New research has revealed that basking sharks overwintering in tropical waters off Africa experience cooler temperatures than those remaining in the Uk and Ireland.
The research, published in Environmental Biology of Fishes, provides evidence to challenge previous assumptions that their disappearance from Irish coastal waters was linked to their search for warmer waters.
The research team equipped four basking sharks with pop-off archival satellite tags off Malin Head, County Donegal to record water temperature, depth and location over a six-month period.
Basking sharks are a regular visitor to Ireland’s shores in summer months. It has been widely believed that basking sharks prefer the warmer waters and that their seasonal disappearance is linked to falling water temperatures.
Through the tracking devices, the research team discovered that two of the sharks travelled vast distances to the subtropical and tropical waters off Africa whilst the others remained in Irish coastal waters throughout the winter.
The sharks off the coast of Africa experienced colder temperatures on a daily basis than the sharks that resided in Ireland, suggesting that they didn’t move south simply in search of warmer conditions.
The cooler temperatures experienced off Africa resulted from the sharks diving each day to depths of up to 600m, most likely in search of prey.
Dr Emmett Johnston, Lead Author from the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Our findings challenge the idea of temperature as the main reason for winter dispersal from Ireland.
“Likewise, further evidence of individual basking sharks occupying Irish coastal waters year-round has significant implications for national and European conservation efforts. Now we know that basking sharks are foraging at these depths, it shows that these habitats should be considered alongside coastal hotspots in future conservation efforts.”
Dr Jonathan Houghton, Co-author from Queen’s, added: “This study tempts us to think about basking sharks as an oceanic species that aggregates in coastal hotspots for several months of the year (most likely for reproduction), rather than a coastal species that reluctantly heads out into the ocean when decreasing water temperatures force them to.”
Co-author, Dr Paul Mensink from Western University, added: “Our findings highlight the need to understand the role of deep, offshore foraging habitats for a species so commonly sighted just a few metres from our shores.”
The international team will continue to monitor basking sharks as part of the EUSeaMonitor project to help inform and develop a collective conservation strategy for wide ranging species that have inhabited our waters for millennia.
– £15 feast includes starters, mains, two sides, a drink and dessert options from The Best range –
– Customers can feast on scallops and prawns, coq au vin, sirloin steak and white chocolate profiteroles –
– Full vegan option, including a luxury beef-less wellington available –
Morrisons has unveiled its The Best Dine in For Two Meal Deal where customers can get a three-course dining experience, including starters, mains, two sides, dessert and wine, for just £15.
Customers can save up to £18.50 (over 50%) when purchasing the offer, compared to buying the most expensive items separately.
Couples can kick things off with scallops and prawns or a camembert tear and share bread. Mains include a classic beef wellington with buttery pastry, extra trimmed British fillet of beef and duxelle, a British pork fillet wrapped in prosciutto or a rolled sole filled with smoked haddock, salmon and a mature cheddar and prosecco sauce. For sides, there’s chunky chips, carrots and kale or dauphinoise and desserts range from fresh vanilla cheesecake slices to indulgent raspberry and white chocolate profiteroles or boozy pink gin jelly shots.
A full vegan option is available which includes a mushroom pate, luxury beef-less wellington, two sides to choose from and two luxurious dessert options.
And to drink, there’s a selection of award-winning wines and fizz, including the award winning The Best Prosecco DOC Rosé (£7.50) or The Best Prosecco DOC (£7.49). Customers can also choose a soft drink if they prefer.
The experts at Good Housekeeping have also given the full Morrisons meal deal their seal of approval so customers can be confident they are buying the best quality this Valentine’s Day.
Andrew Nunns, Senior Buying Manager at Morrisons said;“Our Valentine’s Dine in Deal is always hotly anticipated by customers and this year our chefs have been working tirelessly to bring them new and delicious options.”
Morrisons The BestDine in for Two Valentine’s Meal Deal is available now online and in-store from Wednesday 9th February.
Rabbie’s Get Out & Help Out 20 per cent discount encourages winter travels and helps support destinations in UK and Ireland
Embrace the cooler months and make the most of the UK’s snowy landscapes on a Rabbie’s tour (www.rabbies.com) this winter. The award-winning small group tour specialist takes guests to gorgeous locations that may just be draped in a blanket of icy white snow, with guaranteed departures.
