The Scottish Parliament’s COVID-19 Recovery Committee has launched a new survey of Scotland’s dentists as part of a snapshot inquiry examining the recovery of NHS dentistry services.
The inquiry will track progress by the Scottish Government on the aims set out in the NHS Recovery Plan 2021-2026, which includes a commitment to return Scotland’s NHS dentistry services to pre-pandemic levels.
Dentists who provide NHS services are being invited to share their views and experiences on the recovery of services through an on-line survey which runs from Friday 5th May to Wednesday 31st May.
The inquiry will also consider the impact of additional funding for equipment and ventilation in NHS dentistry practices and the availability of access to services in communities experiencing health inequalities.
Commenting, Committee Convener, Jim Fairlie MSP said: “The COVID-19 Recovery Committee want to get the root of the issues facing Scotland’s NHS dental recovery in the wake of the pandemic.
“This inquiry will scrutinise the Scottish Government’s commitment to improve the provision of dental services as set out in the Recovery Plan.
“Scotland’s NHS dentists, who work daily on the front-line, are best placed to tell us how services are recovering, and we are encouraging them to share their experiences and views directly with Committee to inform our scrutiny and assist us in tracking progress towards recovery.”
National Geographic has announced the results of a fascinating new study looking into the UK’s top UFO hotspots and uncovering the top three cities in the UK for UFO sightings: Edinburgh, London, and Leicester.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults, found that 18% of Edinburgh’s residents claim to have had a legitimate UFO sighting. The survey also revealed that almost half (48%) of those polled believe in the existence of aliens, with 10% claiming to have witnessed something unusual. Of those who claimed to have witnessed something unusual, 59% believe it was of alien origin.
The research was commissioned by National Geographic ahead of the launch of “UFOs: Investigating the Unknown,” an intriguing new documentary series taking viewers on a journey to uncover the truth behind the mysterious UFO phenomena. The series exposes the top-secret Pentagon programme on UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) of the US government.
Nick Pope, a former UFO investigator for the MOD, commented on the findings: “UFOs are big news now, and a lot of people are reporting – and sometimes filming – extraordinary things. While many people are convinced these sightings involve alien life, most cases turn out to be misidentifications.
“The chances are that there’s intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, and even though the vast distances make direct contact a challenge, encountering an alien civilization would be the biggest story in human history.”
The study also found that cities in the north were more likely to have UFO sightings, with only Bristol and London appearing in the top ten from the south. Furthermore, 31% of all adults surveyed believed that humankind will at some point make contact with aliens from another planet or galaxy.
Over four in ten (42%) of those surveyed suspected that the government is concealing information about UFOs, and one in three respondents would like to see the Ministry of Defence’s UFO Project, which investigated reports of UFO sightings, reopened.
In 2008 in Stephenville, Texas a local pilot sees lights in the sky over his ranch coming from something huge. He is not alone: hundreds of people saw the craft, and a local reporter makes it her lifes work to tell their stories. From this classic encounter we head back several decades to the beginning of the UFO phenomenon in America and the launch of Project Blue Book to study the countrys growing UFO problem. (2022 Vice Media LLC)
If aliens visited earth, 41% of those surveyed believe they would be here to carry out scientific study, while 21% fear they would be harvesting the planet for raw materials. Furthermore, if aliens asked their earthling counterparts to join the Galactic Federation, Sir David Attenborough was the top choice among Brits to represent the third planet from the sun, followed by Professor Brian Cox and Barack Obama, according to the survey.
The documentary series “UFOs: Investigating the Unknown” premiered on National Geographic on Tuesday 2 May.
TOP 10 UK CITIES WITH THE MOST UFO SIGHTINGS:
1. Edinburgh
2. Leicester
3. London
4. Sheffield
5. Newcastle
6. Leeds
7. Manchester
8. Birmingham
9. Bristol
10. Glasgow
TOP 10 CELEBRITIES BRITS WANT TO REPRESENT THE EARTH:
Junior doctors in Scotland have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over pay following a five week ballot of BMA Scotland members.
With more than 5000 junior doctors in Scotland eligible to vote, turnout was in excess of 71% – with a total of 3610 votes cast, and almost 97% in favour of strike action.
While negotiations with the Scottish Government over pay are ongoing BMA Scotland will use this clear mandate for strike action to push forward in our ongoing efforts to reverse the unacceptable pay erosion junior doctors in Scotland have suffered for more than a decade.
Should the Scottish Government not put forward a credible offer that the BMA believes could be put to members, junior doctors in Scotland would then begin preparations for a 72-hour walkout at dates to be confirmed in due course.
