Day: January 18, 2023

Ruff! UK’s seven ugliest dogs revealed

These are the seven less than adorable looking pets vying for the title of Britain’s ugliest dog.

Photography company ParrotPrint.com, are offering a professional makeover and photo session prize to the dog crowned the ‘most hideous’ in the UK. 

They have now selected the ugliest seven dogs from hundreds of applicants with these finalists now going forward for a final selection. 

The seven dogs hail from across the country and include a British Bulldog from the West Midlands called Winston George, whose owner describes him as a cross between a grumpy old man and a naughty school kid.

Another finalist, Jazz, a Brusston from North Wales, is described as ‘not photogenic’ by their owner who says, ‘when I show people her photo they usually go quiet and are lost for words.’

Peggy, a pug chinese crested mix from East Yorkshire has already appeared on the This Morning sofa with Phil and Holly as part of ParrotPrint.com’s search.

The seven finalists are (in no particular order): 

Marnie, a French Bulldog from Wiltshire

Winston George, a British Bulldog from the West Midlands

Peggy, a Pug Chinese Crested Mix from East Yorkshire

Jazz, a Brusston from North Wales

Bella, a Pug from Sheffiled

Roger, a Pug, Toy Poodle and Ugly Boi cross from West Yorkshire

Milo, a Blue French Bulldog from Kent

Matt Dahan, founder of ParrotPrint.com said: “We received hundreds of entries and these seven were the ones who made our eyes hurt when we looked at them. There really are some ugly mutts out there in the UK and we hope our contest will celebrate the best of them. 

“We were clear from the outset that no pretty pets need apply and these seven certainly could not be described as good looking in any way, shape or form. 

“Now our judges have the tough task of choosing exactly which of these mutts is the most offensive to look at. 

“We will select one of these pets for the coveted title of Britain’s ugliest dog and they will win a makeover and photo session. 

“Let’s see if we can transform the winning ugly dog into a beautiful pooch and brighten up its owner’s life at the same time.

“There have been a number of TV shows where humans get tarted-up and given a makeover so we thought it would be fun to do the same thing for a dog. 

“We believe we can transform them into something truly beautiful and give their owners a fantastic photoshoot experience too.

“We look forward to selecting the winner and sharing their photoshoot experience with the world when we hope to show that every dog is beautiful no matter how ugly they might first appear.” 

The contest is now closed for entries and the seven shortlisted dogs will be assessed and a winner announced in February when the ugly mutt will receive their photoshoot and pampering prize.

To find out how to create the perfect print of your pet to hang on your wall at home please visit:  https://parrotprint.com/blog/print-your-pet

The finalists are as follows:

Name: Marnie

Age:  2 

Breed: French Bulldog

Location: Swindon, Wiltshire

Name: Winston George

Age: 5

Breed: British Bulldog

Location: Kingswinsford, West Midlands

Name: Peggy

Age: 3

Breed: Pug Chinese Crested Mix

Location: East Yorkshire

Name: Jazz

Age: 5

Breed: Brusston

Location: North Wales

Name: Bella

Age: 6

Breed: Pug 

Location: Sheffield

Name: Roger

Age: 1

Breed: Pug cross with toy poodle and ugly boi

Location: Brighouse, West Yorkshire

Name: Milo

Age: 1

Breed: Blue French Bulldog

Location: Rochester, Kent

NHS Lothian: Nasal flu vaccine drop-in clinic at Royal Hospital for Children and Young People this Saturday

Has your 2 – 5 year old still not had their flu vaccine?

You can book or drop-in to a mop-up clinic at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People this Saturday (21 January).

To book an appointment, please call 0300 790 6296

Fresh Start to introduce Saturday Night Suppers

Introducing Saturday Night Suppers!

This new initiative will provide local people and families with a bag of tasty ingredients and recipe card to make a lovely meal capable of serving 4-6 people over the weekend.

This scheme will begin on 3rd March and run every Friday throughout March.

If you, or someone you are working with is interested in taking part, please email cooking@freshstartweb.org.uk or call 0131 476 7741.

Please note, places are limited to 25 participants and all bags of ingredients must be collected from Fresh Start Kitchen on the Friday.

Almost 65,000 customers use HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment bill

Almost 65,000 customers have paid their Self Assessment bills, totalling nearly £67 million, via the HMRC app since April 2022, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.  

In December 2022, 14,170 customers paid via the app – the highest number of app payments in one month since the facility was launched in February 2022.  

