Day: February 20, 2023

Kidnapped stars stop by Stevenson Statue

KIDNAPPED: A Swashbuckling Rom-Com Adventure 

Adapted by Isobel McArthur with Michael John McCarthy  

Co-directed by Isobel McArthur and Gareth Nicholls   

Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson  

Cast includes Malcolm Cumming, Christina Gordon, Kim Ismay, Danielle Jam, Fatima Jawara, Ryan J Mackay, Grant O’Rourke, David Rankine, Isaac Savage, and Karen Young.  

Composer and Music Supervisor Michael John McCarthy Set and Costume Design Anna Orton, Sound Design Clare Hibbert Video Design Tim Reid Lighting Design Ben Ormerod Casting by Michael Howell  

Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown  

Touring the UK from Tuesday 28 March to Saturday 13 May 2023  

Opening at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock and touring to Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh; Eden Court, Inverness; Perth Theatre and Northern Stage, Newcastle from March to May 2023.    

Opening Performance at the Beacon Arts Centre on 31 March 2023  

 Kidnapped, Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure-classic is touring Scotland and Northern England in a riotous new retelling for 2023. 

19-year-old Davie Balfour has never left home, never been kissed and never fired a gun. Armed with nothing but a hand-drawn map, he heads off on an adventure like no other – quickly realising that he has a lot of catching up to do. The production follows Davie on a journey of eye-opening discovery as he navigates murderous foes, Jacobite outlaws and the most inept crew of pirates this side of the Atlantic.    

Kidnapped was originally written as serialised fiction in the magazine Young Folks from May to July 1886, then first appeared in book form published by Cassell and Company in July 1886. The novel, and author Robert Louis Stevenson, both have a number of local connections to the city of Edinburgh. Stevenson was born and raised in the City, studying at the University of Edinburgh. The city and the surrounding geography influenced his writing, and Kidnapped takes place in locations familiar to Edinburgh locals.

In 2004, Edinburgh was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and to celebrate, almost 15,000 copies of Kidnapped were given away as part of a city reading campaign in 2006. The Writer’s Museum in Edinburgh presents the lives of three prominent of Scottish writers, one of them being Robert Louis Stevenson. Visitors to the museum can see a collection of portraits, photographs, personal possessions and treasures that Stevenson found on his own travels.

The climax of the novel, Kidnapped takes place upon Corstorphine Hill, where a statue dedicated to Robert Louis Stevenson now stands, on Corstorphine Road. The 15-foot-tall statue was sculpted by Alexander Stoddart and depicts principal characters Alan Breck Stewart and Davie Balfour.

A number of the streets in Dumbrae and Clermiston area take their names from locations and characters in the novel.

Rannoch Road, Duror Drive and Morven Street are named after real locations that Alan and Davie visit, and Essendean Place and Terrace are named after a fictional location created by Stevenson. Hoseason Gardens plays tribute to character Captain Hoseason, Ransome Gardens to fictional cabin boy Ransome and Alan Breck Gardens to Alan Breck Stewart.

Actors Malcolm Cumming and Ryan J Mackay recently visited the statue, ahead of the new stage reimagining of Kidnapped coming to the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. Malcolm and Ryan are playing Alan Breck Stewart and Davie Balfour, respectively.

Kidnapped has been reimagined by Isobel McArthur with Michael John McCarthy, who previously teamed up for the Olivier award-winning Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), in a colourful new take on the classic historical novella and is packed full of 20th century pop music and 18th century romance, all performed by a dynamic ensemble of actor-musicians.

This vibrant production is a coming-of-age romcom for today, which celebrates the poetry, humour, and heart of Stevenson’s writing. Edinburgh audiences can see Kidnapped when it visits the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh from the 11 to 22 April 2023, after opening in Greenock, or catch the show on tour in Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, and Newcastle from March to May.

