Day: August 3, 2022

Gretna Green announces its Summer Of Love

·         Iconic destination launches a bespoke ‘love package’ for the perfect summer staycation

·         Package to include ancient ‘handfasting ceremony’ where visitors can cement their love for each other during their stay

·         The Summer of Love offer to be available from July 2022

Gretna Green, The Home of Romance, rebellion, and runaway marriages, is celebrating all things love this summer as it launches a bespoke new offering.

The limited edition package will include a night’s stay at Gretna Hall Hotel, a meal for two at one of Gretna Green’s fabulous restaurants, a bespoke Anvil Handfasting Ceremony over the iconic Blacksmiths anvil and to toast and celebrate in style, a delectable love-inspired limited edition ‘Summer of Love’ cocktail designed by resident mixologist, Yash Dhiman.

Visitors will also receive tickets to the recently launched Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience – the UK’s first attraction dedicated to love and marriage – where they will be taken through a history of marriage through time and become a part of the World’s Greatest Love Story. With Gretna Green marrying couples from as far back as 1754, visitors can learn all about the many different love stories spanning across the decades.

As part of the visit to Gretna Green, couples will also partake in a handfasting ceremony – a traditional practice where a ribbon is wrapped around each person’s hands ‘binding’ their love for one another. The perfect way to make a romantic break extra special and totally unique. 

The iconic destination at the gateway to Scotland, historically known as The Original Home of Romance, is also home to unique experiences and delicious eateries for all the family. Set in the stunning Scottish countryside, it boasts two luxury hotels, and is the perfect place for a summer staycation.

In addition, because of its ideal location near the English border, it offers a great day out for travellers passing through the South of Scotland on their way up North, or vice versa. 

Isabel Rhodes, CEO of the Gretna Green Ltd family estate, said: “We pride ourselves on being a unique and interesting place to visit, offering something for everyone. There really is no place like Gretna Green!

“We want to showcase all we have to offer here at Gretna Green and welcome you all from across the UK to join us in celebrating a Summer Of Love”.

Going green: Glenmorangie’s bottling plant switches to solar

– New solar array reduces bottling plant’s national grid reliance by one-third –

The Glenmorangie Company has installed a new solar array at its bottling plant in Livingston, as part of a significant eight-figure investment in its operations, which will reduce its current on-site energy consumption by 30 per cent.

The 1,476 panels cover the majority of the building’s roof, allowing Glenmorangie to generate its own renewable energy, delivering significant savings and at the same time reducing its carbon footprint. 

It forms part of the company’s overarching sustainable strategy to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. The installation has been carried out by West Lothian based DB Group, in partnership with Emtec Energy. The DB Group will offer energy management support as The Glenmorangie Company continues to reduce energy consumption and works towards its green targets. 

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The Company’s purpose-built Livingston site was opened in 2011. As global demand grows for both its Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Single Malt Whiskies the Company is doubling capacity at its bottling plant through an expansion due to complete in 2023. The solar array forms part of that development.

Michael Scotland, Facilities and Projects Director at Glenmorangie, said: “We’re putting sustainability at the heart of the expansion of our Alba bottling plant. Our capacity will be increasing with new high-speed lines being installed over the coming year.

“At the same time, we have installed solar panels to reduce our current reliance on the national grid. This also gives us a clear pathway to maximise green energy across our site as we work towards our sustainability targets.”

Peter Nelson, Operations Director at Glenmorangie, added: “The Glenmorangie Company has ambitious plans for growth while we are fully committed to building a sustainable future for our business and communities across Scotland.

“We have key projects already in motion or completed at our sites including the solar array at Livingston, the installation of an anaerobic digestion plant in Tain as part of our Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project (DEEP).

“We also continue to work in partnership with other Distilleries on new hydrogen energy trials with many more projects in the pipeline to achieve our 2040 net zero ambition.”

Kimpton Charlotte Square unveils new art exhibition inspired by capital’s iconic landmarks

The award-winning Kimpton Charlotte Square hotel has launched its latest exhibition in partnership with local gallery, Colinton Arts. 

As the city welcomes visitors from around the globe for the world-famous Edinburgh Festival to celebrate arts and culture, the Hotel unveils a collection of artists inspired by the capital’s iconic landmarks and scenery.

Jason Cordingley, oil painter and art educator, creates landscapes that echo the vitality of nature and the splendour of man’s architectural creations. His cityscapes capture some of Edinburgh’s most picturesque locations including Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and the historic Old Town. All of these locations will be at the heart of August’s festivities.