Over the last few years travel rules have made it difficult to explore during the winter months. To encourage snowy adventures, and to help support UK destinations, Rabbie’s are offering a 20 per cent discount on all UK and Ireland tours departing in February. The Get Out & Help Out is available using the GETOUT20 at www.rabbies.com.
While the rest of the country is huddling inside, pull on your trusty woolly hat and gloves, and give yourself something to look forward to with a trip exploring wide open spaces to experience the rugged British landscape at its most striking.
Guests on Rabbie’s tours are taken on their adventures in luxury 16-seater mini-coaches and enjoy the services and stories of friendly driver-guides. Catch breath-taking views out of the large windows and keep an eye out for winter wildlife and incredible scenery.
Winter tours to brighten your days include:
Windermere, Lancaster & the Lake District
Mountains of literature have been written about this corner of England and a visit during its winter months will show you why.
The stark beauty of the Lakes is truly revealed when snow rests on the peaks and clear blue skies spread out in front of you in all directions. Experience this region’s true serenity at winter during its quietest months.
Departing from Manchester, travel to the popular town of Bowness which sits proudly on the shores of Lake Windermere, take a cruise on the lake or enjoy a delicious coffee and cake in one of the town’s many coffee houses.
Travel towards the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead where cobbled lanes and mediaeval squares are waiting to be explored. Grasmere is next, a place described by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”.
The famous Grasmere gingerbread will warm you up before you enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden which sits next to the gentle River Rothy. On your way back to Manchester stop off in the city of Lancaster, where you can admire majestic medieval architecture and the spectacular castle that dominates the surrounding district.
Prices for this one-day tour start at £46 per adult based on a February 2022 departure.
The North Coast 500
This very special route, which snakes around the coast of northern Scotland, has become something of a phenomenon among those who value truly wonderful travel experiences.
This tour sets off from Inverness, and soon towering mountains and crystal-clear lochs give way to the shores of sandy beaches.
Leave wintery beaches behind and head north from Ullapool. If you can predict one thing about the Highlands in winter, it’s that the weather will remain unpredictable! Your driver-guide will choose the locations that best suit the climate, but expect historical delights such as the ruins of Ardvreck Castle or adventures into the deep at Smoo Cave, a hearty lunch in a Highland village is guaranteed no matter the weather!
Thurso is the most northerly town on the British mainline and where your third and final day of adventures begin. You’ll have the opportunity to explore old fishing villages and a view out to the wild North Sea at John O’Groats.
Warm up at a Highland Whisky distillery and enjoy beautiful coastal views as you travel to Dunrobin Castle before heading back to Inverness in the early evening. Prices for this tour start at £129 per adult based on tours departing in February 2022.
Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands
A magical place at the best of times, the land of lochs, peaks, and forests feels a little extra wild in winter.
Journey to the Cairngorms National Park, at this time of year wildlife such as mountain hair and Red Deer prowl its land. Take a brisk walk in the Caledonian forests or pay a visit to world-changing battlefields before warming back up during a visit to a Scottish distillery.
Your one night of accommodation is at Inverness, the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, which blends Victorian architecture with a lively modern culture.
On day two of your highland adventure, continue on to Loch Ness. Be sure to wrap up warm for your boat road and keep an eye out for movement below the icy surface!
The Great Glen, a humongous fault line carved through the Scottish landscape, guides your tour south towards Ben Nevis, which is bound to be dusted in white snow. The return journey continues over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor before returning to Edinburgh.
Prices for this two-day tour start at £95 per adult departing in February 2022.
A new £1 million fund has been established to support projects which look after the wellbeing of staff working in social care.
The Workforce Wellbeing Fund for Adult Social Work and Social Care will be managed by Inspiring Scotland and provide grants of up to £10,000 until December 2022.
Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart said: “Everyone working across social work and social care has shown an invaluable commitment to delivering a first class service and compassionate care through the most difficult of times.
“This fund is about giving staff anything which makes them feel better and supports their resilience. Applications can be as creative as possible, as long as they focus on our most valuable asset, our people.
“Grants could be given for activities or to purchase equipment that will improve the wellbeing of the workforce. Ask your staff what they most want or need, and please take advantage of this fund to help them get it.