Ryan J Mackay, who is playing Davie Balfour, was most recently seen on stage in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and he will be joined by Malcolm Cumming as Alan Breck Stewart, familiar to Scottish audiences from the acclaimed James IV: Queen of the Fight, (Raw Material and Capital Theatres, in association with National Theatre of Scotland) which toured Scotland in late 2022.  

They will be joined on this adventure by a talented ensemble including: Christina Gordon, who will be reuniting with Isobel McArthur and Michael John McCarthy after her run as an original cast member of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), for which she was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role; David Rankine who is a Scottish actor most recently seen in the revival of the National Theatre of Scotland production of Rocket Post, which featured song arrangements from Michael John McCarthy; Kim Ismay is perhaps most familiar to audiences for playing the role of Tanya in the West End production of Mamma Mia, and Madame Morrible in the international and UK & Ireland tours of Wicked; Danielle Jam, who recently worked with Raw Material, Capital Theatres and National Theatre of Scotland as one of the lead roles in James IV: Queen of the Fight and will be reunited with her James IV co-star Malcolm Cumming in Kidnapped; Grant O’Rourke has done extensive work in theatre, television, film and radio, and is most familiar to Scottish audiences for his role in Outlander, and more recently, Shetland; Isaac Savage is an actor, musician and composer who will joining the ensemble as the Performing Musical Director for Kidnapped, and last year was the Performing Musical Director for Cinderella at Dundee Rep; Karen Young is a Scottish actress, recently appeared in Cinderella at Dundee Rep; Fatima Jawara was most recently seen as the titular role in Eastern Angles’ Christmas production of Little Red.

Join the conversation: #Kidnapped  

Touring to Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock (previews Tue 28, Wed 29, Thurs 30 March) Fri 31 March – Sat 1 April 2023; 

Theatre Royal, Glasgow Wed 5 – Sat 8 April 2023,

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Tue 11 – Sat 22 April 2023; 

Eden Court, Inverness Wed 26 – Sat 29 April 2023; 

Perth Theatre Wed 3 – Sat 6 May 2023 and 

Northern Stage, Newcastle Tues 9 – Sat 13 May 2023.   

Full tour information here.  

Pet expert’s budget-friendly ways to show your pet you love them

We’re all looking for cost-effective ways to show those around us that we love them, and there is no exception when it comes to our pets.

Research from the UK’s largest vet charity, PDSA, shows that the minimum lifetime cost of owning a dog starts at around £5,000 for a small breed, but can be considerably more. These costs can mount even further as owners feel pressured to pamper their pooch with expensive gifts.

Shauna Walsh, Vet Nurse at the charity – which provides vital care for pets in need – has shared her expert tips for showering pets with love, without breaking the bank.

Shauna said: “Particularly around holidays like Valentine’s Day, we often feel compelled to splurge on material gifts for those we love. However, our pets have no perception of cost, and are happiest and healthiest when their welfare needs are met and their owners are close by.

  1. Spend more time together

“Spending quality time with your pet doesn’t cost a penny yet is often what brings them the most joy. In fact, ensuring their social needs are met and even just being in our company can improve a pet’s overall wellbeing.

“Simple things such as taking them on a walk and enjoying the great outdoors together, playing with them, and snuggling on the sofa are all great ways to bond with your four-legged friend.

  1. Learn how to groom your pet at home

“Grooming your pet is a fantastic bonding activity and has many other health benefits too, including helping to distribute natural oils found within your animal’s coat. It also gives you the chance to check for any skin problems or lumps and bumps that, if caught early, could mean easier and cheaper veterinary treatment for your pet.

“Grooming costs can vary depending on breed and coat type, and tight curled coats and long-haired breeds especially will need regular sessions. Therefore, learning how to groom your pooch at home can save you a lot of money, once you’ve purchased the equipment needed.

  1. Rotate your pet’s favourite toys

“While toys are great for playtime and keeping boredom at bay, your pet doesn’t need too many. Rotating them will not only avoid you spending lots of money but will also keep playtime fun and engaging. You can even re-use the same toy for different games – for example, using one for a game of fetch, then hiding it for your pet to find.

