes the Jambos have enough experience to handle the occasion and knows the importance of picking up three points.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “It’s been a good start but what’s happened in the last six weeks doesn’t really matter. It’s all about what happens when it kicks off on Sunday. We need to find a way to win the game.
“It doesn’t matter how you win it, it’s about winning a derby. It’s so important for the fanbase, the club and also for the players and their league position.
“It’ll be 200 miles an hour. It’s about being up for that battle at the start and then having the composure to go and play.
“We’ve got a number of boys that have played in it or played in Dundee or Glasgow derbies so I expect us to be ready for it.”
Robbie Neilson’s press conference can be seen on Hearts TV by clicking here.
Jack Ross revealed that star man Martin Boyle is fit for today’s Edinburgh Derby against Hearts.
The Australian winger went away for the September international break and came off against China, after scoring, which caused some concerns for supporters.
He subsequently missed the Aussie’s next game against Vietnam before returning back to Edinburgh and he went straight back into training.
Jack Ross explained that he wasn’t worried about Boyle’s injury, due to constant communications with the Socceroos: “We knew why Martin came off for Australia and that he wouldn’t play in the second game purely for precaution and not concern.
“We’ve got a good relationship with the Australian National Team, and I think they’ve been sensible with him. There was never any concern. We’ve looked after him today (Friday 10 September) and he’s ready to go on Sunday.
“He’s a match winner for us. He’s done that on a consistent level. You need them in your team. He’s had a feeling of winning and scoring goals at Tynecastle, and he wants that again.”
There’s been a two-week break ahead of this game, but with eight players returning from international duty, and a few knocks to contend with, Jack Ross may have a slight selection headache today.
“Longer-term absentees are Sean Mackie, Melker Hallberg, Christian Doidge and Jamie Murphy.
“Unfortunately, Jamie will be unavailable for a number of weeks due to a hamstring injury. We’ve had better weeks in terms of availability of players etc. and we have some concerns going into the weekend, but it’ll still be a team full of belief, confidence, and will have enough to go on and win that game.”
While Boyle’s availability is a huge boost for Hibs, it’s Hearts ‘twelth man’ that could well be the key ingredient this afternoon. The capital rivals will battle it out in front of a packed Tynecastle – and the noisy home support may just be the difference in this first derby of the season.
Scotland’s largest ever vaccination programme will complete second doses for all over 18s who have attended their scheduled appointments by close of play on Sunday 12 September.
Some of those eligible have rearranged their appointment for health or work reasons and will get their second dose shortly. Vaccination Clinics will remain open and anyone who has not yet received their vaccination, for whatever reason is reminded that it is never too late to get vaccinated and is urged to go to a local drop-in clinic or go to NHS Inform to book a convenient appointment.
The second dose of the vaccine offers greater and longer lasting protection and can be given from eight weeks after the first, either at a drop-in clinic or by requesting an appointment through the NHS Inform website.
Evidence shows that after two doses the vaccines are more than 90% effective against hospital admissions from the effects of the virus.
Students from the UK and abroad are included in the national programme and are encouraged to come forward for vaccination regardless of whether they require their first, second or both doses.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Today is a significant day because every single adult in Scotland has now been given the opportunity to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I want to pass on my thanks to all those who have helped make this possible – from the scientists who developed the vaccine, to the hard-working staff delivering the programme on the ground. I also want to thank everyone who has taken up their offer of a vaccine, and rolled up their sleeves to help tackle coronavirus.
“To all those who haven’t yet had their second doses, please don’t leave the job half done. Even if the time since the first dose is more than eight weeks, people can still be vaccinated and I encourage them to come forward.
“We have made getting a vaccination easier than ever – head to one of the drop-in clinics being offered across the country or, if you prefer, book an appointment online at NHS Inform. Please check your NHS board’s social media posts for the latest information on where you can attend.
“Students heading to university or college from anywhere in the UK or abroad are reminded they too are urged to take up this offer if it’s relevant to them – indeed, in addition to drop-in clinics around the country, mobile vaccination units are visiting several further education campuses.
“Recent increases in case numbers mean it remains crucial everyone who is offered a vaccination takes up the invitation.”
If you are lucky enough to live in Scotland’s capital city, then you are completely spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out. From Michelin starred fine dining and contemporary cuisine through to good old fashioned pub grub, there are many delicious restaurants just waiting to be discovered.
