Sheriffhall accident: victim dies in hospital

A man has died in hospital after he was struck by a car at Sheriffhall.

Joseph Wakeley of Edinburgh was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh after the incident on Millerhill Road near the Sheriffhall Roundabout around 9am on Thursday, 4 August.

He died in hospital during the afternoon of Saturday, 6 August (yesterday) .

His family have described him as “a loving son, father and brother” and asked that their privacy is respected.

The driver of the car was uninjured.

Sergeant Paul Ewing of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts are with Joseph’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information who has not yet spoken to an officer to get in touch.

“You can call 101, quoting reference 0775 of 4 August, 2022.”

What is ‘cash stuffing’? 

Financial expert explains the money-saving trend taking TikTok by storm

‘Cash stuffing’ is a money-saving technique currently blowing up on social media.

With the cost of living crisis impacting the majority of the UK, Gen-Z and Millenials are looking for new ways to save. Within the past year, Google searches for the term ‘cash stuffing’ have increased by 274% (Source: Google Trends/Glimpse) and the TikTok hashtag has generated over 498 MILLION views to date.

Dan Whittaker, Personal Finance Expert at CashLady.com, has released comments explaining the trending method of saving at home, how it works, along with the downsides:

What is ‘cash stuffing’?

“Cash stuffing is a method of saving money by physically withdrawing money from your bank account and organising it in a folder system.”

“Using a personalised folder containing several labelled envelopes, savvy savers divide their monthly outgoings into categories, label each envelope with a category, then select a budget for each category and put the allocated amount of cash into the envelope.

“For example, if your monthly take home pay was £1,000, you would make your essential payments as normal, such as rent, mortgage and bills. Then, you split the remaining money into several categories within your folder.

This could be for things like ‘the weekly shop,’ ‘birthday funds,’ ‘socialising,’ ‘holiday savings’ or ‘pocket money for kids.’ Each category and its envelope would contain the exact amount allocated in your budget.”

“The technique is also sometimes referred to as the ‘cash envelope system’.”

“At the end of the month, you can see clearly how much money you have spent in each area and track it on a spreadsheet. You can then readjust your budgets for the next month to stay on track. If you’re lucky enough to have funds left over, these should be moved into a separate folder which acts as bonus savings for whatever your ultimate saving goal is.”

 Why does it work for some people?

 “This method of saving can be a great way to keep you motivated to achieve your savings goals. Breaking down larger savings goals into smaller monthly targets makes the task of saving less overwhelming, and being able to literally see the money saved each month can lead to a greater sense of achievement.” 

“Also, seeing your money physically dwindle can make you more aware of the current state of your finances. Using Apple Pay, Paypal or even online banking can sometimes feel as though you aren’t actually spending money as there is no physical cash exchanged. With cash stuffing, you have a visual representation of your earnings and outgoings which can lead to a greater sense of awareness of your finances; when you see what you’re spending, you think more about what you’re spending.”

“This is perhaps why the method is particularly popular amongst young people, who have been brought up using online banking and are seeking a new way to view and manage their money.”

 “Another bonus with this method is that you’re avoiding the risks that can come with credit cards or overdraft fees. Avoiding credit cards altogether stops those prone to overspending from racking up debts, as once your monthly budget is gone, it’s gone.”

 What are the downsides?

“Security is the biggest downside. When your money is locked away in your bank it is protected by the banks security systems and protected by schemes such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.”

“However, with your money living outside of your bank in cash form, it may be more vulnerable to theft, loss or damage (for instance from fire). If this were to happen then you would essentially have no recourse to recover that money. If you are interested in this technique, investing in a safe or something similar would be advisable.”

“You also aren’t earning any interest on your money while it is not deposited in a bank, building society or other savings scheme.”
 

 How can I do it?

“If you want to give Cash Stuffing a try then firstly, you need to think about what you typically spend money on. Dividing your usual spending into categories will help you to start your envelope system. Spends such as shopping, dining out, entertainment, petrol, gifts and groceries might be the most consistent monthly costs to begin with.”

“Then, think of your longer-term savings goals. Assign an envelope for this, where you can start to deposit any spare change at the end of each month. This could be for a car deposit or saving for a renovation or holiday for example, but having a specific goal is a great way to keep you motivated. Having these additional folders means you’re always allocating some money to long-term goals.”

