Month: November 2021

£95m ultrafast broadband boost for Scotland

Openreach to bring full fibre broadband to more Lothian communities

Another 28,700 Lothian homes and businesses are set for a major broadband boost as part of a £95m[1] Scottish investment by Openreach – the nation’s largest digital network provider, used by customers of service providers like BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Vodafone.

Musselburgh, Pencaitland and Aberlady in East Lothian; Ford in Midlothian; and Linlithgow, Armadale and Philipstoun in West Lothian will be upgraded in a £10m investment1 following the company’s latest build announcement, with a new, ultrafast, ultra-reliable ‘full fibre’ broadband network to be built to most premises in these areas.

The digital network provider has now reached more than six million homes and businesses across the UK with ultrafast full fibre, around 480,000 of them in Scotland.

The latest plans follow news earlier this year that around 300,000 Scottish homes and businesses would get access to Openreach’s new network, mostly in rural and harder to serve areas.

The company has already announced plans to upgrade more than 28 towns and villages across the Lothians – including Gullane, Haddington, Penicuik and Broxburn – as well as the city of Edinburgh, and more than 175,000 premises can now connect.

Robert Thorburn, partnership director for Openreach in Scotland, said: “As Scotland’s biggest fibre builder, we’re delighted to be unveiling another bumper broadband boost for local people.

“Good connectivity is vital – whether it’s to work from home, access education and care services, or for gaming and streaming entertainment – and that’s why we’re investing across the UK to upgrade our network to 25 million premises.

“Nobody’s building faster, further or to a higher standard than Openreach, and we’ve already reached six million homes and businesses with ultrafast full fibre technology, including 480,000 in Scotland. It’s proving popular as well, with nearly 23 per cent already choosing to start using it.

“Our engineers and build partners are reaching more communities every week and we’re not just building in cities and urban areas. Many rural and hard to reach communities are already benefitting and we plan to reach many more in the coming months and years.”  

Scottish Government Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “Digital connectivity is more vital than ever and critical to Scotland’s plans for a strong, green and fair economic recovery.

“Our Reaching 100% (R100) programme – including our investment of £600 million in the R100 contracts – ensures that everyone in Scotland can access superfast broadband. With Openreach’s latest commercial investment of £95 million, this will ensure more than 50 of our communities across Scotland will be able to access even faster full fibre broadband.”

Across the UK, more than 1.3 million homes and businesses have already ordered a full fibre service from a range of retail service providers using the Openreach network. But this means millions more are yet to start benefiting from some of the fastest, most reliable broadband connections in the world and have yet to upgrade.

Recent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) highlighted the clear economic benefits of connecting everyone in Scotland to full fibre. It estimated this would create a £4.5 billion boost to the local economy.

Openreach engineers have been working hard to make the technology available to as many people as possible throughout the UK – at times reaching 47,000 premises a week – and work will continue between now and 2026, with the full list of locations and timescales being updated regularly on the Openreach website. 

The company plans to reach a total of 25 million premises by the end of December 2026, including more than six million in the hardest-to-serve parts of the country defined by industry regulator Ofcom.

Openreach employs more than 3,200 people across Scotland. 

Find out more about our Fibre First programme, latest availability and local plans here.

Scottish Ensemble announces Concerts by Candlelight tour

Music for Warmth and Restoration

This December Scottish Ensemble will take its annual Concerts by Candlelight on tour to locations across Scotland for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Taking place at venues in Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow from the 2 – 8 December 2021, Concerts by Candlelight: Music for Warmth and Restoration is the perfect pre-Christmas musical feast set against a backdrop of shimmering light.  

For the first time ever the incisive and dynamic presence of violinist and director Matthew Truscott will lead proceedings and Concerts by Candlelight: Music for Warmth and Restoration will offer something for every taste, with a selection of music spanning centuries, inclusive of a variety of genre and styles.

