Neighbours! Would you like to learn about the Granton Wheat and how it has been growing on street corners in Granton – and help us sow a big plot of it at Lauriston Farm?
https://eventbrite.com/e/our-granton-wheat-at-lauriston-farm-tickets-424923787487… #FoodSovereignty #FreeEvents #NorthEdinburgh #Edinburgh #SeedSaving
Poppyscotland has been given the funding to bring new life to the gardens at New Haig House in Edinburgh, thanks to a £15,000 donation from Scotmid Co-operative.
Their flagship centre is undergoing a major refurbishment project, transforming the surrounding gardens and buildings to make the site a more attractive and enriching place for veterans and visitors.
Poppyscotland also plans to commission a veteran skilled in carpentry design and build a Scotmid Reflection Bench from native timber. This bench will give visitors a place to sit and reflect on the charity’s Exhibition Gallery, which features meaningful conversations around the work of the armed forces.
A Scotmid Volunteer Shelter will also be erected in the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens.
John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We’re honoured to support Poppyscotland and its refurbishment project at New Haig House in Edinburgh. “We hope that the new additions will create a beautiful space for veterans and visitors, and we can’t wait to come back and see it all once the refurbishment has been completed!”
Austin Hardie, Director at Poppyscotland said: “We believe those who serve or have served our country, deserve support to live life fully and without disadvantage, after their time in the Armed Forces.
“New Haig House gardens offer a peaceful and reflective space. We’re extremely grateful for Scotmid’s generous grant for the project and look forward to its completion.”
Pictured (left to right): Gordon Michie (Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland), Austin Hardie (Director of Poppyscotland), John Brodie (Chief Executive of Scotmid), Harry Cairney (Scotmid President) & Kerry Crichton (Deputy Head of Learning and Outreach at Poppyscotland)
Tickets for the Scottish premier of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder at the National Museum of Scotland go on sale tomorrow, 4 October 2022.
This ground-breaking new exhibition, which runs from 9 December 2022 to 1 May 2023, will explore the science behind the global hit television series Doctor Who and will give fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective.
To celebrate tickets going on sale, the TARDIS materialised in the Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland this morning. The TARDIS is just one of a host of real props from the series that will feature in the exhibition.
Visitors to Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will also come face to face with the Doctor’s most famous foes in the Monster Vault, including Cybermen, Weeping Angels and Daleks.
Produced by leading experiential design experts Sarner International under license from BBC Studios, this exhibition invites fans of all ages to explore the role science has played in the world’s longest running action-adventure show. The eight zones set within this educational exhibition cover a diverse selection of exciting scientific topics while drawing in content from across the full canon of Doctor Who.
A range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive features take visitors on a journey through Cosmic Curiosities, a TARDIS Tech room and the science behind time travel asking whether it really is possible.
Actor, director and author Mark Gatiss – writer of several episodes of Doctor Who – will narrate the exhibition, guiding this journey through space and time.
Mark Gatiss said: “So many people who have gone on to work in science have had their interest piqued by watching Doctor Who, and one of the amazing things about the show is its ability to make us wonder.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the exhibition and I do hope as many curiously minded people as possible take the opportunity to visit when it arrives at the National Museum of Scotland.”
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will offer a thrilling exploration of science for both established fans of the TV show and newcomers alike. The exhibition premiered at National Museums Liverpool’s World Museum, where it will run until 30 October.
Alison Cromarty, Head of Exhibitions & Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “We are delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for this cutting-edge scientific exhibition.
“We know visitors of all ages will be keen to be among the first in Scotland to experience Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder and are tremendously excited that the countdown is now on to opening in December.”
Ed Cookson, Projects Director, Sarner International: “For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments.
“The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science.”
Doctor Who has strong Scottish connections. To date three Scots have played the role of The Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi (the Seventh, Tenth and Twelfth Doctors respectively) with a fourth, Ncuti Gatwa, recently announced as the new Doctor.
