Beecraigs Festive Forest is now open and shining brightly with the spirit of Christmas as the woods sparkle and shimmer in an amazing light show.
Extravagant lighting effects and one of the UK’s most powerful laser shows are illuminating a magical festive trail in the forest near Linlithgow.
A VIP event launched this year’s spectacular which runs from now (Dec 2) until December 23 and has already sold out for some nights.
A treat for all the family, the Festive Forest experience includes a spectacular 1.8m walk through woodland, packed with stunning visuals and sound effects, and a wealth of other attractions plus the chance to help Beecraigs’ charity partner Maggie’s cancer support.
Located in Beecraigs Country Park, with panoramic views of the Forth bridges, Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, the event runs from 4 pm to 10 pm (with the last entry at 8:30 pm) and is suitable for everyone and all age groups, including those with Additional Support Needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder. All carers’ tickets are free.
This year 21CC Group, one of the UK’s leading light and production companies, is providing the illuminations and technical expertise for the event.
Among the Festive Forest attractions are Santa’s Grotto and Storytelling Experience, not included in the Trail ticket and required to be booked separately in advance, plus the longest light tunnel in Scotland, Radio Forth’s Silent Disco, Cala Homes’ live music stage with DJ, musicians, choirs, carol singers and fire performers.
There are also market stalls, children’s amusements and fair rides including a carousel, helter-skelter, Candy Cane bungee jumps, Crazy Elf cars and a new mini polar express.
And there’s a wide variety of festive food and drink in the new Santa village.
“We promised we’d be back bigger, brighter and bolder than ever,” said Roy Snedden, Director of Rowen Events, “and we believe we’ve pulled it off. We had such a fantastic reaction to the launch night and now we’re looking forward to welcoming all this year’s revellers for a truly amazing festive experience.”
For more information on the Festive Forest and to book tickets, visit
An Amazon employee who goes the extra mile for the community in Dunfermline received a special surprise this week when she was nominated for a national Amazon Star award.
Gill Cura, who works at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline as a senior HR business partner, was nominated for the award by her colleagues at Amazon.
Gill, who has worked at Amazon for a year and a half, is a passionate supporter of the local community in her spare time. It’s this support, which includes her contribution to the Scot Baby Box Appeal, that has seen Gill receive a nomination in this year’s Amazon Stars awards programme.
Now in its third year, Amazon Stars is a UK-wide campaign that recognises and rewards Amazon employees who make an outstanding contribution to the local community by using their skills, time and knowledge to help others.
Gill’s support of her community means she could win one of three Dream Boxes – the top prize awarded as part of the Amazon Stars programme. A Dream Box, worth up to £1,500, is a personalised prize to honour Amazon’s community heroes. Gill will find out in the coming weeks if she has won a Dream Box.
Gill was nominated for the award by her colleagues for her contribution to the Scot Baby Box Appeal, a Scotland-based charity supporting mothers and new-born babies in Ukraine.
The Scot Baby Box Appeal was created during the start of the Ukraine war. Across Scotland, new mothers receive a baby box which is full of essentials catering for babies from birth to six months. Jackie Crawford, founder of the Scot Baby Box Appeal, requested for baby boxes from her local community to be donated to Ukraine, kickstarting a charity campaign with far-reaching influence.
Gill offered her services to Jackie after seeing news articles about how Ukrainian women had to give birth in dangerous and unhygienic areas due to the risk of bombing at hospitals in the country. This moved Gill, and she wanted to provide anything she could for the new mothers in Ukraine. This specifically included her baby box that was provided by the Scottish government.
Gill soon became heavily involved with the charity, organising local drop off points across Scotland and running fundraising events to raise awareness of the cause. She is now a trustee for the charity and has helped to donate over 4,000 baby boxes to Ukrainian people which include baby essentials; food and medicine for new mothers, expecting women and new-born babies.