A web of connectedness binds this string programme around its central work, Beethoven’s taut and beautiful ‘Heiliger Dankgesang’. A song of thanks for recovery from illness it is one of the most celebrated, profound and joyful pieces of string music from any period, and its intimations of past, present and future make it a very fitting tribute to the past 18 months, as we emerge into the ‘new normal’ and enjoy live music all together, once again.

From the gorgeous musical balm of Henry Purcell to the warmth and generosity of Brahms, the touching music by Biber, and the thick, treacly sonic textures of Julia Wolfe’s Four Marys, wherever you are in Scotland this winter, Concerts by Candlelight is the perfect outing for both families and friends.  

Violinist and director Matthew Truscott said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Scottish Ensemble to help bring some warmth and restoration to audiences across Scotland with Concerts by Candlelight this December.

“The programme features music that channels sentiments of courage and overcoming adversity, which seems fitting this year, and I can’t wait to perform in front of live audiences in Scotland once again.”

Concerts by Candlelight Ticket Details

2 December – St Machar’s, Aberdeen

3 December – Inverness Cathedral, Inverness

4 December -St John’s Kirk, Perth

6 December – Caird Hall, Dundee

7 December – Greyfriars’s, Edinburgh

8 December – Wellington Church, Glasgow

Available from www.scottishensemble.com

Repetoire

Henry Purcell In Nomine in 7 parts, Dorian

Julia Wolfe Four Marys for string orchestra

Heinrich Biber Balletti Lamentabili a 4

Johannes Brahms Adagio from String Quintet No.2 in G major

Franz Schubert Der Leiermann (The Hurdy-Gurdy Man) from Winterreise (arranged for string orchestra by Dobrinka Tabakova)

Henry Purcell

Symphony and Here the deities from Welcome to all the pleasures

Fantasy on One Note

Ludwig van Beethoven Molto Adagio (Holy song of thanksgiving) from String Quartet No.15

(arranged for string orchestra by Iain Farrington)

Anon In Nomine in 6 parts

Letters: World Pancreatic Cancer Day

Dear Editor, 

Ahead of World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 18th I’m writing to highlight the importance of learning the symptoms of this devastating disease. 

Worryingly, our new survey tells us that nearly a third of people in the UK would wait three months or more to seek help from their GP if they had potential symptoms of pancreatic cancer. That’s at least three times longer than recommended. 

The findings also show that the pandemic is actively deterring people from contacting their doctor, with 31% saying they would delay seeking help for longer than usual. Pancreatic cancer symptoms – which can include tummy and back pain, indigestion. unexplained weight loss and oily floating poo – are common to less serious health conditions and, tragically many people are diagnosed too late for lifesaving treatment.

In Scotland nearly 1,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. 

I would urge anyone who experiences some, or all, of these symptoms persistently for more than four weeks to contact their GP. Early diagnosis is vital to give people the very best chance of survival.  

Pancreatic Cancer UK have made a short video explaining the symptoms we all need to look out for. Please watch and share it with your loved ones.

It could help someone be diagnosed in time for lifesaving treatment. 

https://youtu.be/m_qVP2oau0c

www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/the-common-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer 

Our Specialist nurses are here to provide support and information to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer on our confidential support line on (Freecall: 0808 801 0707). 

Thank you,

Dianne Dobson 

Pancreatic Cancer UK Specialist Nurse  

Police renew appeal one week after Gracemount attack

Detectives are continuing enquiries a week on from a man suffering serious injuries after he was assaulted in Edinburgh.

The 32-year-old was attacked by an unidentified man using a bladed weapon outside a Tesco supermarket on Gracemount Drive around 8pm on Thursday, 11 November.

He was later taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.

An investigation is ongoing and officers will carry out a visit to the scene of the attack this evening (Thursday, 18 November) to speak to anyone who may have been in the area the previous week.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “We are grateful to everyone who has helped our investigation so far but this was a busy area near a supermarket and we feel there may be other witnesses we have not spoken to yet.

