The Presiding Officer’s chair from what would have become the Scottish Parliament building in the event of a vote for devolution in the 1979 referendum has been gifted to National Museums Scotland.
It had been intended that the Scottish Assembly, as it was referred to at the time, would sit in the former Royal High School building on Calton Hill in central Edinburgh, and plans were sufficiently advanced for the Debating Chamber to have been furnished.
However, the referendum did not secure the required number of votes to achieve devolution. When the vote for devolution was later carried in 1997, the decision was taken to build a brand-new purpose-built Scottish Parliament building and so the chair was never used for its intended purpose.
Georgia Vullinghs, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary History, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to acquire this object. The furniture represents a key moment in the story of devolution and the history of Scottish politics.
“This large, blocky chair and its futuristic design is emblematic of a confidence in significant political change for Scotland in the late 1970s, but which did not ultimately happen at that time. This generous donation will allow us to better tell the story of that fascinating moment in Scotland’s history through our collections.”
The former Royal High School building is now undergoing a major restoration which will see it repurposed as a world-class centre for music education and public performance for the benefit of the whole of Scotland as the National Centre for Music. The Royal High School Preservation Trust (RHSPT) is leading the project and took possession of the building in March.
William Gray Muir, Chair of the RHSPT said: “We are delighted that this piece of constitutional history will have a fitting home in the national museum, where it can help tell the story of how modern Scottish politics encountered the legacy of the Scottish Enlightenment.
“The significance of the Thomas Hamilton building – the Old Royal High – and its symbolic importance to our national political and social ambitions is indisputable and its past, present and future form a critical part of Edinburgh’s status in the world. The Trust’s aim is that we add a new chapter to that story and the building’s relationship with Scottish heritage and our national museum will continue.”
Although the Scottish Assembly never occupied the building, the site of the Royal High School remained a focal point in the debate over devolution, with images of the building used in campaign material, and a Vigil for a Scottish Parliament was held outside the building for 1,980 days from 10 April 1992 until the 1997 referendum.
The tent from the touring campaign and related material are on display in the National Museum of Scotland. The chair is now at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh where it will undergo conservation treatment.
New smart motorways to be removed from government road-building plans due to financial pressures and lack of confidence felt by drivers
plans for new smart motorways will be cancelled in recognition of the current lack of public confidence felt by drivers and cost pressures
smart motorways earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy (2025 to 2030) and previously paused schemes will now not go ahead
existing smart motorways will continue to benefit from £900 million safety improvements
Plans for new smart motorways will be cancelled, delivering on the Prime Minister’s summer campaign pledge.
New smart motorways – including the 11 already paused from the second Road Investment Strategy (2020 to 2025) and the 3 earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy (2025 to 2030) – will be removed from government road-building plans, given financial pressures and in recognition of the current lack of public confidence felt by drivers.
Initial estimations suggest constructing future smart motorway schemes would have cost more than £1 billion and cancelling these schemes will allow more time to track public confidence in smart motorways over a longer period.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: All drivers deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country. That’s why last year I pledged to stop the building of all new smart motorways, and today I’m making good on that promise.
“Many people across the country rely on driving to get to work, to take their children to school and go about their daily lives and I want them to be able to do so with full confidence that the roads they drive on are safe.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We want the public to know that this government is listening to their concerns.
“Today’s announcement means no new smart motorways will be built, recognising the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and the cost pressures due to inflation.
Independent road safety campaigner, Meera Naran, whose 8-year-old son Dev, died in a motorway collision on the M6 in 2018, said: “Since successfully campaigning for the 18-point action plan, £900 million commitment and the pause in the roll out in January 2022, there has been a lot of joined up thinking in mutually coming to this decision.
“I thank ministers and executives for inviting me to work alongside them in memory of Dev, towards a mutual goal and for their commitment over the years.”
The government and National Highways continue to invest £900 million in further safety improvements on existing smart motorways.
This includes progressing plans on installing 150 extra emergency areas across the network in line with the commitments made in response to the Transport Select Committee, as well as further improving the performance of stopped vehicle detection technology on every all lane running smart motorway.
The government will also continue to give motorists clear advice when using existing smart motorways.
While no new stretches of road will be converted into smart motorways, the M56 J6-8 and M6 J21a-26 will be completed given they are already over three quarters constructed.
We’re excited to share that Circular Communities Scotland has reached a major milestone – 250 members!
