Month: March 2022

Follow in the footsteps of Outlander with Scottish Hostels

  • As the popular TV series returns, online accommodation platform Scottish Hostels has shared a selection of delectable properties close to drama’s filming locations
  • From Glencoe to Craigh na Dun, fans of the series will be able to explore the great Scottish outdoors close to the destinations they recognise from their favourite show
  • Combining fascinating history, dramatic scenery and plenty of space, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the romance of Scotland

With the hotly anticipated arrival of the next season of Outlander just around the corner, online accommodation platform Scottish Hostels is encouraging fans of the historic drama to come and visit some of the series’ most beautiful filming locations.

From the wildly romantic ‘great outdoors’ of Glencoe to charming Inverness, lovers of the original Diana Gabaldon novels and the TV series the hugely successful books inspired can wander in the footsteps of dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser and his leading lady Claire Beauchamp Randall.

With 75 unique and charming accommodation options on their books, the Scottish Hostels team pride themselves on welcoming visitors to the amazing places its members call home, and holidaymakers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a place to bed down close to Outlander’s scene-stealing destinations.

By choosing to stay in an independently owned hostel, hosts will be on hand to point guests in the direction of filming spots and places where you can recreate your own “outlandish” moments – no time-travel required!

Glencoe

Outlander fans will instantly recognise the dramatic scenery from the opening credits of their favourite show, the historic mountain range of Glencoe.

Set in its own grounds at the foot of this striking mountain range, Glencoe Independent Hostel is perfectly located for adventurers wanting to explore the west coast of the Scottish Highlands.

Discover the majestic mountains, glens, forests and waterfalls, a magnificent playground for those who love the great outdoors. Guests have the choice between private and family rooms, and there are two cozy self-contained Bothies (cottages) and three log cabins perfect for a romantic getaway.

Craigh na Dun

In a pivotal scene upon which the whole Outlander saga is centred, Claire travels back in time when she visits the ancient stone circle at Craigh na Dun.

And while the magical monument doesn’t exist in real life, fans of the show can still enjoy the picturesque scenery of Kinloch Rannoch in Perthshire, where it was filmed. The 200-year-old farmstead of Comrie Croft is the closest to this beautiful part of the Southern Highlands.

Conveniently located within an hour’s drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, it offers a variety of glamping, eco-camping and hostel options within its grounds.

Guests can explore the striking local landscape on foot or on two wheels, with an onsite bike centre inviting visitors to enjoy a gentle family route or adrenalin-fuelled mountain bike adventure.

Also in Perthshire, the gardens of Castle Drummond make for a beautiful day out as they stood in for the French castle of Versailles on the show.

Inverness 

While Claire’s story begins in Inverness in the 1940s, those scenes were actually shot in a small village called Falkland.

However, thanks to its convenient location close to the famous Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, the real Inverness is well worth a visit regardless – not least because of its magnificent Castle. 

Inverness Hostel offers a modern and luxurious accommodation option close to all the action. All of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and the property is located within easy reach of numerous golf courses, The Highland Wildlife Park, Urquhart Castle and the mystical Loch Ness.

Lallybroch

The 15th-century Midhope Castle served as the exterior for Jamie’s home Lallybroch, also called Broch Tuarach on the show, and is located in the hamlet of Abercorn on the Hopetoun estate, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The newly opened Dolphin Inn is within easy reach of the Scottish capital and its transport links, and has a stylish retro design throughout. Guests can choose from twin, double (two ensuite) and a family / group room.

Located close to the coast in Dunbar, the hostel is only a short walk from the beaches, harbours, High Street and railway station / bus stops.

This hostel is also ideally positioned to visit the filming locations that appeared as Wentworth Prison (Linlithgow Palace in real life) and Dysart Harbour, which stood in for the French Town of Le Havre, on the show.

For further information and to book visit www.scottish-hostels.com.

Saving energy in Wester Hailes

Five hundred households, both private and council-owned, living in mixed tenure properties across the Wester Hailes area are to benefit from energy efficient upgrades and revitalised buildings.

This follows an extensive large-scale common repairs and maintenance works programme to renovate 66 low-rise blocks in the first year due to complete by summer this year (2022).

This is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s ground-breaking three-year Mixed Tenure Improvement Service (MTIS) pilot which gave an update on progress to date for the blocks across Murrayburn, Drumbryden and Hailesland to the Finance and Resources Committee today (3 March).