“The male suspect left the scene after running off down Gracemount Drive before entering a dark hatchback car on Captain’s Drive and driving away.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been in and around Tesco Express Gracemount Drive at the time of the attack or drivers who were on Captains Road, Gracemount Drive and Captains Drive between 7.50pm and 8.10pm on Thursday, 11 November.

“We remain keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV from the Gracemount Drive and Captain’s Drive areas as it could prove vital to our enquiries.

“I would stress that everything in our enquiries so far suggest that this was a targeted attack and there was no wider risk to the public. However, it was a dangerous and reckless act in a busy public area and it is important we identify the man responsible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3297 of 11 November. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Steps toward a Circular Economy

Taking action to reduce waste and its impact

The next steps in creating a circular economy in Scotland have been announced today, as Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater provided an update to parliament.

Actions include the appointment of waste and sustainability expert Dr Colin Church as the independent chair of the review into the role of incineration in the waste hierarchy in Scotland.

To support the review, which forms part of the cooperation deal with the Scottish Green Party, the Minister announced that planning authorities must now notify Scottish Ministers of any applications or decisions involving incineration facilities, until the end of the review period.

The Minister also announced the first round of funding through the Scottish Government’s £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund.

Over £7 million has been awarded to seven local authorities to increase recycling, while preparing for future developments, including Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme.

The Minister provided an update on the delivery of the scheme, noting the challenges posed by Brexit, the pandemic, and a lack of clarity from UK Government on the VAT treatment of deposits. 

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “A circular economy is at the heart of Scotland’s response to the climate emergency and will help dramatically reduce the amount of waste generated in Scotland.

“We must also find better ways to deal with the waste our economy is currently creating. That’s why I’m pleased that Dr Colin Church will bring his wealth of experience from across the waste and environmental sectors to our review on the role of incineration.

“To make sure that any plans are closely monitored while the review is ongoing, we have issued a temporary notification direction today. This will ensure that Ministers are abreast of any new planning applications or planning decisions relating to incinerators. It is temporary and does not in any way pre-empt the outcome of the review.

“We’re also taking action to transform recycling in Scotland. Our Recycling Improvement Fund will deliver one of the biggest investments in recycling in Scotland in a generation. It will make it easier for households to recycle more, and help to deliver the rates of recycling needed to meet Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.

“We are committed to introducing the UK’s first deposit return scheme, helping to increase recycling, reduce littering, and meet our climate targets. While the scheme has been impacted by Brexit and a global pandemic, we are working intensively with Circularity Scotland and industry to make sure it is delivered effectively.”

Barnardo’s resources to help teachers talk to pupils about grief

At the start of Children’s Grief Awareness Week, Barnardo’s is releasing resources for teachers to help children cope with bereavement. 

Before Covid-19, official stats showed one in 29 five-16 year olds had been bereaved of a parent or sibling – that’s at least one child in every average class. 

With more than 165,000 deaths from Covid-19 in the UK (deaths with Covid-19 on the death certificate), Barnardo’s says many more children and young people will be experiencing bereavement. 

Black people and men of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage are almost twice as likely to die from Covid-19 as White people, meaning children from these communities are more likely to experience loss. 

The free resources about grief are available on the Barnardo’s Education Community (BEC) website (https://www.educators-barnardos.org.uk/). 

They include an introductory worksheet which explores what grief is and a volcano-making activity that focuses on how grief impacts us. 

They also include some suggestions and advice about how to cope and who children can talk to when going back to school after someone special has died. 

Also in the resources are some coping techniques teachers can tell children about to use when times are difficult, exercises to help ground children and regulate their breathing. 

The resources will also be posted throughout Children’s Grief Awareness Week (November 18 to 24) on the Barnardo’s Education Community Twitter page (@BarnardosEduCom). 

Barnardo’s Interim Co-CEO Michelle Lee-Izu said: “Sadly the raw feelings of grief and loss will be familiar to thousands of children and families across the UK, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Children have suffered a huge amount of loss in the last year. For most this has meant missing out on school and playing with their friends, but for too many children it has meant the loss of parents, grandparents and members of their family or community. 