We couldn’t have done it without the dedication and support of our amazing board and team, our funders, and of course our incredible members, who are working hard to create a more circular and sustainable Scotland.
Thank you for being part of Circular Communities Scotland, and for your ongoing commitment to tackling climate change whilst providing environmental and social justice to communities across the country!
After eye-watering price hikes came into effect earlier this month, new Which? research has found that some Big Four mobile customers could save more than £200 a year by switching when their contract ends.
Using data from its most recent mobile survey, the consumer champion has calculated how much out-of-contract customers of the Big Four providers – EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone – could save by switching to Which?’s top pick of low, medium and high data deals.
Which?’s survey found that out-of-contract Big Four customers pay an average of £22.37 a month – significantly higher than the average £19.01 monthly bill across all providers – and in some cases could save more than £200 a year by switching away to cheaper deals.
When Which? checked this week, the consumer champion found a range of deals with highly-rated providers offering around low, medium and high data packages for under £14 a month – examples included Smarty’s 4GB for £5 deal and iD Mobile’s 200GB for £14 offer.
The average out-of-contract EE customer in the consumer champion’s survey pays £23.80 per month and could stand to make the biggest savings. By switching to Which?’s top low data pick – Smarty’s 4GB offer – they could potentially save £225.60 a year (£18.80 a month).
This is closely followed by out-of-contract Vodafone customers who pay an average of £22.20 per month according to Which?’s survey and could save £206.40 (£17.20 a month) by switching to Smarty’s 4GB offer.
Three and O2 customers would also stand to make significant savings. According to the consumer champion’s survey, out-of-contract Three and O2 customers pay an average of £21.50 a month and £21.30 a month respectively and could save £198 (£16.50 a month) and £195.60 (£16.30 a month) by switching to Smarty’s deal.
Big Four customers could also make significant savings by switching to Which?’s medium and high data picks – such as iD Mobile’s 20GB offer for £7 and iD Mobile’s 200GB offer for £14.
EE customers would again make the biggest savings – £201.60 a year (£16.80 a month) for switching to Which?’s medium data pick and £117.60 annually (£9.80 a month) for high data.
O2 customers would make the lowest savings – £171.60 a year (£14.30 a month) for medium data and £87.60 annually (£7.30 a month) for high data.
In the consumer champion’s recent mobile survey, over half (52%) said they only use up to 5GB a month – so many customers could make significant savings by switching to a cheap, low-data deal. With many providers pushing ahead with price hikes of up to 17 per cent, out-of-contract customers should switch quickly to cut costs.
However, not all customers can switch away so easily. Millions are trapped in a Catch-22 where they either have to accept price hikes of up to 17 per cent or pay exorbitant exit fees to leave the contract early. Which? has called on providers to allow all customers to leave without penalty if prices are hiked mid-contract but many are ploughing ahead with their existing plans regardless.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Our findings show that some out-of-contract Big Four customers could save over £200 a year just by switching mobile providers. Anyone in that position should be thinking about making a switch or at least haggling for a much better deal from their current provider.
“However, millions will be trapped in costly contracts by exorbitant exit fees – and feeling the pain of eye-watering price increases of up to 17 per cent.
“Which? believes it’s absolutely critical that Ofcom’s review of inflation linked mid-contract hikes results in changes that ensure customers are never trapped in this situation again.”
How much EE customers could save
Out of contract EE customers pay the most on average, although those on bundled contracts may be eligible for a 10 per cent discount after being out of contract for three months.
EE out of contract survey average is £23.80 per month.
Low data pick: Smarty 4GB for £5 – potential savings of £18.80 per month
Medium data pick: iD Mobile 20GB for £7 – potential savings of £16.40 per month
High data pick: iD Mobile 200GB for £14 – potential savings of £9.80 per month
How much Three customers could save
Three does not apply any discount for out of contract customers, so they will continue to pay their full rate.
Three out of contract survey average is £21.50 per month.
Low data pick: Smarty 4GB for £5 – potential savings £16.50 per month
Medium data pick: iD Mobile 20GB for £7 – potential savings £14.50 per month
High data pick: iD Mobile 200GB for £14 – potential savings £7.50 per month
How much O2 customers could save
O2 offers split contracts, so the device and airtime parts of the contracts are charged separately. This means customers will not pay extra when their phone has been paid off, but it could still be worth shopping around for a cheaper Sim-only deal.
O2 out of contract survey average is £21.30 per month.