As Scotland’s tourism capital, Edinburgh is a bustling metropolis of different cultures and that’s reflected in its restaurants with every style of food imaginable found on the city’s menus, including a huge array of tempting fish dishes.
As part of its mission to inspire the nation to eat more seafood, Love Seafood has rounded up some of the best Edinburgh restaurants where locals can tuck into tempting white fish which will have you coming back for more:
Spend the day like a tourist and soak up the history and heritage of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and then enjoy a delicious seafood meal at the White Horse Oyster and Seafood Bar which happens to be located in the oldest inn on the Royal Mile.
The restaurant’s small plates are cooked to perfection including the monkfish satay served with sides of seaweed slaw and straw fries which makes for the ultimate combo.
If fish and chips are your thing then you have to try the Fishmarket in Newhaven. With roots dating back to the 18th century, The Fishmarket offers up some of the finest fish and chips on the east coast.
No ordinary chippy, the family run business serves fish and chips with flare and is renowned for a gourmet cooked-to-order experience, using only the freshest local catch. Crispy haddock served in the takeaway’s signature batter has kept this eatery a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. If eating on the go isn’t your thing, give their adjoining restaurant a try.
In the popular shore area of Leith, Teuchters Landing is renowned for its great food, whisky hoopla and large outdoor terrace. Serving comfort food at its finest, this relaxed pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere and range of excellent seafood dishes.
Alongside standard plates are a range of dishes served in mugs, including two very Scottish options made using delicious smoked haddock – Cullen Skink (creamy smoked haddock soup) and Kedgeree (curried smoked haddock risotto). Can’t decide which to try? Why not have a small mug of each.
Sandwiched between Edinburgh’s two most prominent streets, Princes Street and George Street, The Mussel Inn is a true hidden gem.
An award-winning establishment, this restaurant is the perfect place to experiment with new seafood dishes. Alongside their epic selection of mussels, we’d also recommend the whitebait served with roasted red pepper and garlic dip and seabass served with a chorizo and butter bean cassoulet.
Booking in advance is recommended as this restaurant is only open Thursday – Sunday and we don’t want you to be disappointed.
If far-away flavours are your thing then look no further than Ondine in Edinburgh’s old town. Famed for its strong sea to plate ethos, Ondine is one of the city’s most famous seafood restaurants.
Try the classic fish soup enhanced with North African flavours of pungent saffron and oranges and a Harissa based Rouille or the spiced monkfish with Bhata aubergine which will take your taste sensations to a whole new level.
So if you’re inspired by some of these delicious sounding dishes then why not treat yourself to a fish feast at one of these fabulous restaurants on your doorstep.
The latest Emergency Department performance figures for August 2021 show the worst four-hour performance since records began, the worst performance for an August, and the fourth highest number of 12-hour stays ever.
The data show there were 1,342,250 attendances to Type 1 Emergency Departments in England in August 2021, a decrease of 6% compared to the previous month. Despite the decrease in attendances, four-hour performance deteriorated for the fifth consecutive month while the number of 12-hour stays increased for the fourth consecutive month.
In Type 1 Emergency Departments, 66.2% of patients were seen in four-hours or less, the worst four-hour performance on record and equal to over one-third of patients staying in a Type 1 Emergency Departments for over four-hours.
2,794 patients stayed in an Emergency Department for 12-hours or more, this is a 26% increase on the previous month and is the highest ever for August, it is also the fourth highest figure on record.
Data also show there were a total of 71,894 booked appointment attendances, with 34,787 of these booked at Type 1 Emergency Departments. Four-hour performance was at its lowest since records began, with 91.6% of all attendances seen within four-hours, and 82.5% of Type 1 attendances seen withing four-hours.
Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “These figures come as no surprise, but they are no less appalling. The health service has been severely struggling in recent months and the College has been vocal in its warnings about this trajectory. We are now in autumn and the workforce is seriously apprehensive about this winter and what it might bring.
“The pandemic has highlighted stark inequalities; different parts of the country have been affected to different degrees of severity – and the continued impact and recovery has been harder in more deprived areas. In particular, the urgent and emergency care systems in the North East and North West are facing particularly extreme pressures.
“Average four-hour performance in the both the North East and North West is 63% while in the South East it is 73%. As part of levelling up, it is vital that these inequalities are properly addressed and not overlooked, and that support is given to those areas and to those patients that need it most.