Other Scottish cast members have included Companions Karen Gillan and Neve McIntosh as well as Michelle Gomez as Missy (The Master), with Alan Cumming having also appeared recently as King James VI & I. Another Scot, Steven Moffat, was showrunner from 2008 to 2017.
The National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery in mounting the exhibition. Tickets for Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will be available to book at www.nms.ac.uk/doctorwho
National Museums Scotland Members free.
Book in advance to save, general admission: Adult £12-16.50, Over 60s £11-15.50, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot £10-14.50, Child 5–15 £8-12.50, Under 5s Free
10% off family bookings*
Discounts available for groups of 10 or more
*10% off when you buy up to three Child 5–15 ticket alongside up to any two Adult, Over 60s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets, with a maximum of five tickets in total. Cannot be used in conjunction with National Museums Scotland Member tickets or any other discount or promotional offer.
Scotland, a country famed worldwide for its natural water environment and wet weather, is facing the reality that water is not infinite and is a precious resource we must work together to preserve.
Climate change is forcing every corner of the nation to change its relationship with water as sea levels rise and we experience more flash floods and drought.
Water scarcity has already proven to be a significant impact in eastern parts of the country this year as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reveals the extent of extreme, dry conditions experienced.
SEPA supports Scotland to adapt to a changing climate and helps steward our national water resource, including warning and informing businesses, communities and individuals during periods of water scarcity.
The risk of water scarcity was reported as early as April this year and what followed was an east-west split in Scotland throughout the summer, with the west experiencing mostly normal conditions while some areas in the east reached Significant water scarcity levels.
In August and September, SEPA took steps to protect the environment from the effects of prolonged dry weather by imposing suspensions on 175 water abstraction licences in four catchment areas.
This required support and compliance from businesses, predominantly within the agriculture sector, around the rivers Eden, Tyne, Tweed and Ythan. Abstractors were required to stop taking water from these areas or reduce volumes for a brief period to allow levels to recover.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “This was the first year SEPA had to enforce abstraction licence suspensions to protect the sustainability of local water environments. Action like this underlines the severity of the dry conditions we experienced and reinforces the need for businesses to prepare for instances like this in the future.
“Water scarcity is just one indicator of climate change here. With more extreme weather and a projected decrease in summer rainfall in the years to come, many places could face pressure on water resources even if they have not experienced this before.
“It is important that Scotland is ready to deal with water scarcity now and in the future. SEPA is here to help with information to allow businesses to make informed decisions about reducing their reliance on water and to plan for and manage water scarcity events.”
As summer turns to autumn, water levels are improving in areas which have been under the most pressure. However, some northern and eastern catchments are still facing the risk of water scarcity and any businesses still abstracting from the environment are being urged to do so more efficiently. SEPA will continue to monitor and report conditions until all areas return to normal.
SEPA works with abstractors all year round to reduce pressure on the water environment. Abstractors should be taking steps now, in accordance with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan, to plan ahead for a range of conditions they may experience next summer and in the years ahead.
This; includes monitoring their water usage and equipment to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency and avoid leaks. Businesses are also encouraged to work together and planning and staggering their abstractions to minimise potential impacts on the local ware environments.
For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit:
23 charities based in Scotland have received donations of £1,000 each as part of the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.
For the fourth year running, the Benefact Group is giving away £1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with another 250 awards of £1,000 available now for donation.
Euan’s Guide, A Bear Named Buttony and Doodle Trust are some of the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the country. More than 18,500 kind-hearted residents have voted for charities across the country so far.
In total, more than 202,000 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 3,900 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 250 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, following 250 previous winners being selected in June.
It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com
Thanking supporters in Scotland, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards.
“Benefact Group is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give.
“As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”
A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and £500,000 will also be given in larger grants later this year.
For more information about the awards visit www.movementforgood.com
Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.