Jason commented: “Often I will push the extremes of both colour and tone in an attempt to conjure a dream like quality to my work. The exhibition pieces outline my passion for texture as I experiment with bold colours and tones to pay tribute to the Scottish landscape.

“The opportunity to exhibit my work at this luxury hotel is extremely special to me, particularly as an Edinburgh-based artist with a great love for the city. I’m thrilled that guests will see my work as we spotlight the capital in all its glory.”

In addition to the Edinburgh focussed pieces, Kimpton Charlotte Square is also showcasing work by Stephanie Pijper and Leon Anderson.

As an award-winning artist from the North-East of Scotland, Stephanie’s work features exquisite attention to detail and themes of rebirth throughout. Her featured artwork includes The Secret Garden and My Tears Made the Flowers Grow.

A self-taught artist, Leon Anderson (above) takes well known dog breeds and uses clothing and expressions to highlight traits that make them so loveable. His inspired canine characters include Lady Di-chschund, Outlander Jamie and Admiral Harvey.

Located in the historic village of Colinton, Colinton Arts is a family-run gallery presenting the very best of local and regional talent including exclusive paintings, prints and sculptures.

Lindsey Alexander, owner of Colinton Arts, said: “As a relatively new gallery and long-standing framing studio, we’re fast gaining an excellent reputation. 

“We’re becoming well-known for our varied portfolio of artists working in a wide variety of media and we’re grateful to the Kimpton for this wonderful opportunity. 

“Gallery Manager Lesley Briggs and I are really looking forward to this exhibition and gaining greater exposure for our talented artists.”

Kieran Quinn, general manager at Kimpton Charlotte Square said: “The Edinburgh Festival is one of the most iconic events in the city and something we as a hotel look forward to every year.

“As a boutique hotel where art is at the core of our allure, it was an obvious collaboration for us. We can exhibit breath-taking, exclusive pieces which capture the best of Edinburgh while supporting another local business.

“Our guests travel from all over Scotland and beyond so we’re excited for them to see these pieces and add to their memorable experience.”

Guests and members of the public are invited to see Jason, Stephanie and Leon’s work on display at Kimpton Charlotte Square from today (Wednesday 3 August) until the end of October.

For artwork purchasing queries, please contact: info@colinton-arts.com.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street becomes Festival Fringe partner

Johnnie Walker Princes Street and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society have announced an exciting new partnership that will see Edinburgh’s most exciting whisky experience support the festival as an Official Partner Destination.

Since launching in September 2021, Johnnie Walker Princes Street has quickly become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors.  With iconic views of Edinburgh Castle and the cityscape, guests visiting the attraction are guaranteed a five-star experience.

Boasting personalised immersive tours, two stunning rooftop bars, a dedicated events space and spectacular retail store packed with exclusive items, Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers festival goers eight floors of whisky adventures in Edinburgh’s West End.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the partnership brings together the world’s premier arts festival with the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky.

As Edinburgh plays host to artists and audiences from around the world this summer, Johnnie Walker Princes Street will welcome them for an experience that will invigorate their senses in August, and beyond. 

As part of the partnership, Johnnie Walker Princes Street will feature across the Fringe venues map – a core navigation tool to ensure audiences enjoy their visit to Edinburgh and are able to easily find the wealth of Fringe venues across the city.

You can find this navigation tool in the back of the programme or collect a handy pocket version from the Fringe Shop during the Fringe.

In line with the net zero targets recently set out in the Fringe Society’s future development goals, Johnnie Walker Princes Street are also supporting the delivery of the Fringe’s e-ticketing journey, a significant digital development for 2022.

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street said: “The Johnnie Walker Princes Street team is delighted to be coming on board as Official Sponsorship Partner of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in its momentous 75thyear.

“2022 is a big year for us too, as we’ll enjoy our first full summer in Edinburgh. Our location in the heart of the West End is perfect for festival goers and what’s more they’ll get the perfect view of the city in full swing from our rooftop bar.”

Shona McCarthy, CEO at The Edinburgh Fringe Society said: “We’re delighted to expand our previous partnership with Johnnie Walker into an exciting new one with Johnnie Walker Princes Street. 

“We’ve watched the development of the attraction over the last few years, and it’s a fantastic addition to Edinburgh’s visitor offer.  Through the support of this partnership, we have been able to make improvements to our ticketing experience this August, and also bring back the popular Fringe venues map. 

“We look forward to working with Barbara and the team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street during the busy weeks ahead, and into 2023 and beyond.”