Dr Chris Smith, chair of the BMA’s Scottish Junior Doctors Committee, said: “This ballot result shows, beyond doubt, that junior doctors in Scotland have had enough.
“Years of pay erosion have seen the take home salary of a newly qualified FY1 doctor decline by 23.5% in real-terms compared to 2008, and the pay of an average registrar reduced by 23.9%. This is simply unacceptable, and we are no longer prepared to stand aside, feeling overworked and undervalued, while witnessing so many junior doctors seeking employment abroad or outside the NHS where our considerable skills are properly valued.
“Investing in today’s junior doctors by paying them the salary they deserve is essentially making a down payment on the future of Scotland’s NHS – today’s junior doctors are the GPs, specialist doctors and consultants of the future. Without a serious plan to reverse pay erosion, these doctors will go on leaving Scotland’s NHS, undermining any plans to build a sustainable NHS for generations to come.
“We have made, and continue to make, progress with Scottish Government in formal negotiations on pay, but there is still some work to do before there is an offer that we believe could be credibly put to members.
“In the meantime – we will use this mandate to urge the Cabinet Secretary to signal a clear commitment to investing in the future of Scottish junior doctors, to make Scotland’s NHS an attractive place to train, grow and progress our careers, and show us that the work we do is finally properly, and fairly, valued and appreciated.
“We are not asking for huge pay increases – we are simply asking for a tangible step towards addressing the pay erosion our profession has suffered for well over a decade, combined with a clear plan for this to be reversed and restored.
“Should a credible pay offer not be forthcoming in the wake of this overwhelming mandate, our members are clear that they would have no choice but to stage a 72-hour walkout of all services across Scotland’s NHS.”
Health Secretary Michael Matheson said that he was disappointed with the junior doctors’ ballot decision but said the Scottish Government will continue to negotiatw with BMA Scotland to find a resolution.
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was seriously injured following a dog attack.
The incident happened around 8.10 pm on Thursday, 4 May, 2023 near to the junction between Drum Brae South and Duart Crescent.
The 24-year-old man suffered severe facial injuries and was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Detective Constable Stephen Nelson of CID said : “The injured man suffered life-changing facial injuries due to this dog attack.
“Our enquiries into the circumstances of what happened are under way and we reviewing CCTV in effort to trace the owner and dog.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who knows of a large dog in the area. We would also be eager to hear from motorists travelling in the area who have a dash-cam. Please check the footage, as it may have captured something which could prove vital to our ongoing enquiries.
“Any small piece of information could assist our enquiries, so please pass it on. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 3727 of 4 May, 2023.”
Join us at granton:hub to launch Kenneth G. Williamson’s book, Edinburgh, Granton and Leith Railways, a collection of historic photographs on Sunday 28th of May 2023 from 2pm – 4pm.
With a wealth of superb rare and previously unpublished images, Kenneth G. Williamson tells the story of Edinburgh, Granton and Leith railways.
‘In 1861, the Caledonian Railway, in its efforts to gain a foothold in Granton and Leith, opened a line from Slateford to Granton with a connection to Granton Harbour, where the Edinburgh, Dundee & Perth Railway (NBR) was already established. The CR further built, at great expense, an elevated line to Leith Docks in an effort to establish itself in one of Scotland’s busiest ports. Significant dock traffic never materialised and the CR’s 1903 Leith New Lines failed. The North British Railway meanwhile, in their attempt to keep the CR out of Leith, opened Leith Central station in 1903 – the largest station constructed in Britain from scratch in the twentieth century. The station was much larger than necessary and as such was never used to its full potential. It was converted in 1955 to a Diesel Maintenance Depot and in 1972 closed completely.’
This is one story, come along on the day and enjoy many others!
A small number of books will be available for purchase or bring your own copy for signing.
Tennis Scotland has today announced a significant new prize for players on Scotland’s national tennis tour.
In addition to increased prize money being invested into the TS Open Tour, the men’s and women’s players who finish top of the leaderboards following the 19-event circuit will each be rewarded with a £1000 bonus ahead of the end-of-season TS Open Tour Finals.
This prize will reward players for commitment to the tour and consistent performances throughout the year.
The TS Open Tour was created by Tennis Scotland, in partnership with clubs and organisers, to encourage player development and raise levels of play.
The 2023 circuit has been enhanced with significant investment, via sponsorship, with increased prize pots of up to £7600 at some events.
Players take part in men’s and women’s singles tournaments across the country throughout the year, earning ranking points based on their performances, which are then collated into leaderboards.
After the final tour event – the Scottish National Championships in November – the men’s and women’s players with the most ranking points will each be awarded £1000.