“Next, you need to work out how much money to assign to each category. If you know you spend too much on socialising, then lower your budget in that category, and so on. After you’ve budgeted, it’s worth creating a spreadsheet to track your spending, simply writing down how much you allocated and then spent that month. This creates an awareness of your spending habits and helps see where you went right and where you could cut back. Any leftovers can be added to your long-term envelopes to encourage you to keep going.”

“The important thing is to only spend what is in that envelope. Restrict your spending to only using the allocated amount on each category and you should have savings in no time.”

FREE Dyson Styling Appointments in Edinburgh as part of nationwide Styling Tour

Dyson launches first-ever national Styling Tour, bringing its  must-have hair care technologies to you this summer 

Dyson takes pioneering hair technology on tour, bringing these award-winning hair tools to multiple UK locations, 6 years  after the launch of the Supersonic Hair Dryer 

Discover your style at the Dyson Styling Tour and create a salon-finished style in your own time using the latest Dyson  technology with no extreme heat 

Share your style on social media with the use of the selfie booth using the hashtag #MyDysonStyle The Dyson Styling Tour will visit x7 UK locations this summer, kicking off at Manchester Spinningfields from the 13th of July With a dedicated salon space and Dyson Experts and Stylists on-hand, Styling Tour visitors can book their 30-minute dry  styling appointments directly online and in advance at Dyson.co.uk/stylingtour 

Dyson has unveiled its first-ever national Styling Tour, bringing their must-have hair care  technologies to you this summer.

Starting at Manchester Spinningfields from the 13th of July, this new and exciting immersive beauty experience will give consumers the opportunity to achieve salon-quality styling with the help of hair diagnostics,  personalised recommendations, demonstrations, and support from Dyson experts. 

Dyson is bringing its must-have hair care technologies on the road to x7 locations within the UK. The Styling Tour will be  home to Dyson’s full portfolio, helping customers get hands on with our technology, discover more about our engineering,  explore the full range, and better understand how Dyson hair care technology works in this incredible new immersive pop up. 

Dyson entered the hair care technology space in 2016 with the launch of the Supersonic hair dryer. Since then, Dyson has  launched the Airwrap Styler in 2018 and the Corrale straightener in 2020, all of which have won multiple beauty magazine  awards and have generated buzz on social media with renowned influencers globally.

Most recently, in March 2022, Dyson  unveiled the Airwrap multi-styler, a re-engineered Airwrap styler with exciting new attachments, suitable for all hair types with  no extreme heat.

The immersive space has a circular design which is inspired by the shape of the iconic Supersonic hairdryer. This space boasts interactive screens upon entrance showcasing a range of styling content and impactful visuals providing both inspiration and education for guests to get a deeper dive into Dyson’s engineering process. 

The dedicated salon space features up to x7 styling stations where visitors will be able to pre-book a complimentary 30- minute dry styling session online from the curated styling menu with one of Dyson’s expert stylists or get hands-on to trial the  tools themselves at the designated self-styling stations.

Whether it’s beach waves, bouncy curls or smooth volume, all styles  are created using Dyson technology, engineered for all hair types with less reliance on heat. A private styling experience will  also be available for those who require it. 

Visitors can visit the Dyson photo booth and share a capture their new self-styled or professionally styled looks achieved by  creating an animated GIF to post on social media using a unique QR code so visitors can TikTok, Instagram story or snap their  style. 

At the key city centre locations (Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh and London) guests will have the opportunity to  purchase all Dyson hair care tools at any time throughout the course of their experience, including the tech at the top of  everyone’s wish-list: the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler which was unveiled earlier this year.  

Hair science and healthy hair styling – Dyson is dedicated to understanding the science of hair – it is the very foundation  underpinning its hair styling technologies. Having researched the science of hair for almost a decade, investing in global hair  laboratories across the world and employing thousands of hair scientists, engineers, and professional stylists to learn new  insights into hair globally. 

Dyson Styling Tour visitors can book a personalised 30-minute dry styling appointments in advance with a  Dyson expert online at Dyson.co.uk/stylingtour.