Healthy Heart Tip: World Breastfeeding Week

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

Healthy Heart Tip: World Breastfeeding Week

Research has shown that women who have breastfed at some time in their lives are less likely to develop heart disease or stroke, compared to women who haven’t breastfed at all. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year across the world from 1st-7th August and aims to raise awareness about breastfeeding and its many advantages.

Here we explore some of them:

Any length of time is amazing!

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until six months, but any length of time a baby is breastfed is a health benefit for Mum and baby. There is a lot of evidence to show how beneficial it is to breastfeed your baby, especially in the early weeks.

Health benefits

Breast milk contains everything baby needs for the first six months of their life, in all the right proportions. Breast milk is easily digestible, absorbed and loaded with antibodies. Breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organisation for up to two years, and beyond, because the benefits are so vast!

Getting the hang of it

Feeding your baby can feel quite overwhelming at first – whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding with infant formula or a combination of both. We know it can take time to get the hang of breastfeeding. If you have any feeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor for support.

The benefits of breastfeeding are so numerous, and it’s the best start you can give your baby, if you want to and you’re able. Plus, we can’t discount the big benefits for Mum, for health reasons and convenience.

However, no matter what choice you make – you got this!

Other useful resources:

https://www.laleche.org.uk/

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/.

Women’s Euros, Commonwealth Games … and the Shopping Olympics!

TK MAXX REWARDS CUSTOMERS IN ‘SUPER SATURDAYS’ AS PART OF A SUMMER OF SPORTING AND SHOPPING BIG WINS 

  • To celebrate 10 years since London 2012, TK Maxx is rewarding shoppers with their very own ‘medal’ haul, as part of their ongoing Summer of Big Wins campaign 
  • Every Saturday in August, there will be 65 gold medal gift cards hidden in stores around the country, to represent the number of medals won by Team GB 
  • Kicking off in London with Rylan, the celebrations will then move on to Birmingham to mark the city hosting the Commonwealth Games, then Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast 
  • Recent research from TK Maxx shows more than half of Brits (55%) say summer is their favourite time of year, compared to 12% who said winter.
  • 63% said they find outdoor exercise easier to do in the summertime. 
  • Whether you’re looking forward to footie in the garden, runs in the park or sprinting to the shade, discover more about TK Maxx’s Summer of Big Wins.

London, summer 2012 – remember anything big happening? Let us remind you. 

Ten years ago, Team GB achieved our best ever medal haul at the London 2012 Olympics – and TK Maxx is celebrating by bringing that brilliant winning feeling to customers across the country and giving them the chance to win their own ‘gold medal’ treasure. 

The TK Maxx Summer of Big Wins will hit the #TeamGB hotspots, bringing the treasure hunt to every place – 

  • Birmingham, Saturday 6th August 
  • Cardiff, Saturday 13th August 
  • Edinburgh, Saturday 20th August 
  • Belfast, Saturday 27th August 

There will be 65 ‘medals’ hidden inside each store, every Saturday in August – each one representing the number won by Team GB in 2012 and giving the public the chance to win up to £65 off their shopping on the everyday amazing value in-store and online. 

Rylan was spotted limbering up to uncover his own treasure early this morning at TK Maxx’s flagship store on London’s Oxford Street, don’t miss your chance to do the same and end up on the winner’s podium – it’s going to be a summer of big wins, both sporting and shopping!

TK Maxx recently released research that shows summer simply puts a spring in our step. 77% of Brits polled said they find it easier to get out of bed in the summertime than the winter, with park runs and footy in the garden on their minds. 

More than half of Brits (55%) say summer is their favourite time of year, compared to 12% who said winter – to each their own!

Not only that, but 63% of people find it much easier to do outdoor exercise during the summer months – so there’s no better time to stock up on TK’s range of summer essentials across beauty, homeware, fashion and, of course, activewear. 

TK Maxx have also undertaken some Very Important Sports Facts (VISF), all with a TK twist…

Did you know?

  • Mo Farah’s double Gold glory in the Men’s 5,000m and 10,000m is the equivalent of over 20,000 pairs of men’s socks laid out end to end!
  • The length it took for Bradley Wiggins’ to power to Gold in the Men’s Individual Time Trial is equivalent to that of 73,333 suitcases!
  • Greg Rutherford’s winning long jump in 2012 was the same as leaping over 57 pairs of men’s sunglasses lying back-to-back!
  • Jessica Ennis-Hill’s javelin throw on her way to glory in the women’s Heptathlon event was 47.49m – or over 194 women’s shoes!
  • Tom Daley’s 10m spectacular platform dive in 2012 is the equivalent of over 14 men’s polo shirts stacked on top of each other!
  • Helen Glover and Heather Stanning rowed for Gold at Eton Dorney – over a distance of more than 13,500 children’s shoes!
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You can get all the nation’s favourite summer essentials at TK Maxx with up to 60% less than the RRP. 