The top 16 players on each leaderboard will then take part in the two-day TS Open Tour Finals in December, where they will compete for a prize pot of £10,000 and the coveted Sword trophies, named in memory of former Scottish internationalists Derek and Allan Sword.
Tennis Scotland Chief Executive Blane Dodds said: “We are delighted to offer a bonus cash prize for the men’s and women’s players who finish top of the TS Open Tour leaderboards.
“Thanks to sponsorship, which we are most grateful for, increased prize pots at some events are helping to attract more players to compete in Scotland’s national tennis tour, and also helping our young pro players earn much-needed income to support their competition schedule.
“This bonus will reward the players who show commitment to the tour and consistency in their performances throughout the year.”
David Lloyd Leisure has appointed its senior management team in anticipation of opening its new Edinburgh Shawfair club.
Michael Lindores joins the team as General Manager from David Lloyd Aberdeen and will oversee preparations for the 2023 summer opening. The Edinburgh Shawfair team has launched its local recruitment drive this month, with management interviewing candidates for key hospitality, spa, and fitness roles.
David Lloyd Leisure expects that the new club will generate up to 75 jobs when operational. Construction began in October 2022, and the development phase is expected to generate more than £4 million for local subcontractors and companies and involve 50-60 construction jobs.
The site recently opened a dedicated marketing suite staffed by a full-time membership team. There has been intense interest from locals who have registered for updates in recent months, and early-bird discounts still operate for those registering online for a little while longer.
The club is committed to exploring opportunities to develop local community partnerships over the coming months, most notably as a sponsor and participant at the Midlothian Gala in May.
The centrepiece of David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be the 100+ station gym, which will house David Lloyd Clubs’ cutting-edge gym concept with an unrivalled array of best-in-class equipment.
Four bespoke designed studios will offer high-octane High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes, such as Blaze, group cycling with Cyclone and mind and body classes, such as SPIRIT.
A 20m indoor and a 25m heated outdoor swimming pool will offer a range of activities, including aqua aerobics, family splash time as well as quiet adult swim sessions for a more relaxing way to enjoy lengths. The new Club will also feature three outdoor padel courts plus four tennis courts inside an aerodome.
There will also be a Clubroomwhich will be carefully zoned to meet member needs, including a dining area with freshly cooked meals and a business area to catch up with work in peaceful surroundings. Families can enjoy a dedicated zone with eating areas and an indoor playframe. An outdoor patio area will offer a space for outdoor dining and socialising on warmer days and evenings, with playground facilities for the children.
The club will have a 250-space car park and is well-connected to Edinburgh and surrounding towns in Midlothian and East Lothian by nearby bus, rail, and cycle links. The development was granted planning approval in April 2021 following extensive consultation with the local community in 2020.
Michael Lindores, General Manager at David Lloyd Shawfair, said:“I am delighted to be appointed General Manager to oversee the process of building our new community at David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair.It is a privilege to lead the new team welcoming our members in summer 2023.
“David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be an amazing place. Our members will enjoy new and unrivalled facilities, ranging from incredible outdoor spaces to an extensive suite of group exercise studios, with Signature classes exclusive to David Lloyd Clubs.
“We are committed to the Midlothian area, and our recruitment drive is a fantastic opportunity for those with the drive and passion to thrive in a fast-paced fitness environment.
“Many of our senior team have transferred from across the United Kingdom, and we are steadfastly committed to seeing Shawfair become a premium destination that locals can be proud of.”
Britain’s disposable society to strike again with single-use party favours
Saturday May 6th is the big day as King Charles III is crowned at Westminster Abbey, and the party is expected to last until at least Monday, with one of three bank holidays that month.
And there’s one group of people not looking forward to the aftermath at all – those hardworking teams from the UK’s waste and recycling companies charged with clearing up after the celebrations.
UK waste collection company Divert.co.uk says the worst part is going to be separating the recyclable rubbish from the stuff going to landfill and warns there may be record amounts of the latter.
“Every bank holiday brings a spike in waste,” says Divert.co.uk spokesperson Mark Hall, “But we think we might be up to our necks in plastic waste come the Tuesday after the party. It’ll be like Christmas and Easter rolled into one”
The coronation will be, for most of us, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it is a very good excuse for everybody to have a good time away from – well – everything else.
The bad news for the British economy is that every bank holiday costs the nation approximately £3.9 billion* in lost productivity.
The good news, however, is that each holiday gives small businesses such as shops, pubs and restaurants a modest boost to profits of around £250, while people spend approximately £500m on leisure activities.