Low data pick: Smarty 4GB for £5 – potential savings £16.30 per month
Medium data pick: iD Mobile 20GB for £7 – potential savings £14.30 per month
High data pick: iD Mobile 200GB for £14 – potential savings £7.30 per month
How much Vodafone customers could save
Vodafone’s Evo customers will be in a similar situation to O2 customers, as their contracts are split. However, plenty of legacy customers – who joined Vodafone before Evo launched in June 2021 – will still be on bundled contracts and potentially paying extra.
Vodafone out of contract survey average is £22.20 per month.
Low data pick: Smarty 5GB for £4 – potential savings £17.20 per month
Medium data pick: iD Mobile 20GB for £7 – potential savings £15.20 per month
High data pick: iD Mobile 200GB for £14 – potential savings £8.20 per month
Right of replies
An EE spokesperson said:“We aim to make sure our customers are always on the best deal for them. We contact our customers near the end of their contract, and periodically while out of contract, to remind them of our latest deals. All out of contract EE customers are eligible for a 10% discount after being out of contract for three months.
“Customers can regularly track their data usage through the MyEE app. We’re the only network that makes sure you stay online and connected even when your monthly data allowance runs out, through our Stay Connected Data offering.”
Three declined to comment.
A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said:“Unlike the other mobile network operators, nearly a decade ago we launched contracts which automatically reduce customers’ bills as soon as they’ve finished paying for their handsets – so our customers are already saving big when their contract ends.
“This automatic saving is in addition to the host of benefits we offer to customers including inclusive EU Roaming and O2 Priority which offers exclusive rewards, unique experiences and daily perks, as well as Priority Tickets for thousands of gigs and events across the UK.”
Vodafone spokesperson said:“We encourage everyone to review their plan at the end of any contract so they can make sure they’re on the right deal for their needs – which often change over time. At the end of every contract period we notify our customers of the best value deals available, and can also support them in finding this online, over the phone and in stores.”
“We offer a wide range of great value packages and customers can save by bringing their mobile and broadband contracts to us – (up to £380 a year). Our loyalty programme Very Me gives customers a range of additional discounts on days out, discounts on takeaways, free coffees and more.”
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Kildonan Lodge Hotel in Edinburgh. For nearly 30 years, the hotel has been run by Maggie Urquhart, who is now set to retire.
Located in the affluent suburb of Newington, Kildonan Lodge enjoys a large private plot which is within easy reach of Edinburgh city centre. The business is set in a large Victorian villa, which boasts grand period feature and comprises 15 letting rooms in a range of styles, from traditional with four-poster beds, to modern boutique.
Previous owner, Maggie Urquhart said: “I would like to thank all our guests, many who have stayed multiple times. It has been a pleasure to meet you all and I wish you all the very best for the future.
“To my staff, who became like family, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty and dedication in helping make Kildonan Lodge such a warm welcoming place to stay.”
Gary Witham, Director – Hotels at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, comments, “Small high-quality hotels rarely become available so close to the City – there is certainly good demand from buyers who benefit from the international appeal of the Edinburgh market. Post covid trade has been stronger than ever.”
Kildonan Lodge Hotel was sold with a guide price of £2,000,000.
AI transforms video game heroes into alternate evil versions.
Super Mario is transformed into a blood-sucking fiend, “Count Mariocula.”
Luigi becomes Mario’s right-hand ghoul, “Ghoulish Greenhand.”
As the world of artificial intelligence continues to grow and expand, Online Casino has tapped into its possibilities of reimagining video game protagonists as villains.
Using MidJourney, an artificial intelligence program, Online.Casino transformed beloved video game heroes into their dark and sinister counterparts, showcasing the limitless possibilities of technology and AI-assisted creativity.
Inspired by the release of the Super Mario Bros. Movie, this collection reimagines Mario, Luigi, and many other protagonists as their villainous counterparts. The AI-generated pictures highlight a unique twist on classic characters, revealing them in a new light.
These reimagined villains, which have also been re-named by ChatGPT, offer fans an intriguing new perspective on their beloved heroes, inviting them to delve into a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred.
Mario Mario from Super Mario Bros. becomes “Count Mariocula,” the blood-sucking villainous version of Mario from the Super Mario Bros. series.
