Morrisons marks International Women’s Day by celebrating local women and donating to local community groups across the UK

Morrisons is marking International Women’s Day 2022 with a host of activity aimed at supporting women including donations of sanitary products, celebrations of local women and a relaunch of our ‘Package for Sandy’ initiative which addresses period poverty.

In addition to activities in our stores, sites and surrounding communities, we are also supporting The Prince’s Trust with its #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign as well as celebrating women in our business.

Until March 9th, for every Morrisons or TOTM sanitary protection product a customer buys, Morrisons will donate another pack to a local food bank or community group to help tackle the issue of period poverty. The products included in the campaign include tampons, towels, panty liners and menstrual cups.

To further support the cause, we are also reminding customers of our ‘Package for Sandy’ initiative where customers in need can go to any Morrisons customer service desk and ask for a package for ‘Sandy’ or a ‘period product pack’. The customer will then be given a free discreet envelope with sanitary products and no questions asked. The package is made up of a brown paper bag with two single sanitary towels.

Throughout March, the Community Champions in all of our 497 stores will be recognising and celebrating local women in the community who go above and beyond every day to help make a difference.

Rebecca Singleton, Community Director at Morrisons, said: “International Women’s Day is a key moment in the Morrisons calendar and throughout March we are planning a host of initiatives and events to help celebrate it.

“We hope this will help to tackle the issue of period poverty, recognising the outstanding achievements of the women in the communities that we support and thanking and celebrating women in our stores and sites across the country.”

Our colleagues are also attending and speaking at events held by The Prince’s Trust as part of its #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign.

Customers can find their local store at: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/

Sanitary protection products included in the ‘You buy one, we give one’ promotion:

ProductPrice 
M ULTRA TOWEL NIGHT TIME WINGS 10’S£0.65 
M ULTRA TOWEL SUPER WINGS 12’S£0.65 
MORRISONS 10 SUSTAINABLE NIGHT TOWEL X12£2.50
MORRISONS 14 SUSTAINABLE DAY TOWEL X12£2.50
MORRISONS 20 SUSTAINABLE TAMPONS X12£2.50
MORRISONS 32 SUSTAINABLE PANT LINERS X6£2.00
MORRISONS APPLICATOR TAMPONS 20’S£0.95
MORRISONS APPLICATOR TAMPONS REGULAR 20’S£0.95
MORRISONS COMFORT LINERS 20 LONG£1.55
MORRISONS COMFORT LINERS 24S£1.55
MORRISONS COMFORT PADS EXTRA 10’S£1.55
MORRISONS COMFORT PADS EXTRA PLUS 8’S£1.55
MORRISONS COMFORT PADS NORMAL 12’S£1.55
MORRISONS FOLD & WRAP PANTY LINERS 20’S£0.95
MORRISONS INCONTINENCE PADS 10 MALE£3.00
MORRISONS LARGE PANTY LINERS 28’S£0.95
MORRISONS MAXI DAYTIME TOWELS 24S£0.85
MORRISONS MAXI NIGHT COMFORT PADS 6PK£1.55
MORRISONS MAXI TOWELS NIGHT TIME 12’S£0.85
MORRISONS NON APPLICATOR TAMPONS REGULAR 16’S£0.75
MORRISONS NON APPLICATOR TAMPONS SUPER 16’S£0.75
MORRISONS NON APPLICATOR TAMPONS SUPER PLUS 16’S£0.75
MORRISONS NORMAL PANTY LINERS 30’S£0.95
MORRISONS PANTY LINERS 22 EXTRA LONG£0.95
MORRISONS PROTECTIVE UNDERWEAR LARGE 10’S£6.00
MORRISONS PROTECTIVE UNDERWEAR MEDIUM 12’S£6.00
MORRISONS SAVERS 10 MAXI TOWELS£0.40
MORRISONS SAVERS 12 INCONTINENCE PADS£1.35
MORRISONS SAVERS 30 PANTY LINERS£0.40
MORRISONS SUPER PANTS 12 LARGE£8.00
MORRISONS SUPER PANTS 12 MEDIUM£8.00
MORRISONS ULTRA TOWEL REGULAR WINGS 14’S£0.65
MORRISONS ULTRA TOWELS 9 CONFIDENT NIGHT£0.65
MORRISONS ULTRA TOWELS REGULAR 16’S£0.65
TOTM ORGANIC COTTON APPLICATOR TAMPONS REGULAR 16s£3.20
TOTM ORGANIC COTTON APPLICATOR TAMPONS SUPER 14s£3.20
TOTM ORGANIC COTTON MEDIUM FLOW PADS 10s£3.30
TOTM ORGANIC COTTON SUPER FLOW PADS 10s£3.30
TOTM REUSABLE MENSTRUAL CUP SIZE 2£18.00

