Day: April 16, 2022

Buried in a peat bog … a truly groundbreaking Ardbeg

Earthy, experimental whisky released on BlockBar is Islay malt’s first NFT (non-fungible token) edition

Ardbeg has revealed a truly groundbreaking limited edition, buried in a peat bog for more than two years.

The Islay single malt’s first subterranean spirit, Ardbeg Fon Fhòid (Scots Gaelic for ‘under the turf’), is being launched as its inaugural NFT (non-fungible token) edition – (Eh? – Ed). Tasting more earthy, mossy and herbal than Ardbeg has ever been, this extreme experiment will be available exclusively at BlockBar.com.

Established in 1815, Ardbeg has long been revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. And the idea of taking its smoky, balanced spirit all the way back to its peaty roots, had for years been submerged in the mind of Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden.

In 2014, that idea resurfaced. And Ardbeg’s team, led by then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads, took two casks of whisky aged in second-fill bourbon casks and buried them in a secret, peaty location near the Distillery. Two years and 10 months later, they unearthed Ardbeg Fon Fhòid. 

Ardbeg Fon Fhòid’s limited release of 456 bottles is available to purchase exclusively on BlockBar.com on 19th April 2022. BlockBar offers NFTs – digital assets – directly from luxury wine and spirits brands and carefully stores the real thing. 

Those lucky enough to lay their hands on the whisky will receive a digital certificate that verifies their ownership and the authenticity of the bottle, which will be stored at BlockBar’s facility in Singapore until redeemed.

The buyer may also choose to safely trade their NFT within the BlockBar.com marketplace, keep it in their virtual bar or gift the NFT through BlockBar’s new gifting platform.

Dr Lumsden said: “I think it’s safe to say we’ve unearthed a truly special Ardbeg here. Ardbeg Fon Fhòid is earthy and mossy with one hell of a herbal nose!

“Good luck to all those hoping to secure some of Ardbeg’s own buried treasure – I hope you land a bottle!”

Thomas Moradpour, President & CEO of The Glenmorangie Company which owns Ardbeg Distillery, said: “We’re so excited to be launching this exclusive and first NFT release from Ardbeg  ̶  one of the world’s most collectable whiskies.

“Our whisky makers are always pushing the boundaries of experimentation; this is a chance to own one of their most intriguing creations to date, a true piece of Ardbeg history.”

Dov Falic, CEO and Co-founder of BlockBar, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the iconic Ardbeg Distillery to launch its first ever NFT.

“We hope whisky fans new and old will take the opportunity to join our community and discover this peaty experiment, which BlockBar will keep in perfect condition until the owners are ready to enjoy it.”

40,000 patients in Scotland to benefit a year from new audit

The Royal Osteoporosis Society calls for improved fracture prevention services in Scotland after report shows the shocking scale of under-diagnosis and under-treatment

This month, the Scottish Government National Audit Programme Board has agreed to introduce a national audit for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), following an inquiry which showed the increasing scale of under-diagnosis and under-treatment in the NHS.

Half of women over 50 and one fifth of men will break a bone due to osteoporosis, a condition where bones lose strength and break more easily. The condition affects around 300,000 people in Scotland and it’s estimated that 44,000 ‘fragility’ fractures occur here every year.3

Pioneered in Scotland and copied across the world, FLS are the tried and tested model for systematically identifying people aged 50 and older who have had a fracture (broken bone) and moving them onto a treatment plan.

People who have already fractured a bone are at a heightened risk of further fractures unless they’re identified and have access to appropriate medication to strengthen their bones. In women aged 50 and over, 23% of second fractures happen within a year of the first fracture but osteoporosis drug treatments reduce the risk of further fractures. 

Last year an inquiry led by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), highlighted inequalities in access to FLS. Scotland currently has a notional figure of 100% population coverage of FLS, whereas in England and Wales the proportion drops to 51%.  

Yet, unlike the rest of the UK, the lack of a central Scottish database means there is no measure of how those services are performing, creating stubborn health inequalities across different areas.

