Month: February 2023

Aldi Scotland launches dating service for love-hungry Scots

Popular discount supermarket Aldi Scotland has launched Al-date, an exclusive dating service that helps lovebirds find romance this Valentine’s Day.

Testing the theory that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, Al-Date is designed to encourage users to understand their love-type and help them bag a date on the most romantic day of the year.

Inspired by Aldi’s exceptional range of Valentine’s Day products, which includes everything shoppers need for a romance packed day, from its popular Love Heart Shaped Lorne Sausage (£1.29, 150g) to Specially Selected Sirloin Steak (£4.75, 227g), Scottish Vintage Cheddar Cheese (£1.69, 200g) and Specially Selected Chocolate Mini Cupcakes (£2.19, 9 pack), users will be asked a series of questions which gets to the crux of their dating habits.

They will then be served personalised advice and chat up lines, especially curated for use in the real world or on dating apps.

Launching on Friday 10 February, the online service will have hearts melting across the country. The service can be accessed at https://al-date.com/

Olive Yew, a spokesperson for Aldi Scotland, said: “Dating can be as tough as an overcooked steak, but on the most romantic day of the year, everyone deserves a wingman to help them in love.

“Whether you are looking to spice things up with a long-term partner, turn up the heat on a new relationship or simply make that initial approach, our Aldi-inspired chat up lines are an easy way to break the ice.

“Food plays such an important role in modern dating, and once again we have an exceptional range of special Valentine’s Day products on sale at everyday amazing Aldi prices.

“Our ever popular Love Heart Lorne Sausage – the perfect addition to breakfast in bed – will be back on sale from 9 February, and our Scotch Sirloin Steak is sure to get things sizzling over a candle-lit dinner. For your sweetheart with a sweet tooth, we have our beautiful Mini Cupcakes, while those looking for something a little more cheesy can finish off the meal with Scottish Vintage Cheddar Cheese and biscuits.

“What’s more, most of our Valentine’s Day products are created right here in Scotland from our fantastically talented local producers. Aldi Scotland works with over 90 Scottish suppliers who use the highest quality ingredients and produce from the country’s rich larder, and we bring them to shoppers’ plates at unbeatable prices.”

You can find you nearest Aldi here. 

Getting better: NHS Lothian moved to Stage 2 for paediatric audiology

NHS Lothian will move to Stage 2 of NHS Scotland’s national performance framework for paediatric audiology following improvements.

The health board has made significant progress, completing almost 81% of the recommendations outlined by the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) following an independent review of services in 2021. This includes improvements in governance and culture.

As part of the Stage 2 escalation level, robust measures will remain in place, ensuring that Scottish Government officials continue to provide direct support to NHS Lothian.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The de-escalation of NHS Lothian to Stage 2 for paediatric audiology is a positive step forward and highlights the significant progress the board has made towards the BAA’s recommendations.

“I would like to thank all staff at the board for their hard work to implement robust and sustainable changes, to continue to improve the service and to deliver high quality patient care. I want to ensure families across Scotland are assured their child is getting the best possible audiology support.

“We will work closely with and support the board over the coming months as it continues to provide high quality services. A wider Independent review of audiology services in Scotland is on-going and due to report to the Scottish Government this Spring.”

NHS Lothian was moved to escalation Stage 3 in December 2021 on the NHS Board Performance Escalation Framework for Paediatric Audiology.

An independent audit and governance review into the Paediatric Audiology service at NHS Lothian was established following the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Investigative report into Child A’s audiology care at the health board. Following that publication, the BAA was commissioned by NHS Lothian to help fulfil recommendations from that report.

The decision on a board’s Stage 3 Escalated position sits with the Director General for Health and Social Care.

The BAA report and recommendations is here.

The Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Award winners announced 

A boy who called 999 for his unconscious mother when he was just two years old is among members of the public, police officers and police staff recognised in the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards.

Hanlon Stevenson (got to be a Hibs fan? – Ed.) called emergency services after mum Lisa became unwell at their home in Stirling. Hanlon told call handlers, “Mummy is sleeping and I can’t wake her”, and ambulance staff attended to treat Lisa.