Speaking after learning of her nomination in this year’s awards, Gill said: “As a new mum myself, it felt very personal for me to be able to help other mums and new-born babies in need across Ukraine.
“We all hope and pray the war will soon be over in Ukraine, but sadly, there will always be a location in the world where people are in need. The Scot Baby Box Appeal is now starting to look at families in need in Scotland, too, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis. I am honoured to have been nominated for an Amazon Star award for what I do.”
She added: “The best thing about working at Amazon is the team and its support. I’m encouraged to talk and raise awareness about the Scot Baby Box Appeal on site and colleagues have donated to the charity.
“My manager and the senior leadership team at Amazon are behind what I’m doing, and they give me the space and time to make sure I can do my job at Amazon and still have time to focus on my charity work.”
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “The Amazon Stars programme is our way of saying thank you to our colleagues who go above and beyond to have a positive impact on the community.
“Gill does some incredible work with charities and community organisations in Scotland and everyone at Amazon in Dunfermline is proud of her. Gill is fully deserving of this fantastic nomination, and I wish her the best of luck ahead of the big reveal of this year’s winners.”
Last year, the three winners were: Aizaz Hussain, a spoken-word artist who dedicates his time and his art to helping people with mental health struggles; Phil Hayden, a dedicated NHS volunteer who has also made more than 600 blood donations over the past 36 years; and Richard Burtenshaw, a community children’s football coach who found creative ways of keeping the players active during lockdown.
NSPCC Scotland is giving parents and carers the chance to order a Letter from Santa for their little ones, bringing some Christmas magic to their lives while supporting children across the country.
Since 2001, the NSPCC have sent over three million letters, and raised more than £18 million, including over £1 million last year alone.
Each letter is personalised and includes details such as the child’s age, where they live and their favourite activity.
They are available in eight new magical designs, including a festive footy Christmas World Cup Fever theme, so there’s something for every child.
With every letter, a suggested donation of £8 could give vital support to a child by helping ensure that Childline stays open 24 hours day, 365 days a year. A child will contact Childline every 25 seconds this winter. Every gift to the NSPCC helps the charity be there for children who reach out for help – even on Christmas Day.
Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “A letter from Santa this Christmas is a truly special way to provide some magic for your little ones and get them in the festive mood. Not only will it bring a smile to their faces, but you’ll also be helping Childline to be there for other children and young people.
“On average, two children a minute call Childline. For these children, Christmas can be the worst time of year. Every donation made when ordering a letter, will help us make a difference to the lives of children who are struggling in Scotland and in the UK. Thank you to all those who have ordered a letter from Santa so far!”
Quotes from people who have ordered a Letter from Santa
“I’ve ordered these every year since my son was born almost 10 years ago. I hope that in years to come, they will spark beautiful memories of friends, past interests and achievements. I look forward to ordering your letter every year.”
“I liked the fact that the donation has helped children who need support this Christmas. Every childhood is worth fighting for – every single one. It’s much more than just about the gorgeous letters from Santa.”
Families in the UK can order a Letter from Santa right up until midnight on 18th December.
To find out more about the NSPCC’s Letter from Santa or to personalised and order for your little ones today, visit http://bit.ly/3ECZTUf
A charity supporting secondary breast cancer patients took its campaign to be heard to the Scottish Parliament from the 29th November to the 2nd December.
Edinburgh-based Make 2nds Count is highlighting the shocking toll of the disease which claims 1000 lives each month in the UK – an average of 31 deaths every day – and its pioneering Patient Trials Advocate service (PTA).
Make 2nds Count raises awareness of secondary breast cancer, a form of the disease which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, it currently affects around 35,000 people in the UK.
It is incurable but can be treated and the charity has developed the PTA service to introduce patients to clinical trials which can help to improve outcomes and extend life.
The initiative, the first of its kind in the UK, started in Scotland through nurses based in Edinburgh, the Borders, and the Highlands, and has recently been extended across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The Make 2nds Count team is in the parliament building for the next week staging an exhibition highlighting its work and the signs of secondary breast cancer.
Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count says: “Secondary breast cancer is a little-known form of the disease and we are delighted to have this opportunity to raise awareness of it and our work, particularly the Patient Trials Advocate service.
“We would like to thank the Scottish Parliament for the chance to get our message across to such an influential audience.”
To find out more about Make 2nds Count and the Patient Trials Advocate service visit:
Photo Caption: MSPs pictured in the Scottish Parliament buildings on Wednesday 30th November supporting Make 2nds Count and their work campaigning for more research, support and education for the Secondary Breast Cancer community across the UK
– St Andrew’s Day celebrated with launch of partnership between iconic Scottish brands Johnnie Walker Princes Street x Harris Tweed Hebrides
– First whisky finished in special casks in one of the world’s smallest warehouse in city centre cellar goes on exclusive sale at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house,Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Marking the first ‘Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective’ – a series that brings together the world’s leading Scotch whisky with Scotland’s best creative forces to create unique and collectable whiskies – the Johnnie Walker x Harris Tweed collaboration features a beautifully designed bottle of the Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Princes Street Blend, accompanied by a bespoke Harris Tweed carry bag.
The whisky represents a world first, having been matured over the past year in hand-selected American oak casks in the Whisky Makers Cellar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. The cellar, holding just 26casks, is unique amongst bonded warehouse in Scotland, tucked beneath one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets.
30th November 2022, Edinburgh – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…30/112022
Issued on behalf of Diageo.
Copyright: Mike Wilkinson.
Credit: Mike Wilkinson.
07768 393673
mike@mike-wilkinson.com
www.mike-wilkinson.com
Launching the new whisky, Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Scotland Brand Homes at Diageosaid: “Our collaboration with Harris Tweed has been an exciting way to celebrate the first experimental bottling finished here in our cellar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
“The partnership brings together two iconic Scottish brands, and the resulting collection embodies our shared heritage and passion for blending – whether that’s liquid, or thread. We’re sure it’ll provide festive gift inspiration for whisky and style lovers alike.”
George Harper, Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist who created the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective bottling, added: “This particular blend was experimental in many ways, and it was exciting to use a completely different type of ‘warehouse’ for the final year of maturation.
“The unique finishing process has further enhanced the flavours of the liquid and we are really pleased with the end result, and I am sure consumers will love it too.”
Mark Hogarth, Creative Director, Harris Tweed Hebrides: “We have been hugely excited about this project with Johnnie Walker and feel a lot of synergy between our two brands.
“While Johnnie Walker carefully blends liquids to create flavour, so do we at Harris Tweed, expertly weaving different shades of wool to produce colour and pattern.
“This particular plaid brings Edinburgh and Harris together, all wrapped up in luxury, craftsmanship and time; elements that are also reflected in the exquisite liquid that George and his team have created.”
The unusual maturation conditions of the cellar, which is warmer than traditional warehouses, enhanced the impact of the wood, pulling in all the oaky flavours, leading to a rich and creamy oak nose, a palate of honeysuckle and red berry flavours and a long and fruity finish with warming wood smoke.
30th November 2022, Edinburgh – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Photo shows George Harper, Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist who created the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective bottling (L),
Mark Hogarth, Creative Director, Harris Tweed Hebrides (R) and Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender (centre).
Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…30/112022
Issued on behalf of Diageo.
Copyright: Mike Wilkinson.
Credit: Mike Wilkinson.
07768 393673
mike@mike-wilkinson.com
www.mike-wilkinson.com
In designing the bespoke plaid for the collaboration, the Harris Tweed Hebrides team drew inspiration from their home in the Outer Hebrides, and the home of Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh to create a vibrant blend of the two Scottish locations.
The bag has been created in partnership with BeYonder, a charity specialising in ethical manufacturing. As part of the project, BeYonder engaged textile students from Glasgow City College to help manufacture the bags.