The programme will now be rolled out across the city to help accelerate energy efficiency fabric maintenance and repairs in mixed tenure blocks to benefit more tenants. This is due to the success of the pilot to date in engaging with private owners – with scheme decisions to progress being made in 75% of minority council-owned blocks – and securing sizable energy efficiency grant support through the Scottish Government Energy Efficient Scotland, Area Based Scheme.

Councillors have also agreed to extend the Council’s Scheme of Assistance (SoA). This will, as part of the MTIS, offer enhanced debt repayment terms* to help all private owner occupiers meet their repairs and maintenance responsibilities and allow them to consider more options for funding their share of the cost of works within all Council-led capital improvement, mixed tenure property projects.

Works being carried out on behalf of all owners across the current MTIS pilot includes repairs and replacement of roofing, guttering, drying room facades, installation of external wall and attic insulation, together with the maintenance and decoration of communal stairwell spaces.

This MTIS pilot is aiming to carry this out in 181 mixed tenure blocks in Murrayburn, Hailesland and Dumbryden over a three-year period to the benefit of all residents and tenants, improving the aesthetics, energy efficiency, safety and security and the overall value of properties in the long term.

Cllr Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Bringing all our housing stock up to a good condition, making homes energy efficient, warm and affordable to heat is very important, both for tenants and for owners in these blocks.

“Council officers have worked hard to support private owners throughout this MTIS pilot. As a result, we’re helping owner occupiers meet their share of the energy efficiency improvement works by supporting them to access up to £15,500 each in Energy Efficient Scotland (EES) funding. Supporting private owner occupiers with enhanced re-payment terms will help too, and this is now being extended to others in a similar situation.

“The mixed tenure improvement service continues to be an incredibly successful as a pilot, and I’m so pleased that we are expanding this programme as it will play a crucial role in dealing with the legacy issues caused by right to buy. We can now invest in many more homes making much needed improvements to homes and blocks across the city.”

Cllr Mandy Watt, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Vice Convener, said: “We have a long way to go as part of this three-year programme to improve 181 blocks but this has been a great start.

“In this pilot’s first year we will have improved the standard of living and conditions of a huge number of people in Wester Hailes. The buildings that we’ve completed so far look fantastic and really lift the look and feel of these neighbourhoods.

“We hope once the programme has been completed across all of Murrayburn, Hailesland and Dumbryden, the communities will feel a real sense of pride in their homes which fit in so much better with the new build developments close by.

“We have strong ambitions as a Council and as a city to become a sustainable and net zero Capital by 2030. Housing is a huge factor in getting there and getting our existing housing stock better insulated and energy efficient will be key – which in turn will help to keep people warmer while helping to reduce energy bills.”

* extending the period for payment plans with the Council for owner occupiers to up to 15 years and a reduction in the interest rate from 6% to 4%.

International artist creates breastfeeding mural

An international artist has created a striking new mural to promote breastfeeding in Inverclyde.

Sam Bates, better known as Smug or Smug0ne on Instagram, is the creative influence behind the artwork which has transformed the gable end of a block of flats on Nicolson Street in Greenock.

The mural was a collaborative project between the Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Infant Feeding Team and funded by the Scottish Government’s through its ‘Programme for Government’ with support from Oak Tree Housing Association, which owns the building.

The idea is around normalising breastfeeding to encourage more local mums and expectant parents to breastfeed and continue to improve breastfeeding rates.

Catriona MacLean, Inverclyde HSCP health visitor and infant feeding coordinator, said: “The immense health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby make it a public health priority.

“Breastfeeding rates in Inverclyde remain low, however, providing excellent information and support during pregnancy and immediately following birth can smooth the breastfeeding journey.

“Inverclyde has welcomed with open arms the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme with business and facilities continuing to sign up and this beautiful new piece of public art will support a whole area-wide approach to supporting families.”

The HSCP team approached internationally-acclaimed artist Smug, who has already created popular murals in Glasgow and has been commissioned for projects in Australia, after seeing his works on social media platform Instagram where he has more than 200,000 followers.

Smug said: “Catriona originally reached out to me to pitch the idea and the whole concept behind it is thanks to her. She wanted something different so we did some brainstorming and came up with the mythical vibe.“

The mural, which has been created despite four named storms and heavy snowfall in recent weeks, is a tasteful and striking portrayal of a mum feeding her baby to help promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

Councillor Lynne Quinn, Inverclyde’s women’s champion, said: “This incredible artwork will have a positive impact on mums and expectant mums but also the wider community by highlighting that breastfeeding is normal. And what’s more environmentally-friendly than breastfeeding?