More Than a Muse: Edinburgh exhibition launching on International Women’s Day

·         More Than a Muse launches on Tue 8 March (International Women’s Day) at The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Exhibition Space in Edinburgh. Launch is free but ticketed.

·         Eight contemporary artists will showcase new work that highlights women from art history who have been eclipsed by the title of ‘The Muse’

·         The exhibition will run from Tue 8 March – Sun 10 April and is free entry.

More than a Muse, a new exhibition launching tomorrow, Tue 8 March (International Women’s Day) at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh will celebrate the lesser-known narratives of women from art history whilst simultaneously showcasing new work from current women artists.

Eight contemporary artists will showcase new work in celebration of women from art history who have been eclipsed by their title of ‘The Muse’. Artists whose stories deserve to be told and who deserve to have their work celebrated. Who didn’t just inspire great art, but also created it, yet are rarely seen as a creative force in their own right. Not just a face on another artist’s canvas, they are more than that, more than a muse.

This exhibition is an opportunity to tell and reclaim these lesser-known narratives and will spotlight the lives of women such as Stella Cartwright known as ‘The Muse of Rose Street’. Stella was the lover and muse of many Scottish poets including George Mackay Brown. Although her poetry was unpublished, she was an artist and poet in her own right. Stella’s life will be reimagined in a monologue by playwright and performer, Jo Clifford.

Dora Maar was a French photographer, painter, and poet. She is often referred to as lover and muse of Pablo Picasso and is depicted in several of Picasso’s paintings. She was a rising star in the surrealist circle of the 1930s and a great commercial and fashion photographer, but under Picasso’s influence she gave up photography and withdrew from the art scene altogether.

By some accounts, the beginning of Dora Maar’s relationship with Pablo Picasso marked the end of her own artistic career. It wasn’t until her death in 1997 that art historians were finally able to examine Maar’s masterful body of work in full. Maar’s work will be creatively interpreted by photographer, Monchromemaud.

Kitty Garman was muse to Lucian Freud but was an artist in her own right. Their five-year relationship was turbulent and became increasingly unstable due to Freud’s alleged infidelities and womanising, which took their toll on Garman’s health. Her life will be celebrated in a new series of acrylics by artist Harry Mould.

Others in the series are as follows:

The MuseBackstoryContemporary Artist and art form
Stella (‘Muse of Rose Street’) CartwrightCartwright was a Scottish muse and lover to a number of Scottish poets including George Mackay Brown. She was a poet and painter in her own right.Jo Clifford, poetry
Dora MaarMaar was muse to Picasso but was a photographer and painter in her own right.Monochromemaud, Photography
Kitty GarmanGarman was muse to Lucian Freud but was an artist in her own right.Harry Mould, acrylic and oil
Julia WarholaMuse and mother of Andy Warhol but was an artist in her own rightEmma Macleod, sculpture
Lee MillerMuse to Man Ray but was a photographer in her own rightMaria Poyato, sculpture
Elizabeth SiddalPre-Raphaelite muse but poet and artist in her own right.Geraldine Brennan, illustration
Hannah HöchMuse to Raul Haussman but artist and photomontagist in her own right.Lada Wilson,Photomontage
Georgia O’KeeffeMuse to Alfred Stieglitz, celebrated artist in her own rightMisia-O, photography

The launch is supported by a performance organised by the Scottish Storytelling Forum. Performance poet Imogen Stirling will share spoken word poetry whilst storyteller, Ailsa Dixon will tell inspirational tales of women from folklore to celebrate International Women’s Day and to mark the exhibition launch.