“Aside from being heaps of fun, toys are a great way to keep your pet active. Throwing a toy for your dog to chase and retrieve will not only help them stay fit but is a great way to spend time together too – just avoid using sticks, as these can cause nasty injuries, and balls that are too small or squash down easily, which could be a choking hazard.”

Owners and pets

For more advice on cutting the cost of pet care while ensuring your pet remains happy and healthy, please visit www.pdsa.org.uk/lowcostpetcare.

MOT? More like DIY!

Drivers Urged to Maintain Cars Themselves

Motorists have been told to maintain their vehicles if proposed changes to MOTs come into force.

Experts from Quotezone.co.uk have warned drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy after proposals to extend the period between tests. 

The proposals have come via a consultation jointly published by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), affecting cars, motorbikes and vans. 

Currently, all new vehicles must be tested after they reach three years old, to ensure they do not present a danger to other road users. 

But if the new proposals are adopted, this period will be extended to four years, in line with many other countries across Europe. 

Advances in technology and the increase in popularity of EVs and hybrid cars mean new vehicles are less likely to need major attention at three years old. 

They also suggest that the period between MOT tests could also be extended from one year for newer vehicles. 

While the experts from Quotezone.co.uk welcome the chance for drivers to create savings, safety must always be the number one priority and both the government and the motorists themselves have a duty to ensure their cars, vans and motorbikes are safe to operate. 

Many countries across Europe have the four year policy, and the proposals would bring Britain in line with countries like Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Government analysis shows less frequent MOT tests could save UK drivers around £100 million per year.

Quotezone.co.uk did a sample survey in Northern Ireland – where all vehicles must be tested at a dedicated MOT centre – putting the system under increasing pressure to clear the pandemic backlog.  43% of drivers were said to be waiting over 3 months for an available test date and 59% were driving on the road pass their test due date. 

These proposed changes may alleviate some issues but it’s important to remember 1 in 10 vehicles fail their MOT first time, under the proposal these vehicles would now be on the road for an additional year which some experts fear may increase the number of unsafe vehicles on our roads. 

Quotezone.co.uk Founder Greg Wilson has said: “These proposals to have less frequent MOT tests is likely to put the onus on the driver to more regularly maintain the vehicle and ensure its roadworthy. 

“Whilst of course money saving benefits are great in this economic climate, getting into an accident or driving an unsafe car could result in costs far bigger than a £40 MOT.

“There are several routine checks which drivers can do at home to help their vehicle stay in a safe and roadworthy condition.”

Quotezone.co.uk has provided checks you can make on your car:

  1. Check tyres: 

Before setting off, it is important to check for any cuts or wear. It is also good to check if the tyre pressures are appropriate for the load and condition of the tyres. The minimum and legal limit for tread depth of the tyres is 1.6mm – drivers can insert a 20p into the tread to double check, the tyre thickness should be more than the first line on the coin.

  1. Check lights: 

You need to make sure your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights and brake lights all work. Having any of these not working or in a temperamental condition could put you, passengers and other motorists at risk.

  1. Check brakes:

The braking system needs to be in good working order. If the car pulls to one side when applying the breaks then this indicates an issue. Look at the handbrake too and ensure it works well, especially on an incline. If you have alloy wheels, it could be possible to do a visual inspection of the brakes without actually removing the wheel.

  1. Check fluid levels:

Keep your screen wash topped up so you can clean dirt off your windscreen and ensure you have good visibility and top up break fluid and oil. 

  1. Check mirrors: 

All mirrors must be secure and free of cracks. If they need replacing you can normally find ones for your car model online, but stay clear of self-adhesive types as these are not durable.

  1. Check windscreen and wipers:

Ensure there is no damage to your windscreen. A chip or crack that exceeds 40mm will actually result in a failed MOT test. On top of the windscreen, the wipers and washers should be functional to ensure good visibility at all times. 

