One hundred and fifty years to the day since Greyfriars Bobby died, Dogs Trust staff paid tribute to his memory.
The Skye terrier who passed away on 14th January 1872, aged 16, is renowned throughout the world for his loyalty and devotion to his owner John Gray by sitting by his Greyfriars Kirkyard grave for 14 years. Bobby was so loved by the people of the city, that following his death he too was buried in the Kirkyard close to his owner’s grave.
Today (Friday) in Greyfriars Kirkyard after Edinburgh’s one o’clock gun was fired, a Dogs Trust posy of flowers was laid on Greyfriars Bobby’s grave by pupils from George Heriot’s School followed by the solemn sound of bagpipes played to remember Bobby’s life.
Speaking at the ceremony Dogs Trust Regional Manager Jack Johnstone said: “As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, it’s a privilege to be here today to pay our respects to Bobby, who symbolises everything that dogs can bring to the lives of humans, not only as pets but as members of family.
“His story resonates so strongly with the work that we do at Dogs Trust, to protect vulnerable dogs like Bobby.
“Our Rehoming Centres, like those nearby in West Calder and Glasgow, allow for vulnerable dogs who end up in our care through no fault of their own to experience another opportunity to live their lives to the fullest and find their forever homes.
“Dogs Trust was founded in 1891, 131 years ago and 19 years after Bobby was laid to rest. To this day, we continue to campaign for a better future for dogs like Bobby who was cared for so kindly in his years on the grave of his owner, and we will continue to do so for many years to come.”
Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner and Assistant Manager Kim McNeill attended the memorial event with French Bulldog Minnie.
The affectionate three-year-old loves a cuddle and is currently in Dogs Trust care awaiting her forever home.
Enterprises applauded for their work to balance people, planet and profit
Forward-thinking food-related businesses across Scotland are proving it is possible to face a pandemic, start a new enterprise and operate sustainably to help protect the planet.
And the best have just been named as the latest #FoodHeroScotchampions for their dedication to doing things differently, effecting positive change and promoting sustainability.
Nominated by the public, they include Edinburgh Food Social, Mossgiel Organic Farm in Ayrshire, Re:Store in Lossiemouth and Ethic Earth based in Fife.
Launched last year by Medialiciously and its partners, #FoodHeroScot is a visual story-telling campaign aimed at putting sustainability at the heart of Scotland’s recovering post-pandemic food and drink industry and creating a platform for the country’s hospitality businesses.
The non-profit campaign, which is supported by STV’s £1m Green Fund, awards its champions an in-kind support package, including marketing and PR, worth over £25,000 to highlight the sustainability efforts of the successful brands.
It includes ten powerful mini documentaries on businesses or social enterprises shared on the #FoodHeroScot website and spotlighted through a media campaign delivered by STV.
It is also supported by leading Scots business figures including: Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder; Nick Nairn, Owner of Nairns Ltd; Carina Contini, Director at Victor & Carina Contini; Karis Gill, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club andLoral Quinn, CEO of Sustainably.
Commenting on the latest #FoodHeroScot awards, Lee Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Medialiciously and key founder of #FoodHeroScot said: “It’s a real joy to see that there are so many inventive businesses determined to change the ways things are done and create a new, sustainable future.
“It’s never been more important to operate more ethically and responsibly and fantastic things are being achieved all over the country. Our latest winners illustrate how all sorts of businesses can contribute to the campaign.”
Edinburgh Food Socialis a social enterprise teaching young people and communities about local, seasonal food through hands-on cookery classes, workshops, school projects and community meals.
It focuses on improving the life chances of people facing poverty and their free meals are produced using food that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Kirsty Haigh, head of Edinburgh Food Social, said: “Winning this public vote is an honour for us but the truth is we never had any choice. We work in some of the communities who were worst hit by the pandemic and sitting back and letting people go hungry was never an option.
“We are determined to bring healthy, sustainable, delicious food to everyone who needs it in Edinburgh, and winning this award will help us continue to do that.”
Mossgiel Organic Farm, in Mauchline, Ayrshire, exists to be the sustainable choice in dairy and emblazons its vans with the motto: ‘Changing Dairy, for a sustainable future’
Bryce Cunningham from Mossgiel Organic Farm said: “We have an ambition to be net zero by December 2025 which we will be doing through the use of renewable technology, using organic grazing management for our cattle and, along with the farmers who supply us, regenerating our soils to sequestrate carbon into them.
