Month: November 2022

Historic Environment Scotland unveils exclusive Coorie tartan collection

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has collaborated with world leading tartan manufacturer, Lochcarron of Scotland, to create luxury fashion and homeware accessories as part of its latest retail range, ‘Coorie’.

The exclusive tartan collection, which launched yesterday, features a stylish lambswool scarf, cosy fine wool scarf, and luxurious 100% Bowhill lambswool throw. Designed and woven at one of the oldest weaving mills in the country, the quality garments use soft heathery tones inspired by Scottish nature to bring the true sense of Coorie comfort to life, with colours which complement any season.

With a shared passion for preserving Scotland’s rich heritage, the partnership is a celebration of timeless design, blending style and innovation with traditional techniques. Created by some of the most experienced craftspeople in the industry, the Coorie collection showcases the best of the country’s textiles, using natural fibres to create premium, durable products.

The tartan Coorie collection is also linked to a wider Coorie retail offering, made up of a range of lifestyle products, including ceramics by Clod & Pebble, chocolates by Quirky Gift Library and candles by The Coorie Company. Made to encapsulate a deep sense of comfort, warmth and happiness, the range offers an elusive feeling of cosiness as the colder months creep in.

Natasha Troitino, head of retail at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re excited to have joined forces with Lochcarron of Scotland, whose team are renowned for their attention to detail and craftsmanship, to help us bring our vision to life in creating the ultimate timeless tartan collection.

“The Coorie range is designed to provide the optimal cosy haven – indoors or when out and about. With all items beautifully crafted across different areas of the country,  we’re able to support both local businesses and manufacturers and spotlight true Scottish talent.

“And with Christmas just around the corner, the collection offers a wonderful selection of items, from stylish home additions to seasonal must-have accessories, perfect for gifting to your loved ones.”

The full Coorie collection is available to shop now, online at www.stor.scot or at selected Historic Environment Scotland sites .

The Ivy on the Square’s Festive Menu is a Golden Feast for the Senses

Celebrate the festive season at The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh, where the brasserie will be serving an array of joyful treats, including a limited-edition festive cocktail menu created in collaboration with Monkey 47, delicious a la carte dishes, Afternoon Tea and lavish set menus designed for larger parties.

Featuring six celebratory cocktails, The on the Square Edinburgh’s drinks offering for the Christmas season includes the Popping Cracker Royale (£13.75), a concoction of Monkey 47 gin, passion fruit and spiced mango syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco, garnished with candy floss and popping candy.

Nuts About Chocolate (£12.25) is an indulgent blend of Absolut Elyx Vodka, Baileys, Macadamia Liqueur, Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce, double cream and chocolate bitters with a marshmallow cream rim with chocolate flakes, while The Ivy’s Very Special Mulled Wine (£9.95) is the ultimate winter warmer, featuring Martell VS Cognac, winter spice syrup and red wine, infused with cinnamon and orange.

Diners can enjoy a seasonal twist on The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh’s iconic Shepherd’s Pie (£18.95) with confit goose and turkey, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce, while starters include a Venison Tartare (£11.95) – seared and hand-cut venison loin with pickled beetroot, hazelnut mayonnaise and granary toast.

To finish, guests will be able to delight in a limited-edition Santa’s On His Way (£9.95) dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Featuring a red velvet sponge, cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate, this exclusive, playful dish is sure to be a firm Instagram favourite this Christmas.

Agata Lubera, General Manager of The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh says “We are delighted to be adding these festive additions to our menu and look forward to welcoming guests into the brasserie at this most wonderful time of the year.”

To book visit theivyedinburgh.com.

For a gift with a difference, The Ivy Collection gift voucher is the perfect way to treat food-and-wine loving friends and family this Christmas.

From afternoon tea to an intimate dinner for two or simply a bottle of something delicious, The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh ’s inimitable service and vibrant surroundings create a touch of magic every time.

Starting from £25.00, visit https://gifts.ivycollection.com to order.

Holyrood Committee calls for introduction of proxy voting for MSPs

The Scottish Parliament should introduce proxy voting for those unable to vote due to illness, bereavement or on parental leave.