Clinicians in England, Wales and Northern Ireland already share data through a central Fracture Liaison Service Database, which makes public important data about the quality of services, and helps drive learning and improvement for people living with osteoporosis. A new Scottish Audit of Fracture Liaison Services will reach an estimated 40,000 patients per year.

Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP, Convener of the Arthritis and MSK Conditions CPG, said: “We know there’s work to do to make sure everyone has the best chance of living in good health, with a good quality of life, for as long as possible. This includes ensuring the best possible care, delivered when we need it, as effectively and efficiently as possible.

“We know that when it comes to fracture care, there is still work to be done. This audit will help identify what needs to be done, when and where, so that we can all work together to improve the quality of life of everyone in Scotland.”

The ROS is the UK’s only national charity dedicated to bone health and osteoporosis.

Craig Jones, CEO of the Royal Osteoporosis Society said: “We know that people who have suffered their first fracture are at a high risk of further fractures, which is why early diagnosis and access to the right treatment options are so crucial.

“We’re pleased the Scottish Government has made the first step towards setting up a national audit and we welcome their decision to share data with the rest of the UK.”

Although the decision to set up a new national audit has been approved by the Scottish Government National Audit Programme Board, funding will still need to be found to set up the audit.

Craig Jones continues: “The new national audit will provide a benchmark for the standard of Fracture Liaison Services, helping healthcare teams learn from their own performance and the work of other teams across Scotland.

“Now we have agreement that an audit is needed, we must work together to secure funding so we can make it happen.

“If we create this audit, we can raise the standard of osteoporosis services across Scotland and end the postcode lottery that is putting thousands of people at risk of preventable broken bones.”

You can find out more information about Fracture Liaison Services at: https://theros.org.uk/blog/what-is-a-fracture-liaison-service/

Healthy Heart Tip: Alternatives to chocolate for a healthier Easter

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

Easter weekend marks the end of Lent and this is a time when chocolate eggs are traditionally exchanged with family and friends.

Chocolate is high in fat, saturated fat and sugar and consuming too much can increase your risk of weight-gain and heart disease. In this healthy tip, we provide ideas for cutting back on chocolate this Easter.

Avoid temptation when shopping for groceries


Long rows of chocolate eggs appear in supermarkets several weeks before Easter and it can be difficult to avoid temptation. Easter-themed treats are often heavily discounted in the weeks following Easter, which adds to the temptation. Avoid visiting the Easter-themed aisles in supermarkets and try to stay focused on your grocery shopping and finding healthier snacks.

Buy non-edible Easter gifts

A large Easter egg can contain your entire daily energy requirement. Replacing Easter eggs with non-edible gifts, such as toys, games, books, egg cups or flowers, can be a way to help your loved ones avoid over-indulging this Easter.

Get outdoors and step away from the chocolate

Make the most of the Spring weather and get outdoors. Remember to leave the chocolate and other high-calorie Easter treats at home.

Going for a walk, run or bike ride can be a good way to shift your focus away from food and stay healthy.  

We hope you have a happy and healthy Easter holiday!

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/.

Life’s a beach!

The transition from Pool Lifeguard to Beach Lifeguard

As we head towards the summer are you looking for a new challenge? Pool lifeguards have a unique opportunity to upskill to become a beach lifeguard and gain invaluable skills for life. 

As an island, the UK has miles and miles of beautiful coastline, and every year people flock to our beaches to enjoy the sea, surf, and sometimes the sun! With more Britons holidaying in the UK, our beaches are more popular than ever, which means the role of the beach lifeguard has never been more important!  

If you’re a pool lifeguard and enjoy the great outdoors as well as being part of a tight-knit team, then a beach lifeguard could be the job for you during the summer season! The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is looking for recruits to spend the summer working on some of the most popular beaches in the UK.  

Read on to discover how you can transition from pool to beach lifeguard and set yourself up for your most fun and rewarding summer yet!  

Why become a beach lifeguard? 