Whether you’re counting down the days till things cool down or can’t wait to sizzle those sausages on the BBQ, get equipped at TK Maxx with essentials for all year round. But for now, get your hands on our summer must-haves, in-store or online at TKMaxx.com.

Winchburgh: Daisy Park plans submitted for planning approval

A formal planning application has now been submitted to West Lothian Council to create a major new park on the site of the historic Winchburgh Brickworks. 

Daisy Park, which is part of the approved masterplan for Winchburgh, sits adjacent to the Union Canal and the new marina in the heart of the Winchburgh community.  

The designs for Daisy Park have been heavily influenced by the local community. They respect and reflect the historic brickworks as well as retaining major areas of biodiversity. The park will also include a wild learning garden and viewing points across to the Forth bridges.  

Daisy Park will become a central meeting place for and provide connections across the whole of the community by footpaths and cycle paths. Connecting directly onto the Union Canal, it can be easily used as a stop-off for those cycling the wider canal network.  

John Hamilton, Chief Executive, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, commented: “This isn’t just another new park for the community. Its design has been significantly influenced by the community too.

“The plans have been subject to extensive consultation and the proposals that are going in for approval reflect the feedback that we had from many Winchburgh residents.  

Some of the locals still remember the brickworks when it was operational and we know many of them are looking forward to seeing the old industrial site take on a new lease of life.” 

The planning application can be viewed by searching for ‘daisy’ on the West Lothian Council planning portal. The extensive public consultation report detailing the full engagement and feedback activities are part of the submission. 

As part of the plans, Winchburgh will welcome adventure waterpark operators, Wild Shore, to the site.  

Wild Shore – which already operates in Dundee, Delamere (Cheshire), Liverpool and New Brighton – is set to develop a new facility within the park and create a major water-based visitor attraction. The people behind Wild Shore also operate Foxlake Adventures in East Lothian. 

The park will become home to award-winning water adventure activities including cable wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and for the first time in Scotland – their unique floating ropes course over water – Aqua Chimp. The facilities will also include changing rooms and a café. 

Callum Mark, Director, Wild Shore, said: “‘We are delighted that the planning application has been submitted. The community consultation has been an invaluable exercise in gaining a unique insight into the village’s history, exciting future and the strong community driving expansion and change.

“We have been blown away by the support the project has received and can’t wait to start working with local schools, youth groups, voluntary organisations and the wider community to create a truly special facility for Winchburgh and beyond.” 

Wild Shore Winchburgh will manage the quarry water under a 30-year agreement with Winchburgh Developments. It will be easily accessible within one hour for more than half of the Scottish population, especially with new junction connecting local roads with the M9 expected to be completed early next year.  

Spanning 352 hectares, Winchburgh is one of the largest placemaking projects currently underway in the UK delivering at least 3,800 homes, improved transport links, employment opportunities, schools and outdoor spaces.  

Any enquiries should be directed to Penny Lochhead, Community, Sports and Greenspace Manager on 07802 500991 or penny@winchburghdevelopments.com.  

Callum Mark, Director, Wild Shore Winchburgh, 07507 331535 callum@wildshore.co.uk 

Planning application: 

https://planning.westlothian.gov.uk/publicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=RFEYCYRJH4I00 

The full design boards from the consultation can be seen at www.winchburghgreenspaces.co.uk 

The artist impressions are courtesy of Optimised Environments Ltd (OPEN). 

New Laurent Perrier summer afternoon tea at the Ivy on the Square

This National Afternoon Tea Week, The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh welcomes guests to experience its luxury afternoon tea offering

If you’re looking for a mid-afternoon indulgence this August, look no further than The Ivy on the Square’s new Laurent Perrier Summer Afternoon Tea, available every day from 3pm – 4:45pm.

The brasserie has partnered with Laurent Perrier to offer a glass of Rosé Champagne with its afternoon tea experience, which includes a delicious array of sandwiches, including Ivy Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese fingers, grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche and pickled cucumber, courgette and basil double decker rolls.