The Self Assessment deadline for the 2021 to 2022 tax year is 31 January and HMRC is urging customers not to delay completing their tax return and paying any tax owed. For customers who need some extra help with their tax return, there are a wide range of resources available to help them complete it, including guidance online, webinars and YouTube videos. 

Customers are encouraged to check online for help before calling HMRC during what is the busiest time of the year. The HMRC app is a quick, free and secure way to view their National Insurance number, Unique Taxpayer Reference or make a payment. It only takes around 60 seconds to pay via the app. 

Customers who are unable to pay what they owe in full, may be able to set up a payment plan, allowing them to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments. Since April 2022, 45,600 Self Assessment customers have set up a Time to Pay arrangement. In December, around 10,500 customers set up a plan, totalling more than £36 million in tax.  

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We want to help Self Assessment customers meet their obligations and HMRC offers a range of options to help customers pay their tax return bill.

“To choose the option that suits them, customers can search ‘pay my Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.” 

A full range of payment options is listed on GOV.UK.  

For customers who pay their current estimated tax bill via Payment on Account, the first instalment for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is due on 31 January. 

Anyone who files their tax return or pays any tax owed after 31 January may face a penalty. 

HMRC will treat those with genuine excuses leniently, as it focuses on those who persistently fail to complete their tax returns and deliberate tax evaders. Customers who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse before the 31 January deadline can avoid a penalty after this date. The penalties for filing a tax return late are: 

  • an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time 
  • after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900 
  • after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater 
  • after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater 

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams. Check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK. 

Scottish charities scoop share of £120,000 festive financial boost

Twelve charities based in Scotland have received a £1,000 Christmas gift thanks to the Benefact Group.

The charities were nominated to win a share of £120,000 by members of the public as part of the Benefact Group’s annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign. The Edinburgh Remakery was among the winners.

SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, a nature charity using rewilding projects to help tackle climate crisis, Smalls for All, an organisation providing underwear for those in need, and ME Research UK, which raises funds to tackle ME, are among the local charities set to benefit from the money following overwhelming public support in the area.

Over 17,700 Scotland residents nominated a cause close to their hearts. The 120 winning charities across the UK were picked at random from those nominated.

Thanking supporters in Scotland, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “Charitable giving is at the heart of our business at the Benefact Group.

“We are delighted to be giving back to deserving charitable causes once more with our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign, part of our Movement for Good Awards. In these challenging times, we know that £1,000 can make a real difference and we’re looking forward to seeing how this festive financial boost will changes lives for the better and bring a positive start to 2023.

“Out of some five million companies in the UK, we are the fourth largest corporate donor* and have an ambition to be the largest. As a Group of financial service businesses, uniquely owned by a charity, all available profits go to good causes, and the more our loyal customers support us to grow, the more the Group can give.

“As a company, our purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society and, together, we can help many good causes to continue their support for those who need it most in these difficult times.”

A representative from SCOTLAND: The Big Picture said: “Thank you so much for your support, we will use this award to drive rewilding across Scotland for nature, climate, and people. Thanks again, we’re really grateful”

The full list of the 120 charity winners is available to view online at:

www.movementforgood.com/12days

Dram O’Shanter: Burns celebration at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to toast the Bard at a very special evening dedicated to all things Burns on 25 January 2023.

The team at Edinburgh’s most exciting whisky experience has created a night not to be missed in the venue’s rooftop Explorers’ Bothy Bar, including a Cranachan clarified milk punch, created exclusively for the evening.

Dram O’Shanter’s menu includes four very special whiskies, paired with creative canapes: 

  • Haggis donut served with a whisky sauce and a dram of Mortlach Special Releases 2022
  • Whisky cured Scottish salmon with beetroot crème fraîche on a Stornoway oatcake served with a dram of Caol Ila Distillers Edition
  • Arbroath Smokie vol-au-vent topped with caviar & crispy leek served with a dram of Talisker 18 Year Old
  • Blackthorn salted chocolate cup topped with candied orange served with a dram of Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old 175th anniversary
  • Cranachan clarified milk punch cocktail to finish

Vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested.

Attendees will also enjoy a number of live performances including Burns poems, songs and music as well as a contemporary Address to the Haggis as part of the night.

Dram O’Shanter takes place from 6-7.30pm on 25 -28 January 2023.