More Than A Muse will be displayed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre from Tue 8 Mar – Sun 10 April. No tickets required. (Please note in March 2022 the Centre is closed on Wednesdays).

Tickets for the launch on Tue 8 March are free or by donation and can be found on the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s website. https://www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com/ 0131 556 9579

Ends

Top Trumps: Celebrate Great Women on International Womens Day

Top Trumps have rounded up 30 of the most powerful, successful and influential figures in the world to celebrate International Women’s Day (8th March 2022)

Top Trumps has been an iconic card game for almost 50 years and over this time has launched hundreds of titles across the world in many different languages. From cars to football and Star Wars to Harry Potter and now Great Women.

Great Women Top Trumps features 30 Great Women over time. From politicians to scientists and Hollywood icons, you’ll be amazed and inspired by everything these women have accomplished.

Learn about some of the most brilliant and daring women from throughout history including Marie Currie, Harriet Tubman and Katherine Johnson, as well as contemporary icons like Greta Thunberg and J.K. Rowling.

The categories on the cards include, Year of Birth, Fame, Impact and Courage. Each card includes a biog about the person, explaining exactly why these famous faces will be remembered forever.

Explore some of the defining moments from the worlds of science, music, fashion, politics, mathematics and more.

What’s On at National Museums of Scotland: Exhibitions and Events

EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS 

National Museum of Scotland   
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF  
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Audubon’s Birds of America 
Until 8 May 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed, £0-£10 
 
This exhibition examines the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.   

Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work that achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.   

Audubon’s Birds of America showcases 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 
 
Book now nms.ac.uk/BirdsofAmerica 

LAST CHANCE TO SEE Scotland’s Climate Challenge 

Until 27 Mar 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 
Free  

This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ClimateChallenge
 

The Typewriter Revolution 
Until 11 Sep 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free entry 

The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons. 

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.

Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters 
 

Inspiring Walter Scott 

Until 8 Jan 2023 
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 
Free entry 
 
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.  
 
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/walterscottexhibition 
 

*NEW* Book of Hours 

31 Mar – 3 Aug 2022 
Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) 
Free  

Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.  

Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.

The book will be exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book will be revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allow you to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail. 
 
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 
1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed 

Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.  

This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century. 

Supported by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/Anatomy 

 
EVENTS

National Museum of Scotland  
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Open 10:00–17:00 daily  

Spotlight On: Audubon’s Birds of America 
8 Mar 2022 
14:00-15:00 
Auditorium, Level 1, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Free, advance booking required.  
Suitable for those aged 12 and over. 

Join exhibition Curator Mark Glancy and Paper Conservator Lisa Cumming as they discuss how our upcoming exhibition Audubon’s Birds of America took flight.   
Discover how Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books, was made, and learn about the ongoing conservation work to preserve these life-size, hand-coloured prints for future generations.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

Relaxed Opening Hour  
27 Mar 2022  
10:00-11:00  
Free entry  
 
These monthly Relaxed Opening Hours are for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.  
  
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.    

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. The Relaxed Opening Hour includes access to the entirety of the museum currently open to the public. At 11:00 sound will be switched back on, but visitors to this session are welcome to remain in the museum for as long as they like.   
 
Find out more at nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

*NEW*  Edinburgh Science Festival 2022 

9 Apr – 24 Apr 2022 
10:00 – 17:00 

Two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks.  

The Grand Gallery will be home to DataSphere, a multi-media exploration of the information driving our world. Elsewhere in the museum gets hands-on with amazing drop-in experiments from the University of Edinburgh, and children’s workshops exploring everything from Creative Coding to Disease Detectives.