“I hope that teachers who are discussing the issue of grief with their pupils during Children’s Grief Awareness Week will find our tips and resources useful – and that they will be used to assist schools and colleges to support children who are struggling in the future.” 

Gillespie Macandrew donates £38,000 to its partner charities

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and Alzheimer Scotland are to share a donation of £38,000 from law firm Gillespie Macandrew. 

Partners at the firm commit to donating 1% of the firm’s pre-tax profits each year to its partner charities.  Earlier this year Gillespie Macandrew began a three-year partnership with ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland, after the charities were nominated and voted for by staff.

Gillespie Macandrew’s support for its partner charities is both financial and practical. Through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee, staff are encouraged to participate in a broad range of additional fundraising activities, and are also given a day off each year to take part in charitable activities.

Chief Executive Officer Robert Graham-Campbell commented: “We are pleased to be able to share the success of our day-to-day business activities in support of these two important charities, particularly at time when their services are under increased pressure.

As well as our donation, we continue to offer practical support however we can. Members of our CSR committee visited the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People where they saw first-hand the amazing work ECHC does and the real difference it makes to the children, young people, their families, and staff. 

Our private client practitioners know all too well the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on individuals and their families and we are proud to support their important work.  In the coming months staff will help to create dementia gardens in Dundee and Glasgow.”

Olivia Penn, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, commented: ‘’We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Gillespie Macandrew who have already shown incredible commitment to our cause through fundraising and volunteering.

“The vital funds raised through the partnership will go towards transforming the lives of seriously ill babies, children and young people by supporting their medical care, mental health and family’s wellbeing. Together, we will make sure children treated in hospital and healthcare settings across Scotland will always be children first and patients second.’’

Caroline Miller, Lead for Stakeholder Engagement at Alzheimer Scotland, commented: “The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the dementia community – the loss of formal and informal supports and the rapid progression of the illness are strongly correlated.

“This donation from Gillespie Macandrew will help us to rebuild our frontline services such as day care, gardening and other therapeutic groups, and will make sure that our Dementia Advisors can continue to be a lifeline to people with dementia and their carers in communities across Scotland. 

“The pandemic has shed light on some complex legal issues for people we support in areas like Powers of Attorney and Guardianships, and we are especially grateful for the support that Gillespie Macandrew has provided in the form of training for our colleagues and information sessions for our carers.”

Gillespie Macandrew has a long and proud history of supporting not for profit organisations and staff are given a paid day off each year to participate in charitable or corporate and social responsibility events.

The firm has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth and advises on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, energy, tax and disputes. 

Benefit Cosmetics UK joins Uber Eats as the app’s first dedicated beauty brand

A UK first initiative delivering beauty products and brow treatment services 

●        Benefit boutiques across London will be available from the end of November on Uber Eats for the holiday season.

●        Customers will be able to order Benefit Cosmetics Limited Edition Holiday Gift Sets delivered direct to their door in 30 minutes

●        To celebrate the new partnership, Benefit Cosmetics will tour the UK in November with the ‘Home for the Holidays’ RV vehicle, stopping at key cities and offering complimentary brow services, available exclusively to book via the Uber Eats app. 

Benefit Cosmetics, the UK’s No 1 prestige beauty brand, becomes the first of its kind to join the Uber Eats app. A UK first initiative, for a limited time only, Benefit and Uber Eats will connect customers with Uber-speed beauty deliveries across the capital.

Benefit Cosmetics’ one-of-a-kind pink RV brow mobile will be coming to Edinburgh on Saturday – 20th November.

Benefit London Boutiques will be made available for a limited time on Uber Eats new personal care category offering. The pop-up will launch at the end of November enabling customers to be able to shop and discover limited edition beauty sets via the Uber Eats app.

Our joint mission, to bring back the joy and make beauty shopping even more accessible and fun as customers can explore new convenient ways of shopping this season. As we gear up for the party season, Uber Eats customers will be able to order their favourite beauty products alongside their favourite party food. Mascara and Masala, Brows and Burritos, Primer and Pizza for party nights in.