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on household bills and essentials, including niche items such as motorbike insurance, van insurance and courier insurance.  –

Log in with award-winning broadband as Giganet puts down Edinburgh roots

Cities across Scotland can now get up to speed with consistently fast, reliable, full fibre-enabled services thanks to Giganet, one of the UK’s fastest growing internet service providers (ISP). 

With the surge in demand for faster, more reliable broadband, almost 360,000 homes in Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Renfrewshire, Stirling, Glasgow, and Edinburgh can now benefit from the ISP’s award-winning full fibre broadband. And now with 3 months free, this is a deal that will be welcome to many as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.

And its great news for environmentally conscious consumers, Giganet, often recognised for its bright yellow vans, is going green, with a commitment to plant a tree for every new Scottish customer.

Tanya Thorne, Chief Marketing Officer at Giganet, said: “We take topics such as the climate emergency very seriously, and moreover, we act. Doing the right thing for our planet is something we are passionate about.

“Through our partnership with Ecologi, each new Scottish customer will contribute to supporting local reforestation in the United Kingdom, with schemes in Ayrshire and Mull, adding further trees to our 22,000+ strong forest.”

Giganet’s full fibre will allow households to stream data-intensive video like 4K films, conference call on teams without glitches, get immersed in multiplayer gaming without the lag, and effortlessly support multiple devices being used at the same time.  

Full fibre networks use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data all the way from the exchange to the home, which differs from most digital infrastructure today. In fact, less than 40% of premises in Scotland can currently connect to it, with Scotland still lagging behind the UK by almost 5% in the full fibre broadband rollout race.

Speaking about Giganet launching to households in Scotland on the 17th of February, Thorne added: “We pride ourselves in putting the customer first; offering excellent customer service, honest and transparent pricing, and flexible packages suited to all.

“With the cost of living rising and household budgets being squeezed across the UK, we are delighted to be offering our new Scottish customers 3 months free on a 12-month contract with no exit fees.

“Our partnership with CityFibre already allows us to offer services to Scottish businesses and I am delighted that our award-winning services are now available to Scottish homes. By combining the best standards in customer services with a robust full fibre network, we can guarantee homes in towns and cities across Scotland can now experience the holy grail in connectivity – high speed and incredible reliability”. 

Last year, the ISP scooped the coveted award for Overall Fibre Provider of the Year at the 2022 Fibre Provider Awards. 

For more information on Giganet or to see if your postcode is eligible for 3 months free internet, visit www.giganet.uk.  

Scotland: Solidarity with Ukraine

Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine marks a year of the war against Ukraine

As the first anniversary of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine approaches, Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray has offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones and has signalled continued support for Ukraine.

He has also taken a look back at the past year and the role that Scotland has played to support displaced people from Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Mr Gray said: “The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. We are shocked and appalled at the violence and humanitarian crisis it has caused.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to all Ukrainians who have lost their loved ones. We hope for a Ukrainian victory, which is the best outcome for Ukraine as well as for longer-term peace and stability in Europe. 

“The people of Ukraine have shown incredible strength over this past year. The support of the international community has been incredibly heartening to see, especially as we have witnessed the largest refugee crisis and forced movement of people across Europe since the Second World War.

“Since the invasion began in February last year, more than 23,000 Ukrainians with a Scottish sponsor have arrived in the UK, representing more than 20% of all UK arrivals.

“More than three-quarters of these arrivals have come through the Super Sponsor Scheme, which has provided a fast and secure route to sanctuary, without which many people would otherwise have been unable to travel.

“I’m proud that Scotland has been able to play its part in supporting Ukraine, from people sending donations for humanitarian aid, to families opening their homes to displaced people from Ukraine who have arrived in the country. I’m also grateful for the swift and sustained response from partners in local authorities and in third sector groups who have played a significant role in ensuring that a warm welcome has been provided to displaced people in their time of need.