Those who’d like a chance to try the whisky before they buy should book themselves on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Whisky Makers Cellar experience or 1820 bar for a chance to enjoy it in a highball, cocktail, or dram.
The Johnnie Walker x Harris Tweed Hebrides collection will be available to purchase from 1st December exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh.
Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Princes Street Blend + Harris Tweed carry bag (£169)
Kelsey Jones, Senior Outreach and Engagement Advisor of the IPO’s Enforcement team gives advice to consumers to help them stay safe from counterfeit electrical goods this festive period:
With prices dropping across retail and Christmas around the corner, Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be irresistible. Because who doesn’t want to make their Christmas savings to go even further?
But did you know that you could be targeted by online traders selling counterfeit goods?
Fake electrical products, also known as counterfeits, are everywhere, targeting you on e-commerce sites you know and trust or appearing as you scroll through your go-to social media channels. Think fake AirBuds, straighteners, hairdryers, phone chargers.
Dodgy sellers will be trying to fool even more people into buying fakes this year, knowing that lots of us are looking for a bargain. They may look like the real deal, but counterfeits are often poor-quality imitations that aren’t guaranteed to work and can be dangerous. You might save a few pounds, but at what cost?
Use these tips to stay smart, stay savvy and stay safe.
Don’t buy fakes. Don’t blow Christmas.
Tips to avoid being duped into purchasing counterfeit products
1) Vet the seller
Do they look official? Have you bought from this seller before, is the website or platform well known? Does the seller have a returns policy? If you are in doubt, look for a genuine online review, not just recommendations from influencers to buy the item.
2) Avoid payments by bank transfer
Always beware of retailers asking for payment to be made via bank transfer. Well known credit card providers like Visa or Mastercard, and services like PayPal offer protection to buyers if the goods don’t arrive or are proven to be counterfeit.
3)Trust your instincts
Does the item on offer look and feel like an authentic product? Sellers of counterfeits often make spelling mistakes in their descriptions and sometimes on the products themselves, which is an obvious warning sign. Spelling and grammar mistakes can indicate fakes!
4)Look for EU and UK safety markings
The safety standards of counterfeit items are poor and can be dangerous, especially when they are shipped from abroad. Do items have EU and UK safety markings? You should always check for the correct age restrictions and hazard warnings on the packaging.
5)Question the price if much cheaper than elsewhere
Whether buying online or in person, always think about the price. Scammers often sell counterfeit goods at discounted prices to make you drop your guard. If the item is significantly cheaper than you’d expect, that’s a good reason for alarm bells to ring. If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
If you or someone you know has purchased a counterfeit product or suspects that a website is selling counterfeit products, report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers or call 0800 555 111.
Follow @dontblowchristmas on your socials for more advice and guidance on staying safe and avoiding disappointment this Christmas.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day has officially opened a revolutionary new City Operations Centre.
Harnessing high-tech to help keep the city safe and moving, the new centre will position Edinburgh as a leader in the UK for smart security and surveillance tools.
It has been delivered in partnership with IT service and solutions provider North as part of a £2.6m contract, funded by the Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-2020 programme known as ‘Scotland’s 8th City – the Smart City’, which is contributing £712k in grant funding towards the project.
Replacing an outdated control centre which was no longer fit-for-purpose, the new smart Operations Centre will be manned and receive real-time data from the CCTV network 24/7. This will integrate other technologies which will help to improve traffic flow, transport infrastructure and city planning – subsequently improving the city’s collective carbon footprint.
Given the accessibility to real-time data, advanced analytics will drastically help the Council and partners respond to emergencies and manage large-scale events like Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and August Festivals.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This new operations centre has been years in the making and it’s fantastic to see it live in action. With cutting-edge low-carbon technology designed to keep the city moving and our communities safe, it drastically steps up our capabilities as a Council.