And suffice to say that as well as the boozing, barbecues and endless coronation quiches, there is going to be astonishing levels of rubbish to go with it.
“It’s going to be the street party to end all parties,” says Divert.co.uk’s Mark Hall, and the big problem is going to be a complete collapse of recycling across households and businesses.
“Nobody thinks about recycling during a celebration, so everything is going to end up in the same bin bag; and that’s going to end up in landfill. What a waste.”
Christmas produces about 688,000 tonnes of waste but Divert.co.uk thinks the coronation will be Christmas and Easter rolled into one.
“Rolled into one, put in big plastic sacks, and dumped in a hole in the ground at your town or city’s landfill facility,” says Hall. “Three-quarters of a million tonnes? Not out of the question in today’s disposable society.”
And that’s before we consider the cheap coronation souvenirs.
All the cheap plastic rubbish you can carry
“All that plastic bunting, those Charles and Camilla face masks, cheap imported crowns, the whole nine yards,” says Mark Hall. “And the sad fact is that it’s all going to end up in the bin.”
If last year’s Platinum Jubilee is anything to go by, there’ll be no end of trashy souvenirs that won’t make it past the first car boot sale, or the first charity bag to come through the front door.
There are whole lists of these things on the internet – Queen and Corgi car air fresheners, Platinum Jubilee leggings, and no end of tat embossed with the unfortunate words “platty joobs” – and it’s highly doubtful whether much of this rubbish has either survived or been sensibly recycled.
“Thank the stars that ‘corribobs’ hasn’t caught on,” says Hall, “but the fact remains that a lot of souvenirs and bunting at the cheap end of the market will prove to be a tremendous waste of resources.”
As a country, we should be doing better, Divert says.
But with the coronation and its long weekend being an enormous hit of the UK economy, the tens of thousands of tonnes of extra waste to be dealt with, and the possibility and the horror of the gift of Charlie and Camilla boxer shorts, is it all worth it?
“Of course it is,” says Mark, “We need the burst of national pride, and we need a party. Get out there and enjoy yourselves.But remember to separate your recyclables, in the name of the King.”
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has released new statistics showing that during last year’s record-breaking heatwave, where temperatures soared to in excess of 40C, vets saw fewer cases of heat-related conditions in pets, such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, than the hot summer of 2018, which was by comparison significantly cooler.
Responding to BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, vets pinpointed the extensive media coverage and a red extreme heat warning issued in 2022, but not in 2018, as a key factor in generating higher awareness of the dangers and appropriate preventative action being taken among owners to protect their pets.
In 2022, half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related conditions compared with 66% in 2018. In both surveys, dogs were the most common type of animal seen with heat-related conditions, seen by 51% of small animal vets in 2022, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%).
As the weather begins to warm up, BVA is urging owners to start taking extra precautions now, during these seemingly cooler months, to keep pets safe from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. The advice comes as vets fear that owners may have their guard down in these deceptively milder days, which can be as risky for dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets as during peak summer months.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Anna Judson said:“These new figures are a stark warning to pet owners not to be caught off guard by the seemingly cooler months of late spring and early summer.
“We might not be in the midst of a record-breaking heatwave, however, when the sun comes out from behind the clouds, cars, pavements and spaces like conservatories can quickly heat up and pets are at risk of overheating.”
Dogs need extra care
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They can struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal.
Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature.
Anna added: “Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving dogs who require treatment for heat-related conditions. Dogs won’t stop enjoying themselves and exercising because it is hot, so owners need to take action to prevent them overheating .
“This includes making sure pets aren’t walked or exercised in the middle of a hot day or left inside a car or conservatory, even when it is overcast or even for a little while, as ‘not long’ can prove fatal. Early signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.”
Other animals
Anna outlines some of the signs of heat related illness in other pets: “Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
“If your pet has overheated, take it to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet.”
Vets’ top warm weather tips:
Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. This includes birds in cages or aviaries and rabbits in hutches. Provide extra shade to guinea pigs by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels.
Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk; if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
Rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down. Keep the hutch or run away from direct sunlight at all times of the day.
Flystrike is a life-threatening risk for rabbits and guinea pigs in the warmer months, Check their bottoms twice daily to see if they are clean and to spot early signs of fly eggs or maggots. A ‘sticky bottom’ is not only at much higher risk of flystrike, it may be due to a problem with your rabbit’s teeth or digestion. Speak with your vet for advice on how reduce the risk of flystrike.
Some breeds of cats and dogs, particularly those with lighter-coloured or finer fur, may also benefit from pet-appropriate sun cream, especially on the ear tips, which are prone to sunburn.
Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.