That’s the view of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee which has published a report calling for the introduction of a proxy voting pilot scheme with a view to it being established permanently in the Parliament.

The scheme would allow MSPs unable to vote for agreed reasons to nominate a proxy MSP who would cast their vote according to their wishes.

In a report published earlier this year, on Future Parliamentary procedures and practices, the Committee made clear that a hybrid parliament should be here to stay, including a recommendation to introduce proxy voting for those unable to vote in person.

Speaking on the report’s publication, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP, said: “Our Committee is unanimous in their support for the introduction of a proxy voting scheme.

“We think Scotland’s democracy and its people are best served by ensuring that MSPs can still cast their votes even if they are unable to participate in parliamentary business due to the very human reasons of bereavement, illness or parental leave.

“We believe this is a positive, progressive step for the Parliament as we look to continue to evolve and to make the Parliament as accessible and inclusive as possible.”

Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP added: “As a Parliament it is vital that we continue to look at ways to modernise and to increase participation in democratic processes.

“The introduction of a proxy voting scheme will ensure that MSPs can represent their constituents whether on parental leave, suffering serious illness or bereavement.

“We will continue to review current working practices as we look to innovate and improve Parliamentary processes, and to shape a Parliament fit for the future.”

Key points of the proxy voting being proposed:

  • MSPs may request a proxy vote due to illness, bereavement or if on parental leave;
  • A Member can designate any other Member as their proxy and it is for the Member to decide who to nominate;
  • A proxy vote is actioned by informing the Presiding Officer;
  • The proxy vote has the same status as a vote cast by a Member in person;
  • The use of a proxy will be recorded in the minutes of a meeting to ensure transparency;
  • The pilot would remain in force until 31 December 2023.

Read the full report

Nasal flu vaccine drop-in clinics

If your child is between 2 – 5 years old & has missed their flu vaccination appointment, you can head to one of the drop-in clinics or call the team on 0131 659 2920 to book.

The painless nasal spray vaccine helps prevent your child getting and spreading the flu.

Create the perfect gardening gift this Christmas at Dobbies

Free sustainable Grow How session this Saturday

Looking for the ideal gardening gift for a loved one this Christmas? Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting a free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store to show customers the top gardening gifts and winter plants to choose for loved ones this festive season.

The interactive Grow How session will be held on Saturday 3 December in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and is suitable for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Dobbies’ horticultural experts will share with customers what outdoor plants are great for gifting this winter and provide tips on how to care for them. Beautiful seasonal outdoor plants like Skimmia rubella, Viburnum tinus, winter flowering Heathers and Bay trees all make wonderful gifts.

Christmas gifting inspiration continues for the second part of the session where team members will suggest gifts that you can include in a gardening hamper. Seeds and growing kits, an array of bulbs and tools like a hand trowel, hand fork, wooden labels and string are all top of Dobbies’ list. A gardening hamper is not complete without a pair of gloves and trusted secateurs – a popular tool for those looking to keep on top of garden maintenance. Dobbies’ experts will be on hand to answer any questions and demonstrate how the great value tools can be used.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “The festivities are in full swing at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and we’re excited to bring you a Christmas-packed Grow How session around gifting. 

“It’s a time to give back to our friends and loved ones, and what better way to do so, than to gift them a beautiful plant or create a personalised gardening hamper with great value they need to get started. Sustainable gardening is a big part of our Grow How sessions and we’ll be telling you about our brilliant range of products that are great for the garden and kind to the environment.

“Our monthly Grow How sessions are really popular with our customers in Edinburgh and we’re eager to help our customers get into the festive spirit and get creative with gifting this year.”

For more details on Dobbies’ Edinburgh Grow How sessions in December, visit: 

Grow How|Dobbies Garden Centres. 

Scottish chef rustles up St Andrew’s Day feast for just £3pp with Aldi

Aldi Scotland teams up with MasterChef: The Professionals finalist David Hetherington for budget friendly St Andrew’s Day feast 

Aldi Scotland is sharing its tried and tested take on a St Andrew’s Day feast that families across the country can enjoy for just £3 per person.  