“We have also been 100% single-use plastic free since January 2019 and we currently 50% of our delivery vehicles are 100% electric. Winning the support from this award will allow us to tell more people of our story, deliver more value to people in all areas of our supply chain whilst showing the world that Scottish Organic Dairy can be truly sustainable, natural and ethical.”
Re:Storein Lossiemouth is Moray’s zero wate refill shop, offering an alternative to supermarket shopping, and is owned by Alison Ruickbie.
Alison says: “I opened the shop as a result of not being able to find plastic/packaging free products locally. I carry out extensive research before stocking a product to ensure its sustainable and ethical.
“My suppliers and food producers all share my ethos and brand values. I use suppliers who operate a circular/loop system – when their 20 litre containers are empty, I send a pallet back to be refilled and reused. I believe there is no point in me saving a few 500ml bottles if I then must recycle a huge 20 litre one.
“No one individual can live a perfect zero waste life but if lots of people do a little bit toward reducing waste, we can make a huge difference together.”
Ethic Earth is a multi-cause ethical directory aimed at easily making available a wide range of ethical options to consumers who might otherwise invest in less ethical products, services or food. It also offers eco-conscious and humane companies globally the chance to showcase their businesses to the world.
Founder Mia Calder says: “We are a brand-new company and only launched in May 2021. I am currently funding the company out of my own pocket while working full-time and raising my daughter on my own.
“It is a very daunting task and I do not have the finances to market Ethic Earth to its full potential. Being seen and supported by established and respected platforms such as Food Hero Scot and its media partners will make a huge difference to let businesses and consumers alike become aware of what we are all about.”
To find out more about supporting the green recovery of the industry or for more details on how to nominate businesses in the food and drink sector, visit:
University works with Charles River Laboratories to develop short course
A new course launches at Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences on 24 January, offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to build key skills for a career in the expanding field of Advanced Therapies.
The five-day course has been developed by Edinburgh Napier, working closely with Charles River Laboratories.
It forms part of the UK’s Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network (ATSTN) and will teach Good Laboratory Practice – supplying participants with theoretical knowledge, including sterile manufacturing and the development and production of Advanced Therapies – and practical skills needed to enter the Advanced Therapies workforce.
These include cell culture and immunoassay techniques, and lab auditing, as well as learning about the quality and regulatory environment and Good Manufacturing Practice within an industrial setting.
ATSTN was launched in 2020 and operates through three centres, two in England and one in Scotland.
Edinburgh Napier is the only university in Scotland to be a member of ATSTN, and the School of Applied Sciences partners with RoslinCT, SULSA (the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance), the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, and Ayrshire College to deliver bespoke and highly targeted training to address the skills gaps identified in advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing.
Dr Claire Garden, Associate Professor in the School of Applied Sciences, said: “Advanced Therapies offer enormous potential and promise to protect our society from current and future diseases, but when the UK government conducted research with companies in 2019, 83% were concerned about their ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities because skills anticipated to be essential were – at that time – missing.
“With our industry skills focus and partnership with key employers, recognised in our recent reaccreditation by the Royal Society of Biology, we have the track record to bring this training to a wide audience.”
Geoff Burns, General Manager of Charles River Edinburgh, is delighted to be working on this targeted project. He said: “Charles River are very pleased to be partnering with Edinburgh Napier University to provide an Advanced Therapy skills training course as part of the Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network.
“We are dedicated to supporting students both during and after their time at university, and this course will help ensure the scientists of the future are well-equipped for a career in the emerging industries of advanced therapies and vaccine manufacturing.
“There is no doubt that many exciting breakthroughs are to be had in the future for the long-term management and even cure of disease.”
Nathan Barnett, programme coordinator at SULSA, added: “This course is an exciting addition to the Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network in Scotland. It will give industry insight into some of the careers available in the fast-growing advanced therapies sector and provide practical skills relevant to roles in the industry.”
The bespoke course is being launched at a vital moment for the Scottish Life Sciences Industry and provides a brilliant opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in a career in Advanced Therapies.