Luigi Luigi from Super Mario Bros. becomes “Ghoulish Greenhand,” “Mariocula’s” right-hand ghoul:
God of War Kratos from the God of War series becomes “God of Death”:
Tomb Raider Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series becomes “Tomb Terror”:
Sonic Sonic the Hedgehog transforms into the menacing “Sinister Surge”:
Uncharted Nathan Drake from the Uncharted series becomes “Nathan Dark”:
The Legend of Zelda
Link from The Legend of Zelda becomes “Darkened Blade”, the evil version of the legendary hero:
Halo
Master Chief from the Halo franchise becomes the “Ominous Overlord”:
A spokesperson for Online.Casino commented on the images:
“This AI-generated artwork showcases the limitless possibilities of technology and creativity and encourages us to consider the duality of our favorite characters.”
“The goal of this project was not only to showcase the creative potential of AI technology, but also offer a fresh and unique perspective on some of the most iconic video game characters of all time. Fans have a new chance to explore the dark and twisted versions of their favorite heroes, and perhaps even gain a greater appreciation for the complex and multi-dimensional nature of these beloved characters.”
With April being IBS awareness month, Google searches for ‘What is irritable bowel syndrome?’ have increased by over 300% in the past 30 days, and ‘What does IBS feel like?’ has also seen an increase of 250%.
I’m a doctor and here are the symptoms, triggers, and cures for your IBS
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but some causes include family history and infection
The exact cause of IBS isn’t known, although potential risk factors have been identified such as stress and family history. Differences in the bacteria that live in the gut of those who have IBS could also have other conditions. IBS can also occur after an abdominal infection (gastroenteritis), which subsequently changes the gut microbiome.
IBS is also caused by contractions that are too weak, which can slow down the movement of food through the gut leading to constipation. At the same time, contractions that are too strong or too long can lead to diarrhoea, bloating and flatulence.
Symptoms include problematic urination, backaches and nauseousness, as well as the usual stomach pain
IBS symptoms are often triggered or worsened by eating or drinking. Common symptoms include stomach pain and cramps, abdominal bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. You may also experience backache, feel tired and nauseous, pass more wind (flatulence), pass whitish mucus on your stools, and have problems controlling your urge to urinate and open your bowels.
Food triggers are different for everyone, but some of the main culprits are cabbage, broccoli and apples
Food and drink triggers for those with IBS vary from one individual to the next, which is why it is helpful to keep a food diary where you can track what you’ve eaten and drank alongside your symptoms.
Drinks that can trigger IBS include caffeinated drinks (e.g. tea, coffee, and certain energy drinks), and fizzy drinks. Foods that may trigger IBS include cabbage, cruciferous vegetables (e.g. broccoli, Brussel sprouts), high-fructose fruits (apples, mangoes, pears), fatty/fried foods (chips, crisps, cheese), highly processed foods and pulses.
Chewing gum might also be a trigger of your IBS
The primary triggers for IBS outside of food and drink are anxiety, stress and certain medications e.g. antibiotics, certain antidepressants and medication containing sorbitol (e.g. cough syrup). Eating too quickly and chewing gum can also trigger IBS symptoms.
Non-caffeinated drinks and probiotics can help ease symptoms of IBS
Drinking non-caffeinated tea (e.g. peppermint, chamomile or fennel tea) may help to reduce stomach cramps.
Taking probiotics can also be helpful. Probiotics contain live bacteria that support your gut microbiome and can be taken as tablets or found in certain foods (e.g. yoghurts with live bacteria, kefir, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh) and drinks (e.g. kombucha).
In general, cooking food at home using fresh ingredients can help you better manage IBS as you can control exactly what goes into your food to avoid triggers.
There is no cure for IBS. However, it can get better on its own and its symptoms can be managed through dietary changes, regular exercise and stress relief.
IBS vs bowel cancer: bloody stools, thin stools and unexplained weight loss should cause concern
Both cause stomach pain, cramps, bloating and changes in your bowel habits. IBS can also cause whitish mucus on your stools but this doesn’t usually occur in bowel cancer. Unlike IBS, bowel cancer can cause bloody stools, thin stools, unexplained weight loss and general weakness. If you’re experiencing persistent bowel symptoms, seeing your GP to rule out more serious conditions, such as bowel cancer is important.
IBS vs diverticulitis – IBS can cause pain anywhere, whereas diverticulitis causes pain on the lower left side
Both IBS and diverticulitis cause stomach pain. However, in diverticulitis, this is usually focused on the lower left side of the abdomen and is constant. In IBS, pain can occur anywhere across your abdomen and usually eases after opening your bowels.