Others recognised in Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone’s Bravery and Excellence Awards include officers who arrested a violent man who was brandishing knives in East Kilbride; constables who rescued a man from a burning flat in Dundee; and the logistics team who supported Police Scotland’s operation for COP26.

A team driving a public health approach to policing in the Greater Glasgow Division was particularly highlighted for their excellence during a ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, yesterday (Friday, 10 February, 2023).

Hanlon Stevenson

Sir Iain said: “Policing is a relentless but hugely rewarding vocation in which you can help people and change lives for the better.

“These awards illustrate the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by police officers and staff right across Scotland every day. I am grateful for their commitment to public service and dedication to duty.

“Equally, effective policing is enabled and enhanced by our bond with the public and the trust and support of our communities. It is a privilege to recognise the bravery of our fellow citizens who stepped forward with courage when need arose.

“The opportunity to welcome nominees, recipients and their families to Headquarters and offer my personal thanks, regards and congratulations is a pleasure.”

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, said: “These awards recognise the outstanding bravery of members of the public as well as police officers and staff committed to keeping us safe.

“All of the nominees deserve our gratitude but especially little Hanlon who contacted the emergency services when his mum became ill – a truly heart-warming example of individual bravery.

“I would like to personally commend each and every one of the nominees for going above and beyond what could be reasonably expected, in order to help others. Their collective acts epitomise and signify the very best values of modern policing and of wider society and demonstrate selflessness when faced with incredibly challenging and dangerous situations.”

Kerry McMahon-White, Head of Partnerships at Police Mutual, who sponsor the awards, said: “Police Mutual is very proud to again be supporting the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards.

“To each nominee, your achievements are extraordinary. You are an inspiration and a credit to the service and I, and all my colleagues at Police Mutual, would like to offer our thanks to those who are nominated as well as congratulations to the winners.”

Not all winners have chosen to be named – those who wish to be named are:

Bravery and Meritorious Awards

  • Allan MacKay (member of the public)
  • Constable Andrew Inglis
  • Constable Clanmorris David Thompson
  • Constable Derrick McCracken
  • Constable Euan MacLeod
  • Constable Gary Drewett
  • Constable Fraser Van-Dal
  • Constable Iain O’Donnell
  • Constable Jonathon Wilkin
  • Constable Lee Brown
  • Constable Oliver Siddall
  • Constable Sharon Bradbury
  • Fraser Ritchie (member of the public)
  • Gavin Parker (member of the public)
  • Hanlon Stevenson (member of the public)
  • Jonathon and Christopher Easton (members of the public)
  • Robert Smale (member of the public)
  • Sergeant John Hampton
  • Special Constable Stephen Booth

Excellence Awards

Excellence – Greatest Contribution to Policing Priorities

That Guy campaign

Excellence – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (joint winners)

  • National Equality and Diversity Unit – Partnership, Prevention and Community Wellbeing Division
  • One Community Scotland – Partnership, Prevention and Community Wellbeing Division

Policing Partner of the Year

The Neuk – Tayside Division

Service Improvement Award

Public Health Delivery Team – Greater Glasgow Division

COP26 Logistics Team

Team of the Year

COP26 Logistics Team – Corporate Services Division

Wellbeing

Inspector Kirsten Marshall – Operational Support Division

Police Officer of the Year

Constable Harry Jackson – North East Division

Probationary Constable of the Year (Joint winners)

  • Constable Christopher Wilton – Edinburgh Division
  • Constable Laura Brown – North East Division

Police Member of Staff of the Year

Mhairi Matheson – Highland & Islands Division

Special Constable of the Year

Special Constable Robert Roper – Ayrshire Division

Police Unsung Hero Award

Constable Emma Fisher – Fife Division

Congratulations to all our nominees and winners.

New measures to boost hospitality and town centre recovery

Hospitality businesses will be able to place tables and chairs on the pavement outside their premises without submitting a planning application under measures expected to come into force at the end of next month.

Strong support was expressed in a public consultation for the extension of permitted development rights to enable more cafés, bars and restaurants to offer outdoor eating and drinking. Regulations to implement the measures were laid in the Scottish Parliament on Friday 10 February for approval by MSPs.