It runs from 24-29 January at Edinburgh Napier University’s Sighthill campus and at Charles River Laboratories’ state-of-the-art facilities. The course will run twice more in 2022.
New staff joining the social care workforce are to have entry costs paid by the Scottish Government until the end of March.
Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration will now be funded to help encourage more staff into the profession and address winter staffing pressures.
The scheme starts today and will include staff taking up direct care posts in adult social care, along with comparable roles in children’s social care services and the justice sector.
It has been introduced following discussions with COSLA and will cover local authority, private and third sectors.
Social care minister Kevin Stewart said: “Care workers have been absolutely critical to our pandemic response, giving vulnerable people the care they need and avoiding further pressure falling on the NHS.
“This trial aims to assist easing winter pressures in this sector by removing any financial barriers that may stop people from applying for a rewarding career in care.
“There are significant pressures in social care due to high vacancy levels and increased demand. I hope this support will encourage those considering joining this vital workforce to go ahead and do so.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners to identify all possible ways we can assist the social care sector to aid recruitment and retention within the workforce at this critical time.”
Basic PVG checks cost £59. SSSC registration costs between £15 and £80 depending on the role.
Volunteer Edinburgh are pleased to announce that we have a new run of our popular Core Skills in Volunteer Management course available now that is being delivered over February and March.
This remote learning course will take place over four weeks. It consists of two blocks which can be booked independently:
CSVM 1: Involvement and Recruitment (from 7 February until 18 February)
CSVM 2: Support, Supervision and Training (from 28 February until 11 March)
Each block has several activities including self-study (reading) and forum discussions all of which can be done at your own pace on the Volunteer Edinburgh Academy.
There is also a weekly 1.5 hour, facilitated Zoom session each week to enable you to connect with other learners, reflect on your practice and learning, and share discussions.
Nine out of ten stroke survivors in Scotland would warn their younger self to change their lifestyle, according to Stroke Association survey
Nine out of ten stroke survivors would go back in time and urge their younger self to make lifestyle changes which may have prevented their stroke, a new UK-wide survey by the Stroke Association has revealed.
More than four out of five people surveyed in Scotland, say they hadn’t realised that they were at risk of a stroke.
But nine out of ten had since made lifestyle changes. This is important to the two in five people who may go on to have a second stroke.
The charity has released the findings to mark Stroke Prevention Day, on Friday 14 January, and is urging everyone to make one small change to reduce their own risk of stroke.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability and the fourth biggest cause of death in the UK. While some strokes are unavoidable, up to nine out of ten are linked to lifestyle and could be preventable if people are aware of the risks and able to make changes.
Alexander Mackenzie, 61, from Edinburgh had his stroke in Feb 2020. He was told the stroke had almost definitely been caused by high blood pressure.
He said: “The stroke affected the right hand side of my body. I couldn’t use my hand at all – it just ‘froze’, I couldn’t walk and my speech was slurred. I wasn’t able to write either. My speech gradually returned to normal within three to four months. It took two months before I could walk, but my sense of balance is still affected.
“I knew high blood pressure was something that needed to be watched, but I never suspected it was what had most likely caused my stroke.
“My lifestyle could have been better. Looking back, I drank too much – nearly every night. It interfered with my energy levels and mood – it wasn’t good at all. And now, having gone through the shock of a stroke, I have given up drinking completely and it’s had a major impact on my health.
“I sleep properly and make better use of my time. I am more optimistic about the future and believe there are exciting opportunities ahead.
“I regret the amount I drank. My lifestyle was getting in the way of a good life and in a sense, my body ‘gave up’.
“I wouldn’t wish a stroke on anyone. It plays havoc with your life. Knowing what I do now, I wish I’d known just how important managing your blood pressure is and taking steps to reduce your risk of stroke.”
The leading change survivors would urge their younger self to make, would be to reduce stress levels with 49% saying they would have done this. Other changes stroke survivors would have made include:
Monitor blood pressure – 42%
Exercise more – 34%
Eat more healthily – 32%
Lose a set amount of weight (for example one stone or ten kilograms) – 32%
Stop smoking – 24%
Drink less alcohol – 21 %
Reduce salt intake – 20%
Monitor high cholesterol – 19%
As a first step, the Stroke Association wants people to make one small change to reduce their risk of stroke, starting on Stroke Prevention Day.