The discount retailer has partnered with Chef David Hetherington – who previously appeared on BBC’s iconic MasterChef: The Professionals series – to create a delicious feast for four that includes Scotch Lamb and all the trimmings.  

Chef Hetherington has delved into his culinary archives and developed this year’s take on a perfect St Andrew’s dish; Grilled Nature’s Glen Scotch Lamb chops, potato and black pudding terrine and carrot purée.  

The whole dish costs just £12.27, which for a family of four works out at only £3.07 per person.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Selecting the perfect menu for St Andrew’s Day can often stump even the best home cooks which is why we are bringing our tried and tested, delicious recipe to the table this year.  

“We have worked with Chef Hetherington to profile quality Scottish produce as the natural accompaniment for any St Andrew’s Day celebrations. The Scotch Lamb, Scottish potatoes and carrots, and locally produced Macaulay black pudding slices create a truly Scottish base for this delicious meal.”  

Grilled Nature’s Glen Scotch lamb chops, potato & black pudding terrine, carrot purée by Chef David Hetherington and Aldi Scotland  

Serves 4 

Ingredients – total £12.27/ £3.07 per person  

·         Nature’s Glen Scotch lamb chops £4.29 

·         Rosemary sprigs £0.52  

·         10 x large Scottish tatties, washed & peeled £1.19  

·         4 x carrots £0.24 

·         500g Macaulay’s Black Pudding Slices £2.10 

·         250g butter £1.99  

·         4 cloves garlic £0.79  

·         100ml Scottish double cream £1.15  

 Method:  

·         Rub your lamb with oil, salt and pepper. 

·         Place onto a plate with a sprig of rosemary and wrap with cling film. Set aside.  

·         Peel the carrots and dice into equal sized pieces. Pop in a pan of salted water to boil for around 15 minutes.  

For the potato and black pudding terrine:  

·         Next, the tatties – we need these to be sliced very thinly, and for the best results we are looking for paper thin slices. 

·         Once your tatties are sliced, load them into a bowl, add salt and pepper next, then 200g of melted butter.  

·         Toss the tatties, making sure they are evenly coated in butter, salt and pepper. 

·         Next, you’ll need a loaf tin, lined with parchment paper.  

·         Start to evenly layer the potatoes into the loaf tin, getting right into the corners, keep layering until halfway up, always pushing down to compress each layer.  Once you are at halfway, crumble in the black pudding, again right into the corners.  

·         Now continue with the tatties until the loaf tin is full to the brim, then keep going make sure it is heaving at the seams.  

·         Cover with tin foil and pop in the oven at 160°C for 1h15m or until a knife slides through the potatoes.  

·         This point is crucial, find something that fits on top of your loaf tin, maybe a chopping board, can of beans or another loaf tin. Weigh down the cooked terrine. Be careful as hot butter might squeeze out as you push in.   

·         Ideally leave the terrine in the fridge overnight allowing it to firm up. 

·         Tip out of the loaf tin and slice into 1.5 cm slices, it should be nice and compact, with a ribbon of black pudding through the middle.   

 For the carrots:  

·         Now, the carrots. After cooking for 15-20 minutes they should be nice and soft. 

·         Strain the water off and pop it in the food processor, blend until smooth and add in the cream, season to taste.  

·         Let this chill and pop it in the fridge. 

 For the Scotch Lamb:  

·         If you have a griddle pan now is the time to use it, if not a normal pan will do, heat the pan until it’s very hot!  

·         Place the lamb cutlets in the pan, always placing away from you to avoid any oil splashback. 

·         We want to go for about 1-2 mins each side, then throw in the garlic cloves and the rest of the rosemary.  

·         Now, turn down the heat. 

·         In goes the last remaining butter. 

·         Allow the butter to froth all up and baste the lamb in it.  

 Serving:  

·         Pan fry your potato terrine slices until golden brown on both sides.  

·         Warm the carrot purée.   

·         Remove the lamb chops from the foaming butter and straight on to a warm plate.  