Councils will, however, retain powers to prevent and deal with obstructions that make it difficult for people to access pavements safely and effectively, for example people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments, or families with children in pushchairs.

The 12-week consultation also backed the relaxation of planning rules for the conversion of certain premises into cafes, restaurants, or small-scale offices, as well as the installation of larger electric vehicle charging equipment in car parks. If approved by Parliament, all these measures would be allowed under certain circumstances without the need for a planning application.

Planning Minister Tom Arthur said: “These measures will support Scotland’s town and city centre businesses to thrive.

“More flexible use of outdoor space can help the hospitality industry recover from the pandemic and cost crisis, while making city and town centres more attractive and welcoming.

“The important safeguards for councils seek to ensure that no one should be prevented from using pavements and visiting town and city centres safely. A more streamlined approach to changes of use can help businesses respond more rapidly to shifting circumstances, support reuse of vacant premises and encourage the return of workers and shoppers to our town and city centres.

“Simplifying planning rules for electric vehicle chargers will support the roll-out of infrastructure across Scotland as part of our commitment to tackling climate change and making Scotland a Net Zero nation.

“These measures will help deliver our ambition to create a fairer, greener and wealthier Scotland, by making places more attractive for people to live, work and visit.”

Love around The Quarter!

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love? 

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for that someone special, or you’re planning the ultimate date night, St James Quarter is your go to destination. 

From heavenly scents at H Beauty, champagne truffles from Hotel Chocolat, jewellery to treasure at Beaverbrooks, premium beauty at Rituals and Aesop, luxury leather goods at Coach and Kate Spade, stylish homewares at John Lewis and new season fashions at Boss and Zara – there’s plenty of gift ideas that are sure to put you in your Valentine’s good books!   

If it’s a memorable date night you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of enticing eating and drinking destinations. There are creative cocktails in The Alchemist, authentic Mediterranean sharing platters at The Real Greek and mouth-watering burgers at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger.

For the early birds out there, EL&N are pulling out all the stops, providing the ideal date day with Insta-worthy shimmering mocktails and ruby pink hot chocolates, perfect for Cupid himself, alongside delicious cakes coated in lashings of heavenly buttered cream.  

Guests looking to celebrate in style can visit Everyman Cinema to enjoy a first-class movie going experience and cosy up on a comfortable love seat. Those wanting to indulge in a little luxury can visit acclaimed restaurant Duck & Waffle to enjoy a specially curated Valentine’s Day set menu with champagne on arrival, snacks for the table, a choice of specially created dishes and delightful pink truffles to finish. 

As part of St James Quarter’s Valentine’s celebrations, from Thursday, 9th February, guests are invited to visit the ‘Crazy in Love’ booth on Level 2, outside John Lewis, to record a video reciting the craziest thing they did for love to be in with a chance of winning an incredible date night experience at St James Quarter; to be enjoyed with your Valentine, Galentine, best buddy or favourite family member – the choice is yours!  

On 11th and 14th February, St James Quarter will be sharing its own tokens of affection with guests by giving away a limited number of beautiful fresh red roses to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Those who are lucky enough to get their hands on one of these beautiful blooms will also be in with a chance to win a £50 gift card through an exclusive prize draw, redeemable at The Quarter.  

Are you #CrazyInLove #LoveAroundTheQuarter 

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Love is truly around The Quarter this Spring. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or your significant other this Valentine’s Day, St James Quarter is the go to destination for that perfect gift or date night with a difference. 

“We are looking forward to hearing all the crazy in love stories and are inviting guests to vote for the winner via our YouTube channel.” 

Valentine’s day activities and retailer events will be taking place at St James Quarter from 9th – 14th February.

Keep up to date with the latest info via the @StJamesQuarter Instagram page or by visiting the website: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/valentines-day  

New partnership provides more protected green space in Edinburgh

= Nearly two in three people in Edinburgh live in flats compared to one in five in the UK
= One in seven residents currently has no access to private outdoor space

Residents in Edinburgh can be confident that they will always have access to green space, thanks to a partnership between charity Fields in Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council.