Examples include:
Having your blood pressure, cholesterol and pulse checked regularly
Stopping smoking
Having a number of alcohol-free days each week
Changing your diet to include less salt or switching to a reduced sodium alternative such as LoSalt®
Eating more fruit and vegetables
Getting up and moving regularly during the day, especially if you’re working from home
Joining an online exercise or activity group, or better still, taking on the charity’s Stride for Stroke challenge – one step for each of the 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK.
John Watson, Associate Director Scotland at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It can happen at any time and at any age and can be devastating.
“We know not all strokes are avoidable, but as many as nine out of ten strokes could be prevented as they are linked to things you can change or manage. Many people simply don’t realise they are at risk and that’s something that we as a charity desperately want to put right.
“The effects of a stroke can be life-changing for you and your family, so why not do all you can to avoid one yourself?
“However, we know that it isn’t always easy, so pick something that’s manageable for you. Aim to stick with it for an initial three months and, if you can do that, you’re more likely to form a regular habit.
“The good news from this research is that almost nine out of ten stroke survivors have already taken steps to reduce their risk of having another stroke.”
The charity’s campaign has been launched in partnership with LoSalt®.Almost a third of stroke survivors said they would exercise more and an ideal way to motivate yourself is to sign up for the Stride for Stroke challenge.
Find out about this and the other things you can do at www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-prevention-day. Money raised will help the charity’s work supporting stroke survivors and carers across the UK.
“The health service is in the middle of the biggest crisis it has ever faced“
The latest monthly Emergency Department (ED) performance figures published by NHS England for December 2021 show that four-hour performance at major Emergency Departments reached its lowest since records began at 61.2%, meaning nearly two in five patients were delayed by four-hours or more and nearly 1 in 4 admissions experienced a wait of at least four hours from the decision to admit them to admission.
The data also show the highest number of 12 hour waits ever recorded: 12,986 patients spent 12 hours or more from decision to admit to admission. This is a 22% increase on the previous month, November 2021, and it is 250% higher than December 2020.
Responding to the publication of NHS England quarterly and monthly performance figures, Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said:“The situation on the ground is extremely bleak. Staff are overwhelmed and burned out; it is increasingly challenging to provide timely and safe patient care.”
Latest Quarterly performance figures published by NHS England show that in 2021-2022 there were a total of 43,218 12-hour delays which is more than all the 12-hour delays over the previous ten years put together (39,608).
The data does not paint the full picture as NHS England record 12-hour waits from decision to admit. Our Winter Flow project, which started at the beginning of October 2021, has so far recorded 71,965 12-hour waits from time of arrival.
It is critical that NHS England commit to reporting 12-hour data from time of arrival and implement the Clinical Review of Standards.
Dr Henderson said:“The health service is in the middle of the biggest crisis it has ever faced, and staff are working harder than ever before with fewer staff and fewer beds.
“When the health service is overwhelmed, it does not cease to function, it is the standards and quality of care that fall. The figures published today show the extent to which these standards have fallen already.
“Performance metrics are intended to hold clinical services to account. They are meant to identify areas in which services are failing with the aim of improving them quickly and effectively.
“The consistent and continuous decline of urgent and emergency care performance, standards, patient experience and patient safety show how this intended function is now entirely lost. With each publication around performance, we commentate with shock and dismay at the latest decline, but our comments are, more often than not, met with inaction or short-term fixes. There needs to be acknowledgment that there is a major public health crisis in emergency care.
“It is the core ability and function of the health and social care service to deliver high-quality and effective care to the acutely ill or injured that is at risk.
“We must now see a vision for recovery and a vision for the health service that includes a vital transformation of the urgent and emergency care system. There must be a plan to implement a framework that is centred around patient care, that drives action and improvement.
“The current framework is simply documenting the health system’s failure to deliver a quality service, and the failure of this framework leaves urgent and emergency care in a performance vacuum.
“We need a decision about either a phased implementation of the findings of the Clinical Review of Standards or an honest discussion about how we performance manage urgent and emergency care differently.
“The current challenges facing the health and social care service are the result of years of stagnation and decline, they are made worse by, but are not just a consequence of, the pandemic. Recognising this is vital to any step towards transformation.