“I’ve seen first-hand the great work of the local Infant Feeding Team do in our community and they deserve huge credit for coming up with this brilliant idea and securing the services of such an acclaimed artist who has done a magnificent job.”

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, said: “This is a fantastic example of partnership working to highlight the very important issue of how perfectly normal breastfeeding is to not only reassure and encourage any mums and expectant mums out there who have reservations but also to educate the wider general public about breastfeeding.

“Huge credit to our HSCP Infant Feeding Team, Smug and Oak Tree for making this idea a reality and I’m sure this terrific mural will help to encourage many mums and expectant mums out there to think about breastfeeding and seek expert help and advice from our excellent staff to support them to do that.”

The project was made possible thanks to the support of Oak Tree Housing Association who helped identify a suitable, highly-visible building and gave permission to use the side of the block of flats near Greenock Town Centre.

Hazel Aitken, Oak Tree housing manager, said: “Oak Tree Housing Association were delighted to have the opportunity to become involved in this project and play a part in promoting such a positive message in this unique way.

“There has always been strong partnership working between the association and HSCP and we were happy to help.” 

The project was also supported by neighbouring store The Range, which sectioned off parking spaces to allow the artist to work and provided some materials and space to store them.

The Inverclyde Infant Feeding Team hold a drop-in support group at The Waterwheel restaurant in Port Glasgow every Tuesday from 11am-12.30pm where all expectant and breastfeeding/breastmilk feeding families are welcome.

Closer to home, a new breastfeeding group started in Granton this week:

Healthy Heart Tip: Influencing Children’s Eating Habits

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Every parent or guardian has their own style of child-rearing, but ultimately every family has the same goal, which is to raise a healthy and happy child.

With a little intention and the right tools, we can do a lot to help our little ones thrive as good eaters!

Here we explore some of the ways you can encourage your child to adopt healthy eating habits:

Reward and punishment

  • We have all been there; we just want our little people to eat something! But parents and carers should carefully consider the use of food as a reward or punishment.
  • Children have a natural ability to regulate their eating and using foods as a reward or punishment can undermine healthy eating habits, as it encourages them to eat when they are not hungry.
  • Why not offer children non-edible objects or experiences as rewards, rather than food? For example, you could offer stickers or a trip to the park, as an alternative treat. Also don’t underestimate the power of verbal praise!

‘Clean your plate’

  • Pressuring children to ‘clean their plate’ may work in the short term, but it doesn’t promote long term healthy eating. It can also lead to a distaste for those nutritious foods they are being forced to eat.
  • Instead, help a child to feel supported, safe, and relaxed at the dinner table, by creating positive interactions with food. When a child feels safe, they are much more likely to want to eat and try new foods!

Offering choice

  • As parents, we can’t give our kids complete control over food, but we can guide them on making healthy choices.
  • For young children, you may give them to 2 or 3 options to choose from e.g., ‘would you like either toast or cereal for breakfast?’. Guided choices can be helpful as they enable a child to feel like they have their say and a degree of control, without feeling overwhelmed.

Eating is so messy!

  • Unfortunately, as much as we hate the mess, letting your kids get messy with food can be a big positive in relation to their eating habits.
  • Being messy with food, gives children the opportunity to learn about new foods using all their senses. Children who feel safe to touch, squash and play with their food become more familiar with the food and are more likely to snack on this later.
  • Maybe consider if you can embrace the mess at mealtimes, or alternatively consider dedicated ‘food playtime’.

We hope this article has given you some ‘food for thought’ about your food parenting behaviours.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/

Morrisons to offer free coffee pod recycling scheme

  • Scheme turns used aluminium and plastic pods into new products such as beverage cans and furniture –
  • 1.2bn beverage pods bought in the UK in 2021, up 32% compared to pre-pandemic levels –

Morrisons has become the first supermarket to offer its customers a way to recycle coffee pods through a partnership with the recycling scheme Podback.

Over the coming weeks, Morrisons customers will be able to pick up free Podback Collect+recycling bags from its customer service desks.**

The Podback bags can be filled with used coffee pods at home, then taken to one of 6,500 Collect+ delivered by Yodel drop off points around the UK***. All postage back to Podback is free of charge.

Through the Podback scheme, used aluminium pods are turned into aluminium ingots for new products – such as beverage cans, and used plastic coffee pods are turned into other plastic items – such as furniture. The used coffee grounds also go through anaerobic digestion – to produce a combination of biogas and soil improver.