“To the people from Ukraine who are living here, the Scottish Government wants you to know that Scotland is your home for as long as you are here and we will continue to stand with you.”

Scots cyclist swaps tyres for trainers as he takes on first ultramarathon

Embarking on your first ultramarathon is no mean feat, but that is just what Iain Leggat – family home in Fife, but lives in Edinburgh – is undertaking for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

The son of two Armed Forces’ veterans – his father, James, was in the RAF and his mother Penny is former Nursing Officer late of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, and volunteers for SSAFA’s Fife branch – Iain will run the 36.2 miles of the coastal EnduranceLife Northumberland on February 25 starting and finishing at Bamburgh Castle.

Coincidentally, Iain turns 26 the following day, so he is hoping to give himself a bit of a birthday present by running a great time in not only his first ultramarathon, but also his first marathon following a half marathon in October 2022.

Iain, who works as a Marketing Executive for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has swapped his bike for running shoes in recent months, putting in the miles with Parkruns – including the Holyrood Parkrun just last weekend. He also trains with friends as well as with fellow members of Good Time Running Club in Edinburgh.

He is not, however, underestimating the challenge ahead of him.

Iain explained: “The blurb for EnduranceLife Northumberland states that runners will ‘… enjoy sweeping sandy beaches and rolling dunes on this striking landscape steeped in history’.

“Well, I’m not disputing that it’s a beautiful part of the world, but my focus is on doing a good run, having a brilliant time with friends, and raising a great amount for SSAFA.“

Iain has set himself a target of £360, and he is around a third of the way to his target, but he knows he can smash this.

“I want to smash this target, because of countless stories of the incredible case work that SSAFA does in Fife, across Scotland, the rest of the UK, and even the rest of the world.

“Whatever they’re facing, our Armed Forces and their families can rely on SSAFA and its personalised support to help them through it, for as long as it takes to get that person’s life back to where they want it to be.”

For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk/fife and to donate to Iain’s 36.2-mile ultramarathon, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/ileggataround.

More than 300 affordable homes coming to Granton later this year

Harbour Homes is working with Cairn Housing Association to create 306 homes at Granton Harbour (Plot S), which are due to welcome their first tenants in autumn 2023. There will be 96 affordable properties for Harbour Homes to provide social housing and 130 Harbour Lettings homes for mid market rent. The remaining 80 properties will be social rent homes for Cairn Housing Association.

A seven-bedroom independent living home and office space with an adjoining one-bedroom flat are also being built for Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust to support people in the care system. Dean and Cauvin provide accommodation for young people (from ages 15-21) as well as supporting their transition to living independently.

Pamela Kidd (left), Chief Executive at Dean and Cauvin and Harbour Group Chief Executive Heather Kiteley (right).

Following a visit to the site Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Harbour (formerly Port of Leith Housing Association), said: “This development is going to offer so much to the local community in Granton and continue our dedication to providing affordable homes in Edinburgh.

“The progress that has been made at this site is great to see and I can’t wait to see the finished high-quality homes.”

Jason MacGilp, Cairn Housing Association Chief Executive, commented: “It is great to see the progress of this important development and we are looking forward to its completion this year.

“Our thanks go to the contractor team at CCG for their hard work on this high-quality scheme. Cairn are delighted to be working in partnership with Harbour Homes and with the City of Edinburgh Council to make a positive contribution to meeting housing needs and the wider regeneration of the waterfront.”

Young adults who visited the site and will be moving into Dean and Cauvin’s unit said: “We’re looking forward to fewer stairs, better beds, having double glazing and having better showers. Excited to be the first group of people to be staying there. Great that it’s next to the seaside!”

Staff from Dean and Cauvin commented: “There will be nicer conditions for staff and it will be good to have a nicer sleep-in room for staff.

“The new office being on the ground floor will mean it is closer to the main living space so everyone can stay connected. It should feel much more like a home. Bigger windows will allow in more light and fresh air.