“Workforce wellbeing must remain a priority as we continue to move through this pandemic and recovery. We will overcome the challenges ahead if we look after our people.”
Head of Funds at Inspiring Scotland Kaylie Allen said: “We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government on this programme. The importance of the people providing frontline care and the challenges they have faced delivering the most essential services over the last 18 months cannot be overstated.
“This fund will provide a flexible and easy way for adult social care and social work staff to access support for their own wellbeing.”
The Scottish Government has made £12 million available to support the wellbeing of the health and social care workforce. This new fund, which is open to applications until 29 July 2022, will ensure £1 million of targeted support towards the wellbeing of staff in the social work and social care sector, which faces unique challenges in accessing available funding since it consists of a mix of local authority, private and voluntary sector provision.
A university graduate from Edinburgh is finally putting his degree to good use after securing a role as an electrical engineer within the renewable energy sector.
Justin Okumu, 35, had previously struggled to find a role within his chosen field before being accepted for the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) graduate training scheme, which he credits with helping him secure his ideal role.
Now, Justin hopes to encourage future graduates to apply for the scheme, which is run through the NMIS Manufacturing Skills Academy and has reopened applications for placements in 2022.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s £20m National Transition Training Fund, NMIS graduate training aims to bridge skills gaps in advanced manufacturing and support those struggling to find work as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic.
This was exactly the case for Justin, who graduated in October 2020 with a degree in Energy and Sustainability from The Open University. Despite his qualifications, Justin found himself unable to find work in his specialised field – instead spending eight months working within hospitality.
After several unsuccessful applications, Justin became aware of NMIS, which is operated by the University of Strathclyde. Following a successful interview for its graduate training scheme, he was awarded a fully-paid six month placement with Renewable Parts in Lochgilphead.
The role allowed Justin to gain the necessary skills and build confidence in his abilities, while working in his desired sector. And, thanks to Justin’s hard work and dedication, Renewable Parts has offered him a permanent role as electrical engineer in the refurbishment centre.
Justin said:“Graduating during the pandemic was a nightmare. Working full-time in my hospitality role, I’d spend most days thinking about job applications, then most evenings completing and sending them off – it was exhausting and demoralising.
“But the NMIS graduate training scheme was a lifeline, and I couldn’t have been placed with a better company. It provided me with the opportunity to put all my learning and skills to good use and build confidence in my own abilities.
“I’d definitely encourage anyone graduating into manufacturing or engineering to apply for the scheme.”
Renewable Parts Ltd is a leading supply chain and refurbishment partner in the renewable energy industry with an operational centre in Renfrew and a refurbishment centre in Lochgilphead.
Working with wind energy providers and industry manufacturers, it offers a range of services including technical support, refurbishment and supply of parts.
Michael Forbes, General Manager of Refurbishment Engineering at Renewable Parts, said: “We were delighted to work with NMIS on the graduate training scheme, and with the high standard of applications. The business is growing, and the scheme allowed us to recruit for positions where otherwise we may have held off until a little later.
“The placement was almost like a 6-month interview, allowing us to see how the graduates integrated with the existing workforce, and in Justin’s case it became clear early on that he was a very good fit for the business.”
73.7% of attendances were seen and resulted in subsequent admission, transfer or discharge within four hours
There were 97,644 attendances, a 6% decrease when compared to the previous month, November 2021
More than one in four patients were delayed by four hours or more
5,342 patients were delayed by eight hours or more, equal to 5.5% of all attendances
1,605 patients were delayed by 12 hours or more
Responding to these figures, Dr John Thomson, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland, said:“With fewer attendances performance has plateaued but be in no doubt that the health service and its staff in Scotland remain under unprecedented pressure and increasing burnout.
“One in four patients face delays over four hours, while both eight- and 12-hour waits are still at record high levels not seen before 2021. What is deeply concerning is the pattern and the potential for these long waiting times to become the status quo in perpetuity.
“The impact of this continued poor performance is distress and moral injury to staff and serious discomfort and risk to the safety of patients. This must be an urgent signal and call to action for system change. We have long called on the government to open 1,000 more beds in the system in Scotland, and to commit to publishing a long-term workforce plan. While there remains an urgent need to address the social care crisis to help patients be discharged from hospital in a timely way.