Podback is the first coffee pod recycling scheme of its kind in the UK, and was set up by Nestle and Jacobs Douwe Egberts UK. Current participating brands include Nespresso, Tassimo, L’OR, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Starbucks by Nespresso, Starbucks by Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Cru Kafe, Artisan Coffee Co, Allpress Espresso, Colonna Coffee and Café Palmieri by Jomad Coffee.

Sales of coffee pods have increased by 32% from pre-pandemic levels, as more people have worked from home. It is estimated that 1.2bn pods were bought in the UK in 2021, making Podback even more important as an easier route for customers to recycle their pods*.  

Rick Hindley, Executive Director at Podback, said: “Podback provides consumers all over the UK with an easy way to recycle their coffee pods, no matter what brand they are buying.

“Morrisons is the first supermarket to become a supporter of the Podback scheme, as well as provide bags in store. This is a great step forward and progress towards ensuring recycling coffee pods becomes second nature. Our goal is to ensure every pod enjoyed is recycled and working with retailers, like Morrisons, is crucial to ensuring the scheme is convenient and simple.

“We welcome other retailers to join to make it even easier for consumers to recycle pods in the future.”

Lorraine Wheeler, Environmental Packaging Manager at Morrisons, said: “Many of our customers want to brew fresh coffee at home using a coffee pod. But to date, coffee pod recycling has been confusing for consumers, with several different schemes by multiple brands. Podback offers an easy, simple scheme for all of our customers.” 

The partnership with Podback is part of a wide ranging waste reduction initiative. Since 2017 Morrisons has reduced its own brand plastic packaging in its 497 stores by over 8,000 tonnes a year and was the first supermarket to ditch plastic ‘bags for life’ in favour of paper bags, to use traditional paper bags for loose fruit and vegetables instead of plastic, and to introduce a refillable container service on its fish, meat and deli counters to reduce single-use packaging.

The move marks a key step for Podback, which recently made its recycling bags available online via Coffee Supplies Direct.

For further information please visit www.morrisons.com or www.podback.org.

Ageing Well the Nordic Way

Ageing Well is looking for participants interested in joining a new Nordic Walking course, which they will be introducing in early spring. 

The Ageing Well Project is run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian and delivers a range of city-wide activities which support people to become, and remain, active in later life. The emphasis is on meeting new people whilst making physical activity accessible and enjoyable.

Ageing Well activities have been developed to cater for a wide range of tastes and abilities and all activities are either led by or supported by fully trained volunteers, who are all older adults themselves

Cat Wilson, Active Communities Project Officer at Edinburgh Leisure said: “This new course will complement our already popular regular walks which take place in different locations around the city each week. It’s for anyone who would like to try a new activity, meet some like-minded people, and get physically active.

“Nordic walking origins are Finnish with more than 10 million people globally enjoying this outdoor activity. The evidence shows that you can burn around 20% more calories compared to conventional walking. The use of poles means the effort is divided across the upper and lower body, so it feels easier, particularly when walking uphill.”

The four-week course will start in spring on a date to be decided, depending on interest. 

Participants will meet at Straiton Place Park, on the promenade at Portobello Beach, and would be expected to attend all four sessions to graduate. Each session will last 1-hour, and poles will be provided if people do not already have their own.

Once group members have graduated from the 4-week introductory course, they will be eligible to join the Nordic Walking 6-week course, visiting various locations in Edinburgh. These walks would take between 1.5 – 2 hours.

Ageing Well relies on external funding and donations to deliver its programmes across Edinburgh. A donation of £3 per week is therefore appreciated for this activity. This can be paid in one go or each week. People’s generous support means Edinburgh Leisure can provide a range of activities to reach more older adults in need of their support, protecting their health and wellbeing and improving their quality of life. 

In 2018 the Ageing Well programme was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), which is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE. The award reflects the tremendous contribution of Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well volunteers and the positive difference they make to the lives of participants. 

To find out more and/or to register your interest in joining the initial 4-week introductory course, contact active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or call 0131 458 2260

For more information:   www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Scottish Secretary visits Norway and Finland to boost trade links

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack this week travelled to Finland and Norway on a mission to boost post-Brexit trade links.

Finland and Norway have strong business links with Scotland, with Scottish exports to both countries are worth more than £1 billion a year in total. There is huge further potential for Scottish businesses.

Mr Jack undertook a packed programme in Helsinki, Oslo and Bergen. His engagements included:

  • Meeting key business representatives – including from the defence, manufacturing and energy sectors
  • Holding talks with leading political figures
  • Visiting the Haakonsvern naval base

Speaking ahead of his visit, Alister Jack said: “It is an honour to promote Scottish and UK interests in Finland and Norway. We greatly value the strong and important ties between the UK and our European friends and neighbours.