“We’re most excited about having a laundry room and a nice dining area for everyone to eat together and socialise. It’ll be nice to have a purpose-built space just for us.”

(PICTURED – TOP L-R) Meg Deasley (Director of Property Services, Cairn), Rachel Fraser (Development Officer, Harbour Homes), Jason MacGilp (Chief Executive, Cairn), Heather Kiteley (Harbour Group Chief Executive), Gordon Cameron (Director of Group Operations, Harbour) and Susan Wilson (Development and Regeneration Manager, Cairn).

Edinburgh specialist housing development shortlisted for 2023 Scottish Empty Homes Awards

LAR Housing Trust’s impressive redevelopment of a formerly empty building in Niddrie, Edinburgh, into six two-bedroom flats for people with specialist housing needs has been shortlisted in this year’s Finders International 12th Scottish Empty Homes Awards.

The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership announced that the project, which was by LAR in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, is a finalist for the ‘best retrofit of an empty home’ award.

In its submission, LAR said its development of the building which had been empty for seven years “will make a significant and life-changing impact for its tenants, some of whom have been hospitalised for two decades.”

The awards celebrate the impactful and transformative empty homes work undertaken across Scotland, recent statistics revealed almost 43,000 homes are lying empty and bringing even some of these back into use, can be a cost-effective way to help ease pressure on supply challenges.

Award winners will be announced on Wednesday 1st March 2023 at the 12th Scottish Empty Homes Conference, which will be held at the Engine Shed in Stirling, as well as being streamed online for digital participants.

Shaheena Din, National Project Manager, Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: “It has been incredibly difficult for the Advisory Group to choose finalists for this year’s awards as the quality of entries is very high, and we thank all those who took the time to submit nominations.

“The nominations demonstrate how empty homes work often involves creative problem solving and has a real impact on issues related to housing and the strengthening of communities.

“We look forward to showcasing the work of outstanding projects and individuals across the Scottish housing sector at the awards next month. Well done to our finalists and we look forward to announcing the winners in March.”

Public Sector Development Manager for Empty Homes, Muhammad Uddin from Finders International, who are the awards sponsor for the conference, said: “We are really impressed by the calibre of entries and shortlisting the nominations was not an easy task.

“It just demonstrates the level of innovation and initiative in the Scottish empty homes sector and we are proud to be involved in the awards.”

Finalists and winners will be presented with wooden plaques handmade by social enterprise Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) at the conference.

Tickets for the 12th Scottish Empty Homes Conference are available via Eventbrite: 

Finders International are the gold sponsor of the conference, with Auction House Scotland, Fraser & Fraser and Brodies LLP as silver sponsors, and Online Property Auctions as bronze sponsor.

Experts offer mindfulness tips to help employees in the workplace

Employees are being advised on the best ways to create a mindfulness routine at work. 

Building a healthy relationship with work and creating a positive routine pattern is important for individual well-being, especially when heading into a new year at work. 

Leading CBD company, Joy Organics, have given some top tips for reducing stress and creating positivity as part of a workplace mindfulness routine.



Introducing goal-setting, breathing exercises and journaling are just a few of the techniques experts recommend to become more mindful throughout the working week.

Here are Joy Organics’ 10 top mindfulness tips for the workplace:

Give yourself a moment

Before starting the day and tackling the ever-growing to-do list, take a moment to set intentions for the day ahead. Putting aside time in the morning to mentally check in and be present, means the challenges of the day can be seen with greater focus and clarity. 

Lend an ear

Creating a mindfulness routine in the workplace is as much about including colleagues as it is about the self. Providing a safe space for others to share opinions, ideas and general chit-chat is a positive tool for creating a happy and warm environment at work.

Be conscious of tech

Being conscious of how tech is used throughout the day can dramatically improve focus and productivity whilst at work and reduce stress. Emails especially can become a source of distraction throughout the day, so try to set a limit or schedule when and how often they are checked, where possible. Putting other devices on do not disturb modes can also help to prevent temptation.