RNLI lifeguards patrol more than 240 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. They play an essential role in supporting the RNLI to reduce the number of people who drown at the coast, as well as helping to keep people safe by providing essential local safety advice to the thousands of holidaymakers who visit our coastline every summer. To give you some idea of the scale of the work involved, RNLI lifeguards helped more than 25,172 people in 2020 alone.  

“We welcome applications from RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) holders. In our experience, the training and experience these highly qualified professionals have already achieved give them the knowledge and skills needed to transition efficiently to beach lifeguards, to protect thousands of beachgoers,” says Peter Dawes, General Manager Lifeguard Operation, RNLI. 

The work is rewarding and challenging, and no two days are ever the same. 

“The best thing about being a beach lifeguard is being outside and having the opportunity to meet interesting people while reassuring visitors and sharing safety messaging,” says Jo Thompson, RLSS UK’s Events and Accreditation Manager and former beach lifeguard supervisor.  

Ninety-five per cent of a lifeguard’s work is preventative. They monitor sea conditions, set up the appropriate flags, watch people on the beach, and offer safety advice. 

“With most seasons starting in May and finishing by September, a beach lifeguard is the perfect job for university students to help fund their studies. It’s also great for fitting around other commitments. I know of a mum who would work a few days a week every season while her sons were young. Now that they are older, she is a full time beach lifeguard,” added Jo. 

Through the RLSS UK’s National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ), you will receive world-class training in search and rescue, lifesaving and casualty care techniques, good rates of pay, and the chance to develop valuable skills for a future career. And as an internationally recognised qualification, you can work all over the world. 

How do I upskill to be a beach lifeguard? 

The NVBLQ is the national standard for beach lifeguarding and endorsed by the National Water Safety Forum as well as the RNLI. The NVBLQ gives candidates the skills and knowledge to protect the public at the beach – which is why it is the leading qualification for pool lifeguards who want to work on UK beaches. 

The course covers beach lifeguard theory, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and sea skills. It lasts a minimum of 40-hours and is physically demanding, including swimming to set times. The NVBLQ has four modules, and you have to pass all of these to receive the qualification. 

Pool lifeguards with an existing NPLQ qualification can show evidence of prior achievement (from their NPLQ), which means they are exempt from some sections of the NVBLQ course (a maximum of 12 hours accreditation for prior learning may be claimed), allowing them to complete it more quickly.  

Your NVBLQ is then valid for two years from the completion date.  

Click here to find out more about the NVBLQ. 

Find a course 

With summer on its way, recruitment is now open for the RNLI’s 2022 lifeguard team. If you’d like to be part of this critical lifesaving service – helping to prevent incidents and rescuing those in difficulty, book yourself onto a NVBLQ today. 

Become a beach lifeguard and put yourself on the frontline of lifesaving to make this a summer to remember. 

Corstorphine Community Centre latest

Statement from CCC management committee 13/04/22:

Following on from the previous update provided in terms of the future temporary location of the Hub and shop, various options for alternative sites have been assessed and either rejected or investigated further.

At this point, CCC’s Management Committee are in negotiations concerning a locally, Corstorphine-based property which we anticipate will house all activities currently undertaken in the Hub, including the workshop.

It is fully accessible and will provide space for the shop to continue operating.

Subject to successful lease negotiations, it is planned that all operations will move in advance of June 23rd when the lease on our current site at 191 St John’s Road expires.

We will continue to update staff, volunteers, our members and the local community as we make progress in securing this alternative site for CCC’s operations whilst we continue with the Community Asset Transfer.

Scotland’s green businesses urged to enter VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards

Scottish businesses championing environmental practice and products have until April 29 to apply to showcase their eco-excellence to be in with a chance of securing a prestigious VIBES Scottish Environment Business Award. 

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. 

More than 2,500 applications have been received since the awards began in 1999. Since then, more than 270 businesses of all sizes with a green ethos, who have identified ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources, have been recognised.

This has included products and services which increase recycling, facilitate active travel, reduce the use of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach and many more. 

Two new categories have been introduced for VIBES 2022: 

· The Nature Rich Scotland Award – open to businesses being proactive in protecting or enhancing nature and connecting people with wildlife. 