“We’ve completely overhauled the technology we use within the control centre and across the city – replacing outdated analogue cameras with intelligent internet-enabled devices. This means we can analyse events and traffic in real time. Particularly as our city grows, our investment will support the safety of the public and wider community, deterring and preventing anti-social behaviour and crime like we sadly experienced recently on Bonfire Night and Remembrance Sunday.
“Edinburgh is fast becoming an example of a truly smart city and its thanks to trailblazing projects like this. We’re also rolling out waste and housing sensors, innovative digital learning opportunities in schools, while exploring an urban traffic management control system which is a tool for monitoring traffic flow.
“The whole operation is much more sustainable and data driven which, crucially, is going to lead to more efficient Council services for the people of Edinburgh.”
Scott McEwan, acting CEO at North, said: “Helping to drive positive change through smart technology and improved operational systems across Edinburgh is something that North is incredibly proud of. Working together, the city now has access to real-time data that will influence the future of city planning, improve large-scale events and create a greener environment for generations to come.
“The City of Edinburgh Council is making transformational steps to becoming a Smart City and its forward-thinking approach to the adoption of IoT solutions will help to accelerate their ambition to reaching such status.
“We are really excited for the local authority to see the seismic impact introducing smart technologies has on the quality of the environment, and importantly, on the health and wellbeing of people who live in and visit Edinburgh.”
The data is captured by a new CCTV system rolled out across the city which is significantly expanding security coverage. This has included upgrading the city’s digital Video Surveillance System (VSS), enhancing video analytic function and data protection capabilities, and replacing analogue cameras with high-resolution Internet Protocol (IP) devices.
As part of the delivery, North also contributed to a number of community benefits to help deliver social value within local neighbourhoods. This included recruiting an Edinburgh-based modern apprentice and an apprentice to assist the roll-out of the CCTV network and the provision of curriculum support activities to local schools and community volunteers.
Edinburgh is one of the seven Scottish cities collaboratively working towards becoming a world leading Smart City. Supported by the Scottish Cities Alliance, a partnership of Scotland’s seven city local authorities and the Scottish Government, £45 million, including £18 million of ERDF support plus cities match funding of £28 million, is being invested in the ‘Scotland’s 8th City – the Smart City’ Programme.
So far, over half a million winter vaccines have been delivered in Lothian, protecting hundreds of thousands of people from the latest strain of flu and topping up their protection against COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine on offer in Lothian is a Spikevax bivalent booster vaccine, which is proven to protect from the Omicron variant as well as older strains of the virus.
For those who are eligible for both vaccines, getting these at the same time is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection over the winter months.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care for NHS Lothian, said: “The flu virus is always changing and COVID-19 protection can fade over time, so it’s important we keep ahead of these viruses and top up our protection when offered.
“Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you can get it again and vaccination is still the best way of protecting yourself and those around you against severe COVID-19 illness.
“If you’re an eligible adult and are yet to get your vaccinations, I’d urge you to take up this offer and drop in to one of our clinics before Christmas.
“For more information on these clinics, and details of how children and teenagers can get their vaccines, please visit our website.”
You may have to wait to be seen if you drop-in.
If you are required to queue and have mobility issues, or need any support or assistance, please make yourself known to a member of staff.
You are welcome to bring a carer, family member or friend along if you wish.
If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.
Drop-in clinic details can be found on NHS Lothian’s website. Please visit NHS Inform to find out more about the winter vaccines.
If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.
Area
Site
Days
Drop-in times
East Lothian
Haddington Corn Exchange
Monday to Sunday
8.30am – 12pm1pm – 4pm
Edinburgh
Ocean Terminal
Monday to Sunday
9am – 6.30pm
Edinburgh
Waverley Mall
Monday to Sunday
10am – 5.30pm
Midlothian
Rosewell Steading
Monday to Sunday
8am – 5pm
*Please note the main car park will be closed between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday 4th December for the switching on of the Christmas lights. On street parking will be available.