·         Add a swoosh or blob or a splat of purée and the crispy terrine alongside succulent lamb.   

Enjoy! 

To find out more about your local Aldi Store, please visit www.aldi.co.uk  

Music streaming report published

The CMA has concluded its independent study into the music streaming market

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its final report and found that consumers have benefited from digitisation and competition between music streaming services.

Prices for consumers have fallen by more than 20% in real terms between 2009 and 2021 – with many services also offering music streaming for free with ads.

The study found that there were around 39 million monthly listeners in the UK, streaming 138 billion times a year.

The CMA also heard concerns from creators – artists and songwriters – about how much they earn from streaming. With an increasing number of artists, tracks and streams, the money from streaming is shared more widely – with those that have the highest number of streams earning the most. The CMA found that over 60% of streams were of music recorded by only the top 0.4% of artists.

The CMA found that the concerns raised by artists are not being driven by the level of concentration of the recording market. Analysis found that neither record labels nor streaming services are likely to be making significant excess profits that could be shared with creators.

Consequently, the issues concerning creators would not be addressed by measures intended to improve competition, but instead would need other policy measures in order to be addressed.

Digitisation has led to a major increase in the amount of music people have access to and to large increases in the number of artists releasing music (up from 200,000 in 2014 to 400,000 in 2020) partly by opening up new direct routes to listeners.

This has also meant that there is greater competition to reach listeners and for the associated streaming revenues. The study found that an artist could expect to earn around £12,000 from 12 million streams in the UK in 2021, but less than 1% of artists achieve that level of streams.

Some parts of the streaming market have improved for some creators in recent years, with the CMA finding a greater choice of deals with record labels available. Whilst individual deals can vary considerably, the report highlighted on average royalty rates in major deals with artists have increased steadily from 19.7% in 2012 to 23.3% in 2021. For songwriters, the share of revenues going to publishing rights has increased significantly from 8% in 2008 to 15% in 2021.

While the CMA understands the concerns from creators about the level of income many receive, the analysis in the study suggests it is unlikely that an intervention by the CMA would release additional money into the system to pay creators more.

The study does however highlight that the issues raised by creators could be further considered by government and policymakers as part of their ongoing work following the DCMS Select Committee’s inquiry into the economics of music streaming.

Sarah Cardell, Interim CEO of the CMA, said: “Streaming has transformed how music fans access vast catalogues of music, providing a valuable platform for artists to reach new listeners quickly, and at a price for consumers that has declined in real terms over the years.

“However, we heard from many artists and songwriters across the UK about how they struggle to make a decent living from these services. These are understandable concerns, but our findings show that these are not the result of ineffective competition – and intervention by the CMA would not release more money into the system that would help artists or songwriters.

“While this report marks the end of the CMA’s market study, which addresses the concerns previously posed about competition, we also hope the detailed and evidence-based picture we have been able to build of this relatively new sector will provide a basis that can be used by policymakers to consider whether additional action is needed to help creators.”

Music_and_streaming_final_report_executive_summaryDownload

Improving access to information about public services

Consultation on reform launched

The public and organisations are being asked to give their views on improving access to information about public services.  

The Access to Information Rights in Scotland consultation aims to gather views and evidence on what information rights should look like.  

This includes whether additional third sector bodies and private businesses should be brought within the scope of existing freedom of information (FOI) legislation, if they carry out work for the public sector or receive public funds, as well as what information should be published proactively by Government and public services.

The consultation also looks at whether guidance on the use of different technology platforms should be introduced.  

Minister for Parliamentary Business George Adam said: “Scotland has the most robust FOI laws in the UK. We want to build on this further by engaging with people and organisations on the development of information rights.

“We want to understand how existing legislation affects the work of civil society groups and public bodies.  

“The responses to the consultation will inform our work to improve FOI rules and deliver on the Scottish Government’s commitment to openness and transparency. 

“I would urge those with experience of FOI, whether as requesters, public authorities or as partners of public authorities to respond to the consultation and let us know your concerns and experiences.” 

Access to Information Rights in Scotland: A Consultation.

The deadline for responding is Tuesday 14 March.