“It is time we saw bolder political willingness to engage on these critical issues. Without action, performance will continue to decline, and this would be a disservice to patients and staff.”
Budding garden designers are invited to tell stories in exciting competition
A nationwide competition has been launched by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful to find school pupils from across Scotland to participate in the seventh annual Pocket Garden Design Competition.
Following the huge success of the online showcase in 2021, when 38 design winners were displayed to allow a public vote, we are inviting children, from as young as three, to design a colourful and sustainable garden.
The best design entries will be selected, and entrants invited to build and grow their garden at school before photographing or filming it to be showcased as part of an online interactive garden which will allow everyone across Scotland to vote for their favourite from 8-19 June inclusive.
This year designs should interpret three interlinked themes: The Year of Stories, One Planet Picnic and Wildlife Gardening.
Stories are a vital part of culture and community from well-loved tales of family and friends to famous fictional characters: they all give a sense of place, history and belonging. There are fables, legends, folklore, news stories, novels, fairy stories, investigative journalism, and myths to draw inspiration from and this competition encourages young people to celebrate that through their designs.
Eve Keepax, Education and Learning Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful , said: “We’re really excited to be able to announce the opening of our Pocket Garden Design Competition for 2022.
“This competition over the years has inspired entries from across the country and we hope that in 2022 it gives educators and pupils a new focus that supports learning for sustainability, outdoor learning and the Curriculum for Excellence.
“What are the stories you and your pupils could tell through a garden design?”
Residents at an Edinburgh care home enjoyed a teddy bear takeover as they reminisced about childhood memories over a picnic.
Mansfield Care’s Belleville Lodge invited its residents to bring along their own teddy bears and soft toys for an afternoon of fun.
Along with the teddy takeover was an array of homemade cakes and tea as the residents discussed their favourite toys they, and their children, used to play with when they were younger.
While teddies were the most popular guests at the picnic, a toy dog and a knitted black cat called ‘Snuffles’ were also in attendance.
Belleville Lodge Matron, Margaret Russell, said: “There were lots of smiles and everyone enjoyed holding and touching the soft toys and passing them around for a cuddle.
“One of the highlights of the day that made everyone happy was to see all the teddies and soft toys lined up together for a portrait photo.
“We all joined in to sing along to “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic” and everyone, both staff and residents, agreed that we’d had a lovely afternoon.”
Operating 11 care homes across Edinburgh, the Borders and west of Scotland, Mansfield Care is designed to provide bespoke care to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.
Specialising in small, friendly residential care homes, staff work under an ethos that is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.
The highly trained staff ensure a commitment and continuity of care to each resident with a dedicated home manager and wellbeing coordinator to plan activities according to resident’s wishes.
A £4million funding package will help provide support to unpaid carers, in recognition of the enormous role they play in looking after loved ones, and the added pressure many have faced during the pandemic.
Over the next few weeks, the additional winter funding will allow organisations working with unpaid carers to expand the services they provide to all groups of adult and young carers, including those looking after disabled children and young people and those caring for a friend or relative with dementia.
To help reach as wide a range of carers as possible, the funds will be shared between organisations who are already working with different groups of carers:
£3million for local carer centres across Scotland to expand their vital support for adult and young carers
£200,000 to expand the Young Carers Package delivered by Young Scot to provide additional break opportunities, support and activities for young carers
£377,000 to expand Family Fund support with breaks for parents and families looking after disabled children and young people
£590,000 to expand wellbeing support and services for unpaid carers looking after a family member with Dementia, including grants for short breaks
Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart said: “Unpaid carers play a vital role in society and I know the pandemic has placed many additional pressures on Scotland’s carers.
“The Scottish Government has always been committed to improving carers’ rights and providing them with the support and extra help they deserve.
“The local services and third sector organisations that have been supporting carers during the pandemic have been exceptional. I am pleased to be able to announce this additional funding to allow them to continue their essential work.
“This support for carers comes on top of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, the first payment made by Social Security Scotland, which increased Carer’s Allowance for eligible Scottish carers by around 13% compared to carers in the rest of the UK.
“In addition to this uplift to Carer’s Allowance, we made extra Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments in June 2020 and in December 2021 to support eligible carers.”