“Quite simply things cannot continue as they are, more patients will come to harm and staff will face increasing distress at the quality of care they are or, more significantly, aren’t able to provide. The government must recognise the severity of the situation and the risk that continued poor performance, long waiting times, patient harm, and sinking quality of care will continue to spiral.”
This course will focus on learning to safely carve with wood carving knives to make a range of simple useful and decorative items from twigs and small pieces of wood.
Projects may include chop sticks, butter knives, spoons, flowers, animals, birds, etc. Other tools and projects may include shrink pots, coat hooks, small bowls, brooms. It takes place outdoors.
This is a 6 week course on Tuesdays from 1am – 12 noon, starting from 22nd February.
We will use the Salisbury Centre Garden as a base to explore various elements of permaculture and garden design. Ideally there will be some practical sessions in the course as well as theoretical. Students can decide if they want to make bird boxes or other projects.
This is a 6 week course on Mondays from 1pm – 3pm starting from 21st February.
This is a fun, informative 6 week course working with wood and developing basic DIY skills, for home improvement or for making frames or other personal wood based projects.
Learn to use carpentry tools, drills, sanding machinery as well as how best to upcycle furniture and optimum ways to paint. Everyone welcome – complete beginners who want to learn about safety and simple DIY and also more advanced DIY enthusiasts who would appreciate some tips and techniques.
This is a 6 week course on Mondays from 10am – 12 noon starting from 21st February. Enrol on www.joininedinburgh.org at least a week before (14th February) to secure a place.
The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) represents Scotland’s young people.
Democratically elected members listen to and recognise the issues that are most important to young people, ensuring that their voices are heard by decision-makers. All young people aged between 14 and 25 years old can stand for election to the SYP.
Following on from last year’s successful SYP elections in Edinburgh, one seat remains unfilled in Northern and Leith. SYP rules state that the vacancy should be filled.
Where a seat is vacant, it can be filled through existing youth structures.
We are therefore asking young people involved in pupil/student councils or other youth structures such as participation groups in youth work agencies if they are interested in becoming a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Northern and Leith.
Interested young people must live, study (i.e. go to school or college) or work in the constituency.
It remains the Scottish Government’s ‘firm intention’ to hold National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams this Spring, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville restated yesterday.
Taking into consideration ongoing disruption within schools, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has decided to invoke its Scenario 2 contingency and will provide revision support in early March to aid learners in preparing for their exams.
It complements the significant modifications SQA has already made to reduce the volume of assessment and ease the workload of learners, teachers and lecturers.
SQA also announced a series of measures that will support delivery of the qualifications this year and that acknowledge the disruption caused by the pandemic:
exceptional circumstances back-up for learners who are unable to attend their exam or exams due to illness or bereavement
grading exams this year will look to factor in the impact of the pandemic on learners
once the results have been published, learners will have free direct access to appeal
Ms Somerville also confirmed that £4 million will be used to support schools and colleges provide targeted exam preparation sessions for learners who need it most over the Easter break.
In a statement delivered in the Scottish Parliament, the Education Secretary said: “It remains my firm intention that exams will take place as planned – they will only be cancelled if public health advice says it isn’t safe.
“While the number of full and partial school closures has been small, it is clear that many secondary schools have experienced extreme disruption as a result of the Omicron variant – particularly in the first half of January – in relation to both student and teacher absences.
“This package of measures is designed to ensure our learners are fully supported in their learning and preparations for the exams this year.”
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has confirmed that a package of support services – including some further help with exam revision – will be available for learners who are taking National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses in 2022.
It is still the clear intention for SQA exams to take place during April to June.
The additional support being announced today follows the significant modifications already made to course assessments at the start of the school year to help reduce the volume of assessment and ease the workload of learners, teachers and lecturers, whilst maintaining the credibility and integrity of the qualifications.
SQA has been closely monitoring the levels of disruption to learning and teaching across the country, including learner and staff absences.
Following discussion with partners across the education system, and agreement by the SQA Board of Management, SQA is now moving to ‘Scenario 2’. This means that some revision support will be published for learners during week beginning 7 March to help them with their revision in the final run up to their exams.
SQA will provide revision support for all courses that have an exam. This will be tailored to reflect different types of question papers, any modifications to the question papers that are already in place, and the type and volume of content that is assessed in each question paper.