Adults can enjoy a series of fascinating talks and debates on topics from climatology and the philosophy of science to death, folklore and the cities of the future. Speakers include A.C. Grayling, Jim Al-Khalili, Alice Bell and Mary Roach. And join DataSphere After Dark, with bars, a DJ and exclusive activities just for grown-ups. 

Take the chance to have as much fun as the kids as you send, swipe and scroll through the data that drives our world. 

To book or find out more, visit the Edinburgh Science Festival website. 

 
National Museum of Flight  
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF  
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00 
 
*NEW* National Lottery Open Week 

26 Mar – 27 Mar 2022 
10:00 – 16:00 
Free entry on presentation of National Lottery ticket (T&Cs apply) 
 
On 26 and 27 March, the National Museum of Flight is taking part in the National Lottery Open Week.   

As a recipient of National Lottery funding, we are inviting players to the museum for free for the weekend, to say thank you for their support. Please book a timed entry ticket online for every member of your group in advance of your visit. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 


ONLINE 

*NEW* Museum Socials: Audubon’s Birds of America 

18 Mar 2022 
11:00–12:00 
Online 
Free 
 
Museum Socials are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. The monthly events create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued. They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the museum, as well as people who have always loved visiting.  

In March, join exhibition curator Mark Glancy to learn about the making of Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books. 

Book nms.ac.uk/MuseumSocials 

The Joy of Birds 

31 Mar 2022 
19:30-20:30 
Online 
Free, with optional donation 

Join David Lindo and Paul Walton for an online discussion celebrating the joy that birds bring us, the urgent threats they face, and the science and conservation work protecting them.  

David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, is a wildlife broadcaster, nature writer and urban wildlife educationalist. He is Vice-President of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Honorary President of the Colombia Bird Fair, and was voted 7th most influential person in wildlife by BBC Wildlife Magazine. 

Paul Walton is Head of Habitats and Species for RSPB Scotland

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Book Now nms.ac.uk/JoyofBirds 

 
Follow us on Twitter…twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot 

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland 

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/ 

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789 

HELP! Community Councils umbrella body funding appeal

Edinburgh Association of Community Councils appeals to members for financial support

The Edinburgh Association of Community Councils (EACC) is making a one-time appeal for funds.

Like community councils, we need to pay for a website, video-conferencing and meeting facilities, and help with documenting meetings etc. 

Unlike community councils, we are not receiving financial support from either the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) or the Edinburgh Partnership, the higher level body to which both CEC and EACC belong.

Why is this? Community councils are statutory bodies and EACC is officially recognised by CEC as representing them in Edinburgh. Until a few years ago, EACC were getting a grant, similar to those given to individual community councils. This was authorised by Edinburgh Partnership, but paid by CEC from its community services budget. 

Paul Lawrence, CEC Director of Place, has told us that funding hasn’t been provided to EACC since 2017-8. Inevitably there are conflicting explanations of why. We asked Paula McLeay, CEC Head of Policy and Insight, if the grant could be reinstated, but the answer was no. 

EACC is unique among Edinburgh Partnership members in being totally voluntary and unfunded. This is unsustainable and we will continue to negotiate for the grant to be restored. 

In the meantime we have no money, so we are launching this appeal for funds from Edinburgh’s community councils. (As a guide we are hoping to raise about £500 to maintain basic services.)

If you are willing to support EACC, we would be very grateful if you could send us funds by bank transfer:

Account number              30120430
Sort code                         82 68 00
Account name                  Edinburgh Association of Community Councils

Or, by cheque, by post to:

Mrs J Wightman
17 Bonnington
Kirknewton
Midlothian
EH27 8BB

Simon Holledge, Secretary
Judy Wightman, Treasurer

Search on for top green businesses as entries open for VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards

Entries are now open for VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, and companies across Scotland of all sizes with a green ethos that have demonstrated significant business benefits from good environmental practice are being encouraged to enter.

The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

This year’s award categories include: Leadership Scotland, Innovating Scotland, Product Scotland, Service Scotland, Hydro Nation Scotland, Circular Scotland, Moving Scotland, Adapting Scotland, Engaging Scotland, Partnership Scotland, Small Business Scotland.