Diverticulitis changes occur in the lining of the gut, with the formation of small pockets that become inflamed and/or infected. In IBS, no changes occur to the gut lining.
Award winning, small tour company Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) has announced two new departure points in the cities of Bristol and Belfast.
From these cites, new tours will explore all West England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has to offer, providing the opportunity for both the cities’ natives and visitors from the world over to explore the regions. The new tours start from April 2023 and are available to book now.
In their luxury mini-coaches, all Rabbie’s tours venture off-the-beaten path to show guests hidden gems, like Carreg Cennen Castle in Wales and Northern Ireland’s beautiful Lough Erne, without missing out on much-loved sights like Stonehenge and or Giant’s Causeway.
By venturing beyond the guidebook, Rabbie’s tours support the local economies of the places they visit, supporting family-owned restaurants, attractions, giftshops, hotels, and more.
Bristol provides the perfect point to set off and explore the far reaches of the Southwest and the unspoilt terrain of Wales. Natural wonders like Dartmoor National Park and the Wye Valley, as well as man-made sensations like Tintern Abbey await.
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is a vibrant and historically resonant city, and offers the perfect introduction to the stunning sights of the rich and diverse region, like the gorgeous Causeway Coastal Route and the hilltop fort Grianan of Aileach.
Tours departing from Bristol and Belfast start from April 2023 and include:
Four-day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge tour from Bristol
A drive through Exmoor, a National Park which offers a mix of moorland, woodland, coast, and rivers is the perfect tour introduction. The road will take you to the clifftops of North Cornwall and the ruins of Tintagel Castle, famed for its links to King Arthur. The castle is a unique mix of fact, myth and natural beauty.
Explore Cornwall’s beloved St. Ives and walk along the cobbled streets of the idyllic fishing town before hitting the road and arriving at Land’s End.
Walk the rugged landscape of Dartmoor National Park and visit the rocky granite outcrops before enjoying the lively city of Exeter. Witness one of the UK’s most remarkable national landmarks, Durdle Door and visit Shaftesbury, a quaint English village over 1000 years old. Conclude this adventure at Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic sights and most puzzling mysteries.
Join Rabbie’s four-day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge tour from Bristol from £325 per person based on a 23 April 2023 departure.
Three-day Causeway Coast, Derry & Fermanagh Lakelands tour from Belfast
History, legend, culture, and nature all unite on this stunning tour that celebrates the very best of Northern Ireland. The Causeway Coastal Route is the perfect beginning to the tour. Driving from Belfast, the road winds past steep cliffs, ancient castle ruins and the magnificent Glens of Antrim.
Journey through the Dark Hedges, the haunting beech avenue that is over 300 years old and explore the wonders of Derry’s growing cultural and artistic scene. Take in the charming island town of Enniskillen and cruise on its beautiful Lough Erne.
Travel inland to the ecclesiastical city of Armagh to explore the two cathedrals dedicated to St. Patrick and taste the local ciders and legendary Irish Black Butter. Finally, walk the ornamental grounds, tranquil woodlands and charming glens of the Hillsborough Castle.
Join Rabbie’s three-day Causeway Coast, Derry & Fermanagh Lakelands from Belfast from £299 per person based on a 1 May 2023 departure.
Other tours departing Bristol include:
The one-day Stonehenge & Cotswold Villages tour. A day out exploring myths, history, and the quintessential villages of the Cotswolds.
The one-day Flavours of Somerset & Glastonbury tour. Explore the flavours of Somerset, renowned for its cheddar cheese and cider, and marvel at the history and legends of Glastonbury.
The two-day Stratford–upon–Avon, Oxford & the Cotswoldstour. Discover Great Britain’s history as you explore the world-famous Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
The four-day South Wales, Cotswolds & Oxford tour. A coastal drive in the south of Wales. A medieval town with an interesting past. A photo-worthy mountain range. A book-lovers paradise. And much, much more.
Other tours departing Belfast include:
The four-day Donegal & the Wild Atlantic Way. An escape to county Donegal famed for its wild, rugged coast and warm welcomes.
The six-day The Wild Coasts of the North. A combination of both of Rabbie’s Northern Ireland tours provide the ultimate Northern Ireland experience.
From April 2023, Bristol and Belfast expand Rabbie’s departure city options. UK and Ireland tours also depart from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, London, Manchester and Dublin.
For more information about Rabbie’s and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.