· The Energy Transition Scotland Award – open to businesses demonstrating decarbonisation and a significant change in the ways they use or produce energy to minimise their impact on the environment. 

There will be awards in 12 categories at VIBES 2022.  
 
Last year, Brewster Bros was a VIBES Outstanding Achievement Award winner. The firm specialises in sustainable resource management for the construction industry at their Livingston recycling plant by processing construction, demolition and excavation (CDE) waste into industry standard recycled aggregates and other recycled products, which are then sold back to the construction industry. 

Brewster Bros impressed the judges with their commitment to a circular business model and their drive to change behaviours within the construction sector. 

Scott Brewster, managing director of Brewster Bros, said: “We run our plant on a renewable energy tariff and so far, we have managed to recycle 90% of our process water. We also fuel our HGVs on hydrotreated vegetable oil rather than traditional diesel and operate a ‘backload’ system to ensure as few empty lorry loads as possible enter/exit our facility.

“80% of our vehicle movements are loaded which results in 1000 tonnes of CO2 savings per year.  

“We are passionate and committed to continual improvement, working with partners to identify new opportunities and develop learning. We would like to thank the VIBES judging panel for recognising our efforts in reducing our environmental impact. The application process highlighted our environmental good practice to our staff and uncovered further room for improvement.”  

All VIBES applicants receive tailored feedback and guidance and signposted to further free help, where appropriate. More information on this can be found on the VIBES website. 

Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “Many firms are showing that environmental innovation and best practice can also bring economic benefits, which is helping highlight Scotland as a leader in climate change action. 
 
“Every business can play a role in leading Scotland to Net Zero. The VIBES awards recognise those businesses that are leading 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.  
 
“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 planet for future generations.  

“If your business fits that bill, there is still time for you to showcase how you are achieving your environmental business goals ahead of April’s submissions deadline.” 

Finalists will be announced in June 2022.

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 https://www.vibes.org.uk/. 

Cockburn Association: Manifesto for the City

As we head into the Local Council elections in May, the Cockburn Association has set out its “asks” of current and prospective councillors.

In doing so, we also set out key areas for policy and management to carry Edinburgh  forward post-Covid during the next administration between 2022-27.

Read and download our full manifesto by clicking here, then get in touch with the candidates in your ward and ask them if they will commit to the following:

The next five years will need to be about building a new, resilient future for the City.  Maintaining the quality of our streets, buildings and neighbourhoods should be at the forefront of governance priorities.

Professor Cliff Hague OBE, Chairperson of the Council of the Association commented: “We need to move from an exploitive linear economy to one that cherishes and reuses its built and natural environment and places community well-being at the heart of decision-making.”

The Cockburn discussed some of the ideas in this latest Manifesto for the City in greater detail in our recent publications Our Unique City (2019) and the revised version, Our Unique City: our future after coronavirus (2020).

2022-Manifesto-for-the-City-1Download

NHS Lothian RFU staff and patients take four million steps for Ukraine

NHS Lothian staff and patients at the Robert Fergusson Unit (RFU) have walked four million steps in under a month to raise money for Ukraine.

Four million steps is how many it would take to walk the distance between the RFU and Kyiv. A step challenge, rather than a distance challenge, ensured patients with limited mobility could also take part.

The RFU, based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, is a national NHS neuro-rehabilitation service for patients with acquired brain injury and associated behavioural disturbance.

Helen O’Leary, Occupational Therapist at the RFU, said: “Our staff and patients really wanted to do their bit to help the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

“Though some of our patients have a reduced ability to interact with the world, they are still aware of what goes on globally and are incredibly generous and kind.

“It’s so wonderful to see patients who wouldn’t otherwise be so active get up and walk around, and for such a good cause.”

The RFU team raised £2,358 in donations and £446 in Gift Aid, which will go to the British Red Cross to help provide aid to the people of Ukraine.

The team’s efforts have also resulted in improved long-term activity among both patients and staff. This is key to relieving stress and managing neurological conditions and some patients are continuing to count their steps even after they have reached their goal.