Dobbies search for Edinburgh’s ‘Not Your Average Gardener’

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is on the lookout for Edinburgh’s best gardeners with its Not Your Average Gardener Awards.

Research conducted by the garden centre from Independent Media News earlier this year saw 76% of Brits couldn’t wait to get back into the garden. Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is now looking to tap into this interest and discover the talent out there through its Not Your Average Gardener Awards.

A team of star-studded gardening enthusiasts will be judging the awards, including Broadcaster, Jo Whiley, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, ITV This Morning’s Daisy Payne and Dobbies’ Ambassador and gardening influencer, Henry Agg.

Dobbies is looking to celebrate four gardeners, all with a passion for planting in their own unique way, with up to £5,000 worth of prizes and a virtual consultation with Marcus Eyles on how best to maximise their space.

Sustainability is at the core of the awards and Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is searching for those who support local wildlife, better the environment and use sustainable gardening techniques to enter. Dobbies’ team members will be on hand to offer the winners advice on how to spend their prize and bring their space to life.

There are four categories for the Not Your Average Gardener Awards, including Most Sustainable Gardener, Best Mini Garden Makeover, Best Houseplant Parent and Best Young Gardener (under 16 years).

Jo Whiley is delighted to be on the panel: “Gardening is a huge passion of mine, and I would encourage anyone to try it as a hobby. Being out in your green space, no matter the size, is a great chance to take a moment for your own wellbeing.

“I’m really excited to be on Dobbies’ judging panel this year. Whether a houseplant enthusiast, a keen gardener growing fruit and vegetables on an apartment balcony, a child discovering ways to make their green space bloom or gardening newbie creating plant borders, I’m excited to hear how Brits are giving gardening a go no matter their space or experience.”

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, adds: “We’ve seen a positive increase in gardening over the past year, with customers across Edinburgh looking to try something new in their green space.

“At Dobbies we’re always on the lookout for passionate gardeners and our Not Your Average Gardener Awards are a great opportunity to shine a light on talent across Britain.

“Sustainability is at the core of our awards, and we’re extremely proud to offer a strong range of sustainable Dobbies’ products, including our award-winning peat-free compost, that benefit both the garden and environment.”

Nominations can be submitted at dobbies.com by filling out a simple form and submitting images. Deadline for submissions is 26 August. All entries will be reviewed by the panel of expert judges and winners will be announced September 2022. 

For more information on the awards or to submit an entry, visit: 

https://www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-gardener-awards.

Green Home Festivalgoers to arrive in style  

Visitors to an upcoming show at the Green Home Festival will be travelling in all-electric style thanks to a partnership with Western Commercial Mercedes-Benz.

Festival organisers have teamed up with the auto experts to lay on electric vans for the Improving energy efficiency show on Wednesday 10 August.

Delegates will be ferried from the centre of Edinburgh to the show’s Murrayburn venue in a state-of the-art eVito Tourer, then bussed back afterwards.

One of the organisers, Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “We are grateful to Western Commercial for this extremely generous gesture which is perfectly in keeping with the aims and spirit of the Green Home Festival.

“This is the perfect demonstration of low-carbon innovation in action and will add to the delegates’ experience of green living and the technology of tomorrow.”

Simon Murray, Van Sales Director at Western Commercial Mercedes-Benz, said: “We were only too happy to offer our services to the Green Home Festival and let delegates experience the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) for themselves.

“We are excited about the possibilities that EVs bring to all our lives and we are delighted to be able to make the journey a green one for those attending the show in Murrayburn.”

The show will see A.C. Whyte & Co Ltd take visitors around a site where they are currently regenerating 29 blocks of four-storey flats for the City of Edinburgh Council.

Visitors will see how the contractor has delivered upgrades, learn how the project helped reduce heating costs, and learn what a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency means.

The show is one of 12 events for the Green Home Festival which has been organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Festival will be opened tomorrow (Monday 8 August) by Scottish Government Minister Patrick Harvie.