To celebrate this landmark partnership, Benefit Cosmetics launches ‘Home for the Holidays’ campaign and will be touring the UK throughout November painting the UK pink this festive season.

The ‘Home for the Holidays’ one-of-a-kind PINK RV brow mobile will be travelling and stopping at key cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

Available exclusively on Uber Eats, for a limited time, the luxury RV will flash tour the nation and offer free professional brow consultations, brow mapping and Benefit’s signature brow wax and tint treatments, surprising and delighting customers with a Benefit brow transformation they’ll never forget.

Customers will also have a chance to win a stellar Benefit ‘Home for the Holidays’ £1,000 beauty haul and the biggest Benefit festive decorations for their home.

The lucky winner will be picked up in style in our Benefit Home for the Holidays RV, where you can sit back and enjoy our signature brow treatment and have all their beauty Christmas wish-list taken care of by Benefit Cosmetics.

To enter simply spot the Benefit ‘Home for the Holiday’s RV and scan her QR code or enter the competition at your local Benefit Brow Bars across Boots stores.

Those looking to get ready ahead of the party season or for a quick fix brow service will be available to order the Benefit Cosmetics RV via Uber Eats for a unique experience.

Sunjiv Shah, General Manager at Uber Eats, said: “We’ve been rapidly expanding our selection of products on Uber Eats beyond food, whether that be flowers, household essentials or pet supplies, and beauty seemed like a natural next step.

“Partnering with such a beloved beauty brand like Benefit is a great first step into the beauty world.”

Sarah Harbon, General Manager, Benefit Cosmetics, said: “Customers are seeking more & more interesting way to discover their favourite beauty products, and with more people exploring, shopping and ordering tasty treats on mobile devices, we’re very excited to partner with Uber Eats to launch beauty products and, for a limited time only, some very special brow services straight to customer’s doors.’’

The Benefit ‘‘Home for the Holidays’ campaign, will deliver the magic of togetherness, and GREAT brows for all this Holiday

Follow @benefitcosmeticsuk and @ubereats_uk to be the first to discover and book the Benefit Cosmetics RV brow experience.

Edinburgh restaurants shortlisted for coveted British Curry Awards

The UK’s favourite curry restaurants, as nominated for by the British Public, will once again be honoured at the trailblazing and foremost celebration of the industry, British Curry Awards in association with Just Eat, as it returns for its 17th year after the pandemic challenges. 

The finest curry restaurateurs from across the UK will descend on the Capital in the hope of being recognised as the best restaurant in their region and honoured with a jewel in the crown of the UK curry restaurant industry award sector at the prestigious ceremony on Monday 25th November at Battersea Evolution.

The following Edinburgh restaurants have been shortlisted for the Best Restaurant Scotland: 

– Dishoom, 3A St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD

– Radhuni, 93 Clerk Street, Loanhead, Midlothian EH20 9RE

– Shezan Indian Restaurant, 24-25 Union Place, Edinburgh EH1 3NQ

Shortlisted for the Newcomer of the Year Award: 

– Prana Indian Grill, 295A St Johns Road, Edinburgh EH12 7XF

Recognised globally as the original and most respected award ceremony in the UK curry industry and the ‘Curry Oscars’, as highlighted by former Prime Minister David Cameron, British Curry Awards will once again welcome in person prominent personalities from the worlds of politics, sport, showbiz and entertainment alongside celebrity chefs and curry restaurant owners and their staff from across the country.

Last year’s ceremony, which was live streamed due to pandemic restrictions, was attended virtually by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan; Love Island contestants, Amy Hart, Nas Majeed and Eva Zapico; TOWIE star, Jess Wright; and model and TV personality, Caprice among others. TV comedian and impressionist, Rory Bremner, hosted the virtual event, which was live streamed to audiences globally. 