Full list of winning Scotland charities:
Euan’s Guide
Faceyouth SCIO
A Bear Named Buttony
More Than Fibro (SCIO)
The Church of Scotland
Seil Island Community Hall Charity
Doodle Trust
Wellbeing Scotland
Signpost
Held in Our Hearts
Back Onside
Scotia Amateur Swimming Club
NappiRunz
Ecologia Youth Trust
Amma Birth Companions (SCIO)
West Coast Furniture Bank SCIO
The Learning to Understand Needs and Abilities Project
The Rock Trust
Buttons & Bows Baby Bank
Tap Into IT Where You Are Ltd
The Indigo Childcare Group
Dundee West Community Trust
The School Bank West Lothian
Do you like mushrooms? Would you like to grow-your-own? Come along to Rhyze Mushrooms Alchemy Workshop to learn to grow mushrooms on household waste.
Wednesday 12th October 3pm – 6pm at Granton Community Gardeners
Book your place by contacting Jules on 07517 109 319 or julesryan@pchp.org.uk
From today (Monday 3rd October 2022), the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is changing its guidance around Covid-19. Please read the important information below:
Social distancing will be removed across all blood donation sessions.
Please do not come to session if you have symptoms of Covid-19, flu or any other common respiratory infection. These may include:
If you have any of these symptoms, please let us know so we can re-allocate your appointment to someone else.
Our Covid-19: Advice for donors live article remains on the front page of our site, and will continue to be updated as and when changes are made.
Luxury restaurant chain Haute Dolci will be opening its doors to diners in Edinburgh on the 8th of October, creating 30 local jobs and introducing its famous dessert and brunch menu to its first-ever Scottish store.
The flagship store is located in the vibrant St James Quarter and will form part of the cosmopolitan landscape of the city, offering shoppers a chance to enjoy the best in decadent sweet treats and mouth-watering savoury dishes.
The grand opening will start at 10am and will include a variety of entertainment throughout the day, so diners are urged to get there early to make the most of a DJ and magician.
Daniel Gillett, the restaurant manager for Haute Dolci in Edinburgh, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open our first ever Scottish store, bringing Haute Dolci’s stylish and friendly atmosphere to the people of Edinburgh.
“The team has worked incredibly hard to ensure we’re ready to welcome guests to the grand opening and we are so excited to see lots of faces over the course of the day!”
The grand opening follows the famous key hunt, which offers lucky dessert-lovers access to loyalty club benefits and discounts. Clues are still being shared via the restaurant chain’s social media channels — Facebook and Instagram in the run-up to the opening.
For more information on the Haute Dolci brand or to make a reservation at the new Edinburgh restaurant, please visit hautedolci.co.uk.
Haute Dolci franchise opportunities are available across the UK; please contact Franchise@hauteworld.co.uk for more information.
Relationships built at ‘Fun Day’ as home hosts students from Fettes College
A partnership between one of Edinburgh’s most up-market care homes and a prestigious local school sees residents and students uniting for a fun day of intergenerational interaction.
14 students, aged 16-17, from Fettes College visited Cramond Residence as volunteers, where they were able to form connections with the residents across various activities taking place on each floor of the home, including arts and crafts, nail painting and gentle exercise classes.
The event was organised as an opportunity for the school and care home to come together and build relationships that are beneficial for both residents and students.
Craigleith House Coordinator at Fettes College, Eileen Crawford, said: “The fun day was a huge success and we would like to thank Cramond Residence for giving the students a very enjoyable trip and a new learning experience – it was lovely to see bonds formed.
“At Fettes, we want to instil the importance of our students engaging with the community in a positive way and this fun day was the perfect opportunity. The students had a great time and many of them have expressed their desire in making a trip to Cramond a monthly activity.
“There is so much that the younger generation can learn from the older – their world experience is invaluable to our young people taking the first steps in their own lives.
“This event marked the start of a new partnership between Fettes and Cramond, and some students will continue volunteering at the home for their Duke of Edinburgh awards.”
Cramond Residence prides itself on the vast array of exciting activities that its residents can take part in and enjoy, with the Fettes College Fun Day being one of the latest additions to the home’s bustling monthly program.