Businesses in Scotland have already felt the impact of the risks associated with climate change, and food producers and whisky distillers were faced with water scarcity last summer furthering the drive for positive and radical environmental action.

Organisations are being encouraged to follow the example of firms such as Vegware and Paterson Arran Ltd. who have shown that environmental best practice can also bring economic benefits including financial savings, an engaged workforce, positive working culture and improved competitiveness as well as contributing towards a better economy and society as a whole.

Since its inception in 1999, the VIBES Scottish Business Awards, have recognised and rewarded businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources.

This has included everything from increasing recycling and facilitating active travel to reducing consumption of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach.

Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “Scotland is a leader in climate change action and successful businesses recognise the economic benefit from driving environmental innovation and best practice. 

“Every business in the country has a role to play in leading Scotland to Net Zero. The VIBES awards recognise those businesses that are developing sustainable solutions and helping to achieve net zero of all greenhouse gases by 2045. 

“We are looking for entries from businesses who are taking the lead in the transition to a net zero emissions economy through innovation, partnerships, circular economy, adaptation and a commitment to making the environment a key factor in decision making.

“These creative and pioneering organisations will be those who champion best practice and create sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition, making a positive environmental impact protecting our plant for future generations.”

Finalists will be announced in June.

To obtain an application form please contact vibes@sepa.org.uk.

Businesses have until 5pm on 29 April 2022 to submit their free application.

For more informant on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, please visit www.vibes.org.uk.

European Movement in Scotland: UK Government must drop its restrictive migration policy

Scotland’s premier pro-European campaign is urging the UK government to follow the lead of the EU and allow Ukrainian refugees from Russia’s horrendous war to settle here for up to three years without being forced to apply for asylum.

With more than one million Ukrainians forced to flee their country, the EU has said it will offer “temporary protection” for 36 months – a decision hailed by UNHCR as “unprecedented”.

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) says today the UK Government must drop its restrictive migration policy and allow thousands of vulnerable Ukrainians fleeing the most savage war in Europe for over 75 years to live and work here.

EMiS also calls upon the five main political parties represented in Holyrood to endorse this stance and put pressure on the UK Government to join forces with the EU-27 in welcoming Ukrainian refugees on the scale required.

Mark Lazarowicz, EMiS vice-chair, said: “This is no time for a self-styled world leading country to impose cruel barriers to Ukrainian refugees seeking protection in our own country as in other European nations. We urge Home Secretary Priti Patel to change course and show generous compassion.”

Who wants seconds?

Scottish chefs serve up food waste-busting recipes in Zero Waste Scotland talent competition

  • Search to find Scotland’s best dish made from commonly-wasted foods launched to mark Food Waste Action Week (7-13 March)
  • Competition comes as 24% of food and drink businesses in Scotland recognise food waste as a significant contributor to climate change
  • Cooks across the country, from hotels and restaurants to colleges and community groups, encouraged to take part
  • BBC MasterChef winner Gary Maclean among culinary experts judging entrants

A survey, released today, shows just 24 per cent of food and drink businesses in Scotland think food waste is a significant contributor to climate change1. That’s despite Scotland, as a whole, wasting 988,000 tonnes of food and drink every year2.

In response, Zero Waste Scotland has launched a nationwide challenge to crown Scotland’s culinary champion of food waste – a single professional or business whose recipe can turn what could have gone to waste into delectable treasure.

The search for Scotland’s best waste-less scran was launched at the beginning of Food Waste Action Week (7 – 13 March). It will see cooks across Scotland enter their best recipes that primarily feature ingredients commonly wasted in kitchens, such as bread, or use up the parts of food items that people don’t usually eat, for example, broccoli stalks.

Food Waste Action Week is an annual campaign led by Love Food Hate Waste and WRAP to raise awareness of the devastating impact that food waste has on the planet.

The competition to find the most delicious way to tackle food waste will see Zero Waste Scotland challenge food and drink professionals to rustle up their best no-or-low waste recipes: from chefs in top restaurants, to Scotland’s hospitals and schools; and food manufacturers, right through to cooks in community groups.