As the foremost and pioneering celebration of the UK curry industry’s achievements and the best restaurants across all regions, with awards deemed the most prized badge of honour across the entire industry for winning restaurants, British Curry Awards has established itself as a national institution, recognised internationally and a firm fixture of the UK’s social calendar. 

A nationwide nominations process to honour the nation’s top curry houses is led by the local patrons of curry houses on the streets of Britain, annually invited to nominate their favourite Asian restaurants and takeaways. The process of public nominations creates an authentic list of the nation’s favourite Asian eateries, based on the opinions of local residents, leading to a rigorous vetting process by an independent panel of judges. 

This year’s ceremony has particular significance, given the challenges faced by the industry over the past 18 months of the pandemic, and will acknowledge the industry’s spirit and resilience through difficult business and personal circumstances. The industry has seen many leaders, pioneers, restaurateurs and staff tragically lose their lives to Covid. This year’s ceremony will pay tribute to those that have passed away. 

Additionally, operational issues such as supply chain and staff shortages and the knock-on effect of multiple lockdowns has had a lasting impact on business. Nevertheless, the entrepreneurial spirit and strong will of the UK curry community continues to work tirelessly to serve customers and diners across the UK with the nation’s favourite dish. 

British Curry Awards Founder, Enam Ali MBE, is the UK’s leading spokesperson for the curry industry and has been promoting it globally for the past 45 years. 

A restaurateur himself and owner of Le Raj curry restaurant, Epsom, he says: “It gives me great joy that, after the challenges of the last 18 months, my industry friends in the UK curry fraternity and public figures will unite once again in person at the home of the British Curry Awards – Battersea Evolution – to celebrate the nation’s favourite curry houses while also recognising the issues we, as an industry and as a nation, have faced during the pandemic. 

“Testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the cross-generational migrant community that comprises the UK’s curry industry, we have come back ever more determined to serve curry lovers up and down the country, continuing to take on all challenges head on and ensure the industry continues to thrive once again.

“At the same time, we will pay tribute to our industry colleagues that we have sadly lost to Covid. Their presence is deeply missed among us.” 

Andrew Kenny, UK Managing Director, Just Eat says, “It’s a great honour to once again be sponsoring the British Curry Awards. After an incredibly challenging 18 months, there’s never been a better time to recognise the resilient and hard-working individuals within the restaurant and takeaway sector.

“Despite the many obstacles faced, from shortages in the supply chain to difficulty in recruiting skilled workers, restaurants have risen to the occasion and delivered customers a taste of normality when they needed it the most. 

“We want to ensure that takeaway restaurants – especially in this sector which contributes so much to British culture – don’t just survive, but thrive, in today’s challenging economic climate.”

Scotch Malt Whisky Society event brings back the Roaring Twenties

The world’s most entertaining whisky club invites you to 28 Queen Street for a night of glitz and glamour

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is transforming its Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street into a Gatsby-themed party for one night only. From 7 pm on Friday, 26 November 2021 the venue will be transported back to the ‘Roaring Twenties’, as SMWS members and non-members are invited to the party of the century.  

With champagne on arrival, live music, cocktails, canapes, and the Society’s ever-changing selection of single cask whiskies, 28 Queen Street will be engulfed with guests dressed to impress.

Tickets are available now for members and non-members for just £65. Get yours here: https://smws.com/queen-street-does-gatsby/

Sarah Prior, Queen Street Venue Manager, said: “We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces at 28 Queen Street for our Gatsby event. The world is getting back to (almost) normal, and what better time to celebrate as we enter the glorious festive season.

“With what has been a challenging year for everyone, we are delighted to welcome our members and new faces back to Society events. With Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time to come and see what the Society is all about.”

For the SMWS monthly Outturn this November, a new cask collection is taking to the stage every week: https://smws.com/latest-outturn

Belonging to the world’s most entertaining whisky club gives you access to exclusive Members’ Rooms, partner bar discounts, colourful tasting events, whisky education, and a monthly members’ magazine Unfiltered.

There’s so much more than whisky to appreciate when you join the Society for just £65: https://smws.com/whisky-club-membership