“There are enduring cultural, business and trade links between Scotland and Finland and Norway, and I look forward to strengthening those further on my visit.”

The Scottish Secretary’s itinerary also included:

  • Visiting Green waste management provider Fortum, paper manufacturer UPM, and seafood producer MOWI
  • Meeting the Finnish Trade Minister, Ville Skinnari, and Foreign Affairs Minister Johanna Sumuvuori
  • Meeting the Norwegian Defence Minister, Odd Roger Enoksen, and Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.

Mr Jack travelled to Finland on Monday 28 February, then on to Norway on Wednesday 2 March. In both countries his visit was supported by the British Embassies, part of the UK’s extensive diplomatic network.

Capital summit discusses support for people of Ukraine …

… but no further council action until 15 March meeting

City leaders have come together to discuss Edinburgh’s ongoing response to the Ukraine crisis.

At a summit held in the City Chambers, Council Leader Adam McVey and Depute Leader Cammy Day hosted Acting Consul General of Ukraine, Yevhen Mankovskyi, and Father Vasyl Kren of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Edinburgh.

They were joined by Lord Provost Frank Ross, EVOC Chief Executive Bridie Ashrowan, Superintendent Mark Rennie of Police Scotland, Vice Principal of the University of Edinburgh James Smith and Council Chief Executive Andrew Kerr.

Together, they reiterated the City’s condemnation of the ongoing Russian invasion and reaffirmed support for the people of Ukraine and Edinburgh’s twin city, Kyiv. They heard from Mr Mankovskyi and Father Kren about the scale of the crisis and what their people are facing, the Edinburgh-Ukrainian community’s ongoing relief efforts and what Edinburgh can do to support.

The group discussed the logistics required to coordinate and transport humanitarian aid to and from Poland and the level of support the Council could provide to Ukrainian family members and refugees arriving in Edinburgh, including accommodation, education and other services.

It was confirmed that Edinburgh no longer held any civic links with Russian cities, having previously ended its twinning with St Petersburg, and the Council is reviewing all significant contracts to determine what (if any) Russian links exist, to consider the potential for withdrawal. The Lothian Pension Fund has done likewise with its investments.

Following cross-party criticism of the invasion last week, Council Leaders confirmed they would seek to formalise political condemnation and confirm next steps at their meeting on 15 March.

Coordination of the City’s support will also be discussed at a meeting of the Edinburgh Partnership Board the same week.

The Lord Provost has already written to the Major of Kyiv to express Edinburgh’s ‘deep sorrow’ and support while a Russian Philharmonic concert, due to take place at the Usher Hall in May, has been cancelled.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “I want to thank the Acting Consul General and Father Kren for their time during what is a particularly harrowing and difficult time for them and their country. 

“We have all witnessed the heart-breaking stories of loss and families torn apart in the media; but also of the great bravery and resistance by the people of Ukraine. We stand by everyone suffering this illegal war and the Ukrainian flag continues to fly defiantly above the City Chambers. 

“Already people across Edinburgh have responded with incredible generosity, with countless individuals and organisations continuing to provide selfless offers of support, donations and solidarity. Today, we reiterated our support for the people of Ukraine and our commitment to do all we can to help as a City. 

“We are considering practical actions to support people in our twin City Kyiv and across Ukraine and will work with groups across Edinburgh to coordinate efforts. We are united against this war and are also exploring actions to use the Council’s position to pursue further sanctions we can implement locally against the Russian regime. We’ll be asking Councillors to agree actions at the Council meeting later this month.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh has a long history with Kyiv and is home to more Scottish-Ukrainian descendants than anywhere else in Scotland. Together we stand ready to help, in any way we can. Edinburgh welcomes Ukraine citizens to our city, and all of us will do everything we can to support all. 

“The outpouring of compassion and the sight of hundreds of residents protesting has been moving. I want to pay tribute to the incredible response from citizens and businesses from across the city and their generous offers of donations and support. We will offer our help to coordinate this across our city – now we need to harness the goodwill and do our part again to direct our time and support in the most useful way.

Acting Consul General of Ukraine in Edinburgh, Yevhen Mankovskyi, said: “We will defend ourselves and we will win this war.

“Thanks to the whole world’s support and humanitarian aid, our forces and our people, we will fight with all we have and continue to support our Ukrainian community abroad and here in Edinburgh.