Fiona Robertson, SQA Chief Executive and Scotland’s Chief Examiner, said: “I fully understand that there remains significant disruption to learning and teaching caused by the pandemic.
“Teachers and lecturers across the country are working exceptionally hard to ensure learners receive all the support they need. I am also aware that learners may be feeling apprehensive or anxious about sitting formal exams for the first time this year.
“The substantial package of additional support SQA is announcing today is the fairest and best way we can help support all learners to demonstrate their level of knowledge, understanding and skills for each course, while also maintaining the integrity, credibility and standard of the qualifications.
“With the support of the education system, we will continue to do all we can to deliver for Scotland’s learners this year.”
🟢Exam 2022 message for learners🟢
National 5, Higher & Advanced Higher exams are due to take place this year.
Due to the levels of disruption to your learning, we will provide support to help you prepare & focus your revision. We will publish support week beginning 07 March. pic.twitter.com/aRPyroZJ7I
Jim Thewliss, General Secretary of School Leaders Scotland, said: “Given the significant disruption to learning and teaching as a consequence of staff and pupil absence, and the resultant level of anxiety which young people are experiencing in the lead up to National examinations, it is important that as comprehensive support as is possible to provide is made available to them.
“This wide-ranging support package will go a long way to enabling exam candidates to better demonstrate the true level of their knowledge and skills.”
Stewart Nicolson, from the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland said: “Given the level of disruption, it’s important that additional support has been identified for learners taking National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams this year.”
The other support services now available to learners are:
Exam exceptional circumstances service (available while exams are taking place)
This service is available for learners who are unable to attend an exam due to a reason beyond their control, such as a medical condition (including Covid-19 related absence) or bereavement, or who are affected by disruption on the day of the exam as reported by the Chief Invigilator.
The exam exceptional circumstances service will involve SQA appointees – practising teachers and lecturers – reviewing alternative assessment evidence that learners have completed through the year. Schools, colleges and training providers will need to send the evidence to SQA. This evidence will be judged against the national standard.
Grading (takes place once exams have been sat and marked)
In recognition of the disruption that learners have faced over the last two years, and the different approaches to assessment, this year we are prepared to be more generous in our approach to grading than in a normal year to factor in the impact of the pandemic on learners. In line with the approach being taken across the rest of the UK, SQA therefore expects that the overall outcomes in 2022 will represent an intermediary position between 2021 and pre-pandemic years.
SQA’s approach to grading the exams in 2022 will be based on its established awarding processes. Using ‘grade boundaries’ – the marks needed to achieve an A, B or C grade in each course – SQA will check that each assessment was set at the right standard or level of difficulty, making sure learners are treated fairly and that their grades accurately reflect what they know and can do.
During the grade boundary setting process, SQA appointees – practising teachers and lecturers who are subject experts in each course – will determine the 2022 grade boundaries by looking at all the available assessment evidence and course information, including the impact disruption has had on how learners have performed in the assessments.
This process also maintains the integrity and credibility of the qualifications and ensures learners are awarded the results they deserve. This is of vital interest to all those who hold qualifications now, for those who will achieve them in the future and for further and higher education establishments and employers.
Appeals service 2022 (after results have been published)
All parts of the Scottish education system agree that, as in any year, it is important that there is an appeals process available for learners who want to question their SQA results. In 2022, all learners will continue to have free direct access to the appeals service and a priority service will also be available for those applying to university, college, training or employment.
This year’s appeals service will involve SQA appointees – practising teachers and lecturers – who will review alternative assessment evidence that learners have completed through the year. This will be the same evidence as that used for an exam exceptional circumstances request, which will be judged against the same national standard for that course. SQA will also conduct a clerical check on the exam script. Schools, colleges and training providers will need to send the alternative assessment evidence to SQA.
Learners’ grades through the appeals process will be based upon the higher grade of the two types of evidence.
More information, including criteria for using the exam exceptional circumstances and appeals services, will be published over the coming weeks.
These measures have been developed in close consultation with members of the National Qualifications Group, including the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES); Colleges Scotland; Education Scotland; Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS); National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS); School Leaders Scotland (SLS); Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS); Scottish Government; Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA); Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP).