The landmark agreement will see the capital’s local authority become the first in Scotland to ensure that around 84% of residents who live in the city, are within a 10-minute walk of a permanently protected space.

Over and above the 36 parks already protected in Edinburgh, the council has committed to safeguarding an additional 19 green spaces across the city.

This initiative comes as pressure on existing green space is set to rise, with the population of Edinburgh predicted to increase by 10% over the next 20 years. 

Fields in Trust will now use a Holyrood reception hosted by Sarah Boyack MSP on 8 February, to call for local authorities, business and communities across the capital to collaborate and back the innovative partnership to protect the city’s green spaces and secure better access to them for generations to come.

The charity also wants to see other cities take the same approach, as the number of people living in cities is expected to rise over the next 20 years.

Overall, Scotland rates 1.21 on Fields in Trust’s Green Space Index against a benchmark standard of 1.0, making it the highest performing of the three home nations covered. However, the City of Edinburgh falls slightly short of the threshold overall at 0.9, with significant variances between wards ranging from 0.1 all the way up to 2.9. 

Helen Griffiths, chief executive of Fields in Trust, said: “We all understand the pressures faced by cities as the world changes. You don’t need to be a research scientist to work out that having access to parks and other green space is good for people’s physical and mental health and well-being.

“Whether you’re playing organised sport or just enjoying the sights and sounds of the park, it is imperative that as cities grow and new homes and infrastructure are built, legal steps are taken to protect these special places over the long-term. Parks do us all a world of good, so it’s up to us – all of us, to protect our parks for good.

“We look forward to sharing our experiences with MSPs and others in Holyrood and showcasing this important partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, whose enlightened approach will mean that nearly everyone in the city is within ten minutes of a park or green space.”

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker, said: “Edinburgh is already a wonderfully green city and we want to ensure it remains that way for generations to come.

“Through our partnership with Fields in Trust we will make sure that almost everyone in Edinburgh will be within a ten-minute walk of a protected green space, ensuring that for years to come citizens are guaranteed a lifetime of opportunity for activity, play, learning, recuperation and community. We hope other cities follow suit.”

Sarah Boyack MSP for Lothian, added:“Green spaces are vital for our mental and physical wellbeing. They offer a break from our sedentary lives and a chance to enjoy our natural environment.

“Green spaces are breathing spaces and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the area they live, their income or background. That’s why I’m proud to host the Fields in Trust reception at the Scottish Parliament.

“Their campaign is inspiring – the pandemic has shown that green spaces have become increasingly important for people of all ages, whether for leisure or community gardening. We need action so that everyone can benefit from parks, gardens and green spaces across Scotland.”

The first ten parks and green spaces of the nineteen to be protected in Edinburgh under the partnership are:

Inch Park
Muirhouse
Roseburn
Gyle
Pikes Pool
Clermiston
Joppa Quarry Park
Spylaw
Sighthill
Fairmilehead

Never Give Up! Talk at City Art Centre

TUESDAY 14th FEBRUARY 1pm at CITY ART CENTRE

Never Give Up: Gallery Talk in Association with the Exhibition ‘Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone’

Join us for a talk with Lynn McCabe from Royston and Wardieburn Community Centre and Willie Black a passionate local activist from North Edinburgh.

North Edinburgh has been a hotbed of community activism for decades. ‘Never Give Up’, was a book produced by North Edinburgh Social History Group in 2011 – a panoramic account of community activism in North Edinburgh, highlighting the previously largely ignored and barely mentioned community areas of Pilton, Drylaw, Royston, Wardieburn, Granton and Muirhouse.

Lynn McCabe reflects on how this publication is still deeply relevant today and Willie Black talks about North Edinburgh today, and shares positive stories from this vibrant and resilient Edinburgh community.

EVENT IS FREE but booking is essential.

https://online1.venpos.net/ConsumerSite/VisitDateTime?LID=548&PID=2c0db03f-057f-4cb3-b76f-138dfa22e01f&LNG=en&VD=2023-02-14T00%3A00%3A00

While we hope to run this event in the City Art Centre, we may have to adapt to the situation at the time and the event may need to move to digital. Book via the link or by phoning the City Art Centre on 0131 529 3993.