For more information and to book visit: 

https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/book-whisky-tasting/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=press_release&utm_campaign=ds_jwps_burnsexperience_13012023#id=burns-whisky-tasting-experience

Sonder expands Edinburgh serviced apartment operation on Queen Street

Sonder, a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience through technology and design, has expanded its managed serviced apartment operation at Sonder Royal Garden Apartments in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

Located opposite the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, the next-generation hospitality company has increased its previous 30 serviced apartments at the property to 41 units.

With the addition of these 11 new apartments, there are now 18 two-bedroom apartments, 15 one-bedroom apartments and 8 studios in total.

The apartments are thoughtfully designed, and come with simple contactless check-in and 24/7 on-the-ground support available via the Sonder app. They also offer access to the splendid Queen Street Gardens. These private gardens are located next to the building and are only open to neighbouring residents.

The property offers accommodation with in-unit kitchen and laundry facilities, ideal for extended stays, whether for business or leisure.

Sonder distinguishes itself in the hospitality industry through modern design and by infusing technology into its guest experience.

This tech-enabled experience puts guests in full control of their stay. They can access everything they need – from booking, to interacting with guest services, to check-out – via their own mobile device from anywhere and at any time, using the Sonder app.

The high quality of accommodation being offered has seen Royal Garden Apartments rated in the top 20 by TripAdvisor for Edinburgh.

Launched in 2014, Sonder operates in over 40 cities globally, including those located across North America, as well as London, Dublin, Rome and Dubai among others in EMEA.

Giulio Leporatti, Area General Manager for UK & Ireland at Sonder commented: “We’re excited to expand our Royal Garden Apartments property in Edinburgh, increasing our presence in the heart of this wonderful city.

“The rise of hybrid and remote working, as well as travellers combining business and leisure into a single trip, means that a new cohort of travellers are demanding flexible accommodation which provides space to work and relax.

“Our Royal Garden Apartments meet this need perfectly, while also appealing to families. Millennial and Gen Z guests in particular appreciate our ‘Instagrammable’ design and frictionless app-enabled service.”

Ken Bruce to join Greatest Hits Radio

GOING FORTH: The broadcasting legend will be on air with a new show on the station formerly known as Forth 2 from April 3rd 

The UK’s most popular radio host, Ken Bruce, is joining the team at Greatest Hits Radio across Scotland and the rest of the UK as part of the stations launch this April. 

Forth 2, which will rebrand to Greatest Hits Radio Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife & Falkirk, will launch with the iconic radio presenter. 

The Glaswegian presenter will be following in the footsteps of other legendary broadcasters when he becomes part of the Greatest Hits Radio family, with a brand-new mid-morning show from 10am – 1pm. Ken will kickstart a weekday line up that also includes presenters Simon Mayo at Drivetime and Jackie Brambles in the early evening.  

Ken, who began his broadcasting career working on hospital radio in Glasgow back in the early 1970’s and has become a radio icon, will now be joining Ewen and Cat and Stuart Webster who will be on presenting to the nation every weekday in the new line-up. Broadcaster Fred MacAulay will also be on air every Sunday.  

Playing the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s, Greatest Hits Radio is a station that celebrates the good times across Scotland and the rest of the UK. With music from the most iconic artists of all time, including Blondie, Queen, George Michael, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Elton John and Whitney Houston, it is home to presenters including Ewen Cameron, Cat Harvey, Fred MacAulay and Stuart Webster who will be on at between 1-4pm. 

Ken Bruce said: ‘I can’t wait to launch my new show on Greatest Hits Radio across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“From beginning in hospital radio in Glasgow, to now launching a new show on Scotland’s first nationwide commercial radio station, it has been a 45-year journey I could have never of dreamed of as a young boy.’ 

Ben Cooper, Chief Content & Music Officer, Bauer Audio UK said: “Ken Bruce is a broadcasting legend, with the biggest radio show in the UK, so as well as today being an exciting announcement for Greatest Hits Radio and its growing audience, it is a hugely significant moment for the industry.

“What a fantastic start to a great year of increased ambition and innovation for Bauer Media Audio.”  

This announcement follows last week’s news that Greatest Hits Radio will become Scotland’s first national commercial radio station as Forth 2, Clyde 2, MFR 2, Northsound 2, Tay 2, West Sound in Ayrshire, and West Sound in Dumfries & Galloway all rebrand to Greatest Hits Radio on the same April 3rd date. 

You can listen to Greatest Hits Radio on DAB digital radio*, on your smart speaker, mobile device or online at greatesthitsradio.co.uk.