The winner will be selected from a list of entrants who have met the criteria of simplicity, taste, time, ingredient use, and ingenuity.

BBC MasterChef champion and Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean, will be lending his culinary expertise as part of the judging panel. This will be the latest partnership between Maclean and Zero Waste Scotland following their collaborative campaign to raise awareness of food waste during the festive season.

The competition’s top chef will then win a bespoke prize package from Zero Waste Scotland. This will include hands-on support to further reduce food waste and become more resource efficient, as well as promotion of their environmental initiatives.

To compete, entrants should visit the dedicated competition page on the Zero Waste Scotland website to download a submission template which can then be sent to food.drink@zerowastescotland.org.uk. Entrants must check the full criteria before applying. The competition closes on the 1st of September 2022.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Food waste has a devastating impact on the environment and should be taken as seriously as plastic waste.

“We know many food and drink businesses in Scotland are already doing their bit, with our research indicating 43 per cent rank reducing food waste as one of their top priorities. However, we also know only 14 per cent consider food waste every day. We’re calling on expert chefs to show off their planet-saving recipes and showcase their commitment to tackling the climate emergency.

“Businesses will benefit greatly from reducing food waste, both sustainably and financially, and with over 80 percent of the UK population concerned about climate change getting involved in Food Waste Action Week is a great way to show customers, clients and employees that you and your business share their values.”

According to research from WRAP, the top four most wasted ingredients in the hospitality and food service sector include potatoes, bread, pasta and rice.

An estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally every year, roughly one third of all that is produced for human consumption3.

When food is wasted, all the energy and resources that went into producing, processing, transporting and cooking it also goes to waste. This is why food waste is so dangerous for the climate. Businesses also lose the money they spent – meaning that they are less efficient and less competitive.

On top of this, if food waste then ends up in landfill, it generates even more emissions in the form of methane, a gas many times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide.

Gary Maclean, Scotland’s National Chef, said: “Scotland is world renowned for its delicious, first-rate food and drink. But if we’re serious about our reputation as a hotspot for top-notch cuisine, then we must urgently stop perfectly edible food from going to waste. In a post-COP26 landscape, the food sector now has a golden opportunity to prove its environmental credentials too.

“I think it’s extremely important for trainee chefs to embrace food waste reduction from the get-go. As a professional, fully understanding where your food comes from, and the energy and resources it takes to get it onto the plate, is crucial. So, there’s every reason to make sure none of it is wasted.

“The bottom line is that everyone in the food sector in Scotland has a lot to gain from reducing their food waste. There are potential savings in-store, plus a new market of eco-conscious customers, so I’d encourage all to apply to Zero Waste Scotland’s competition.”

Zero Waste Scotland operates a dedicated Food Waste Reduction Business Support service to help businesses in Scotland identify how, and how much, they could save by reducing food waste. Almost 280 businesses have already benefited from the support, with typical cost savings of £5,000 a year.

Zero Waste Scotland offers consultations delivering bespoke opportunity assessments, staff training to help implement behaviour changes and the ‘Target, Measure, Act’ programme which helps businesses to set their own targets and deliver against environmental goals.

To find out more visit https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/fooddrink

Frankie & Benny’s to hand out free vegan hotdogs to hungry students

Edinburgh University tomorrow

To celebrate the start of the new university year and a much-anticipated return to full in-person learning for students around the UK, Italian-American restaurant brand Frankie & Benny’s recently completed phase one of a country wide free vegan hotdog giveaway to students. 

When looking at how the brand could provide students with a tasty treat and some much-needed cheer, the ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ was the obvious choice. The much-loved UK brand has for many years run their student offer (20% off food), as well as priding themselves on offering a broad choice of vegan and vegetarian options.  

The first phase of the ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ kicked off at Nottingham Trent University in late January 2022, followed by successful stops at Bristol Uni, Manchester Met, Leicester University, Birmingham City University, Nottingham Uni, Plymouth Uni, Sheffield Uni and Leeds Beckett. 