“Departments also need clarity of focus in terms of priorities, and the priority must be long stays – this month’s fourth worst ever number of 12-hour stays shows the desperate need to improve the flow of patients through hospitals. But England continues to only publish 12-hour data measuring from decision to admit. Good statistics that accurately measure performance are essential in improving systems and publishing 12-hour data from time of arrival would show the true scale of the problem of long stays.
“The data also show that performance against booked appointments has sharply deteriorated. We must properly evaluate the efficacy of NHS 111 ‘talk first’ approach, so we can begin to improve it. There must be an adequate range of services available that NHS 111 to which call handlers are able to direct patients. Patients must be able to be directed to the right place for their care, and any patient booking an appointment at A&E through 111 must not be left waiting for a long period of time.
“At the same time there must be a renewed focus on the workforce. Our survey from July 2021 showed that half of all respondents said they were considering reducing their hours, while a large proportion are thinking of taking a career break or even changing specialty.
“The workforce cannot afford to lose any Emergency Department staff, we must do all we can to retain existing workers. To tackle this there must be a recruitment drive for Emergency Departments, in England 2,500 more consultants are needed – alongside sufficient numbers of nurses, trainees, allied health professionals and SAS doctors.
“To reduce crowding in hospitals, there must be investment in alternative care pathways including same day emergency care and discharge to assess, these will help prevent unnecessary admission.
“The vision for urgent and emergency care must be implemented and Emergency Medicine staff need to be assured that progress is being made. The College has laid out what needs to be done in RCEM CARES, and reports including; Summer to Recover; and Retain, Recruit, Recover.
“Patient safety is at risk and on this trajectory, winter will be far worse than previously forecast – it is a looming crisis – and the health service is on the brink. The cost will be huge. Funding is welcome, but a comprehensive, joined-up plan, that must include short-term actions for the winter ahead together with a long-term strategy is vital.
“We are at a crucial point; Emergency Department performance continues to deteriorate while elective care waiting lists continue to rise steeply. The government must see the iceberg ahead and steer the health and social care service to safety.”
Community Woodlands Award for Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards has named its first Climate Change Champion – just before global green summit COP26 comes to Scotland.
The annual ‘Tree Oscars’ to recognise Scotland’s finest forests and woodlands have named their first Climate Change Champion – just weeks before COP26 comes to Glasgow.
Balbeg Estate’s Bennan Hill, near Straiton, Ayrshire – owned by Andrew and Lynne Sinclair – won the new award, sponsored by CarbonStore, as Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards returned after a Covid-cancellation in 2020.
Professor Chris Quine, Chief Scientist at Forest Research, who led the team assessing the Climate Change Champion entries, said: “The judges were very keen to find a worthy winner for the new award and we certainly did find one, in Balbeg Estate.
“Bennan Hill was a well-planned and well-executed case study, drawing on guidance and expert knowledge to address the climate emergency by establishing trees to sequester carbon and contribute to a decarbonised future.
“Even more noteworthy was the way the estate demonstrated an integrated approach to tackling climate change throughout its activities with actions relating to mitigation, adaptation and knowledge exchange. The owners demonstrated a strong commitment and a real consistency of vision which made this site a very worthy champion.”
The other 2021 winners ranged from a small playgroup in Perth and a high school in Pitlochry – whose mascot Scotty the Squirrel collected their prize – to Scotland’s largest landowner, Anders Holch Povlsen, who won the New Native Woods Award for Killiehuntly Woodland in the Cairngorms.
Mr Povlsen said the success was based on “a big team effort” and added: “We very much appreciate this recognition and I’m very proud.”
Thomas MacDonell, Director of Conservation at Wildland Ltd, who led the project, said it was “absolutely fantastic” to win what he described as “the premier forestry awards”. He added: “This could not have happened without Anders Holch Povlsen, who had the vision and courage to stick by us.”
It was a year of firsts – the first Climate Change Champion prize, the first time the Awards were held online in almost 40 years – and the first award for early years woodland education.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the schools and early years prizes for Pitlochry High School and Perth Outdoor Playgroup. She said: “I’m delighted to be able to support these fantastic Awards again, and to see young people in Scotland, from nursery through to secondary school, engaging with trees and nature in such a positive way.