Practise breathing

Taking a breathing break is a great tool to help refocus and feel present in the moment. Focusing on deep breath work throughout the week to release any built-up tension due to stressful aspects at work.

Stop multitasking

It’s a common misconception that performing multiple tasks at the same time is the most productive way of working. Directing attention to a singular task can help avoid context-switching and prevent simple mistakes, which will in turn help to lower stress levels.

Create a growth mindset

Setting personal goals at work that are separate from objectives set out in the job role is essential for personal development. These goals don’t have to be extravagant or complex, but small achievable tasks that can help boost happiness and accomplishment at work can accumulate over time.

Go for a walk

This may seem like a generic wellness tip, but it is common for a reason. Going for a walk and getting away from the workspace can help improve productivity. Moving the body is a great mood booster. Placing items around the house/office, away from the working space, can provide a reason to move about during the day.

Journal your time

Having a work journal alongside a regular notepad at work can be useful to track important feelings and emotions on a day-to-day basis. After a while, these journal entries will compound and can serve as an important benchmark to track stress, satisfaction and career objectives.

Slow down

Many work environments can be fast-paced so it can be hard to know when it is appropriate to slow down. Becoming too overstimulated can lead to increased stress and dissatisfaction with the working week. Leaving time between meetings to grab a drink and take a breather, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with a busy schedule so it’s important to switch gears to avoid burnout.

Channel your commute

Whether it’s on the morning commute or a lunchtime break it can be easy to slip the earphones in and dive into a gripping podcast or the trusty daily playlist. However, being present in the moment is a great way to unplug and be free of any distractions. Taking in the surroundings is a wholesome way of grounding throughout seemingly repetitive parts of the week.

A spokesperson for Joy Organics said: “Regardless of whether you work from home, in the office or a bit of both, it’s essential to establish a routine to help reduce stress and create positivity in the working environment.

“Trying to completely overhaul the working day with the tips we’ve provided is not advisable. Pick one or two to start with and try to slowly incorporate them into your routine to see how you feel.

“Some may be useful, whilst others maybe not so much, it’s all about finding simple methods that work for the individual, and this can take time.”

‘A social contract with Scotland’

A Scottish Budget which goes further to support the vulnerable and deliver greater benefits than provided in the rest of the UK will be voted on in Parliament tomorrow.

Ahead of Tuesday’s final debate and vote on the 2023-24 Scottish Budget Bill, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has set out the “social contract with every citizen of Scotland” – supporting people through the cost of living crisis with the groundbreaking Scottish Child Payment, the expansion of free school meals and free bus travel to more than two million people.

Against a background of high inflation and the cost of living crisis, record funding of more than £19 billion is committed to the Health and Social Care portfolio – an increase of over £1 billion. Other measures include more than £350 million for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme which sees 370,000 households paying no council tax, and for business the lowest non-domestic rate poundage in the UK will mean more than 95% of properties are liable for a lower property tax rate than elsewhere.

Investing in Scotland’s future with more than £4.6 billion for the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Portfolio, the Budget also includes £467 million to protect the natural environment.

Mr Swinney said: “This Budget strengthens our social contract with every citizen of Scotland who will continue to enjoy many benefits not available throughout the UK.

“In one of the most challenging budgets since devolution, we are prioritising our limited resources to protect public services, invest in the transition to Net Zero and take decisive steps to eradicate child poverty in Scotland.

“Supporting people most in need in these difficult times is the foundation of this Budget. As a Government we are doing all we can to support people and families.

“We have chosen a distinctive, more progressive path where people are asked to pay their fair share to create the fairer society in which we all want to live. Progressive choices on Scottish Income Tax mean that next year this Government will deliver record funding of more than £19 billion for health and social care.

“While none of us should underestimate the scale of the ongoing financial challenges, I am confident that this Budget package offers stability and certainty for Scotland.”

Read the Scottish Budget 2023-24 .