Designed to promote independent living and socialisation, the fun day saw residents at the home exchanging vibrant life stories with the students while basking outside in the sun, or indulging in a spot of pampering, painting and games.
Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence, Christian Daraio, said: “It was an incredible day for everyone involved and the students put a huge smile on the residents’ faces.
“Connecting with the wider community helps eliminate the feelings of isolation that are common in the older generation.
“These events are important for fostering intergenerational engagement that play such a big role in the positive mental health of our residents. We are looking forward to welcoming the students back for more volunteering at the home.”
Cramond Residence, launched in 2018, has provided small-group living for up to 74 residents in nine luxuriously-appointed accommodation with the highest quality of care.
The highly-trained team organises exciting activities and excursions for their residents and offer specialised and individually tailored care in respite, recuperation and dementia care provision.
The care and support provided is based on a detailed personal care plan, which is continually assessed and revised by health care professionals and other experts to ensure that the best possible care is being delivered.
The luxury home will continue to channel its efforts into improving the quality of life for its residents by introducing more innovative workshops and ideas.
To find out more about Cramond Residence, call 0131 341 4037 or visit:
RUSSELL Edwards, the man who has spent the last seven years investigating and trying to find the grave of Keith Bennett, believes people have spent many years “looking in the wrong place.”
The author from Birkenhead, Wirral, discussed the latest as police revealed they have not yet found human remains following the reported discovery of what Russell believes to be Keith’s skull 60 years after he was killed by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.
Speaking with Anne Diamond and Stephen Dixon on their breakfast show on GB News, Russell explained why he was drawn to a particular location in the Moors and how everybody else was “looking in the wrong place”.
He said: “They’ve been looking at Hoe Grain and Shiny Brook, where Myra Hindley said they took Keith. But, I’ve been helped by one of the former authorities on the story, and she gave me all the information many, many years ago. Our paths crossed on the Ripper work actually and I said our pathways were meant to cross.
“She gave me information that really led me – to putting the pieces together in great detail. Ian Brady told Peter Topping after the first visit that he wanted to go and specifically look at Eagle Rock and the view of the reservoir. When the landowner took me out to show me the murder scenes, where the bodies were discovered, I’ve got to say I’m very sympathetic to this.
“He pointed out Eagle Rock to me and it all just fitted in. Keith has got to be near John Kilbride, the second victim.”
Russell focused his search on the Eagle Rock area of the moors, where Brady is thought to have revisited with a former GMP detective after his imprisonment in 1966.
Russell continued: “I firmly believe that the boys are buried one side and the girls are buried the other (in the land).
“Something that’s very significant was car parking spaces. There’s only two-lane traffic, so you’re not going to put your car on the main road. So you’re going to park your card to the side, where one parking space is and where John is and where we found the evidence of Keith’s remains and on the other side round the corner is where they found Lesley Ann Downey. So that is how I put it all together.”
Russell, who is described as having a lifelong obsession with unsolved cases, contacted Greater Manchester Police at 11.25 am on September 29, claiming he had found the skull of 12-year-old Keith.
The teenager was one of five youngsters killed by Ian Brady and his partner Myra Hindley in the 1960s. He disappeared on 16 June 1964 while on his way to see his grandmother in Manchester.
The infamous couple tortured and killed five youngsters over a period of two years and buried four of their victims on Saddleworth Moor in the Pennines but Keith’s body is the only one that has not been recovered.
Since Russell’s claims, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed they were searching the famous Saddleworth Moor following reports of suspected human remains being found.
Speaking more about his discovery, Russell said: “We were looking for elements in the summer that shouldn’t be there and on that assessment, we got calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, so evidence of skeletal remains.
“It was me that actually found that spot through seven years of relentless work. On the day we found what looked like material, hair, and tissue, that’s what’s left in the body outside of the skeleton and we took a sample of that and gave it to the police.”
Russell went on to explain that an archaeologist confirmed that the teeth discovered matched someone who was of similar age to Keith as it only had one molar.