Haymarket road fatality: victim named as police appeal for info

Road Policing officers are continuing enquiries following a fatal road crash on Haymarket Terrace.

A 79-year-old man died in the collision. He can be named as Allan Moir from Edinburgh. Mr Moir’s family has made the following statement:

“We would like to thank the police, paramedics and members of the public who tried to save our beloved Dad and Grandad. As a family, we ask for privacy at this difficult time.”

Officers are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact them via 101, quoting incident 2828 of 4 February, 2023.

TUC: Solidarity with Turkey

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS

The recent earthquakes are strongest to hit Turkey since 1939 and big cities such as Adana, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Osmaniye, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya, or Hatay are critically affected. At the time of writing the death toll stands at over 17,500, with  many more missing and thousands displaced.

The TUC works closely with the trade union federations in Turkey DISK and KESK. DISK and ​KESK ​​​​​have many members in the concerned areas and are gathering all possible efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the trade-unionists and their families during this tragic period.

The TUC is calling for contributions from trade union branches to go to the ITUC-Asia Pacific Natural Disaster Fund to help support the relief efforts. To help ensure that donations from UK unions are earmarked for our sister unions in Turkey, please include a payment reference “DISK & KESK” with your donation.

The ITUC-AP Bank Account is as follows:

ITUC – Asia Pacific DBS Bank Limited 12 Marina Boulevard Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 3 Singapore 018982
Account No: 003-945670-0
Swift Code: DBSSSGSG

Payment reference: DISK & KESK

Building solidarity with Turkey is a priority for the TUC’s international work. The TUC has a history of supporting trade unions in Turkey and it is increasingly a priority for our affiliates, as recent motions to TUC Congress 2016 and 2018 demonstrate.

The TUC maintains close fraternal relations with KESK and DİSK, our sister trade union centres.

Turkey has been identified as one of the 10 worst countries for workers by the International Trade Union Confederation’s annual survey of worker’s rights, the Global Rights Index. The TUC and affiliates want to see an immediate end to abuses against workers, infringements on democratic norms and human rights, an end to the mistreatment of the Kurdish community, the release of all political prisoners, and the release of Abdullah Öcalan as a step towards peace talks, and engagement in a peace process 

Pints For Passengers this Six Nations Weekend!

 Innis & Gunn ‘prop up’ with free award-winning pints for tram passengers at this weekend’s Six Nations game

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn and two former Scotland internationalists* are giving rugby fans a helping hand to get in the game spirit for the Scotland v Wales kick-off with free flavour-packed pints for passengers travelling to the stadium by tram tomorrow (Saturday 11th March).

The Innis & Gunn pop-up bar will be making a rare appearance at the Murrayfield Stadium tram stop where the Brewer’s team will serve up free pints of its award-winning lager and Lager Beer 0% to fans en route to the first Six Nations’ home game.  

Whatever your team, whether you’re backing blue or supporting red, the free pints are on offer for all rugby fans who spot the bar, provide proof of age, and a valid tram and match ticket.

That’s not all. For those who will be making their way to the stadium by foot, you can check out the Innis & Gunn ‘One for the Road Bar’ that will be popping up at Malone’s on Morrison Street – providing the perfect pre-match pints for the road. 

Capturing the free-spirited and original nature of the brand, Innis & Gunn aims to unite the nations in their shared passion for Scotland’s biggest craft lager and most loved craft brand – no matter the score.  

Innis & Gunn’s founder, Dougal Sharp, said: “We know our customers are massive rugby fans, so we want to surprise and delight match goers with a perfectly refreshing pint as they arrive by tram to the stadium on Saturday. A good way to showcase our superb Scottish hospitality to the Welsh. 

“Avoid the scrum at the stadium bars – we’ll see you on Saturday. Good luck to both teams!”

*Former Scotland International rugby prop and Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks legend, Barry Stewart, and former Scotland international and 1990 Grand Slam winner, Sean Lineen, were on hand to pass out the pints to passengers. Backwards passes only, obviously!