Freshly baked fruit scones are served with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve, while the sweets include a chocolate plant pot, madeleine cake with lemon curd, red velvet raspberry cake and a strawberry milkshake, all accompanied by a choice of teas, infusions or coffees.

Summer Afternoon Tea starts from £28.95 per person, or £37.95 per person with a glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne, is available to enjoy in The Ivy on the Square’sluscious surroundings seven days a week and served between 3:00 – 4:45pm.

Book your experience or purchase an Afternoon Tea gift voucher for a loved on at https://theivyedinburgh.com/

Regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures within a year to prevent exploitation, urge MPs

The Government must speed up the introduction of a promised licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures to prevent vulnerable people being exploited.

The Impact of body image on mental and physical health report identifies a rise in body image dissatisfaction as the driver behind a new market that to date has remained largely unregulated. The dangers posed by non-surgical cosmetic procedures in vulnerable groups were evident throughout the inquiry, say MPs.

The Government has new powers to introduce a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures however a consultation on what that regime should look like is still awaited.

Legislation should require online commercial content to carry a logo to identify body images that have been digitally altered while the Government is urged to work with the industry and the ASA to discourage advertisers and influencers from doctoring their images.

The wide-ranging report also calls for a Government review of the growing use of anabolic steroids for cosmetic purposes and proposes a safety campaign for those at risk. Long-term use has been linked with cardiovascular disease and brain changes.

On obesity, MPs were disappointed by a Government decision to delay restrictions on buy-one-get-one-free deals and urge immediate action. The report also calls for further research on tackling obesity while eliminating weight stigma and discrimination.

Health and Social Care Committee Chair Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt said: “The government must act urgently to end the situation where anyone can carry out non-surgical cosmetic procedures, regardless of training or qualifications.

“We heard of some distressing experiences – a conveyor belt approach with procedures carried out with no questions asked, procedures that have gone wrong, the use of filthy premises.

“It was clear throughout our inquiry that some groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation in this growing market that has gone largely unregulated. We need a timetable now for a licensing regime with patient safety at its centre to reduce those risks.

“We hope that ministers will listen to our recommendations and set about creating the safety standards that anyone seeking treatment has a right to expect.”

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Edinburgh man encourages fellow Muslims to register as organ donors

An Edinburgh man who was inspired to become an organ donor is urging people of faith to consider giving others the ultimate gift.

Muhammad Munir, 55, is of the Muslim faith and, despite the difference of opinion on organ donation in the Islamic community, he feels very passionately about the topic.

Mr Munir said: “My religion teaches me that looking after yourself and other people is our number one priority, and my heart says that there is no religion on earth where you wouldn’t want to save someone’s life.”

Organ donation has been debated extensively in pre-modern and contemporary times and some still believe that organ donation is impermissible in the Muslim faith.

Mr Munir continued: “I am of the Islamic faith and there are still some Muslims who believe that you should not become an organ donor after death due to the lack of knowledge and awareness on permissibility of organ donation – we need to raise more awareness!

“In Islam, we pray five times a day. However, our faith states you should look after your health and your body first.”

Mr Munir added: “I’ve had many discussions within my community with people who disagree with my decision to become an organ donor. I try to provide them with logical, scientific information and signpost them to the updated information by the Muslim scholars, but I don’t push them too much as you can only debate with someone who’s open to changing their mind.”

Mr Munir is a Peer Educator volunteer with Kidney Research UK and has been volunteering with the Organ Donation project for the past 5 years. The project focuses on raising awareness and educating the South Asian (Sikh, Hindu and Muslim) ethnic minority communities on organ donation.

Mr Munir, who is partially sighted and works for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), also felt that it was very important to make his family aware of his decision to become an organ donor.

NHS Lothian supports all initiatives to raise awareness of organ donation and Caroline Gallier, Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation, NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Families play a key role in organ and tissue donation and if you die in circumstances where you could be an organ donor, a specialist nurse would check the NHS Organ Donor Register to see if you had signed up.

“They would also speak to your family to ask them about whether you had expressed any more recent views and whether your faith would place any restrictions on donation.

“So, whatever your decision, it’s important your family know what you want.”

If you want to donate after your death, the best way to ensure your family know what you want and honour your decision is to have a conversation with them about it and register as a donor.

You can also record on the register whether your faith/belief is important and should be considered as part of the donation discussion, and you can consult your faith leader for further information.

You can find out more about organ and tissue donation and register your decision online at www.organdonation.scot or by calling 0300 123 23 23.

If you would like to learn more about an Islamic perspective on Organ Donation, please visit the following website here.