The event will deliver a range of shows including:

·          Demystifying heat pumps – afascinating demonstration of the future of home heating and what kind of homes it’s suitable for

·          Protecting against floods –  flooding and its impact on people and buildings and how to access support and resources to protect your property

·          Hitting the road with EVs – what to consider when choosing an EV, current models and how to go about installing an EV charge point at your home

·          Retrofitting a tenement – how renewable renovations can reduce heating costs and cut carbon emissions in Scotland’s traditional buildings

·          Living safely in the future – the potential dangers of the domestic gadgets of tomorrow – and how we can ensure our high-tech homes are safe to live in.

Live sessions will take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh, with six other sessions available online via webinar.

Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk.

The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Made up of 29 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.

Fossil bird collection of international importance bequeathed to National Museums Scotland

A collection of over 700 bird fossils has been bequeathed to National Museums Scotland. The fossils date from 54-56 million years ago, the beginning of the Eocene period, and represent the early stages in the evolution of modern birds.

The collection is believed to contain many species which are new to science. 

Work is now underway to fully document and describe the collection. Already two papers have been published describing new species, one being a falcon-like bird, the other being a diver or loon.

Experts believe the collection could yield at least 50 new species once research is completed. The specimens are unusual in terms of bird fossils in that they are preserved in 3D. Bird bones are light and fragile and so their remains are more commonly flattened prior to fossilisation. 

A notable characteristic of the period in which these birds lived is that the global climate was several degrees warmer than it is today, meaning that the specimens may give scientists useful information about global climate change today. 

The specimens were collected over decades by amateur palaeontology enthusiast Michael Daniels. Mr Daniels, who died last year aged 90, assembled the remarkable collection of several hundred skeletons and part skeletons that he had discovered in nodules of the London Clay, which had eroded out of the cliffs at Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex.

Daniels’ daughter lived in Edinburgh, and it was on a family visit to the National Museum of Scotland over 25 years ago that he shared news of his remarkable collection with the museum’s Principal Curator of Vertebrates, Dr Andrew Kitchener. 

Dr Kitchener said: “I first met Michael Daniels more than 25 years ago.  Visiting the museum with his wife Pam and his daughter Caroline, who lived in Edinburgh, this meeting would be the beginning of a long friendship. 

“In later years I visited Michael and Pam at their home and got to see the collection in its countless drawers and boxes in his study.  I was astonished at the amazing variety of specimens of all shapes and sizes. Many of the bones were minuscule, requiring great patience and skill to extract.

“The fact that the collection is now with us here at National Museums Scotland will be of interest to palaeontologists across the world.”  

Avian palaeontologist Dr Gerald Mayr of the Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, visited Daniels many times to view his collection, and has more recently visited Edinburgh to undertake further research and study. Dr Mayr has published the two papers to date describing new species.  

He said: ““The importance of Michael Daniels’ collection cannot be overstated. There is nothing like it in the UK, certainly, and it is comparable to other bird-rich sites in the US, China and Germany.

“The fact that so many specimens are preserved in three dimensions makes this one of the most important collections of its type in the world.” 

The collection is now undergoing conservation and preservation work at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh, where it will be kept and made accessible to researchers.  

Artist J.O.T. and Royal Yacht Britannia

Following the successful ‘Meet The Artist’ event that took place earlier this week at the FROM WASTE TO WALL exhibition held at the Image Collective Gallery in Leith, James Owen Thomas (also known by his initials J.O.T.) arranged to meet Laura McCall, marketing manager of The Royal Yacht Britannia & Fingal Hotel Ocean Drive Leith.

The exhibition takes place directly opposite Britannia’s Visitor Centre and James was delighted to present Ms McCall with a framed original collage Emblem for the Royal Yacht Britannia. 

Laura received a personal tour around the art exhibition before inviting James for a tour on board the Britannia.  As a COP26 One Step Greener ambassador and environmental artist, James was very impressed with Britannia’s environmental commitment to eliminate, reduce, reuse and recycle waste and he hopes to collaborate with Britannia and Fingal on future projects. 

These are his thoughts exactly as James describes how the art he creates has all been made from recycled items. 

He said: “If what I can do will encourage and inspire people to re-use and recycle, then hopefully we can look forward to a more environmentally-friendly future.” 

James’ exhibition at the Image Collective Gallery, 2nd Floor, Ocean Terminal continues until 30th September and he can be contacted via his website www.jamesowenthomas.com or by email art@jamesowenthomas.com