“I am grateful for everyone’s support and I look forward to working together with our city partners on the challenges we currently face.”

You don’t have to wait until 15th March to support the people of Ukraine:

‘The right thing to do’: Home Secretary supports first Ukrainians through new Family Scheme

Home Secretary Priti Patel reiterated her pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Ukraine when she met refugees on the Polish border yesterday.

It came as the Home Office launched its Ukraine Family Scheme, which will allow thousands of families to be reunited in the UK.

The Home Secretary visited a reception centre for Ukrainian refugees in Medyka, one of the main border crossings between Poland and Ukraine. Accompanied by Poland’s Deputy Interior Minister Bartosz Grodecki, she met with families, women and children who will apply to join family members in the UK.

She spoke to them about the UK Government’s Ukraine Family Scheme, which allows immediate and extended family members of British nationals and people settled in the UK to come to the country, and announced that those joining family through the Scheme will now be granted leave for 3 years – giving them certainty and ensuring their future in the country.

Expert Home Office staff have travelled to Poland to provide advice to refugees including processing visas and ensuring a rapid visa service to help with the flow of people coming over the Ukrainian border.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: It’s heart-breaking to have met families, women and children forced from their homeland because of the monstrous Russian invasion.

“Our expanded Ukraine Family Scheme is now fully open and to see the first people who will apply was wonderful. While we want people to be able to return to their homes at the end of this diabolical invasion, giving thousands of people a route to the UK is the right thing to do.

“The whole of the UK is united in our condemnation of Russia’s barbaric and cold-blooded actions and the government is doing everything possible to make certain our humanitarian support is in Ukraine’s best interests.”

These routes have been developed following close consultation with Ukrainian leaders and leaders in the region to ensure our measures respond directly to their needs and asks. On the visit Deputy Interior Minister Bartosz Grodecki spoke about the UK’s continued support in the region.

The Home Office has already increased capacity to other countries including Hungary, Poland and Moldova. A new pop-up Visa Application Centre in Rzeszow, Poland, has been opened, while the combined total number of appointments in the region will increase to 6,000 from next week.

This forms part of the wider effort to support Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion. The UK continues to back Ukraine with defensive weapons and economic support as well as £220 million in emergency and humanitarian aid.

The Ukraine Family Scheme is part of a series of measures that have already been announced:

  • Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced that we are working at pace to establish the Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine for Ukrainians with no ties to the UK to come here. The uncapped route will allow sponsors, such as communities or local authorities to bring people to the UK. Sponsored individuals will be able to work and the sponsor would provide housing and integration support
  • Last week the Home Secretary confirmed that flexibility would be available to support Ukrainians who are on work, study or visit visas to switch to different visa routes extending their stay and those on seasonal work visas would have their leave temporarily extended
  • The Home Office established 24/7 bespoke helplines to support people through the Ukrainian Humanitarian Route
  • The Home Secretary has also shut down the Tier 1 investor visa route, to ensure people who have profited from dirty money cannot gain access to the UK, and the government will continue to crack down to tackle those beneficiaries of illicit wealth who may have previously abused the system and should not be here.

Cooking up a storm!

Gordon Ramsay to open new restaurant at St James Quarter

Gordon Ramsay Street Burger will be opening its first Scottish based restaurant in a flagship location at St James Quarter

St James Quarter confirms another meaty arrival with Gordon Ramsay Street Burger set to open its first restaurant in Scotland.

Gordon Ramsay Street Burger will open within the Ribbon building at levels 4 and 5 of St James Quarter, opposite the Everyman Cinema which opens its doors in April this year.

The Gordon Ramsay team will elevate its concept for the Edinburgh branch, bringing a games lounge, DJ booth and stunning interiors designed by internationally acclaimed Russell Sage Studio.

The news follows the recent announcement of the March opening of Ka Pao, an East Asian restaurant from Glasgow that was presented a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin guide, a prize awarded to outlets offering exceptional quality cuisine at accessible prices.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, commented: “It’s been a big week for St James Quarter with a number of iconic brands confirmed to be joining the family.

“We are delighted that Gordon Ramsay has chosen a flagship space within The Quarter for Street Burger’s Scottish debut. Edinburgh is clearly a city close to his heart and we think our guests will be wowed by what he and his team have got planned for the space.”

St James Quarter has gone from strength to strength since opening in June 2021, and offers an impressive and growing list of names at the retail led destination, which includes & Other Stories, Mango, Zara, REISS, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Miele, Next, H&M, JD Sports, John Lewis and many more.