“In the year that COP26 comes to Scotland, it’s important that our schools and early years settings continue to encourage young people to enjoy and value our woodlands. By learning about woodlands, taking part in activities, and sometimes also by planting new trees and protecting our woodlands, our young people are creating a greener, better future for Scotland. Congratulations to all the awards winners and everyone involved in celebrating the very best woodlands in Scotland.”
Angela Douglas, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “The high standard and number of entries in the Schools Award made it hard for judges to separate schools and early years settings.
“As a result the Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland team at Scottish Forestry agreed to provide an early years trophy – a beautiful carved wooden acorn reflecting the saying ‘From little acorns mighty oaks grow’ – and prize money.”
The number and quality of entries for the 2021 awards was very strong overall, Angela Douglas added.
“The strength of the awards depends on maintaining very high standards and recognising entries that truly deserve the title ‘finest woods’,” she said. “After the Covid cancellation in 2020, I’m delighted we have been able to bounce back with such a high-quality programme – and I would especially like to thank our 23 volunteer judges who put in so much work in difficult circumstances to ensure the quality standard was maintained.”
The Climate Change Champion Award was selected from entrants to other categories who specified that they would also like to be considered for the prize. They had to show that their woodland had contributed to mitigating climate change, adapted to the changing climate or raised awareness about the issue.
“We had a strong winner and two strong highly commended entries in this new category, which is so important for any forest or woodland – and us all,” said Angela Douglas.
Balbeg Estate, winner of the Climate Change Champion Award, also won the Quality Timber Award and John Kennedy Trophy for Multi-purpose forestry for a whole forest or estate.
The two Climate Change Champion runners-up were Borders Forest Trust’s ecological restoration project at Corehead, near Moffat, Dumfriesshire (also Highly Commended behind Killiehuntly in the New Native Woods category) and Aylsa Leslie (with forestry consultant Simon Jacyna) for Auchintender, near Huntly, Aberdeenshire – also winner of the Quality Timber Award for silvicultural excellence in a single stand or compartment of trees, or small wood.
There was wide geographical coverage, with Laide and Aultbea Community Woodland in Ross-shire winning the Small Community Woodland Group Award. Judges were “impressed by the endeavour and enthusiasm” of the group and noted that the local community was heavily engaged in “supporting and managing the woodland with tangible benefits – recreation, practical hands-on experience and enjoyment”.
Craigmillar Castle Park in Edinburgh, which won the Large Community Woodland Group prize, was praised by judges for its community engagement programme, run by Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust.
Judges also said: “It has been notable how valuable the woodland has been to the local community during lockdown, providing an attractive local greenspace which has helped greatly with physical and mental wellbeing.”
In the Farm Woodland Awards, the Young People’s Award went to James and Nikki Yoxall from Howemill, near Huntly in Aberdeenshire – “a wonderful example of a unique integration of trees and farming” – while the overall Farm Woodland Award went to Wendy Seel and Anne Taylor at North Tillydaff, Midmar, Aberdeenshire. Runners-up in the category were spread widely, from Skye to Stirling and Peterhead.
The New Commercial Woodland award (part of the Quality Timber Awards) went to the large Larriston Forest scheme near Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders.
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards: roll of honour 2021
Climate Change Champion Award
Winner: Andrew & Lynne Sinclair, Balbeg Estate’s Bennan Hill, Straiton, Ayrshire;
Highly Commended: Borders Forest Trust, Corehead, near Moffat, Dumfriesshire;
Highly Commended: Aylsa Leslie, Auchintender, near Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Farm Woodland Award
Winner: Wendy Seel & Anne Taylor, North Tillydaff, Midmar, Aberdeenshire;
Highly Commended: Elaine Booth & Peter Robertson, Ednie Farms, St Fergus, near Peterhead;
Commended: Walter & Margaret Dalgleish, Parks of Garden, Arnprior, near Stirling;
Commended: Phil Knott, Wildlife Croft Skye, Sleat, Isle of Skye.
Farm Woodland Award (Young People)
Winner: James & Nikki Yoxall, Howemill, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Community Woodlands Award
Large Community Woodland Group
Winner: Craigmillar Castle Park, Edinburgh (Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust);
Commended: Tiroran Community Forest, Isle of Mull, Argyll (South West Mull & Iona Development).
Small Community Woodland Group
Winner: Laide & Aultbea Community Woodland, Laide, Ross-shire