Off the back of phase one and following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students across England, Frankie & Benny’s will continue with the activity, this time focusing phase two of ‘The Tour’ on Scotland and Wales.

After a short break, the ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ will restart and head to the following sites: 

·       Glasgow University on 7 March

·       Edinburgh University on 8 March

·       Newcastle Uni on 14 March 

·       Cardiff Met on 21 March

Be sure to continue to follow the tour and any relevant updates on Frankie & Benny’s social: @frankienbennys, as the brand will be handing out vouchers at their upcoming university stops (for freebies in restaurants), with students also in with a chance to win Frankie’s for a year when they sign up with the brand. 

The ‘hero’ of the whole tour has been the famous ‘Vegan Dog’, a new vegan option on the Frankie & Benny’s menu and one that is proving very popular with vegans and non-vegans alike! The juicy plant-based hotdog is served on a soft glazed roll, with fried onions, gherkins, fiery chillies, BBQ sauce and delicious vegan mayo. image.png

Gabby Barysaite, Senior Brand Manager, Frankie & Benny’s, said: “Our recent ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ has proved to be such a hit, and with such positive feedback from students across the country, it’s a programme that we’re committed to continuing – with a focus on universities in Scotland and Wales.  

“We pride ourselves on our vegan and vegetarian menus and as a company it’s something that we’re always looking to adapt and update. We hope that some of the students that tried our vegan hotdogs at their universities were suitably impressed and will look to plan a trip to their nearest restaurant soon.”  

IWD: YOTEL offer local charities free space in Edinburgh city centre 

YOTEL Edinburgh are opening their doors to local charities and non-profits this year for International Women’s Day by offering free working space for six months to a nominated group.

Providing a fresh, engaging space to collaborate, advance their work and provide inspiration and resources, YOTEL Edinburgh are joining this year’s #BreaktheBias theme for International Women’s Day. 

As an added extra, the city-centre hotel will offer the founder or leader of the organisation a complimentary overnight stay for two, as a small thank you for all of their work in the hotel’s local community.

A UK wide initiative, YOTEL are asking communities across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London to nominate local organisations doing incredible work for or with women, offering one full day (subject to availability, 9am – 5pm) per month for groups to use however they wish – whether it’s a small non-profit working from home who need a meeting room, a group looking for an inspirational new working space or a local branch of a national charity hosting workshops, YOTEL will make them feel right at home. 

To nominate a charity or non-profit in Edinburgh head to YOTEL Edinburgh’s social channels. Simply tag the organisation in the comments or share the post on your story and tag your chosen charity. 

Entries will close 21 March 2022, before being whittled down to a shortlist of five organisations to be spotlighted on YOTEL Edinburgh’s social media channels across the month of April, offering support and exposure to the local groups. 

The nominated organisation can kick off their free six months of working space from April 2022 – September 2022 with one day per month available. 

In Edinburgh’s New Town YOTEL, the nominated group will win the use of a flexible private meeting room, enjoying the hotel’s buzzing city-centre location, just a 5-minute walk from Princes Street, as they collaborate on their group’s inspiring ideas for up to 10 people. 

Sahrette Saayman , VP Communications at YOTEL said: “We’re excited to open the doors to YOTELs across the UK and collaborate with our local communities for International Women’s Day in 2022.

“We know there’s some inspirational work happening right on our doorsteps and we’re excited to lend a hand, whichever way we can.

“We also hope this campaign will help our local communities discover some incredible new non-profits or charities to support, and shine a light on the outstanding work they are doing across Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester.”

Aiming to give back to their local communities, YOTEL are throwing open their doors and collaborating with female-focussed charities and non-profits in 2022, offering an inspiring space to work, collaboration and perhaps a much needed break.

Hoping to provide the organisations with room to grow in a welcoming environment, YOTEL Edinburgh are keen to hear from local groups about the ways in which they’d use the spaces. 

To learn more about YOTEL Edinburgh follow @yotel.edinburgh or visit the website now. 

Ts&Cs: Space to be booked in advance on a monthly basis, subject to availability.